Semen samples were collected from 1213 fertile men whose partners had a time-to-pregnancy （TTP） _〈12 months in Guangdong Province in Southern China, and semen parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration,...Semen samples were collected from 1213 fertile men whose partners had a time-to-pregnancy （TTP） _〈12 months in Guangdong Province in Southern China, and semen parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration, total counts, motility, and morphology were evaluated according to the World Health Organization （WHO） 2010 guideline. All semen parameters analyzed were normal in ~62.2% of the total samples, whereas 37.8% showed at least one of the semen parameters below normal threshold values. The fifth centiles （with 95% confidence intervals） were 1.3 （1.2-1.5） ml for semen volume, 20 x 106 （18x106- 20x106） m1-1 for sperm concentration, 40 x 106 （38x106-44x106） per ejaculate for total sperm counts, 48% （47%-53%） for vitality, 39% （36%-43%） for total motility, 25% （23%-27%） for sperm progressive motility, 5.0% （4%,5%） for normal morphology. The pH values ranged from 7.2 to 8.0 with the mean ~ standard deviation at 7.32 ~ 0.17. No effects of age and body mass index were found on semen parameters. Occupation, smoking and alcohol abuse, varicocele appeared to decrease semen quality. Sperm concentration, but not sperm morphology, is positively correlated with TTP, whereas vitality is negatively correlated with TTP. Our study provides the latest reference values for the semen parameters of Chinese fertile men in Guangdong Province, which are close to those described in the new WHO guidelines （5th Edition）.展开更多
During the coronavirus disease(COVID-19)epidemic,there have been concerns about the impact of vaccines on people’s fertility,including the fertility of those who are currently preparing for pregnancy and those who mi...During the coronavirus disease(COVID-19)epidemic,there have been concerns about the impact of vaccines on people’s fertility,including the fertility of those who are currently preparing for pregnancy and those who might become pregnant in future.However,there is still a lack of research on the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on male fertility,and it is not surprising that couples and donors have concerns regarding vaccination.In this study,a retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine semen quality before and after receipt of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine.There were no statistically significant changes in semen parameters(volume,sperm concentration,progressive motility,and total progressive motile count)after two doses of vaccine(all P>0.05).In summary,our study updates the most recent studies on the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on male fertility,and the information from this study could be used to guide fertility recommendations for assisted reproductive technology(ART)patients and donors.展开更多
The study aimed to determine the effect of microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy on semen parameters among men seeking infertility treatment in Ghana. This was an intervention study conducted at Tamale Teaching H...The study aimed to determine the effect of microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy on semen parameters among men seeking infertility treatment in Ghana. This was an intervention study conducted at Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Tamale Metropolis from September 2017 to August 2021. The study involves two groups;the surgery group (n = 75) and the observed group (n = 63). Duplicate semen samples (mean values adopted) were collected at the onset and assessed according to the criteria established by World Health Organization (WHO), 2010. Varicocelectomy was performed for the surgery group and no intervention was given to the observed group. The two groups were followed for 180 days and repeated semen samples were collected and analyzed. The data was computed using GraphPad Prism (v8.0) at an alpha of 0.05. All the men had varicocele and were aged between 46.0 and 67.0 years old. There was no difference between semen parameters among the two groups before the surgery. However, after 180 days of follow-up, all of the semen parameters significantly improved in the surgery group (p < 0.0001), while sperm concentration (p = 0.0068), progressive motility (p = 0.0281), and normal sperm morphology (p = 0.0015) decreased in the observed group. The surgery group had an overall percent increase in total sperm count (840.7%;p = 0.0197), sperm concentration (582.1%;p = 0.0125), total viable sperms (155.2%;p < 0.0001), and normal sperm morphology (110.9%;p < 0.0001) while immotile sperms (-51.71%;p < 0.0001) reduced. A pregnancy rate of 25.3% (19/75) was reported among the surgery group but none was reported among the observed group after 180 days. Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy improves semen parameters and hence effective treatment of infertile men with a clinically palpable varicocele. It is recommended to use this choice for similar patients, however, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to provide more evidence to recommend this therapy.展开更多
Coronavirus disease(COVID-19)is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),which may infect the cells through binding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptors that can als...Coronavirus disease(COVID-19)is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),which may infect the cells through binding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptors that can also be found in the male reproductive organs.Relevant studies were searched in medical databases and gray literature using controlled search terms including COVID-19,SARS-CoV-2,semen,and sperm,among other related keywords.The authors of this systematic review assessed the eligibility of selected articles,followed by analysing the quality and reliability of the studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Exposure(ROBINS-E)tool.Collected data were processed using RevMan5 software,with a random effects model for meta-analysis.Combined mean difference and confidence intervals of semen parameters were obtained by using inverse variance method for assigning the weight of each included article.Seven studies with complete pre-and post-COVID-19 semen analysis data of the same individuals were included in the systematic review.Compiled data from a total of 153 participants revealed that COVID-19 is associated with semen quality impairment,with meta-analysis showing significant decrease of sperm concentration and progressive motility.However,the risk of bias analyses considered all the included studies as“very high risk.”This study revealed the susceptibility of semen parameter impairments in association with COVID-19.However,this finding is limited by the small number of high-quality studies and the lack of control for other confounding variables of semen quality and male fertility.展开更多
Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male ...Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study;41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.展开更多
Vitamin D levels have been linked to various health outcomes including reproductive disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between serum vitamin D level （25-hydroxy-vitamin D, or 250HD） ...Vitamin D levels have been linked to various health outcomes including reproductive disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between serum vitamin D level （25-hydroxy-vitamin D, or 250HD） and semen and hormonal parameters. This is a cross-sectional study that included 170 healthy men recruited for the study of spermatogenesis from the general population. Men completed general and reproductive health questionnaires, and donated blood and semen samples. The main measures were hormonal （total and free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone） and semen parameters, adjusted （n= 147） for age, body mass index （BMI）, season, alcohol intake and smoking, in relation to categories of vitamin D levels, determined apriori. The mean age of the study population was 29.0±8.5 years and mean BMI was 24.3±3.2 kg m-2. The mean 250HD was 34.1± 15.06 ng m1-1. BMI showed a negative association with 250HD. Sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm morphology, and total progressively motile sperm count were lower in men with ‘250HD ≥ 50 ng ml-1＇ when compared to men with‘20 ng ml-1 ≤ 250H D〈 50 ng ml-1,. Total sperm count and total progressive motile sperm count were lower in men with ‘250HD〈20 ng ml-1＇ when compared to men with‘20 ng ml-1≤250HD〈50 ng ml-1＇. The adjusted means of various hormonal parameters did not show statistical difference in the different categories of 250HD. In conclusion, serum vitamin D levels at high and low levels can be negatively associated with semen parameters.展开更多
Aim： To assess whether exposure to computers harms the semen quality of healthy young men. Methods： A total of 178 subjects were recruited from two maternity and children healthcare centers in Shanghai, 91 with a hi...Aim： To assess whether exposure to computers harms the semen quality of healthy young men. Methods： A total of 178 subjects were recruited from two maternity and children healthcare centers in Shanghai, 91 with a history of exposure to computers （i.e., exposure for 20 h or more per week in the last 2 years） and 87 persons to act as control （no or little exposure to computers）. Data on the history of exposure to computers and other characteristics were obtained by means of a structured questionnaire interview. Semen samples were collected by masturbation in the place where the semen samples were analyzed. Results： No differences in the distribution of the semen parameters （semen volume, sperm density, percentage of progressive sperm, sperm viability and percentage of normal form sperm） were found between the exposed group and the control group. Exposure to computers was not found to be a risk factor for inferior semen quality after adjusting for potential confounders, including abstinence days, testicle size, occupation, history of exposure to toxic substances. Conclusion： The present study did not find that healthy： men exposed to computers had inferior semen quality. （Asian J Andro12005 Sep; 7： 263-266）展开更多
Semen samples collected from 28 male partners of infertile couples were divided into three equal aliquots and prepared with three selected media,such as PureSperm （Nidacon,Gothenburg,Sweden）,Sil-Select Plus^TM （Fer...Semen samples collected from 28 male partners of infertile couples were divided into three equal aliquots and prepared with three selected media,such as PureSperm （Nidacon,Gothenburg,Sweden）,Sil-Select Plus^TM （Fertipro,Beemem,Belgium） and SpermGrad^TM（Vitrolife,Gothenburg,Sweden）. The differences in mean percentages of semen parameters were assessed by repeated measures analysis. Correlations of sperm DNA damage,as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay,and of protamine deficiency,as measured by chromomycin A3 （CMA3） staining with sperm parameters,were determined by Pearson＇s correlation. After preparation with all three media,sperm concentrations decreased （P〈0.05） while percentages of sperm with normal morphology increased （P〈0.05）. Percentages of sperm motility,rapid motility and progressive motile concentration （PMC） increased （P〈0.05） for each ofthese parameters,PureSperm preparation gave the best results （P〈0.05）. The percentage of DNA damage decreased in the PureSperm and Sil-Select Plus preparations （17.9% and 31.3%,respectively,P〈0.05） and increased in the SpermGrad preparation （56.3%,P〈0.05）. Protamine deficiency also decreased in all three kinds of media,59.3%,47.7% and 40.3% for PureSperm,Sil-Select Plus and SpermGrad preparations,respectively （P〈0.05）. The percentage of DNA-damaged sperm was negatively correlated with the percentages of sperm motility,rapid motility and PMC,but was positively correlated with static motility （P〈0.05）. This comparative study and correlation analysis revealed that PureSperm preparation yielded sperm with the best motility and the lowest percentage of protamine deficiency. The Sil-Select Plus preparation yielded sperm with the lowest amount of DNA damage. The SpermGrad preparation had a high percentage of sperm with normal morphology,but also had the highest percentage of sperm with DNA damage. Sperm DNA damage was correlated with percentages of sperm motility,rapid motility,static motility and PMC.展开更多
Objective:To identify the sociodemographic characteristics,motivations,and semen parameters of sperm donors in Shanghai,China.Methods:The participants were sperm donors associated with the Human Sperm Bank of Fudan Un...Objective:To identify the sociodemographic characteristics,motivations,and semen parameters of sperm donors in Shanghai,China.Methods:The participants were sperm donors associated with the Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University in Shanghai,China.Among the 334 sperm donors that applied for participation,329 completed the survey process.The responses obtained in the questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were used to investigate the donor motivations and characteristics,and the semen quality was examined to identify the sperm parameter.Results:In terms of the sociodemographic characteristics,an altruistic donor in this study was aged between 26 and 30 years,was single,did not have a child,had a college or undergraduate education level,was of the Han ethnicity,and worked full time.The strongest motivation highlighted by sperm donors was a donation for altruistic(26.4%,n=87)reasons.The second-highest rated motivation was curiosity(20.7%,n=68),followed by a desire to procreate(17.9%,n=59)."Complimentary body checks"(14.3%,n=47)and"financial incentives"(14.7%,n=47)were regarded as less important.The average semen parameters of the 329 donors were as follows:the semen volume was 3.39±1.21 mL,the semen concentration was 82.75×10^(6)/mL,the progressive motility rate(PR%)was 63.77%±3.13%,the total motility rate was 66.26%,the total progressive motile count was 158.31%±54.43×10^(6)/mL,and the round cell concentration was 0.38±0.51×10^(6)/mL.The PR%of the procreation motivation group was significantly higher than that of the other motivation groups(P<0.05).Conclusions:Sperm donors in Shanghai,China,are altruistic about their donation,although curiosity is also a key motivator.In addition,the decisions of donors are culturally influenced,and the motivation to procreate may influence the PR%.展开更多
This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parame...This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parameters.These pathogens included Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus.A total of 1951 men of infertile couples were recruited between 23 March 2023,and 17 May 2023,at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province(Kunming,China).Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis were used for HPV genotyping.Polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis were also used to detect the presence of other STIs.The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.4%.The top five prevalent HPV subtypes were types 56,52,43,16,and 53 among those tested positive for HPV.Other common infections with high prevalence rates were Ureaplasma urealyticum(28.3%),Ureaplasma parvum(20.4%),and Enterococcus faecalis(9.5%).The prevalence rates of HPV coinfection with Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,and Staphylococcus aureus were 24.8%,25.4%,10.6%,6.4%,2.4%,7.9%,5.9%,0.9%,and 1.3%,respectively.The semen volume and total sperm count were greatly decreased by HPV infection alone.Coinfection with HPV and Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly reduced sperm motility and viability.Our study shows that coinfection with STIs is highly prevalent in the semen of infertile men and that coinfection with pathogens can seriously affect semen parameters,emphasizing the necessity of semen screening for STIs.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the influence of age,body mass index(BMI),varicocele,diabetes,tobacco use,and environmental occupational risks on sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and its association with semen parameters an...Objective:To investigate the influence of age,body mass index(BMI),varicocele,diabetes,tobacco use,and environmental occupational risks on sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and its association with semen parameters and in vitro fertility(IVF)outcomes.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 116 infertile men.Conventional semen parameters were analyzed according to the World Health Organization criteria.Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using sperm chromatin dispersion method.After visiting the infertility center,the men's height and weight were measured,and blood tests were performed to check for diabetes,and medical records were reviewed for varicocele,tobacco use,and type of occupation.The sperm was then examined for DFI.Then,the association between sperm DFI and IVF failure rate was investigated.Results:The study showed a significant association between DFI≥20%with BMI(OR 1.134,95%CI 1.04-1.24,P=0.006),varicocele(OR 4.330,95%CI 1.25-14.96,P=0.021),tobacco use(OR 3.066,95%CI 1.06-8.90,P=0.039)and environmental and occupational risks(OR 2.694,95%CI 1.08-6.75,P=0.034)as well as sperm motility(P<0.05).Although the amount of DNA damage increased in those aged≥40 years,there was no significant association between the amount of DFI≥≥20%and age,diabetes,sperm volume and concentration,morphology and progressive rate(P>0.05).The IVF failure rate was higher in people with a DFI≥20%.Conclusions:Factors such as BMI,varicocele,improper working conditions and environment cause damage to sperm DNA,and DFI≥20%damage can have adverse effects on IVF outcomes.展开更多
This study aims to compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility.Semen samples were collected from 133 men who requested f...This study aims to compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility.Semen samples were collected from 133 men who requested fertility evaluation.Seminal tract infection with Ureaplasma spp.(UU),Mycoplasma hominis(MH),Mycoplasma genitalium(MG),Chlamydia trachomatis(CT),Neisseria gonorrhoeae(NG),and herpes simplex virus-2(HSV-2)was assessed by PCR-based diagnostic assays.Among all patients,the prevalence of STIs was higher in men from couples with primary infertility than that in men from couples with secondary infertility(39.7%vs 21.7%,P=0.03).The prevalence of UU was 28.8%and 13.3%in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility,respectively.Men from couples with primary infertility were more likely to be positive for UU than men from couples with secondary infertility(P=0.04).Regarding the UU subtype,the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum(Uuu)and Ureaplasma parvum(Uup;including Uup1,Uup3,Uup6,and Uup14)did not differ between the two groups.No associations between the prevalence rates of MH,MG,and CT were found in men from either infertility group.A lower sperm concentration was associated with STI pathogen positivity in men with primary infertility according to the crude model(P=0.04).The crude and adjusted models showed that semen volume(both P=0.03)and semen leukocyte count(both P=0.02)were independently associated with secondary infertility.These findings suggest the importance of classifying the type of infertility during routine diagnosis of seminal tract infections.展开更多
Varicocele is present in approximately 15% of men, and, although it is the most commonly diagnosed cause of male infertility, nearly two-thirds of men with varicoceles remain fertile. It was decided to make use of the...Varicocele is present in approximately 15% of men, and, although it is the most commonly diagnosed cause of male infertility, nearly two-thirds of men with varicoceles remain fertile. It was decided to make use of the current evidence obtained from the previous meta-analyses between 2004 and 2015 as well as available articles covering this field, preferably randomized controlled articles dealing with the topic of semen analysis before and after repair. Two important meta-analyses were discussed as well as other articles dealing with the topic of semen analysis before and after varicocelectomy. The evidence suggests that all semen parameters improve after varicocele repair. Based on the available evidence, it is clear that there is a benefit in treating men with a palpable varicocele. One can expect that all semen parameters will improve within 3 months after repair.展开更多
Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 （PELP1） is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be c...Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 （PELP1） is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be characterized in human sperm and has not been associated with sperm parameters. To confirm the presence of PELP1 in human sperm, fresh semen samples were obtained from 178 donors. The study was designed to establish both mRNA and protein presence, and protein cellular localization. Additionally, the number of PELP1-positive spermatozoa was analyzed in men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization （WHO） 2010 standards. The presence of PELP1 in spermatozoa was investigated using four precise, independent techniques. The qualitative presence of transcripts and protein was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blot protocols, respectively. The cellular localization of PELP1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative analysis of PELP1-positive cells was done by flow cytometry. PELP1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the presence of PELP1 in the midpieces of human sperm irrespective of sperm parameters. Becton Dickinson fluorescence-activated cell sorting （FACSCalibur^Tm） analysis revealed a significantly lower number of PELP1-positive cells in males with normal semen parameters versus abnormal samples （42.78% ± 11.77% vs 61.05% ± 21.70%, respectively; P = 0.014）. The assessment of PELP1 may be a time-saving method used to obtain information about sperm quality. The results of our study suggest that PEPL1 may be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality; thereby, PELP1 may be an additional biomarker useful in the evaluation of male infertility.展开更多
Objective To analyze the trend of change in semen quality of Chinese healthy men over recent 25 years. Methods A total of 115 reports were collected on quality inspection of semen of healthy Chinese men between 1985-2...Objective To analyze the trend of change in semen quality of Chinese healthy men over recent 25 years. Methods A total of 115 reports were collected on quality inspection of semen of healthy Chinese men between 1985-2009 through literature search, which involved 23 126 persons from 69 counties and cities. Trend of change in semen parameters was analyzed by linear regression model and rank sum test. Results Sperm concentration and non-progressive motility （c%） declined, and the linear equation was of statistics value. Linear equations include y=2.968-0. 004x （P〈0.05） and y=3.204-0.026x （P〈0.05）. As the results of K-S rank sum test showed, the difference of sperm concentration and total sperm count in the three groups, i.e., the group for 1985-1989, the group for 1990-1999 and the group for 2000-2009 was of statistics value. Conclusion The semen concentration decline over recent 25 years （P〈0.05）. of healthy Chinese men appears a possible展开更多
Several preventive measures,including vaccination,have been implemented owing to the severe global effect of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),but there is still limited evidence in the effect of this disease and vac...Several preventive measures,including vaccination,have been implemented owing to the severe global effect of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),but there is still limited evidence in the effect of this disease and vaccination against it on male fertility.Therefore,this study is to compare sperm parameters of infertile patients with or without COVID-19 infection and the effect of COVID-19 vaccine types on them.Semen samples of infertile patients were collected consecutively at Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital(Jakarta,Indonesia).COVID-19 was diagnosed by rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction(PCR)tests.Vaccination was performed with three types of vaccine,namely inactivated viral vaccine,messenger RNA(mRNA)vaccine,and viral vector vaccine.Spermatozoa were then analyzed on the World Health Organization recommendations,and DNA fragmentation was assayed with the sperm chromatin dispersion kit.The results showed that the COVID-19 group experienced a significant decrease in sperm concentration and progressive motility(both P<0.05),but there was no significant change in morphology or sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI;both P>0.05).The viral vector vaccine caused a decrease in morphology as well as an increase in DFI compared with the control(both P<0.05),meanwhile results for those who were vaccinated with the inactivated and mRNA types were not significant compared with the control(both P>0.05).We conclude that COVID-19 has negative effects on sperm parametes and sperm DNA fragmentation,and we found that the viral vector vaccines affect sperm parameter values and DNA fragmentation negatively.Further studies with a larger population and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the results.展开更多
Reliable molecular biomarkers to predict fertility remain scarce.The current study investigated the potential of testis-specific circBOULE RNAs as biomarkers for male infertility and sperm quality.Using reverse transc...Reliable molecular biomarkers to predict fertility remain scarce.The current study investigated the potential of testis-specific circBOULE RNAs as biomarkers for male infertility and sperm quality.Using reverse transcription-PCR and real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays,we identified seven circular RNAs from the human BOULE gene in human sperm.We observed that the expression level of circEx3-6 was significantly reduced in asthenozoospermia,while the expression levels of both circEx2-6 and circEx2-7 were decreased in terato-zoospermia,compared with the controls.Furthermore,we demonstrated that the expression level of circEx2-6 was negatively correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation index,and the expression level of circEx2-7 was correlated with both fertilization and cleavage rates in those treated with the assisted reproductive technologies.Further functional analyses in a transgenic fly model supported the roles of circBOULE RNAs in sperm development and human male fertility.Collectively,our findings support that sperm circBOULE RNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for assessing sperm motility and DNA quality.Therefore,clinical application and significance of sperm circBOULE RNAs in the assisted reproductive technologies warrant further investigation.展开更多
The clinical applications of acrosin activity are limited.We analyzed 61578 male partners in infertile couples who visited the outpatient department of the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya(Changsha,C...The clinical applications of acrosin activity are limited.We analyzed 61578 male partners in infertile couples who visited the outpatient department of the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya(Changsha,China)between August 2014 and December 2019 to determine the reference ranges and thresholds for acrosin activity in infertile Chinese men;to determine whether correlations exist between acrosin activity and age,sperm concentration,sperm morphology,or sperm motility;and to evaluate whether acrosin activity could serve as an effective prognostic indicator for choosing between in vitro fertilization(IvF)and intracytoplasmic sperm injection(icsl)in the clinic.The cut-off value for the normal reference range of acrosin activity for male partners in infertile couples was 24.78μlU per 106 sperm.There was no significant association between acrosin activity and age,sperm concentration,semen volume,total sperm count,progressive motility,or total motile spermatozoa.A weak positive correlation was found between acrosin activity and normal sperm morphology.There was a statistically significant difference in abnormal acrosome morphology between the group with high acrosin activity(>24.78μlU per 106 sperm)and the group with low acrosin activity(<24.78μlU per 106 sperm).The group with a low IVF fertilization rate had a high index of abnormal acrosomal morphology at 21.2%,while the group with a high IVF fertilization rate had a low index of 0.2%.At an acrosin activity of<24.78μlU per 10 sperm,in one cycle of the same patient,the fertilization rate,normal fertilization rate,and good-quality embryo rate for Icsl were significantly higher than those for IVF.Therefore,the most promising application of acrosin activity could be in the selection of IcsI over IVF for infertile male patients with complete fertilization failure or a low fertilization rate.展开更多
Infertility is a common problem that affects approximately 15% of the population. Although many advances have been made in the treatment of infertility, the molecular and genetic causes of male infertility remain larg...Infertility is a common problem that affects approximately 15% of the population. Although many advances have been made in the treatment of infertility, the molecular and genetic causes of male infertility remain largely elusive. This review will present a summary of our current knowledge on the genetic origin of male infertility and the key events of male meiosis. It focuses on chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination and the problems that arise when errors in these processes occur, specifically meiotic arrest and chromosome aneuploidy, the leading cause of pregnancy loss in humans. In addition, meiosis-specific candidate genes will be discussed, including a discussion on why we have been largely unsuccessful at identifying disease-causing mutations in infertile men. Finally clinical applications of sperm aneuploidy screening will be touched upon along with future prospective clinical tests to better characterize male infertility in a move towards personalized medicine.展开更多
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide. However, unlikethat in female infertility, the role of CT infection in male infertility remains controversia...Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide. However, unlikethat in female infertility, the role of CT infection in male infertility remains controversial. The objective of this retrospective studywas to explore the impacts of CT infection in the genital tract on sperm quality, sperm acrosin activity, antisperm antibody levels,and inflammation in a large cohort of infertile males in China. A total of 7154 semen samples were collected from infertile malesubjects, 416 of whom were CT positive (CT+ group) and 6738 of whom were CT negative (CT− group), in our hospital betweenJanuary 2016 and December 2018. Routine semen parameters (semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, viability, motility,morphology, etc.), granulocyte elastase levels, antisperm antibody levels, and sperm acrosin activity were compared between theCT+ and CT− groups. Our results showed that CT infection was significantly correlated with an abnormally low semen volume, aswell as an increased white blood cell count and granulocyte elastase level (all P < 0.05) in the semen of infertile males;otherroutine semen parameters were not negatively impacted. The antisperm antibody level and sperm acrosin activity were not affectedby CT infection. These findings suggested that CT infection might contribute to inflammation and hypospermia but does not impairsperm viability, motility morphology, and acrosin activity or generate antisperm antibodies in the infertile males of China.展开更多
文摘Semen samples were collected from 1213 fertile men whose partners had a time-to-pregnancy （TTP） _〈12 months in Guangdong Province in Southern China, and semen parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration, total counts, motility, and morphology were evaluated according to the World Health Organization （WHO） 2010 guideline. All semen parameters analyzed were normal in ~62.2% of the total samples, whereas 37.8% showed at least one of the semen parameters below normal threshold values. The fifth centiles （with 95% confidence intervals） were 1.3 （1.2-1.5） ml for semen volume, 20 x 106 （18x106- 20x106） m1-1 for sperm concentration, 40 x 106 （38x106-44x106） per ejaculate for total sperm counts, 48% （47%-53%） for vitality, 39% （36%-43%） for total motility, 25% （23%-27%） for sperm progressive motility, 5.0% （4%,5%） for normal morphology. The pH values ranged from 7.2 to 8.0 with the mean ~ standard deviation at 7.32 ~ 0.17. No effects of age and body mass index were found on semen parameters. Occupation, smoking and alcohol abuse, varicocele appeared to decrease semen quality. Sperm concentration, but not sperm morphology, is positively correlated with TTP, whereas vitality is negatively correlated with TTP. Our study provides the latest reference values for the semen parameters of Chinese fertile men in Guangdong Province, which are close to those described in the new WHO guidelines （5th Edition）.
基金supported by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(grant No.2017SHZDZX01).
文摘During the coronavirus disease(COVID-19)epidemic,there have been concerns about the impact of vaccines on people’s fertility,including the fertility of those who are currently preparing for pregnancy and those who might become pregnant in future.However,there is still a lack of research on the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on male fertility,and it is not surprising that couples and donors have concerns regarding vaccination.In this study,a retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine semen quality before and after receipt of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine.There were no statistically significant changes in semen parameters(volume,sperm concentration,progressive motility,and total progressive motile count)after two doses of vaccine(all P>0.05).In summary,our study updates the most recent studies on the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on male fertility,and the information from this study could be used to guide fertility recommendations for assisted reproductive technology(ART)patients and donors.
文摘The study aimed to determine the effect of microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy on semen parameters among men seeking infertility treatment in Ghana. This was an intervention study conducted at Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Tamale Metropolis from September 2017 to August 2021. The study involves two groups;the surgery group (n = 75) and the observed group (n = 63). Duplicate semen samples (mean values adopted) were collected at the onset and assessed according to the criteria established by World Health Organization (WHO), 2010. Varicocelectomy was performed for the surgery group and no intervention was given to the observed group. The two groups were followed for 180 days and repeated semen samples were collected and analyzed. The data was computed using GraphPad Prism (v8.0) at an alpha of 0.05. All the men had varicocele and were aged between 46.0 and 67.0 years old. There was no difference between semen parameters among the two groups before the surgery. However, after 180 days of follow-up, all of the semen parameters significantly improved in the surgery group (p < 0.0001), while sperm concentration (p = 0.0068), progressive motility (p = 0.0281), and normal sperm morphology (p = 0.0015) decreased in the observed group. The surgery group had an overall percent increase in total sperm count (840.7%;p = 0.0197), sperm concentration (582.1%;p = 0.0125), total viable sperms (155.2%;p < 0.0001), and normal sperm morphology (110.9%;p < 0.0001) while immotile sperms (-51.71%;p < 0.0001) reduced. A pregnancy rate of 25.3% (19/75) was reported among the surgery group but none was reported among the observed group after 180 days. Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy improves semen parameters and hence effective treatment of infertile men with a clinically palpable varicocele. It is recommended to use this choice for similar patients, however, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to provide more evidence to recommend this therapy.
文摘Coronavirus disease(COVID-19)is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),which may infect the cells through binding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptors that can also be found in the male reproductive organs.Relevant studies were searched in medical databases and gray literature using controlled search terms including COVID-19,SARS-CoV-2,semen,and sperm,among other related keywords.The authors of this systematic review assessed the eligibility of selected articles,followed by analysing the quality and reliability of the studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Exposure(ROBINS-E)tool.Collected data were processed using RevMan5 software,with a random effects model for meta-analysis.Combined mean difference and confidence intervals of semen parameters were obtained by using inverse variance method for assigning the weight of each included article.Seven studies with complete pre-and post-COVID-19 semen analysis data of the same individuals were included in the systematic review.Compiled data from a total of 153 participants revealed that COVID-19 is associated with semen quality impairment,with meta-analysis showing significant decrease of sperm concentration and progressive motility.However,the risk of bias analyses considered all the included studies as“very high risk.”This study revealed the susceptibility of semen parameter impairments in association with COVID-19.However,this finding is limited by the small number of high-quality studies and the lack of control for other confounding variables of semen quality and male fertility.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32070582)the Joint Foundation of He Lin Academical Workstation of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University(2023HLLH01)the Plan on enhancing scientific research in GMU(2024SRP125).
文摘Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study;41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.
文摘Vitamin D levels have been linked to various health outcomes including reproductive disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between serum vitamin D level （25-hydroxy-vitamin D, or 250HD） and semen and hormonal parameters. This is a cross-sectional study that included 170 healthy men recruited for the study of spermatogenesis from the general population. Men completed general and reproductive health questionnaires, and donated blood and semen samples. The main measures were hormonal （total and free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone） and semen parameters, adjusted （n= 147） for age, body mass index （BMI）, season, alcohol intake and smoking, in relation to categories of vitamin D levels, determined apriori. The mean age of the study population was 29.0±8.5 years and mean BMI was 24.3±3.2 kg m-2. The mean 250HD was 34.1± 15.06 ng m1-1. BMI showed a negative association with 250HD. Sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm morphology, and total progressively motile sperm count were lower in men with ‘250HD ≥ 50 ng ml-1＇ when compared to men with‘20 ng ml-1 ≤ 250H D〈 50 ng ml-1,. Total sperm count and total progressive motile sperm count were lower in men with ‘250HD〈20 ng ml-1＇ when compared to men with‘20 ng ml-1≤250HD〈50 ng ml-1＇. The adjusted means of various hormonal parameters did not show statistical difference in the different categories of 250HD. In conclusion, serum vitamin D levels at high and low levels can be negatively associated with semen parameters.
文摘Aim： To assess whether exposure to computers harms the semen quality of healthy young men. Methods： A total of 178 subjects were recruited from two maternity and children healthcare centers in Shanghai, 91 with a history of exposure to computers （i.e., exposure for 20 h or more per week in the last 2 years） and 87 persons to act as control （no or little exposure to computers）. Data on the history of exposure to computers and other characteristics were obtained by means of a structured questionnaire interview. Semen samples were collected by masturbation in the place where the semen samples were analyzed. Results： No differences in the distribution of the semen parameters （semen volume, sperm density, percentage of progressive sperm, sperm viability and percentage of normal form sperm） were found between the exposed group and the control group. Exposure to computers was not found to be a risk factor for inferior semen quality after adjusting for potential confounders, including abstinence days, testicle size, occupation, history of exposure to toxic substances. Conclusion： The present study did not find that healthy： men exposed to computers had inferior semen quality. （Asian J Andro12005 Sep; 7： 263-266）
文摘Semen samples collected from 28 male partners of infertile couples were divided into three equal aliquots and prepared with three selected media,such as PureSperm （Nidacon,Gothenburg,Sweden）,Sil-Select Plus^TM （Fertipro,Beemem,Belgium） and SpermGrad^TM（Vitrolife,Gothenburg,Sweden）. The differences in mean percentages of semen parameters were assessed by repeated measures analysis. Correlations of sperm DNA damage,as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay,and of protamine deficiency,as measured by chromomycin A3 （CMA3） staining with sperm parameters,were determined by Pearson＇s correlation. After preparation with all three media,sperm concentrations decreased （P〈0.05） while percentages of sperm with normal morphology increased （P〈0.05）. Percentages of sperm motility,rapid motility and progressive motile concentration （PMC） increased （P〈0.05） for each ofthese parameters,PureSperm preparation gave the best results （P〈0.05）. The percentage of DNA damage decreased in the PureSperm and Sil-Select Plus preparations （17.9% and 31.3%,respectively,P〈0.05） and increased in the SpermGrad preparation （56.3%,P〈0.05）. Protamine deficiency also decreased in all three kinds of media,59.3%,47.7% and 40.3% for PureSperm,Sil-Select Plus and SpermGrad preparations,respectively （P〈0.05）. The percentage of DNA-damaged sperm was negatively correlated with the percentages of sperm motility,rapid motility and PMC,but was positively correlated with static motility （P〈0.05）. This comparative study and correlation analysis revealed that PureSperm preparation yielded sperm with the best motility and the lowest percentage of protamine deficiency. The Sil-Select Plus preparation yielded sperm with the lowest amount of DNA damage. The SpermGrad preparation had a high percentage of sperm with normal morphology,but also had the highest percentage of sperm with DNA damage. Sperm DNA damage was correlated with percentages of sperm motility,rapid motility,static motility and PMC.
基金Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2017SHZDZX01)
文摘Objective:To identify the sociodemographic characteristics,motivations,and semen parameters of sperm donors in Shanghai,China.Methods:The participants were sperm donors associated with the Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University in Shanghai,China.Among the 334 sperm donors that applied for participation,329 completed the survey process.The responses obtained in the questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were used to investigate the donor motivations and characteristics,and the semen quality was examined to identify the sperm parameter.Results:In terms of the sociodemographic characteristics,an altruistic donor in this study was aged between 26 and 30 years,was single,did not have a child,had a college or undergraduate education level,was of the Han ethnicity,and worked full time.The strongest motivation highlighted by sperm donors was a donation for altruistic(26.4%,n=87)reasons.The second-highest rated motivation was curiosity(20.7%,n=68),followed by a desire to procreate(17.9%,n=59)."Complimentary body checks"(14.3%,n=47)and"financial incentives"(14.7%,n=47)were regarded as less important.The average semen parameters of the 329 donors were as follows:the semen volume was 3.39±1.21 mL,the semen concentration was 82.75×10^(6)/mL,the progressive motility rate(PR%)was 63.77%±3.13%,the total motility rate was 66.26%,the total progressive motile count was 158.31%±54.43×10^(6)/mL,and the round cell concentration was 0.38±0.51×10^(6)/mL.The PR%of the procreation motivation group was significantly higher than that of the other motivation groups(P<0.05).Conclusions:Sperm donors in Shanghai,China,are altruistic about their donation,although curiosity is also a key motivator.In addition,the decisions of donors are culturally influenced,and the motivation to procreate may influence the PR%.
基金supported by the Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Virology(No.202002AG070062)the Key Projects of Yunnan Province Science and Technology Department(No.202302AA310044)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82060664).
文摘This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parameters.These pathogens included Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus.A total of 1951 men of infertile couples were recruited between 23 March 2023,and 17 May 2023,at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province(Kunming,China).Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis were used for HPV genotyping.Polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis were also used to detect the presence of other STIs.The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.4%.The top five prevalent HPV subtypes were types 56,52,43,16,and 53 among those tested positive for HPV.Other common infections with high prevalence rates were Ureaplasma urealyticum(28.3%),Ureaplasma parvum(20.4%),and Enterococcus faecalis(9.5%).The prevalence rates of HPV coinfection with Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,and Staphylococcus aureus were 24.8%,25.4%,10.6%,6.4%,2.4%,7.9%,5.9%,0.9%,and 1.3%,respectively.The semen volume and total sperm count were greatly decreased by HPV infection alone.Coinfection with HPV and Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly reduced sperm motility and viability.Our study shows that coinfection with STIs is highly prevalent in the semen of infertile men and that coinfection with pathogens can seriously affect semen parameters,emphasizing the necessity of semen screening for STIs.
文摘Objective:To investigate the influence of age,body mass index(BMI),varicocele,diabetes,tobacco use,and environmental occupational risks on sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and its association with semen parameters and in vitro fertility(IVF)outcomes.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 116 infertile men.Conventional semen parameters were analyzed according to the World Health Organization criteria.Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using sperm chromatin dispersion method.After visiting the infertility center,the men's height and weight were measured,and blood tests were performed to check for diabetes,and medical records were reviewed for varicocele,tobacco use,and type of occupation.The sperm was then examined for DFI.Then,the association between sperm DFI and IVF failure rate was investigated.Results:The study showed a significant association between DFI≥20%with BMI(OR 1.134,95%CI 1.04-1.24,P=0.006),varicocele(OR 4.330,95%CI 1.25-14.96,P=0.021),tobacco use(OR 3.066,95%CI 1.06-8.90,P=0.039)and environmental and occupational risks(OR 2.694,95%CI 1.08-6.75,P=0.034)as well as sperm motility(P<0.05).Although the amount of DNA damage increased in those aged≥40 years,there was no significant association between the amount of DFI≥≥20%and age,diabetes,sperm volume and concentration,morphology and progressive rate(P>0.05).The IVF failure rate was higher in people with a DFI≥20%.Conclusions:Factors such as BMI,varicocele,improper working conditions and environment cause damage to sperm DNA,and DFI≥20%damage can have adverse effects on IVF outcomes.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Project(2019YFA0802600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81901543,81901545,81971333,82001495,32002354)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(WK9110000063)the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine(SKLRM-K201904)the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Provincial of China(1908085QH315).
文摘This study aims to compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility.Semen samples were collected from 133 men who requested fertility evaluation.Seminal tract infection with Ureaplasma spp.(UU),Mycoplasma hominis(MH),Mycoplasma genitalium(MG),Chlamydia trachomatis(CT),Neisseria gonorrhoeae(NG),and herpes simplex virus-2(HSV-2)was assessed by PCR-based diagnostic assays.Among all patients,the prevalence of STIs was higher in men from couples with primary infertility than that in men from couples with secondary infertility(39.7%vs 21.7%,P=0.03).The prevalence of UU was 28.8%and 13.3%in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility,respectively.Men from couples with primary infertility were more likely to be positive for UU than men from couples with secondary infertility(P=0.04).Regarding the UU subtype,the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum(Uuu)and Ureaplasma parvum(Uup;including Uup1,Uup3,Uup6,and Uup14)did not differ between the two groups.No associations between the prevalence rates of MH,MG,and CT were found in men from either infertility group.A lower sperm concentration was associated with STI pathogen positivity in men with primary infertility according to the crude model(P=0.04).The crude and adjusted models showed that semen volume(both P=0.03)and semen leukocyte count(both P=0.02)were independently associated with secondary infertility.These findings suggest the importance of classifying the type of infertility during routine diagnosis of seminal tract infections.
文摘Varicocele is present in approximately 15% of men, and, although it is the most commonly diagnosed cause of male infertility, nearly two-thirds of men with varicoceles remain fertile. It was decided to make use of the current evidence obtained from the previous meta-analyses between 2004 and 2015 as well as available articles covering this field, preferably randomized controlled articles dealing with the topic of semen analysis before and after repair. Two important meta-analyses were discussed as well as other articles dealing with the topic of semen analysis before and after varicocelectomy. The evidence suggests that all semen parameters improve after varicocele repair. Based on the available evidence, it is clear that there is a benefit in treating men with a palpable varicocele. One can expect that all semen parameters will improve within 3 months after repair.
文摘Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 （PELP1） is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be characterized in human sperm and has not been associated with sperm parameters. To confirm the presence of PELP1 in human sperm, fresh semen samples were obtained from 178 donors. The study was designed to establish both mRNA and protein presence, and protein cellular localization. Additionally, the number of PELP1-positive spermatozoa was analyzed in men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization （WHO） 2010 standards. The presence of PELP1 in spermatozoa was investigated using four precise, independent techniques. The qualitative presence of transcripts and protein was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blot protocols, respectively. The cellular localization of PELP1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative analysis of PELP1-positive cells was done by flow cytometry. PELP1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the presence of PELP1 in the midpieces of human sperm irrespective of sperm parameters. Becton Dickinson fluorescence-activated cell sorting （FACSCalibur^Tm） analysis revealed a significantly lower number of PELP1-positive cells in males with normal semen parameters versus abnormal samples （42.78% ± 11.77% vs 61.05% ± 21.70%, respectively; P = 0.014）. The assessment of PELP1 may be a time-saving method used to obtain information about sperm quality. The results of our study suggest that PEPL1 may be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality; thereby, PELP1 may be an additional biomarker useful in the evaluation of male infertility.
基金supported by the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30630056)the Program of S&T (Chongqing) Project(No.CSTC 2006AA703)
文摘Objective To analyze the trend of change in semen quality of Chinese healthy men over recent 25 years. Methods A total of 115 reports were collected on quality inspection of semen of healthy Chinese men between 1985-2009 through literature search, which involved 23 126 persons from 69 counties and cities. Trend of change in semen parameters was analyzed by linear regression model and rank sum test. Results Sperm concentration and non-progressive motility （c%） declined, and the linear equation was of statistics value. Linear equations include y=2.968-0. 004x （P〈0.05） and y=3.204-0.026x （P〈0.05）. As the results of K-S rank sum test showed, the difference of sperm concentration and total sperm count in the three groups, i.e., the group for 1985-1989, the group for 1990-1999 and the group for 2000-2009 was of statistics value. Conclusion The semen concentration decline over recent 25 years （P〈0.05）. of healthy Chinese men appears a possible
文摘Several preventive measures,including vaccination,have been implemented owing to the severe global effect of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),but there is still limited evidence in the effect of this disease and vaccination against it on male fertility.Therefore,this study is to compare sperm parameters of infertile patients with or without COVID-19 infection and the effect of COVID-19 vaccine types on them.Semen samples of infertile patients were collected consecutively at Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital(Jakarta,Indonesia).COVID-19 was diagnosed by rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction(PCR)tests.Vaccination was performed with three types of vaccine,namely inactivated viral vaccine,messenger RNA(mRNA)vaccine,and viral vector vaccine.Spermatozoa were then analyzed on the World Health Organization recommendations,and DNA fragmentation was assayed with the sperm chromatin dispersion kit.The results showed that the COVID-19 group experienced a significant decrease in sperm concentration and progressive motility(both P<0.05),but there was no significant change in morphology or sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI;both P>0.05).The viral vector vaccine caused a decrease in morphology as well as an increase in DFI compared with the control(both P<0.05),meanwhile results for those who were vaccinated with the inactivated and mRNA types were not significant compared with the control(both P>0.05).We conclude that COVID-19 has negative effects on sperm parametes and sperm DNA fragmentation,and we found that the viral vector vaccines affect sperm parameter values and DNA fragmentation negatively.Further studies with a larger population and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the results.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31970792 and 31771652).
文摘Reliable molecular biomarkers to predict fertility remain scarce.The current study investigated the potential of testis-specific circBOULE RNAs as biomarkers for male infertility and sperm quality.Using reverse transcription-PCR and real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays,we identified seven circular RNAs from the human BOULE gene in human sperm.We observed that the expression level of circEx3-6 was significantly reduced in asthenozoospermia,while the expression levels of both circEx2-6 and circEx2-7 were decreased in terato-zoospermia,compared with the controls.Furthermore,we demonstrated that the expression level of circEx2-6 was negatively correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation index,and the expression level of circEx2-7 was correlated with both fertilization and cleavage rates in those treated with the assisted reproductive technologies.Further functional analyses in a transgenic fly model supported the roles of circBOULE RNAs in sperm development and human male fertility.Collectively,our findings support that sperm circBOULE RNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for assessing sperm motility and DNA quality.Therefore,clinical application and significance of sperm circBOULE RNAs in the assisted reproductive technologies warrant further investigation.
基金This study was supported by the Hunan Province Municipal Natural Science Foundation(2022JJ30018)to WNLHunan Province Health Commission Science Foundation(B202301037899)to WNLResearch Grant of CITIC-Xiangya(YNXM-201904)to WNL.
文摘The clinical applications of acrosin activity are limited.We analyzed 61578 male partners in infertile couples who visited the outpatient department of the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya(Changsha,China)between August 2014 and December 2019 to determine the reference ranges and thresholds for acrosin activity in infertile Chinese men;to determine whether correlations exist between acrosin activity and age,sperm concentration,sperm morphology,or sperm motility;and to evaluate whether acrosin activity could serve as an effective prognostic indicator for choosing between in vitro fertilization(IvF)and intracytoplasmic sperm injection(icsl)in the clinic.The cut-off value for the normal reference range of acrosin activity for male partners in infertile couples was 24.78μlU per 106 sperm.There was no significant association between acrosin activity and age,sperm concentration,semen volume,total sperm count,progressive motility,or total motile spermatozoa.A weak positive correlation was found between acrosin activity and normal sperm morphology.There was a statistically significant difference in abnormal acrosome morphology between the group with high acrosin activity(>24.78μlU per 106 sperm)and the group with low acrosin activity(<24.78μlU per 106 sperm).The group with a low IVF fertilization rate had a high index of abnormal acrosomal morphology at 21.2%,while the group with a high IVF fertilization rate had a low index of 0.2%.At an acrosin activity of<24.78μlU per 10 sperm,in one cycle of the same patient,the fertilization rate,normal fertilization rate,and good-quality embryo rate for Icsl were significantly higher than those for IVF.Therefore,the most promising application of acrosin activity could be in the selection of IcsI over IVF for infertile male patients with complete fertilization failure or a low fertilization rate.
文摘Infertility is a common problem that affects approximately 15% of the population. Although many advances have been made in the treatment of infertility, the molecular and genetic causes of male infertility remain largely elusive. This review will present a summary of our current knowledge on the genetic origin of male infertility and the key events of male meiosis. It focuses on chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination and the problems that arise when errors in these processes occur, specifically meiotic arrest and chromosome aneuploidy, the leading cause of pregnancy loss in humans. In addition, meiosis-specific candidate genes will be discussed, including a discussion on why we have been largely unsuccessful at identifying disease-causing mutations in infertile men. Finally clinical applications of sperm aneuploidy screening will be touched upon along with future prospective clinical tests to better characterize male infertility in a move towards personalized medicine.
基金This work was supported by grants from the Guangzhou City Science,Technology and Innovation Commission(No.201804010340 and 202002030077)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82002774 and 81401206)+3 种基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2020A1515010065)Guangdong Province Outstanding Youth Medical Talent Program(No.110217110)Liwan District Science and Technology Planning Project(No.201804013)The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Elite Talent Fund Project(No.110217103).
文摘Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide. However, unlikethat in female infertility, the role of CT infection in male infertility remains controversial. The objective of this retrospective studywas to explore the impacts of CT infection in the genital tract on sperm quality, sperm acrosin activity, antisperm antibody levels,and inflammation in a large cohort of infertile males in China. A total of 7154 semen samples were collected from infertile malesubjects, 416 of whom were CT positive (CT+ group) and 6738 of whom were CT negative (CT− group), in our hospital betweenJanuary 2016 and December 2018. Routine semen parameters (semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, viability, motility,morphology, etc.), granulocyte elastase levels, antisperm antibody levels, and sperm acrosin activity were compared between theCT+ and CT− groups. Our results showed that CT infection was significantly correlated with an abnormally low semen volume, aswell as an increased white blood cell count and granulocyte elastase level (all P < 0.05) in the semen of infertile males;otherroutine semen parameters were not negatively impacted. The antisperm antibody level and sperm acrosin activity were not affectedby CT infection. These findings suggested that CT infection might contribute to inflammation and hypospermia but does not impairsperm viability, motility morphology, and acrosin activity or generate antisperm antibodies in the infertile males of China.
