Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irma Virant-Klun, Senka Imamovic-Kumalic, Bojana Pinter
Summary: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can lead to oxidative stress and disruption of the endocrine system, affecting human reproduction and development. This review examines the association between endocrine disruptors and oxidative stress-related male infertility. It finds that bisphenols and phthalates have detrimental effects on semen quality and sperm DNA integrity.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Weijian Zhu, Lei Jiang, Chengshuang Pan, Junhui Sun, Xuefeng Huang, Wuhua Ni
Summary: The study evaluated DNA methylation patterns in sperm from men with differential levels of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). The results showed that high DFI in male sperm was associated with significantly altered methylation in specific CpG fragments corresponding to nine genes. This suggests that sperm DNA damage may influence DNA methylation patterns in human sperm.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert John Aitken
Summary: Spermatogonial stem cells have a low level of spontaneous mutation, which is heavily affected by paternal age and mechanisms related to aberrant DNA damage repair. Mutations affecting a key signal transduction pathway can greatly increase the frequency of de-novo mutations, leading to clonal expansion of mutant germ cells in the testes of older males. This model explains the origin of certain developmental disorders, but cannot explain the majority of de-novo mutations where no selective advantage is apparent.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. John Aitken, Hassan W. Bakos
Summary: Assessments of sperm DNA damage are controversial due to uncertainties surrounding its relationship with pregnancy and the limited treatment options available. Recent data suggests a link between oxidative stress in male germ line, sperm DNA damage, defective DNA repair in oocyte, mutational load in resulting embryo, and long-term health outcomes in offspring. It is argued that factors causing oxidative damage in sperm have the potential to impact offspring health, indicating the importance of infertility specialists in diagnosing and treating sperm DNA damage to reduce risks for children conceived through ART.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iwona Bukowska-Osko, Dorota Sulejczak, Katarzyna Kaczynska, Patrycja Kleczkowska, Karol Kramkowski, Marta Popiel, Ewa Wietrak, Pawel Kowalczyk
Summary: Structural abnormalities can cause DNA modifications, leading to various diseases including cancer. Cells defend and repair damaged genetic material through lactoferrin, an endogenous protein with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Haiyang Zhao, Tingting Zhao, Jihong Yang, Qianqian Huang, Hua Wu, Yueyun Pan, Hui Wang, Yun Qian
Summary: Oxidative stress is a major factor in male infertility, and oral administration of antioxidants has been proven to improve sperm quality. This study used Pex3-knockout mice as a model to compare the efficacy of three types of traditional Chinese medicine granules for rescuing male reproductive function, and found that Epimedium was the most effective. The study also explored the mechanism by which Epimedium improves dyszoospermia, and found that it partially corrects the associated phenotype by affecting P16 expression levels.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Asmaa M. Shehata, Fatma M. S. Salem, Eiman M. El-Saied, Sahar S. Abd El-Rahman, Mohamed Y. Mahmoud, Peter A. Noshy
Summary: The study showed that exposure to Ag-NPs had adverse effects on the male reproductive system, affecting sperm motility, morphology, and concentration, inducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue, and decreasing serum hormone levels. However, coadministration of Zn-NPs ameliorated most of the toxic effects of Ag-NPs through their antioxidative capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Andrology
Kamil Gill, Tomasz Machalowski, Patryk Harasny, Marta Grabowska, Ewa Duchnik, Malgorzata Piasecka
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the distribution and risk of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and oxidative stress in semen in asthenozoospermic men. The results showed that asthenozoospermic men had lower basic semen parameters compared to the control and nonasthenozoospermic groups. The prevalence and risk of high levels of DNA damage and oxidative stress were significantly higher in men with poor sperm motility. The risk of sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress in asthenozoospermic men was much higher than that in control subjects and nonasthenozoospermic men.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Feifei Zhao, Sara Whiting, Sarah Lambourne, R. John Aitken, Ying-pu Sun
Summary: The study demonstrates that melatonin can protect human sperm from heat-induced oxidative stress by suppressing sperm mitochondrial ROS generation, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing lipid peroxidation product 4-HNE formation, and decreasing sperm DNA damage and apoptosis. This suggests melatonin as a potential treatment option for male infertility caused by heat-induced oxidative stress.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Robin Mesnage, Scarlett Ferguson, Inger Brandsma, Nynke Moelijker, Gaonan Zhang, Francesca Mazzacuva, Anna Caldwell, John Halket, Michael N. Antoniou
Summary: The co-formulant POE-15 tallow amine (POE-15) and the active ingredient glyphosate in herbicides have been found to be cytotoxic, causing cell necrosis and oxidative stress. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive testing of both co-formulants and active ingredients of commercial pesticides to ensure better regulation and protection of public health and the environment.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zafer Dogu, Erdinc Sahinoz, Faruk Aral, Ismail Koyuncu, Ozgur Yuksekdag
Summary: This study found that increasing levels of inositol significantly improved sperm motility rate and duration, decreased oxidant status and DNA damage, and reduced the percentage of apoptotic sperm in Mesopotamian Catfish post-thaw process. These results indicate the positive effects of supplemental inositol on enhancing sperm cryopreservation efficiency in Silurus triostegus.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuhao Xu, Weijun Wang, Bingqing Xu, Xin He, Zhixu Chen, Xiaoran Zhao, Yifei Zhang, Shuyu Zhou, Yan Fang, Qing Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of the progestin norgestrel (NGT) on the sperm of Pacific oysters. The results showed that NGT had a positive effect on sperm motility, but also caused oxidative stress and decreased fertilization rates. However, hatching rates were not significantly affected.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Hug, Pauline Villeneuve, Stephanie Bravard, Areski Chorfa, Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand, Stephen G. Somkuti, Aron Moazamian, R. John Aitken, Parviz Gharagozloo, Joel R. Drevet, Fabrice Saez
Summary: Routine exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as DBP and BPAF, can lead to decreased sperm quality and DNA damage, while not affecting sperm viability or testicular structures. The observed damage is likely caused by oxidative stress induced by the pro-oxidant properties of the EDCs, as it can be largely prevented by co-administering antioxidants. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of EDCs on male reproductive health.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leila Rashki Ghaleno, AliReza Alizadeh, Joel R. Drevet, Abdolhossein Shahverdi, Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
Summary: Oxidative stress is a major cause of male infertility due to its destructive effects on sperm structures and functions. Sperm DNA is highly susceptible to oxidative damage, particularly leading to single- or double-strand DNA breaks, which is a significant issue in male infertility. While methods to detect sperm DNA fragmentation have become important diagnostic tools, there is still no clear consensus on their prognostic value.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Vasiliki Sapanidou, Maria P. Tsantarliotou, Sophia N. Lavrentiadou
Summary: This review discusses the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) in bovine sperm physiology, highlighting their association with male infertility and low fertility rates in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). Antioxidant supplementation is considered as a potential solution to overcome OS-related infertility and improve assisted reproduction outcomes. The article summarizes different studies that have investigated the potential sources of ROS in ART settings and the impact of antioxidant supplementation on semen quality and pregnancy outcome, particularly in farm animals. However, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation on fertilization and embryo development in these animals.
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Andrology
Robert John Aitken
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joel R. Drevet, Jorge Hallak, Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani, Robert J. Aitken
Summary: This review explores the relationship between spermatozoa and reactive oxygen species (ROS), highlighting how spermatozoa rely on ROS for maturity but are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Recent studies have shown the significant impact of oxidative damage on sperm structures and functions, particularly in terms of fertilization and embryonic development. Future research aims to investigate whether pro-oxidative situations can lead to epigenetic changes in spermatozoa.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. John Aitken
Summary: Over the past few decades, fertility rates have declined significantly in almost every country, mainly due to social factors such as education of women and a shift in life's purpose. Environmental and lifestyle factors also play a role, particularly in male reproductive health. The demographic transition and increased use of assisted reproductive technologies contribute to the exacerbation of infertility.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert John Aitken, Joel R. Drevet, Aron Moazamian, Parviz Gharagozloo
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in defining the functional competence of human spermatozoa. Adequate levels of ROS promote sperm capacitation, while excessive ROS generation leads to oxidative stress, disrupting fertilizing capacity and DNA integrity. Understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress is essential for developing effective antioxidant strategies.
Article
Developmental Biology
Ashlee Jade Medica, Zamira Gibb, Alecia Sheridan, Natasha Harrison, Robert John Aitken
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the major sites and causative mechanisms of MTT reduction in stallion spermatozoa. The results showed that stallion spermatozoa displayed substantial mitochondrial formazan deposition, as well as a single extra-mitochondrial formazan deposit in various locations on the sperm head in approximately 20% of cells. The quality and capacitation status of stallion spermatozoa were positively correlated with the presence of an extra-mitochondrial formazan granule.
Review
Developmental Biology
Aron Moazamian, Parviz Gharagozloo, Robert J. Aitken, Joel R. Drevet
Summary: This review discusses the impact of oxidative stress on sperm telomere function and its association with fertility. It has been found that oxidative stress can lead to telomere shortening and dysfunction, and may be related to fertility outcomes in assisted reproductive technology.
Editorial Material
Andrology
Robert John Aitken
Editorial Material
Developmental Biology
Robert John Aitken
Review
Andrology
Robert John Aitken, Sheena E. M. Lewis
Summary: This review summarizes the causes and consequences of DNA damage in the male germ line, including how DNA integrity is maintained in stem cells and the increase in background mutation rates with paternal age. It explains the repair pathways activated in germ cells and spermatozoa in response to genetic damage, as well as the potential mutagenic effects of such damage on offspring. The strategies for managing high levels of DNA damage in spermatozoa to reduce risks to offspring health are also discussed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Anne Fraser, Alexandra Louise Wilkins, Geoffry Nunzio De Iuliis, Diane Rebourcet, Brett Nixon, Robert John Aitken
Summary: Oxidative stress in the testes can be induced by various factors and has serious implications for the health of future generations. Researchers developed an animal model to analyze the transgenerational impact of this stress by inducing Sertoli cells to produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This model could be used to study the influence of chronic oxidative stress on testicular function and the impact of DNA damage on future generations.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ashlee Jade Medica, Sarah Lambourne, Robert John Aitken
Summary: This study aimed to determine if stallion ejaculate analysis could predict pregnancy resulting from artificial insemination in mares. The study involved 46 inseminations of 41 mares using 7 stallions over 5 weeks. Semen quality was assessed before and after chilling, and various parameters were evaluated. The data, along with the ages of the stallions and mares, were used to predict pregnancy with high accuracy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Hug, Pauline Villeneuve, Stephanie Bravard, Areski Chorfa, Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand, Stephen G. Somkuti, Aron Moazamian, R. John Aitken, Parviz Gharagozloo, Joel R. Drevet, Fabrice Saez
Summary: Routine exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as DBP and BPAF, can lead to decreased sperm quality and DNA damage, while not affecting sperm viability or testicular structures. The observed damage is likely caused by oxidative stress induced by the pro-oxidant properties of the EDCs, as it can be largely prevented by co-administering antioxidants. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of EDCs on male reproductive health.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Alena J. Hungerford, Hassan W. Bakos, Robert J. Aitken
Summary: Sperm cryopreservation is an important method for preserving male fertility, and finding the best technique for sperm isolation post-thaw is crucial for maintaining the quality of sperm and reducing damage. Electrophoretic separation shows superior results compared to other techniques.
REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. John Aitken
Summary: In modern post-transition societies, delayed reproduction and increased lifespan are observed. The impact of age on female reproduction has been extensively studied, however, the relationship between age and male reproduction is less known. It is now understood that male fertility declines with advancing age, accompanied by reduced testosterone levels, age-dependent reproductive pathologies, and increased sperm DNA damage. Age-related effects in males also result in an elevated disease burden in offspring, including genetic diseases and neuropsychiatric conditions. The underlying genetic mechanisms involve positive selection of stem cells containing mutations and increased oxidative stress which impairs reproductive function. Antioxidants may play a role in managing age-related effects on male reproduction, although clinical trials are needed.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Reproductive Biology
Edwina F. Lawson, Christopher G. Grupen, Mark A. Baker, R. John Aitken, Aleona Swegen, Charley-Lea Pollard, Zamira Gibb
Summary: Lipids are important molecules in reproduction and play a key role in metabolism and cell signaling. Advances in lipidomic technology have the potential to reveal new biomarkers and further enhance our understanding of the reproductive processes in horses. This review focuses on the role of lipids in the early stages of pregnancy in mares and highlights the need for further research in this area.
REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY
(2022)
