Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Farin Yazdan Parast, Moira K. O'Bryan, Reza Nosrati
Summary: Selection of high-quality sperm is crucial for assisted reproduction. This article introduces a scalable technology called 'sperm syringe' that mimics the 3D selection process in vivo to select high-quality sperm. Experimental results show that the sperm syringe significantly improves selected sperm morphology and DNA integrity, making it a promising assisted reproductive technology.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arnaud Zuber, Adriana Peric, Nicola Pluchino, David Baud, Milos Stojanov
Summary: The human body is colonised by microorganisms, including the genital tract which has been linked to male infertility and pathological conditions like prostate cancer. However, research on the microbiota of the male genital tract remains lacking due to difficulties in sampling and low abundance of microbiota. This narrative review aims to present the results of studies using next-generation sequencing to examine bacterial colonisation patterns in different anatomical compartments of the male genital tract and highlight their findings and limitations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesco Muscianisi, Luca De Toni, Gloria Giorato, Andrea Carosso, Carlo Foresta, Andrea Garolla
Summary: Infertility is a global health issue affecting up to 16% of couples, with male infertility accounting for about 50% of cases. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are increasingly recognized as a potential etiological factor for male infertility, with studies showing the presence of HPV in seminal fluid as a possible cause of infertility in males.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filomena Mottola, Marianna Santonastaso, Valentina Ronga, Renata Finelli, Lucia Rocco
Summary: This study investigated the association between polymorphic rearrangements of chromosome 9 and male infertility. The results suggested that these rearrangements might be associated with abnormalities in sperm quality, indicating their potential impact on spermatogenesis regulation.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hana Jaworek, Vladimira Koudelakova, Ivana Oborna, Blazena Zborilova, Jana Brezinova, Dagmar Ruzickova, Jana Vrbkova, Pavla Kourilova, Marian Hajduch
Summary: The study found that HPV infection is common in both potential sperm donors and men from infertile couples. HPV infection in semen samples affects sperm parameters, while there is no association between HPV positivity in semen and fertility outcomes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Brett Nixon, John E. Schjenken, Nathan D. Burke, David A. Skerrett-Byrne, Hanah M. Hart, Geoffry N. De Iuliis, Jacinta H. Martin, Tessa Lord, Elizabeth G. Bromfield
Summary: Male infertility is a common issue, which affects about 50% of couples seeking assisted reproductive technologies. Traditional diagnostic methods have limitations, and there is a growing focus on assessing sperm quality to accurately predict male fertility. Recent advances in sperm biology and function have provided innovative approaches for diagnosing and treating male infertility.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Reproductive Biology
Himanshi Yadav, Umesh Rai, Rajeev Singh
Summary: Radiofrequency exposure can alter the morphology and physiology of germ cells, affecting sperm production and concentration, which may lead to infertility.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Andrology
Jose Moreno-Sepulveda, Osvaldo Rajmil
Summary: The prevalence of seminal HPV infection is significantly higher in infertile men compared to the general population, and is associated with male infertility, decreased sperm quality, increased DNA fragmentation, higher risk of miscarriage, and reduced chance of ongoing pregnancy in patients undergoing ART. Well-designed studies are needed to further investigate the impact of HPV on male fertility and reproductive outcomes.
Article
Andrology
Maria Teresa Villani, Daria Morini, Giorgia Spaggiari, Angela Immacolata Falbo, Beatrice Melli, Giovanni Battista La Sala, Marilina Romeo, Manuela Simoni, Lorenzo Aguzzoli, Daniele Santi
Summary: The study found that sperm motility and morphology play important roles in predicting fertilization rate, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in assisted reproductive technology. These parameters can be considered reliable tools to measure the male role in ART outcomes, potentially impacting the clinical management of infertile couples.
Review
Cell Biology
John Charles Rotondo, Carmen Lanzillotti, Chiara Mazziotta, Mauro Tognon, Fernanda Martini
Summary: Research has shown a correlation between sperm DNA methylation and male infertility, with various genes displaying differential methylation patterns in impaired spermatogenesis and reproductive dysfunction. Specifically, DNA methylation defects in MEST and H19 within imprinted genes, as well as MTHFR within non-imprinted genes, have been linked to male infertility. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and its impact on male infertility.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ferran Barrachina, Kiera Ottino, Maia Lina Elizagaray, Maria Gracia Gervasi, Leona J. Tu, Styliani Markoulaki, Raul G. Spallanzani, Diane Capen, Dennis Brown, Maria Agustina Battistone
Summary: Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining the tolerogenic state of the testis and epididymis. Depletion of Tregs leads to autoimmune orchitis and epididymitis, affecting sperm production and leading to fertility defects. Understanding these immunoregulatory mechanisms could aid in the development of new treatments for male infertility and immunocontraception.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rita I. Pacheco, Maria I. Cristo, Sandra I. Anjo, Andreia F. Silva, Maria Ines Sousa, Renata S. Tavares, Ana Paula Sousa, Teresa Almeida Santos, Mariana Moura-Ramos, Francisco Caramelo, Bruno Manadas, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Sandra Gomes Amaral
Summary: The global trend of rising (male) infertility is concerning. This study aimed to understand unknown origin male infertility (UOMI) by evaluating the male gamete. The study found that idiopathic (ID) patients had the worst sperm functional profile, while unexplained male infertility (UMI) patients were similar to controls. Proteomic analysis identified several differentially expressed proteins in ID and UMI samples. SACA4 and LAMB2 were identified as potential biomarkers for distinguishing ID and UMI patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giampiero Ferraguti, Francesca Fanfarillo, Luigi Tarani, Giovanna Blacona, Francesca Tarani, Christian Barbato, Antonio Minni, Massimo Ralli, Silvia Francati, Antonio Greco, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore
Summary: Infertility is a global health issue defined by the WHO as the inability to establish a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Male infertility can be caused by congenital or acquired factors and its therapeutic approach depends on the underlying causes. Recent studies suggest a potential role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in male reproductive physiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Naina Kumar, Amit Kant Singh
Summary: Adverse environmental factors have a significant impact on semen quality and can cause male infertility. These factors include air pollution, chemicals, heat exposure, and heavy metals. By changing lifestyle, these risk factors can be avoided.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kara J. Turner, Eleanor M. Watson, Benjamin M. Skinner, Darren K. Griffin
Summary: Infertility is a growing issue for many couples globally. Current marker tests for male factor infertility are complex and subjective. Research into better diagnostic methods is needed, with potential in morphology and telomere distribution as investigative tools.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nicola Veronese, Damiano Pizzol, Lee Smith, Ligia J. Dominguez, Mario Barbagallo
Summary: Magnesium supplementation may significantly reduce human inflammatory markers, particularly serum CRP and NO levels.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Andrea Garolla, Gabriel Cosmin Petre, Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Luca De Toni, Amerigo Vitagliano, Andrea Di Nisio, Giuseppe Grande, Carlo Foresta
Summary: A systematic review of dietary supplements for male infertility in Italy revealed that many supplements on the market contain a blend of ingredients with negligible doses or without any evidence of efficacy. However, some ingredients have been shown to be effective on specific sperm parameters. This study can assist in selecting supplements that are more likely to be effective on specific sperm alterations.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Andrea Busnelli, Andrea Garolla, Elena Di Credico, Silvia D'Ippolito, Anna Maria Merola, Domenico Milardi, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Giovanni Scambia, Nicoletta Di Simone
Summary: This study found that sperm DNA fragmentation is significantly higher in men associated with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss, but not with infertility. These findings provide important evidence for the role of sperm DNA fragmentation in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ilaria Cosci, Luca De Toni, Francesca Vasoin De Prosperi, Carrie Bedoni, Rafael Ramirez, Grazia Buonfantino, Alberto Ferlin, Andrea Garolla
Summary: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease with negative effects on reproductive outcomes. Postponing medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is recommended, which raises concerns for infertile couples. However, a hyaluronidase-based sperm washing (IALu) procedure has shown promise in reducing HPV viral load in semen. This study presents two cases of infertile couples with persistent HPV-DNA detection in semen who achieved successful pregnancies following IALu-assisted intra-uterine insemination (IUI) cycles.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca De Toni, Ilaria Cosci, Iva Sabovic, Andrea Di Nisio, Diego Guidolin, Federica Pedrucci, Federica Finocchi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Carlo Foresta, Alberto Ferlin, Andrea Garolla
Summary: This study investigated the role of membrane cholesterol (Chol) on ABHD2-mediated human sperm chemotaxis through computational molecular modeling. The results showed that depleting Chol with cyclodextrin (CD) increased sperm migration and motility parameters, while augmenting Chol with CD:Chol had the opposite effects. Thus, Chol was suggested to inhibit P4-mediated sperm function by possibly inhibiting ABHD2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Valeria Hasenmajer, Rosario Ferrigno, Marianna Minnetti, Bianca Pellegrini, Andrea M. Isidori, Andrea Lenzi, Mariacarolina Salerno, Marco Cappa, Li Chan, Maria Cristina De Martino, Martin O. Savage
Summary: Adrenal insufficiency is a severe endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid due to impaired adrenal function or inadequate adrenal stimulation. This review focuses on rare genetic causes of primary adrenal insufficiency with isolated glucocorticoid or combined glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies, as well as rare syndromes of isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency. The diagnosis of these rare genetic forms of pediatric adrenal insufficiency is challenging due to their clinical heterogeneity and rarity, and this review aims to provide an overview of their genetic and clinical features, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
E. Delli Paoli, S. Di Chiano, D. Paoli, A. Lenzi, F. Lombardo, F. Pallotti
Summary: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a disorder characterized by peripheral androgen resistance due to androgen receptor mutations in individuals with a 46 XY karyotype. The severity of hormone resistance determines the wide variety of phenotypes. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, surgeons, and psychologists is recommended for the management of AIS, to provide support in gender identity choices and appropriate therapeutic decisions.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giuseppe Grande, Luca De Toni, Andrea Garolla, Domenico Milardi, Alberto Ferlin
Summary: Metabolomics is used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of specific diseases by analyzing low-molecular-weight metabolites in biological samples. This mini-review focuses on metabolomics studies using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to examine metabolic pathways involved in male hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy. It reveals that glycolysis, amino acid degradation, and gluconeogenesis are affected in functional hypogonadism, whereas beta-oxidation of fatty acids is not an energy source. After testosterone replacement therapy, only some metabolites are completely restored, and high levels of ketone bodies are produced in functionally hypogonadal patients, possibly leading to symptoms similar to keto flu.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Gabriel Cosmin Petre, Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Amerigo Vitagliano, Giuseppe Grande, Alberto Ferlin, Andrea Garolla
Summary: The use of nutraceutical products for male sexual enhancement, especially in treating erectile dysfunction, has a long history. Alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction are gaining popularity, with increasing interest from consumers and higher revenue for manufacturers. Dietary supplements, which are a combination of active ingredients, are mainly sold online. However, studies have not provided sufficient evidence to consider these products as a first-line therapy, raising doubts about their real effectiveness. A systematic review of the literature identified some nutraceuticals, such as Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine, that can improve male sexual function.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
C. Ceolin, A. Scala, M. Dall'Agnol, C. Ziliotto, A. Delbarba, P. Facondo, A. Citron, B. Vescovi, S. Pasqualini, S. Giannini, V. Camozzi, C. Cappelli, A. Bertocco, M. De Rui, A. Coin, G. Sergi, A. Ferlin, A. Garolla
Summary: Preliminary data suggest that bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in transgender adults before initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) compared to cisgender controls. This study examines bone metabolism in transgender adults before GAHT, along with its correlation to biochemical profile, body composition, and lifestyle habits.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
A. Garolla, A. Graziani, G. Grande, C. Ortolani, A. Ferlin
Summary: HPV infection is a common sexually transmitted disease, with more research focused on female diseases. However, understanding HPV-related diseases in males is crucial for clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Biology
Giuseppe Grande, Andrea Graziani, Luca De Toni, Andrea Garolla, Domenico Milardi, Alberto Ferlin
Summary: This article evaluates the application of proteomics and metabolomics in male hypogonadism, providing insights into their potential as post-genomic platforms. Various studies and analyses have revealed novel biomarkers for androgen activity and shed light on the pathophysiological function of testosterone using these platforms.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Gabriel Cosmin Petre, Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Andrea Di Nisio, Luca De Toni, Giuseppe Grande, Asia Mingardi, Arianna Cusmano, Paolo Spinella, Alberto Ferlin, Andrea Garolla
Summary: Infertility is a significant issue globally, and diet and lifestyle factors play a crucial role in male reproductive health. The Mediterranean diet has been found to improve sperm quality and increase the probability of normozoospermia.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesco Pallotti, Sandro C. Esteves, Fabiana Faja, Alessandra Buonacquisto, Anna Chiara Conflitti, Maria Neve Hirsch, Andrea Lenzi, Donatella Paoli, Francesco Lombardo
Summary: COVID-19 may have indirect effects on male reproductive system, but there is limited evidence to support this. Despite the low quality of available evidence, careful andrological evaluation and follow-up for men recovering from COVID-19 are still necessary.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesco Muscianisi, Carlo Foresta, Andrea Garolla
Summary: Infertility is a global health issue and male infertility accounts for 50% of the cases. Sexually transmittable infections (STI) are widely accepted as etiological factors of male infertility, and their incidence is increasing. Several reports have documented the presence of HPV in semen from infertile patients, where HPV DNA is bound to the sperm surface and affects sperm parameters, leading to infertility. Although a highly effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, there are no effective treatments to completely clear the virus. Recent studies suggest that HPV vaccination can effectively counteract HPV seminal infection in already infected patients.
MINERVA ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
