Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tahseen S. Sayed, Nafisa H. Balasinor, Kumari Nishi
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in male reproduction, impacting sperm function and male sexual behavior. Dysfunctional ECS is linked to the development of prostate cancer.
Article
Reproductive Biology
D. Y. Ryu, W. K. Pang, M. S. Rahman, Y. J. Park, M. G. Pang
Summary: This study aimed to discover the most efficient biomarkers among six isoforms of Prdxs, with PRDX 4 showing a significant positive correlation with litter size in spermatozoa. Regression analysis revealed PRDX4 as the best predictor for litter size, with an overall accuracy of 95% according to ROC curve analysis. Predicting high litter size using PRDX 4 led to a significant increase in litter size by 1.55 piglets.
Review
Biology
Jose Costa, Patricia C. Braga, Irene Rebelo, Pedro F. Oliveira, Marco G. Alves
Summary: Mitochondria are crucial for cellular processes, including male reproductive health. Dysfunction in mitochondrial quality control can lead to decreased sperm quality, and understanding and managing this control could be a valuable approach to combat male infertility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edrian Bumanlag, Eleonora Scarlata, Cristian O'Flaherty
Summary: Oxidative stress is a common cause of male infertility, impairing sperm motility, capacitation, and fertilization. Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) protects sperm against oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and repairing oxidized sperm membranes. Lack of PRDX6 leads to impaired sperm motility, elevated lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. This study found that both PRDX6 peroxidase and iPLA(2) activities are essential for male-mouse fertility.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jing Lu, Long Xie, Kai Liu, Xuming Zhang, Xian Wang, Xiaolin Dai, Youdan Liang, Yi Cao, Xiaofang Li
Summary: Bilobalide is a natural compound from Ginkgo biloba leaves with a wide range of pharmacological activities, particularly neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown its good absorption and bioavailability.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yoo-Jin Park, Won-Ki Pang, Myung-Geol Pang
Summary: By integrating and analyzing genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data from sperm, this study reveals that the molecular pathways driving sperm fertility in mammals vary across species. The identification of species-specific signaling pathways may lead to the discovery of fertility-related biomarkers within large omics datasets.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhaolan Wei, Yunyi Wang, Shuwei Wang, Jing Xie, Qi Han, Mingqing Chen
Summary: Exposure to microplastics has negative effects on the reproductive systems and fertility of mice. Male mice experience reduced sperm quantity and increased sperm deformity, while female mice experience decreased ovary size and follicle number. Additionally, microplastic exposure alters hormone levels and leads to reduced pregnancy rates and fewer embryos in mice.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Zhaolei Peng, Jing Lu, Kai Liu, Long Xie, Yulin Wang, Chunyan Cai, Dejun Yang, Jingjing Xi, Chunmei Yan, Xiaofang Li, Mingyi Shi
Summary: Hypericin, derived from St. John's wort, has been used in clinical practice for wound healing and depression. This article reviews its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety, highlighting its excellent anticancer, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial effects when activated by light. The mechanisms of action involve cell death induction, cell cycle inhibition, amine reuptake inhibition, and virus replication inhibition. Although hypericin has low bioavailability, it is safe and effective against various diseases.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Sylwia Prochowska, Skarlet Napierkowska, Bartosz Czech, Wojciech Nizanski
Summary: Computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis is an advanced tool that accurately measures sperm head parameters and distinguishes morphometric subpopulations. This study aims to evaluate the differences in morphometric parameters of spermatozoa from non-pedigree and purebred domestic cats and to check the relationship between sperm morphometry and fertility.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Eun-Ju Jung, Woo-Jin Lee, Ju-Mi Hwang, Jeong-Won Bae, Woo-Sung Kwon
Summary: Ritonavir (RTV), an anti-viral agent, has been identified as an important treatment for COVID-19. However, previous studies have shown that RTV has toxic effects on various cell types. This study found that RTV has negative effects on sperm function and male fertility, potentially through abnormal increase in AKT phosphorylation and tyrosine phosphorylation levels.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jeong-Won Bae, Woo-Sung Kwon
Summary: Bifenthrin has detrimental effects on sperm function and fertilization process, including decreased motility and kinematic parameters, altered capacitation status, reduced intracellular ATP levels, increased phosphorylation of PKA substrates, decreased phosphorylation of tyrosine substrates, and impaired blastocyst formation.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lyndal Hulse, Chiara Palmieri, Kenneth W. Beagley, Rebecca Larkin, Tamara Keeley, Jaime Gosalvez, Stephen D. Johnston
Summary: The study suggests that Chlamydia infection and inflammation may not be the predominant reason for disruption to spermatogenesis in wild koalas, with testicular degeneration and atrophy appearing to be the primary cause of decreased sperm concentration, regardless of Chlamydia infection.
Review
Reproductive Biology
Gabriela Hernandez-Silva, Pedro Caballero-Campo, Mayel Chirinos
Summary: Advances in transcriptomic technologies have provided valuable information on the role of spermatozoal RNA in sperm physiology, but no new male fertility biomarkers have emerged yet. This review summarizes current knowledge on the potential relevance of certain mRNA as biomarkers, focusing on comparative studies of human spermatozoa transcriptomic profiles. The cross-analysis of three studies on the transcriptome of asthenozoospermic semen samples revealed 100 consistently differentially expressed transcripts, which could contribute to characterizing the molecular source of this sperm anomaly.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Shelley E. S. Sandmaier, Teresa Shepard, Andy Reeves, Kaytlin Bohr, Jessi Krebs, Jason R. Herrick
Summary: The Philippine crocodile is critically endangered due to threats from agriculture and fishing. A study on sperm production in male Philippine crocodiles found that peak production occurs from January to July, with abnormal morphology including a bent tail being the most common issue. Understanding reproductive biology is important for the development of breeding techniques in captivity.
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Claire Campion, Arun Rajamohan, Michael E. Dillon
Summary: Bumble bee populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, pesticides, pathogens, and climate change. The impact of climate change on bumble bees' local abundance and geographic range is still unclear. While worker bumble bees have high heat tolerance, exposure to temperature extremes can reduce the fertility of male bumble bees.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lars Bjorndahl, Jackson Kirkman Brown
Summary: The principles of basic semen investigation are crucial for obtaining reliable and internationally comparable results. However, many studies and practices in reproductive medicine fail to adhere to these principles, leading to a lack of comparable data and accuracy. To address this issue, the sixth edition of the WHO manual introduces revised methods and a complementary formal standard from the International Standards Organization. The new edition also reintroduces the four-category distinction of sperm motility and emphasizes the importance of semen examination for assessing male reproductive functions and overall male health.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Christopher L. R. Barratt, Christina Wang, Elisabetta Baldi, Igor Toskin, James Kiarie, Dolores J. Lamb
Summary: This article introduces the changes and improvements in laboratory methods for semen evaluation over the past 40 years, as well as the potential advancements in new technologies and diagnostic approaches that may alter routine semen analysis methods in the future. The article also discusses potential advances that could significantly impact the field of andrology in the future.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Christina Wang, Michael Mbizvo, Mario P. Festin, Lars Bjorndahl, Igor Toskin
Summary: This article highlights the importance and the latest edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. The manual aims to standardize semen analysis procedures to assess male reproductive function and health, while providing up-to-date information on laboratory procedures.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Franz S. Gruber, Zoe C. Johnston, Neil R. Norcross, Irene Georgiou, Caroline Wilson, Kevin D. Read, Ian H. Gilbert, Jason R. Swedlow, Sarah Martins da Silva, Christopher L. R. Barratt
Summary: This study utilized a high-throughput screening platform to identify compounds that can enhance sperm motility, providing a promising starting point for male fertility drug discovery.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Claudia Massarotti, Julia Uraji, Zoya Enakshi Ali, Munevver Serdarogullari, Sofia Makieva, George Liperis, Florian Kohlhepp, Juan J. Fraire-Zamora, Omar Farhan Ammar, Christopher Barratt, Sarah Martins da Silva, Mina Mincheva
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Zoe C. Johnston, Franz S. Gruber, Sean G. Brown, Neil R. Norcross, Jason Swedlow, Ian H. Gilbert, Christopher L. R. Barratt
Summary: Despite recent advances, there is still incomplete understanding of male infertility and male non-hormonal contraceptives. Direct observation of compounds' effects on sperm function can increase knowledge and advance the field.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lars Bjorndahl
Summary: The WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen is a globally recognized authoritative source on semen examination techniques. It focuses on male infertility factors and medical assisted reproduction, with adjustments made to improve efficacy and user-friendliness, as well as incorporating more data on couples preparing for pregnancy.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eva Gumerova, Christopher J. De Jonge, Christopher L. R. Barratt
Summary: This study investigated the research funding for male reproductive health and infertility from UK and USA government funding agencies. The results showed no significant difference in funding grants between male-based and female-based research categories. This is the first study examining funding granted by main government research agencies for male reproductive health.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lars Bjorndahl, Christopher L. R. Barratt, David Mortimer, Ashok Agarwal, Robert J. Aitken, Juan G. Alvarez, Natalie Aneck-Hahn, Stefan Arver, Elisabetta Baldi, Lluis Bassas, Florence Boitrelle, Riana Bornman, Douglas T. Carrell, Jose A. Castilla, Gerardo Cerezo Parra, Jerome H. Check, Patricia S. Cuasnicu, Sally Perreault Darney, Christiaan de Jager, Christopher J. De Jonge, Joel R. Drevet, Erma Z. Drobnis, Stefan S. Du Plessis, Michael L. Eisenberg, Sandro C. Esteves, Evangelini A. Evgeni, Alberto Ferlin, Nicolas Garrido, Aleksander Giwercman, Ilse G. F. Goovaerts, Trine B. Haugen, Ralf Henkel, Lars Henningsohn, Marie-Claude Hofmann, James M. Hotaling, Piotr Jedrzejczak, Pierre Jouannet, Niels Jorgensen, Jackson C. Kirkman Brown, Csilla Krausz, Maciej Kurpisz, Ulrik Kvist, Dolores J. Lamb, Hagai Levine, Kate L. Loveland, Robert McLachlan, Ali Mahran, Liana Maree, Sarah Martins da Silva, Michael T. Mbizvo, Andreas Meinhardt, Roelof Menkveld, Sharon T. Mortimer, Sergey Moskovtsev, Charles H. Muller, Maria Jose Munuce, Monica Muratori, Craig Niederberger, Cristian O'Flaherty, Rafael Oliva, Willem Ombelet, Allan A. Pacey, Michael A. Palladino, Ranjith Ramasamy, Liliana Ramos, Nathalie Rives, Eduardo Rs Roldan, Susan Rothmann, Denny Sakkas, Andrea Salonia, Maria Cristina Sanchez-Pozo, Rosanna Sapiro, Stefan Schlatt, Peter N. Schlegel, Hans-Christian Schuppe, Rupin Shah, Niels E. Skakkebaek, Katja Teerds, Igor Toskin, Herman Tournaye, Paul J. Turek, Gerhard van der Horst, Monica Vazquez-Levin, Christina Wang, Alex Wetzels, Theodosia Zeginiadou, Armand Zini
Summary: Biomedical science is making rapid progress in terms of transparency, openness, and reproducibility of scientific publications, particularly in studies based on human semen examination. Two recent documents, the 6th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, and the International Standard ISO 23162:2021, provide guidelines for authors to follow these laboratory methods and use a checklist to ensure the reliability of their studies when publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Neil R. Norcross, Irene Georgiou, Zoe C. Johnston, Franz S. Gruber, Jason R. Swedlow, Kevin D. Read, Christopher LR. Barratt, Ian H. Gilbert
Summary: This article discusses the need for male contraceptives and explores the characteristics and potential development pathways of male contraceptives. It also examines various approaches to discovering male contraceptives and highlights potential targets discussed in the literature.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Christopher J. De Jonge, Steven A. Gellatly, Monica H. Vazquez-Levin, Christopher L. R. Barratt, Satu Rautakallio-Hokkanen
Summary: This study provides the first multinational population data on men's feelings about infertility, their motivations to seek help, and their awareness of support resources and information. The findings also highlight significant gaps in male reproductive health care and support for infertility.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Sarah Kimmins, Richard A. Anderson, Christopher L. R. Barratt, Hermann M. Behre, Sarah R. Catford, Christopher J. De Jonge, Geraldine Delbes, Michael L. Eisenberg, Nicolas Garrido, Brendan J. Houston, Niels Jorgensen, Csilla Krausz, Ariane Lismer, Robert I. Mclachlan, Suks Minhas, Tim Moss, Allan Pacey, Laerke Priskorn, Stefan Schlatt, Jacquetta Trasler, Leonardo Trasande, Frank Tuettelmann, Monica Hebe Vazquez-Levin, Joris A. Veltman, Feng Zhang, Moira K. O'Bryan
Summary: Currently, there is a lack of understanding and awareness about the causes of male infertility and the importance of male reproductive health. This leads to standardized treatment strategies using medically assisted reproduction techniques, which overlook the potential co-morbidities and shift the burden to women. To improve male reproductive health, it is essential to establish centers for data and sample collection and study the effects of genetics, epigenetics, and environment on fertility and offspring health. Personalized treatment protocols should be developed and education about infertility should be increased.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Christina Wang, Maria Cristina Meriggiola, John K. Amory, Christopher L. R. Barratt, Hermann M. Behre, William J. Bremner, Alberto Ferlin, Stanton Honig, Zsolt Kopa, Kirk Lo, Eberhard Nieschlag, Stephanie T. Page, Jay Sandlow, Regine Sitruk-Ware, Ronald S. Swerdloff, Frederick C. W. Wu, Dimitrios G. Goulis
Summary: Despite the availability of various contraceptive methods for women, the unintended pregnancy rate remains high. Only 20% of global contraceptive use is male-directed. Introducing efficient and safe male-directed methods is essential to address social changes and gender equality.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Michael P. Rimmer, Ruth A. Howie, Richard A. Anderson, Christopher L. R. Barratt, Kurt T. Barnhart, Yusuf Beebeejaun, Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla, Siladitya Bhattacharya, Lars Bjorndahl, Pietro Bortoletto, Robert E. Brannigan, Astrid E. P. Cantineau, Ettore Caroppo, Barbara L. Collura, Kevin Coward, Michael L. Eisenberg, Christian De Geyter, Dimitrios G. Goulis, Ralf R. Henkel, Vu N. A. Ho, Alayman F. Hussein, Carin Huyser, Jozef H. Kadijk, Mohan S. Kamath, Shadi Khashaba, Yoshitomo Kobori, Julia Kopeika, Tansu Kucuk, Saturnino Lujan, Thabo Christopher Matsaseng, Raj S. Mathur, Kevin McEleny, Rod T. Mitchell, Ben W. Mol, Alfred M. Murage, Ernest H. Y. Ng, Allan Pacey, Antti H. Perheentupa, Stefan Du Plessis, Nathalie Rives, Ippokratis Sarris, Peter N. Schlegel, Majid Shabbir, Maciej Smiechowski, Venkatesh Subramanian, Sesh K. Sunkara, Basil C. Tarlarzis, Frank Tuttelmann, Andy Vail, Madelon van Wely, Monica H. Vazquez-Levin, Lan N. Vuong, Alex Y. Wang, Rui Wang, Armand Zini, Cindy M. Farquhar, Craig Niederberger, James M. N. Duffy
Summary: The study aims to develop a core outcome set for future male infertility research, as existing evidence from randomized trials may be difficult to interpret due to issues such as variation in outcome measures. Stakeholders will be invited to participate in the development process using consensus science methods, and a final core outcome set will be identified through a consensus development meeting.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)