Loredana Gandini

Nicotine, cotinine, and trans-3-hydroxycotinine levels in seminal plasma of smokers: Effects on sperm parameters

Sperm samples from 44 cigarette smokers and 50 nonsmokers attending an infertility clinic were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay and HPLC-mass spectrometry for the presence of nicotine (NIC), cotinine (COT), and trans-3‘-hydroxycotinine (THOC) in seminal plasma. Smokers were found to have levels of COT and THOC in seminal plasma that were similar to those found in serum. The level of NIC was significantly increased in seminal plasma compared to serum. Total motility of spermatozoa was significantly and negatively correlated to COT and THOC levels in seminal plasma. Forward motility of spermatozoa was correlated only with cotinine semen levels. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the presence of tobacco smoke constituents in seminal plasma could provide a warning of the adverse effects of cigarette smoke on the physiology of reproduction.

Fertility and semen quality of workers exposed to high temperatures in the ceramics industry

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic occupational exposure to high temperatures may be detrimental to male reproduction. The study was based on 92 healthy ceramics oven operators with a long exposure to high temperatures, and 87 controls, recruited from the shipment department of the same industry. Interviews with all subjects provided data on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and fertility problems. Semen analysis was carried out on 46 of the workers exposed to high temperatures, and 14 of the controls, and included evaluation of the sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, including computer-assisted sperm motion analysis (velocity, linearity, ALH, BCF). The results of the questionnaire showed that exposed individuals had a higher incidence of childlessness and of self-reported difficulty in conceiving than controls. The semen analysis showed no significant differences except in sperm velocity. Although differences in semen parameters, taken singly, were not statistically significant, the overall evaluation of the sperm parameters indicated a higher prevalence of pathologic sperm profiles among the exposed compared to the controls.

The role of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of male infertility: An overview

In recent years, many studies have focused on the effect of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants on the male eproductive system. Under physiological conditions, sperm produces small amounts of ROS, which are needed for fertilisation, acrosome reaction and capacitation. However, if an increased production of ROS is not associated with a similar increase in scavenging systems, peroxidative damage of the sperm plasma membrane and loss of DNA integrity typically occur, which leads to cell death and reduced fertility. Furthermore, since there is no linear correlation between sperm quality and pregnancy rates, an improvement in semen parameters should not be the sole outcome considered in studies of antioxidant therapies. A definitive conclusion regarding the benefit of these therapies is difficult to obtain, as most of the previous studies lacked control groups, considered different antioxidants in different combinations and doses, or did not evaluate pregnancy rates in previously infertile couples. Even if beneficial effects were reported in a few cases of male infertility, more multicentre, double-blind studies performed with the same criteria are necessary for an increased understanding of the effects of various antioxidants on fertility.

Beta-chemokine receptors 5 and 3 are expressed on the head region of human spermatozoon

Induction of human sperm chemotaxis is an established phenomenon, though signaling systems physiologically involved have not been identified. Recently, it has been demonstrated that RANTES is present in the follicular fluid and that this molecule is a chemoactractant for human spermatozoa. However, the presence of ß‐chemokine receptors on human spermatozoa has never been reported. By cytometric, Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis, we demonstrate the presence of CCR5 and CCR3 on ejaculated spermatozoa from healthy subjects. CCR5 was detected in the periacrosomal region of the sperm surface, whereas CCR3 was also present in the postacrosomal cap. Individual variability was observed on CCR5 and CCR3 positive sperm percentages. Presence of Δ32+/− mutation was demonstrated in two subjects expressing CCR5 in half of the ejaculated spermatozoa. Our findings represent the missing information in favor of the possibility that ß‐chemokines and their receptors are involved in sperm chemotaxis. Identification of molecular mechanisms of sperm chemotaxis may allow us to identify predictive parameters of sperm fertilizing ability in hypofertile or infertile subjects. Finally, both CCR5 and CCR3 expressed on the sperm cell surface may be involved in HIV‐1 adhesion to spermatozoa, thus allowing these cells to perform as virion cellular carriers during sexual transmission of HIV‐1 infection.

Effect of endogenous and exogenous hormones on testicular cancer: the epidemiological evidence

Testicular cancer is the most common type of malignancy in men aged 15-40 years. Although its incidence has increased over the past 40 years in most countries, the reasons for this rise are unclear. It has been suggested that a relative excess of endogenous estrogens during prenatal life and/or later exposures to various occupational and environmental estrogenic chemicals such as organochlorine compounds may play a causal role in the etiology of testicular cancer, but the issue is still open to further research. The purpose for this review is to summarize the epidemiologic literature about hormonal factors, endogenous hormones and environmental xenoestrogens, and testicular carcinogenesis. Future studies need to (a) consider the possible synergistic effect of exposure to environmental xenoestrogens and sex hormones, (b) focus on the most vulnerable life stages of exposure to endocrine disruptors and testicular cancer risk, (c) assess the possible additive role of androgen secretion occurring during puberty in tumor progression, and (d) consider more systematically gene-environment interactions.

Follicular fluid and human granulosa cell cultures: Influence on sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of human granulosa cell (GC) cultures and follicular fluid (FF) on sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction compared with the influence of human tubal fluid (HTF) and Hams F-10 medium. DESIGN Sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction were evaluated after 6 hours of incubation in HTF, Hams F-10 medium, FF, and GC cultures. SETTING Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Centre, Reproductive Endocrinology Unit, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. PATIENT(S) Sixteen normal semen samples. INTERVENTION(S) Sperm kinetic parameters and hyperactivation were analyzed using an automated videomicrography system, the acrosome reaction was performed using a triple-stain technique, and progesterone and 17OH-progesterone levels were measured with the use of commercially available kits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction. RESULT(S) The percentage of motile sperm, the mean curvilinear velocity, and the mean of the maximum amplitude of lateral head movement were increased significantly after 6 hours of incubation in FF or GC cultures compared with incubation in HTF or Hams F-10 medium, whereas the mean linearity was decreased significantly. Follicular fluid and GC cultures significantly increased hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction compared with the values obtained using HTF and Hams F-10 medium. Progesterone and 17OH-progesterone levels were increased significantly after incubation in FF and GC cultures compared with HTF and Hams F-10 medium. CONCLUSION(S) Follicular fluid and GC cultures increase sperm motility parameters, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction. This effect may be related to GC detoxification of the microenvironement or GC secretion of peptides, glycoproteins, growth factors (insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2), or steroids (progesterone and 17OH-progesterone).

HIV-1 chemokine co-receptor CCR5 is expressed on the surface of human spermatozoa.

Viruses adhering to the sperm surface are described in the semen of HIV-1-infected individuals, although viral adhesion mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. We demonstrate, by cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy, the presence of β-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) on the periacrosomal region of ejaculated spermatozoa. CCR5 expressed on the sperm cell surface may allow sperm to act as virion cellular carriers during the sexual transmission of HIV-1 infection.

Expression and localization of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) in testicular cells

Administration of radioiodine (I131) is currently exploited for both diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of thyroid cancer. Few data are available on the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) expression in human testis, a particular important prerequisite to predict radioiodine accumulation in the gonads of males with thyroid cancer exposed to such a treatment. In this study, we analyzed the expression of NIS in mouse, rat and human normal testis in different stages of development. By using a quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis, NIS mRNA and protein were measured in both fetal and adult testicular tissues. NIS transcript was detected in both fetal and adult testis, although its expression levels were approximately 10-fold less than in thyroid gland. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry showed the presence of NIS protein in germinal and Leydig cells, but not in Sertoli cells with prevalent expression in the cytosol compartment of the cells. Our study demonstrates that NIS transcript and protein are expressed in normal testis. Further studies will demonstrate whether it may act as the transporter of radioiodine in normal testis of male patients with thyroid cancer.

Influence of CAG Repeat Polymorphism on the Targets of Testosterone Action

In the last decade, ample evidence has demonstrated the growing importance of androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat polymorphism in andrology. This genetic parameter is able to condition the peripheral effects of testosterone and therefore to influence male sexual function and fertility, cardiovascular risk, body composition, bone metabolism, the risk of prostate and testicular cancer, the psychiatric status, and the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we extensively discuss the literature data and identify a role for AR CAG repeat polymorphism in conditioning the systemic testosterone effects. In particular, our main purpose was to provide an updated text able to shed light on the many and often contradictory findings reporting an influence of CAG repeat polymorphism on the targets of testosterone action.

Study of antisperm antibodies bound to the sperm cell surface and their relationship to circulating ASA

PROBLEM: Direct and indirect tests for antisperm antibody (ASA) detection are commonly used in laboratories for the diagnosis of male immunological infertility. Even though the two kinds of tests study the same immunological phenomena, frequently no perfect correlation is found even on large series of patients and with precise statistical models. The aim of the present investigation was to try to establish whether biological models can explain the antibody test results and if a predictive threshold can be established for expected positivity/negativity.