An overview on role of some trace elements in human reproductive health, sperm function and fertilization process

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdiyeh Mirnamniha ◽  
Fereshteh Faroughi ◽  
Eisa Tahmasbpour ◽  
Pirooz Ebrahimi ◽  
Asghar Beigi Harchegani
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Antioxidative Properties ◽  
Human Reproductive

Abstract Human semen contains several trace elements such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) which are necessary for reproductive health, normal spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, motility and capacitation, as well as normal sperm function. In this review, the potential role of these trace elements in male reproductive health, normal function of spermatozoa and fertility potency were considered. We selected and reviewed articles that considered crucial roles of trace elements in human sperm function and fertility. Ca is essential for sperm motility and its hyperactivation, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, as well as sperm chemotaxis. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are involved in sperm motility and capacitation. Mg is necessary for normal ejaculation, spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Zn is one of the most significant nutrients in human semen. Seminal deficiency of Zn can be associated with delayed testicular development, impaired spermatogenesis, deficiency of sex hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation, and apoptosis. Se is another significant element which has antioxidative properties and is essential for spermatogenesis and the maintenance of male fertility. Mn is a potent stimulator for sperm motility; however, increased level of seminal plasma Se can be toxic for sperm. Like Se, Cu has antioxidative properties and has a positive effect on sperm parameters. Decreased level of these trace elements can negatively affect human reproductive health, semen quality, sperm normal function and as the result, fertility potency in men. Measurement of these trace elements in men with idiopathic infertility is necessary.

scholarly journals Chlamydia trachomatisand Genital Mycoplasmas: Pathogens with an Impact on Human Reproductive Health

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunčanica Ljubin-Sternak ◽  
Tomislav Meštrović
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Preterm Labor ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Membrane Rupture ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Tubal Factor ◽  
Genital Mycoplasmas

The most prevalent, curable sexually important diseases are those caused byChlamydia trachomatis(C. trachomatis) and genital mycoplasmas. An important characteristic of these infections is their ability to cause long-term sequels in upper genital tract, thus potentially affecting the reproductive health in both sexes. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility (TFI), and ectopic pregnancy (EP) are well documented complications ofC. trachomatisinfection in women. The role of genital mycoplasmas in development of PID, TFI, and EP requires further evaluation, but growing evidence supports a significant role for these in the pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis, premature membrane rupture, and preterm labor in pregnant woman. BothC. trachomatisand genital mycoplasmas can affect the quality of sperm and possibly influence the fertility of men. For the purpose of this paper, basic, epidemiologic, clinical, therapeutic, and public health issue of these infections were reviewed and discussed, focusing on their impact on human reproductive health.

scholarly journals Role of Uric Acid in Semen

Biomolecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleem Banihani
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Free Radicals ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
English Language ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Fertilizing Ability ◽  
Research Studies

Since 1963, various research studies and reports have demonstrated the role of uric acid (2,6,8-trihydroxypurine), an end product of adenosine and guanosine catabolism, on semen quality and sperm function. However, this effect has not yet been collectively discussed, even though uric acid has been a well-recognized constituent in semen. Here, we systematically and comprehensively discuss and summarize the role/effect of uric acid in semen quality by searching the main databases for English language articles considering this topic. Additionally, certain significant and relevant papers were considered to support discussions and perceptions. In conclusion, uric acid contributes to maintaining and enhancing sperm motility, viability, and morphology; therefore, protecting sperm function and fertilizing ability. This contribution is performed mainly by neutralizing the damaging effect of oxidizing (e.g., endogenous free radicals and exogenous toxins) and nitrating agents and enhancing certain bioactive enzymes in spermatozoa. In contrast, high levels of uric acid may induce adverse effects to sperm function, at least in part, by reducing the activity of vital enzymes in spermatozoa. However, further research, mainly clinical, is still required to fully explore the role/effect of uric acid in semen.

Posttranslational lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation of human sperm tail proteins affects motility

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 494-503
Author(s):  
Yi-min Cheng ◽  
Zhen Peng ◽  
Hou-yang Chen ◽  
Ting-ting Pan ◽  
Xiao-nian Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Natural Science ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Mature Sperm ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Sperm Tail ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Penetration Ability ◽  
Tail Proteins

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Does lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, a newly identified protein posttranslational modification (PTM), occur in human sperm and affect human sperm function? SUMMARY ANSWER Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation mainly occurs in human sperm tail proteins, and excessive lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation affects human sperm motility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PTM is regarded as an important pathway in regulating sperm function since mature sperm are almost transcriptionally silent. However, only phosphorylation was extensively studied in mature sperm to date. Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, a newly characterised PTM, is broadly conserved in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Although histone lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation has been shown to be associated with active gene expression in spermatogenic cells, the presence, regulatory elements and function of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation have not been characterised in mature sperm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Sperm samples were obtained from normozoospermic men and asthenozoospermic men who visited the reproductive medical centre at Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China, between May 2017 and November 2018. In total, 58 normozoospermic men and 65 asthenozoospermic men were recruited to participate in this study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation was examined using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays using a previously qualified pan anti-lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation antibody. The immunofluorescence assay was imaged using super-resolution structured illumination microscopy. Sperm viability was examined by using the eosin staining method, and sperm motility parameters were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm penetration ability was determined by evaluating the ability of the sperm to penetrate a 1% (w/v) methylcellulose solution. The level of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was detected using a rapid bioluminescent ATP assay kit. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation was present in several proteins (20–100 kDa) mainly located in the tail of human sperm. Sperm lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation was derived from 2-hydroxyisobutyrate (2-Hib) and was regulated by acyltransferase P300 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent lysine deacylase sirtuins. Elevation of sperm lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation by 2-Hib decreased total motility, progressive motility, penetration ability and ATP level of human sperm. Interestingly, the level of sperm lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation was higher in asthenozoospermic men than that in normozoospermic men and was negatively correlated with the progressive motility of human sperm. Furthermore, high levels of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation in asthenozoospermic men accompanied decreased ATP levels. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the present study indicated the involvement of sperm lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation in regulating human sperm motility, the underlying mechanism needs to be further illustrated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study provide insight into the novel role of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation in human sperm and suggest that abnormality of sperm lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation may be one of the causes for asthenozoospermia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) National Natural Science Foundation of China (81771644 to T.L. and 81871207 to H.C.); Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi province (20171ACB21006). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals The role of partners in promoting self-care for misoprostol and subcutaneous DMPA in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qudsia Uzma ◽  
Nausheen Hamid ◽  
Rizwana Chaudhri ◽  
Nadeem Mehmood ◽  
Atiya Aabroo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Reproductive Health Services

Abstract Background Pakistan is among a number of countries facing protracted challenges in addressing maternal mortality with a concomitant weak healthcare system complexed with inequities. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) self-care interventions offer the best solution for improving access to quality healthcare services with efficiency and economy. This manuscript documents country experience in introducing and scaling up two selected SRHR self-care interventions. A prospective qualitative study design was used and a semi-structured questionnaire was shared with identified SRHR private sector partners selected through convenience and purposive sampling. The two interventions include the use of misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage and the use of subcutaneous depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) as injectable contraceptive method. Data collection was done through emails and telephone follow-up calls. Results Nine of the 13 partners consulted for the study responded. The two selected self-care interventions are mainly supported by private sector partners (national and international nongovernmental organizations) having national or subnational existence. Their mandates include all relevant areas, such as policy advocacy, field implementation, trainings, supervision and monitoring. A majority of partners reported experience related to the use of misoprostol; it was introduced more than a decade ago, is registered and is procured by both public and private sectors. Subcutaneous DMPA is a new intervention, having been introduced only recently, and commodity availability remains a challenge. It is being delivered through health workers/providers and is not promoted as a self-administered contraceptive. Community engagement and awareness raising is reported as an essential element of successful field implementation; however, no beneficiary data was collected for the study. Training approaches differ considerably, are standalone or integrated with SRHR topics and their duration varies between 1 and 5 days, covering a range of cadres. Conclusion Pubic sector ownership and patronage is essential for introducing and scaling up self-care interventions as a measure to support the healthcare system in delivering quality sexual and reproductive health services. Supervision, monitoring and reporting are areas requiring further support, as well as the leadership and governance role of the public sector. Standardization of trainings, community awareness, supervision, monitoring and reporting are required together with integration of self-care in routine capacity building activities (pre- and in-service) on sexual and reproductive health in the country.

The Role of Afamin and Other Trace Elements in the Prediction of GDM: a Tertiary Center Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Eroğlu ◽  
Gökçen Örgül ◽  
Nazan Vanlı Tonyalı ◽  
Derya Biriken ◽  
Naci Polat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Tertiary Center

scholarly journals Trace Elements as Immunoregulators in SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karthick Dharmalingam ◽  
Amandeep Birdi ◽  
Sojit Tomo ◽  
Karli Sreenivasulu ◽  
Jaykaran Charan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Trace Elements ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Antioxidants Activity ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Downstream Processes

AbstractNutritional deficiency is associated with impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. The complex interactions of trace elements with the macromolecules trigger the effective immune response against the viral diseases. The outcome of various viral infections along with susceptibility is affected by trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, etc. due to their immuno-modulatory effects. Available electronic databases have been comprehensively searched for articles published with full text available and with the key words “Trace elements”, “COVID-19”, “Viral Infections” and “Immune Response” (i.e. separately Zn, Se, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Cr, Li, Ni, Co) appearing in the title and abstract. On the basis of available articles we have explored the role of trace elements in viral infections with special reference to COVID-19 and their interactions with the immune system. Zinc, selenium and other trace elements are vital to triggerTH1 cells and cytokine-mediated immune response for substantial production of proinflammatory cytokines. The antiviral activity of some trace elements is attributed to their inhibitory effect on viral entry, replication and other downstream processes. Trace elements having antioxidants activity not only regulate host immune responses, but also modify the viral genome. Adequate dietary intake of trace elements is essential for activation, development, differentiation and numerous functions.

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