Infertility incidence is rising worldwide, with male infertility accounting for about 50% of cases. To date, several factors have been associated with male infertility; in particular, it has been suggested that semen microbiota may play a role. Here, we report the NGS-based analyses of 20 semen samples collected from men with (Case) and without (Control) semen alterations. Genomic DNA was extracted from each collected sample, and a specific PCR was carried out to amplify the V4-V6 regions of the 16S rRNA. Sequence reactions were carried out on the MiSeq and analyzed by specific bioinformatic tools. We found a reduced richness and evenness in the Case versus the Control group. Moreover, specific genera, the , the and the were significantly increased in the Case compared to the Control group. Finally, we highlighted a correlation between the microbial profile and semen hyperviscosity. Even if further studies are required on larger groups of subjects to confirm these findings and explore mechanistic hypotheses, our results confirm the correlation between semen features and seminal microbiota. These data, in turn, may open the way to the possible use of semen microbiota as an attractive target for developing novel strategies for infertility management.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10298125 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes14061228 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Screening for transcriptomic associations with Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome.
BMC Vet Res
January 2025
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Swine, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 112, D-35392, Giessen, Germany.
Background: The recently identified swine inflammation and necrosis syndrome (SINS) affects tail, ears, teats, coronary bands, claws and heels of affected individuals. The primarily endogenous syndrome is based on vasculitis, thrombosis, and intimal proliferation, involving defence cells, interleukins, chemokines, and acute phase proteins and accompanied by alterations in clinical chemistry, metabolome, and liver transcriptome. The complexity of metabolic alterations and the influence of the boar led to hypothesize a polygenic architecture of SINS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFShort and long-term effects of experimental varicocele.
Andrology
January 2025
Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background: Varicocele is associated with a progressive decrease in male fertile potential, but it has yet to be determined if the duration of varicocele is associated with altered sperm functional quality.
Objectives: This experimental study investigated the time-dependent effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and sperm functional traits.
Materials And Methods: Thirty-five mature male Wistar rats (200 ± 25 g) were included.
Impact of Ultraviolet C Radiation on Male Fertility in Rats: Suppression of Autophagy, Stimulation of Gonadotropin-Inhibiting Hormone, and Alteration of miRNAs.
Int J Mol Sci
January 2025
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
While ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation has beneficial applications, it can also pose risks to living organisms. Nevertheless, a detailed assessment of UVC radiation's effects on mammalian male reproductive physiology, including the underlying mechanisms and potential protective strategies, has not yet been accomplished. This study aimed to examine the critical roles of oxidative stress, autophagy, reproductive hormonal axis, and microRNAs in UVC-induced reproductive challenges in male rats.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFluoxetine Mitigates Human Sperm Quality by Disrupting the Antioxidant Defense System and Altering the Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes: An In Vitro Study.
Reprod Sci
January 2025
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom, 3716146611, Iran.
Fluoxetine is used in the management of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and can cause sexual side effects by changing the homeostasis of sex hormones and increasing oxidative stress. Since many men who take fluoxetine are of reproductive age and sperm are exposed to fluoxetine for a considerable time, this study aimed to examine the in vitro effects of fluoxetine on human sperm biochemical markers and sperm parameters. Semen samples from 30 fertile men were divided into three groups: a positive control group, a negative control group and a fluoxetine-treated group.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPFAS Exposure and Male Reproductive Health: Implications for Sperm Epigenetics.
Semin Reprod Med
January 2025
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants found in human tissues and persist in the environment, posing significant risks to reproductive health. This review examines the impact of PFAS exposure on male reproductive health, with a focus on sperm epigenetics. PFASs disrupt endocrine function by altering key reproductive hormones and impairing sperm motility, quality, and viability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!