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Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental...
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Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Reproductive Medicine & Andrology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 21635

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Fernando Mazzilli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa 1038, Rome, Italy
2. AIED Center for Reproductive Medicine, Via Toscana 30, Rome, Italy
Interests: erectile dysfunction; sexual function; hypogonadism; infertility; semen analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Male Sexual and Reproductive Health is an important issue worldwide. Approximately 20–30% of adult men have at least one sexual dysfunction (SD). Among these, erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) are the most frequent. In addition, couple infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affects 15–20% of couples worldwide.

Alongside aging and organic causes, i.e., vasculogenic, neurogenic, endocrinological (as hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia), metabolic (diabetes and dyslipidemia), osteoporosis, etc., also psychological causes could impair Sexual and Reproductive Health.

In addition, also incorrect lifestyle (i.e., psychological stress, inadequate physical activity, caffeine and smoking abuse, high scrotal temperature, prolonged mobile telephone use, etc.), occupational/environmental factors and nutritional habits could play an important role both in the development of SD as well as infertility.

The investigation of all these aspects could be useful to ameliorate the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the patients.

Therefore, this Special Issue will explore SD and infertility etiology, comorbidity and management based on a combination of original research and review papers.

Topics will include epidemiology, causes, diagnosis and treatments of SD and infertility; lifestyle’s role, nutritional habits, and occupational and environmental factors on Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Dr. Fernando Mazzilli
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • male sexual dysfunction
  • reproductive health
  • erectile dysfunction
  • premature ejaculation
  • infertility
  • epidemiology
  • causes
  • diagnosis
  • treatments
  • environmental factors
  • lifestyle

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 250 KiB  
Article
Impact of Oxidative Stress on Sperm Quality in Oligozoospermia and Normozoospermia Males Without Obvious Causes of Infertility
by Linji Chen, Yusaku Mori, Shogo Nishii, Miwa Sakamoto, Makoto Ohara, Sho-Ichi Yamagishi and Akihiko Sekizawa
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7158; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237158 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Background: Male factors contribute to approximately 50% of infertile couples. However, obvious causes remain unknown in many cases. This observational study aimed to investigate the associations of clinical and lifestyle parameters with sperm parameters. Methods: This study enrolled 41 men in [...] Read more.
Background: Male factors contribute to approximately 50% of infertile couples. However, obvious causes remain unknown in many cases. This observational study aimed to investigate the associations of clinical and lifestyle parameters with sperm parameters. Methods: This study enrolled 41 men in infertile couples without obvious causes for male infertility from July 2023 to April 2024. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm number, motility, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress (OS) marker oxidation–reduction potential (ORP). Blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and systemic OS marker diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs). Skin-accumulated AGE levels were identified with an autofluorescence method. Lifestyle factors were assessed with a lifestyle questionnaire. Results: Most of the participants were under 40 years old and non-obese with normal clinical parameters. Multiple regression analyses revealed that body mass index, serum d-ROMs, and semen ORP levels were independently associated with decreased sperm number. Additionally, serum zinc and semen ORP levels were associated with sperm motility. Furthermore, serum zinc and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with sperm progressive motility and DNA fragmentation, respectively. The rest of the clinical and lifestyle factors, including skin-accumulated and serum AGE levels, were not correlated with any sperm parameters. Furthermore, serum d-ROM and semen ORP levels were not correlated with each other or any of the clinical and lifestyle factors. Conclusions: Our present study indicates that both systemic and local OS may be independently involved in sperm abnormality in healthy men without obvious causes for male infertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
13 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Prostate Dimensions and Their Impact on LUTS and Erectile Function: Is Length the Missing Link?
by Daniel Porav-Hodade, Mihai Dorin Vartolomei, Toader Septimiu Voidazan, Raul Gherasim, Iulia Andras, Ciprian Todea-Moga, Bogdan Ovidiu Feciche, Silvestru-Alexandru Big, Mártha Orsolya Katalin Ilona, Ioan Coman and Nicolae Crisan
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237123 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore potential correlations between prostate volume, LUTS, and IIEF, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between prostate dimensions—width, height, and length—and both LUTS and IIEF and to assess patients based on risk factors [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore potential correlations between prostate volume, LUTS, and IIEF, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between prostate dimensions—width, height, and length—and both LUTS and IIEF and to assess patients based on risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, and PSA levels. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted between January 2007 and December 2023, focusing on male patients over the age of 40. The study evaluated hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) through the completion of the IPSS and QoL questionnaires, sexual function using the IIEF-15, and PSA levels. Abdominal ultrasound was performed to determine prostate volume and its dimensions (width, height, and length). Results: A total of 943 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 61.89 ± 8.51 years. From the 40–49 age group to the 80–90 age group, IPSS increased from 10.29 to 14.26 points, PSA from 1.1 ng/mL to 3.05 ng/mL, and prostate volume from 23.79 mL to 41.16 mL. Meanwhile, over the same age intervals, IIEF showed a decline from 52.57 to 24.76 points. The IPSS demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with prostate volume and patient age, while showing an inverse correlation with IIEF. The only statistically significant correlation between IPSS and prostate dimensions was with the length diameter of the prostate (p = 0.011). The severity of sexual symptoms was inversely correlated with both prostate volume and age. Additionally, IIEF was negatively correlated with the width and length diameters of the prostate. Hypertension (p = 0.57), diabetes (p = 0.57), smoking (p = 0.76), and alcohol consumption (p = 0.27) did not have a statistically significant impact on IPSS, and IIEF except for cardiovascular diseases, which showed a significant correlation with IPSS in patients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms (p = 0.0001). The statistically significant correlation between cardiovascular diseases and IIEF was observed only in patients with severe symptoms (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: There is a correlation between prostate volume, IPSS, and IIEF. Only length of the prostate shows a statistically significant correlation with both IPSS and IIEF. PSA levels increase progressively with each decade of age. Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption do not have a statistically significant impact on LUTS and erectile function. Cardiovascular diseases show a correlation with patients experiencing moderate to severe LUTS, as well as with those who have severe symptoms according to the IIEF evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
15 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
The Intra-Meatal Application of Tadalafil Cream Versus Oral Administration Efficacy and Safety: Results from a Randomized, Two-Administration Route, Cross-Over Clinical Trial
by Dragoș-Mihail Trifu, Daniel-Corneliu Leucuța, Martina-Luciana Pintea-Trifu, Florin Elec, Nicolae Crișan, Dan Eniu and Ioan Coman
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(21), 6557; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13216557 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1063
Abstract
Background: Tadalafil cream, a topically administered phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5), presents a potential alternative to oral PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). This study evaluates the non-inferiority and potential superiority of tadalafil cream compared to oral tadalafil. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Background: Tadalafil cream, a topically administered phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5), presents a potential alternative to oral PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). This study evaluates the non-inferiority and potential superiority of tadalafil cream compared to oral tadalafil. Methods: This randomized controlled trial employed a cross-over design with two treatment periods of two weeks each, separated by a one-week washout phase. Thirty-five male participants aged 18–75 with diagnosed ED (International Index of Erectile Function–Erectile function: IIEF-EF score < 26) were randomized to receive either tadalafil cream or oral tadalafil. Tadalafil cream was applied topically, while tadalafil was taken orally. The primary endpoint was IIEF-EF, and secondary endpoints were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) domain scores. Adverse events and treatment preferences were also assessed. Results: Tadalafil cream showed a higher increase in sexual function across all IIEF domains compared to oral tadalafil. The lower bounds of the confidence interval [improvement: final−baseline scores between tadalafil cream and oral tadalafil 0.72 (95% CI −2.72–4.15)] were above the non-inferiority margin of −3.22, confirming tadalafil cream’s non-inferiority in the erectile function domain. In the intercourse satisfaction domain, tadalafil cream was superior to oral tadalafil. At the end of the trial, 88.57% of participants preferred tadalafil cream (95% CI 73.26%–96.79%), a result significantly above the non-inferiority margin that indicated superiority (p < 0.001). No systemic adverse events were reported for tadalafil cream, and significant differences in dizziness, headache, nasal congestion, and erythema were observed between the two treatments. Conclusions: Tadalafil cream is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, demonstrating non-inferiority and potential superiority over oral tadalafil, with a high patient preference. Its topical administration offers a promising alternative for patients, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases where oral PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated or less well tolerated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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10 pages, 1720 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Erectile Dysfunction, Self-Esteem, and Depression in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients
by Oskar Wróblewski, Edyta Skwirczyńska, Kaja Michalczyk, Samir Zaeir, Labib Zair, Klara Kraszewska, Julia Kiryk, Alicja Bobik, Anna Mikołajczyk-Kocięcka and Anita Chudecka-Głaz
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(20), 6134; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206134 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 732
Abstract
Background: The interplay between the physical and mental health of patients recovering from myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual issue, particularly among patients who have had a myocardial infarction and arterial diseases, and it significantly affects self-esteem [...] Read more.
Background: The interplay between the physical and mental health of patients recovering from myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual issue, particularly among patients who have had a myocardial infarction and arterial diseases, and it significantly affects self-esteem and overall psychological well-being. Despite significant advances in cardiac rehabilitation, the psychosocial aspects, especially those related to sexual health, remain underexplored. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between ED, self-esteem, and depression in male patients post-MI, and to assess how ED treatment affects patients’ psychological health. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 80 male patients with a confirmed MI within the last six months, aged between 35 and 77 years. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were used to assess psychological well-being, while the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was employed specifically to evaluate ED. Results: This study demonstrates a strong interdependence between mental and physical health in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients, with ED being a key factor affecting self-esteem. There is a significant negative correlation between self-esteem and depression, highlighting the importance of psychological resilience in post-MI rehabilitation. Elevated self-esteem helps mitigate depressive symptoms, contributing to improved mental health and rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusions: Older patients tend to have lower self-esteem, likely due to the presence of multiple comorbidities and a longer, more challenging recovery period post-MI. Age was a significant factor in predicting lower self-esteem, but other demographic characteristics did not have a strong influence on self-esteem, depression, or ED. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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12 pages, 230 KiB  
Article
Seminological, Hormonal and Ultrasonographic Features of Male Factor Infertility Due to Genetic Causes: Results from a Large Monocentric Retrospective Study
by Rossella Mazzilli, Simona Petrucci, Virginia Zamponi, Bianca Golisano, Giulia Pecora, Camilla Mancini, Gerardo Salerno, Laura Alesi, Ilaria De Santis, Fabio Libi, Carla Rossi, Marina Borro, Salvatore Raffa, Vincenzo Visco, Giuseppe Defeudis, Maria Piane and Antongiulio Faggiano
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(15), 4399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154399 - 27 Jul 2024
Viewed by 860
Abstract
Objectives: Evaluate the prevalence of genetic factors in a large population of infertile subjects and define the seminological, hormonal, and ultrasonographic features for each alteration. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included male partners of infertile couples undergoing genetic investigations due to oligozoospermia [...] Read more.
Objectives: Evaluate the prevalence of genetic factors in a large population of infertile subjects and define the seminological, hormonal, and ultrasonographic features for each alteration. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included male partners of infertile couples undergoing genetic investigations due to oligozoospermia or azoospermia evaluated from January 2012 to January 2022. The genetic investigations consist of karyotype, CFTR gene mutations plus variant of the IVS8-5T polymorphic trait, Y chromosome microdeletion, and Next Generation Sequencing panel to analyze genes implicated in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Results: Overall, 15.4% (72/466) of patients received a diagnosis of genetic cause of infertility. Specifically, 23 patients (31.9%) harbor mutations in the CFTR gene, 22 (30.6%) have a 47, XXY karyotype, 14 (19.4%) patients show a Y chromosome microdeletion, 7 (9.7%) have structural chromosomal anomalies, and 6 (8.3%) have CHH. Overall, 80.6% of patients were azoospermic and 19.4% oligozoospermic (sperm concentration 3.5 ± 3.8 million/mL). Almost all patients presented hormonal alterations related to the specific genotype, while the main ultrasound alterations were testicular hypoplasia, calcifications/microcalcifications, and enlarged/hyperechoic epididymis. Conclusions: The prevalence of genetic abnormalities in males of infertile couples was 15.4% in our Center. CFTR gene disease-causing variants resulted in more frequent, with various clinical features, highlighting the complexity and heterogeneity of the presentation. Other investigations are needed to understand if conditions like ring chromosomes and other translocations are related to infertility or are incidental factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
8 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Vibegron Add-on Therapy on Alpha 1-Blocker Therapy for Sexual Function and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Prospective, Open-Label Study
by Kazuki Yanagida, Daisuke Watanabe, Takahiro Yoshida, Akio Mizushima and Tohru Nakagawa
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3940; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133940 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
Background: The effect of combining an α1-adrenergic receptor blocker (α1-blocker) and the β3-adrenoceptor agonist vibegron for treating persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on sexual function remains uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background: The effect of combining an α1-adrenergic receptor blocker (α1-blocker) and the β3-adrenoceptor agonist vibegron for treating persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on sexual function remains uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of vibegron as an add-on to α1-blocker therapy on both OAB and sexual function. Methods: Forty-three patients with BPH in whom OAB symptoms were inadequately controlled by α1-blocker treatment were included in this prospective open-label study. The OAB Symptom Score (OABSS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), and Erection Hardness Score (EHS), as well as the residual urine volume and serum-free testosterone (FT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were evaluated before and 8 weeks after the daily administration of 50 mg vibegron/α1-blocker combination therapy. Results: Vibegron/α1-blocker combination therapy significantly improved the OABSS (from 6.9 ± 2.6 to 5.1 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001) and IIEF intercourse satisfaction domain (from 1.1 ± 2.3 to 1.9 ± 2.6, p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed for the IPSS, EHS, total IIEF-15 score, residual urine volume, and serum FT and CRP levels. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that vibegron/α1-blocker combination therapy improves OAB and sexual satisfaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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19 pages, 298 KiB  
Article
Illegal Use of Testosterone and Other Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids in the Population of Amateur Athletes in Wrocław, Poland—An Unfavorable Lifestyle Trend in the Population of Men of Reproductive Age
by Monika Skrzypiec-Spring, Andrzej Pokrywka, Wojciech Bombała, Daria Berezovska, Julia Rozmus, Kinga Brawańska, Konrad Nowicki, Gina Abu Faraj, Michał Rynkowski and Adam Szeląg
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3719; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133719 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1563
Abstract
Background: One factor that may negatively impact male reproductive health is the illegal use of testosterone and anabolic–androgenic steroids. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of testosterone use in recreational athletes, as well as factors associated with its use, and to determine [...] Read more.
Background: One factor that may negatively impact male reproductive health is the illegal use of testosterone and anabolic–androgenic steroids. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of testosterone use in recreational athletes, as well as factors associated with its use, and to determine the profile of a person using testosterone. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data from an anonymous, online questionnaire of men recruited from gyms, randomly selected in Wrocław, Poland, has been performed. The minimal sample size was evaluated with the univariate logistic regression model. The association between testosterone use and other factors was also evaluated with the univariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 35% of respondents used testosterone. The main purposes of testosterone use were the improvement of training effects and the improvement of body shape. The respondents most likely to use testosterone and other anabolic–androgenic steroids were men aged 26–35, whose earnings were at the level of the middle class or higher, who were married, had children, had training experience of at least 6 months, exercised at least once a week, took part in weightlifting competitions, were managers in a corporation or enterprise, or were self-employed. Most of the people using testosterone had self-treated side effects. Conclusions: The profile of the person most likely to use testosterone corresponds to the characteristics of men in optimal socio-demographic conditions for reproduction. These results indicate that this is a significant social problem that may impact male reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
17 pages, 2867 KiB  
Article
Muscle Strength and Male Sexual Function
by Anders Flataker Viken, Silver Peeter Siiak, Vivi Schlünssen, Elin Helga Thorarinsdottir, Svein Magne Skulstad, Sanjay Gyawali, Randi Jacobsen Bertelsen and Francisco Gómez Real
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020426 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 5601
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction, in particular erectile dysfunction, is a common complaint among aging men. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking are shown to be independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction, while cardiorespiratory fitness is shown to be protective. Less is known about the role of [...] Read more.
Sexual dysfunction, in particular erectile dysfunction, is a common complaint among aging men. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking are shown to be independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction, while cardiorespiratory fitness is shown to be protective. Less is known about the role of muscle strength in male sexual function. Our objective was to study the association between male sexual function and typical cardiovascular risk factors, together with exercise and muscle strength. We included data from the fourth wave of the RHINE study. Data on anthropometrics, exercise habits, diseases, muscle strength, and sexual function were collected using questionnaires, including the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to measure the association between sexual function and body mass index (BMI), age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, exercise and muscle strength status. We included 2116 men aged 48–75 from four Nordic-Baltic countries. BMI, age, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension were found to be associated with higher odds of reporting decreased sexual function, while reporting intact muscle strength was associated with lower odds. In a large Nordic-Baltic male study population, we show that known cardiovascular risk factors are associated with decreased sexual function, while reporting intact muscle strength is associated with lower odds of reporting decreased sexual function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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11 pages, 857 KiB  
Article
Impact of Internet Addiction, Social Media Use and Online Pornography on the Male Sexual Function in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Anna Pawlikowska-Gorzelańczyk, Daniel Fichte, Julia Rozmus, Piotr Roder, Remigiusz Flakus, Ewa Szuster, Kinga Brawańska, Małgorzata Biernikiewicz, Małgorzata Sobieszczańska, Agnieszka Rusiecka and Dariusz Kałka
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(19), 6407; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12196407 - 8 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3150
Abstract
Over recent decades, the use of the Internet has dramatically increased, both for professional purposes and entertainment. We investigated the link between social media use, video games, dating apps, and pornography on men’s sexual health, which makes life easier, but also carries potential [...] Read more.
Over recent decades, the use of the Internet has dramatically increased, both for professional purposes and entertainment. We investigated the link between social media use, video games, dating apps, and pornography on men’s sexual health, which makes life easier, but also carries potential threats. Online surveys including The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale questionnaires were spread to young, sexually active men. We asked about demographics, sexual activity, and the use of social media, video games, dating apps, and pornography. We enrolled 702 men aged 18 to 60 years (mean 24.06 ± 5.70). In general, 1.6% of men were exposed to social media addiction. Social media addiction had a negative impact on IIEF scores, while pornography in general had no impact on men’s sexual health. However, more extensive use of pornography was correlated with lower IIEF scores. A negative impact of dating apps use on the IIEF score was also found but the correlation was weak (p = 0.049). No correlation was found between playing games and IIEF. We conclude that social media addiction negatively affected men’s sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of strategies for the safe use of the Internet and dissemination of this knowledge through social media campaigns can help young people to recognize the first symptoms of social media addiction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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13 pages, 1617 KiB  
Article
Paternal Age Matters: Association with Sperm Criteria’s- Spermatozoa DNA Integrity and Methylation Profile
by Marwa Lahimer, Debbie Montjean, Rosalie Cabry, Severine Capelle, Elodie Lefranc, Véronique Bach, Mounir Ajina, Habib Ben Ali, Hafida Khorsi-Cauet and Moncef Benkhalifa
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(15), 4928; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12154928 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4737
Abstract
Advanced age has been reported to negatively affect sperm parameters and spermatozoa DNA integrity. A decline in sperm criteria was also associated with altered epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation with a potential downstream impact on in vitro fertilization success and clinical outcomes. [...] Read more.
Advanced age has been reported to negatively affect sperm parameters and spermatozoa DNA integrity. A decline in sperm criteria was also associated with altered epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation with a potential downstream impact on in vitro fertilization success and clinical outcomes. The aim of the present retrospective study was to clarify the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and sperm parameters, DNA integrity and DNA methylation profile. A total of 671 patients consulting for infertility underwent sperm analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment and methylation level measurement. The principal finding was that individuals over 40 years of age exhibit a significant increase in DNA fragmentation levels compared to the younger group (15% versus 9%, respectively, p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in DNA decondensation and sperm parameters in association with APA. In addition, a drop in the global methylation level was also found in men over 40 years (6% in the young group versus 2% in the old group, p = 0.03). As a conclusion, men over 40 years are at higher risk of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation and lower methylation level. Based on these observations, it is recommended that the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation should be taken into consideration particularly after the age of 40. Our findings support the idea that paternal age is a crucial factor that should not be neglected during fertility evaluation and treatment since it is associated with epigenetics changes in sperm. Although the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified, we believe that environmental and professional exposure factors are likely involved in the process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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Review

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18 pages, 1548 KiB  
Review
The Smoky Impact of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors on Testicular Function
by Federica Barbagallo, Maria Rita Assenza, Filippo Torrisi, Alessandra Buonacquisto and Francesco Pallotti
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 5097; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13175097 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1288
Abstract
Smoking habits (from classic cigarettes to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco) are a relatively common finding in the medical histories of couples referred to fertility centers. Tobacco smoke and e-cigarettes may deliver many substances with known harmful effects on both general and reproductive health, [...] Read more.
Smoking habits (from classic cigarettes to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco) are a relatively common finding in the medical histories of couples referred to fertility centers. Tobacco smoke and e-cigarettes may deliver many substances with known harmful effects on both general and reproductive health, including nicotine. Nicotinic Acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) form a heterogeneous family of ion channels that are differently expressed in different tissues. According to the homomeric or heteromeric combination of at least five different subunits (named from α to ε), they have peculiar pharmacological and biophysical properties. nAChRs respond to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which influences a number of physiological functions not restricted to neurons and plays an important role in the structure and function of non-neuronal tissues such as the testis. nAChRs are also the target of Nicotine, the active element responsible for tobacco addiction. This review summarizes recent findings on the involvement of nAChRs in testicular physiology, highlighting the effects of nicotine exposure observed in animal studies and clinical settings. We will discuss the latest data on fertility outcomes and the implications for understanding nAChR functions in reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical Aspects, Metabolic Profile, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle)
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