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For the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, clinical manifestations are broad and highly heterogeneous for both sexes. We aimed to determine how biological sex and age impact immune gene expression, particularly influencing the humoral neutralizing antibody (NAb) response and the cytokine production in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) subjects. The immune gene expression, according to biological sex and age, was assessed using the genome wide expression profile of blood proteins from healthy individuals using the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Moreover, anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers and cytokine levels were determined in blood samples from 141 COVID-19 individuals from Medellín, Colombia. Among subjects with COVID-19, males had statistically significantly higher median NAb titers and serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and CC chemokine ligand 3 than females. Overall, our findings point out a more robust innate immune response in women that could help recognize and restrain the virus faster than in men.
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Objective: This proof-of-principle aims to develop an index to aid the differential diagnosis of disorders affecting testicular and/or epididymis. A total of 202 subject data were evaluated in two groups: fertile men with children naturally conceived within 1 year of unprotected intercourse (n = 36) and infertile men (n = 166) who had attempted a pregnancy more than 1 year with unprotected intercourse. Materials and methods: Semen parameters (sperm count, vitality, motility, morphology, and hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]) were evaluated. The index was calculated by dividing the percentage HOST by the percentage of sperm progressive motility in the fertile group (n = 36). Results: A normal range from 1.23 to 1.53 was determined. Using this index, the outcomes of semen analysis from infertile men were grouped in three study groups: below 1.23 (n = 24), normal (n = 44), and higher than 1.53 (n = 98). These parameters were significantly decreased in semen with normal range (p < 0.01) and in indexes higher than 1.53 (p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves compared progressive motility and morphology in infertile men with indexes higher than 1.53 shows that semen samples with normal sperm progressive motility and morphology did not suggest dysfunctions in testis and epididymis. Semen samples with asthenozoospermia suggested epididymal dysfunction (area under the curve [AUC] 0.889, confidence interval [CI] 0.783-1), whereas semen samples with teratoasthenozoospermia suggested dysfunction in both testicles and epididymis (AUC 0.891, CI 0.77-1). Conclusions: The current index proof-of-principle of the success of such a strategy provides valuable information about whether a disorder individually affects testicular and/or epididymal function.
Objetivo: Esta prueba de principio tiene como objetivo desarrollar un índice que ayude al diagnóstico diferencial de los trastornos testiculares y/o epidídimales. Métodos: Se evaluaron 202 individuos divididos en dos grupos: hombres fértiles con hijos concebidos de forma natural en el plazo no mayor a un año (n = 36) y hombres infértiles (n = 166), los cuales habían intentado un embarazo por más de un año. Se evaluaron los parámetros seminales (concentración, viabilidad, movilidad, morfología y prueba de hinchazón hipoosmótica [HOST]). El índice se calculó dividiendo el porcentaje de HOST por el porcentaje de movilidad espermática progresiva en el grupo fértil (n = 36). Resultados: Se determinó un rango normal de 1,23 a 1,53. Utilizando este índice, los resultados del análisis del semen de los hombres infértiles se agruparon en tres grupos de estudio: por debajo de 1,23 (n = 24), normal (n = 44) y superior a 1,53 (n = 98). En contraste, estos parámetros disminuyeron significativamente en el semen de rango normal (p < 0,01) y en los índices superiores a 1,53 (p < 0,0001). Las curvas ROC comparadas con la movilidad espermática progresiva y la morfología en los hombres infértiles con índices superiores a 1,53 muestran que las muestras de semen con movilidad progresiva y morfología normales no sugieren disfunciones en los testículos y epidídimos. Las muestras de semen con astenozoospermia sugerirían una disfunción del epidídimo (AUC 0,889, IC 0,783-1), mientras que las muestra de semen que presentaban teratoastenozoospermia sugerirían una disfunción tanto en los testículos como en el epidídimo (AUC 0,891, IC 0,77-1).
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Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Objective: To detect DNA of different microorganisms, in semen samples from apparently healthy men and correlate their presence with seminal quality. Methods: Semen samples from 81 healthy volunteers were collected, and semen parameters were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform technique, and the microorganisms were detected by the amplification of specific primers using polymerase chain reaction. Results: DNA from at least one of the microorganisms was detected in 78 samples. The most frequent microorganism found in semen were: Lactobacillus spp. (70%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) (36%), Streptococcus epidermidis (64%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (56%), Staphylococcus aureus (32%), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27%). The seminal parameters of all semen samples were over the lower reference values for normal semen analysis. To compare with negative samples, seminal volume was higher for the Escherichia coli positive samples and lower for Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive samples. Semen samples positive for Staphylococcus aureus had worse sperm morphology. The frequency of progressive motility was higher in positive samples for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. Positive semen samples for C. trachomatis had a higher concentration per milliliter. Conclusion: It is common to find microorganisms in semen of asymptomatic men, including those responsible for sexually transmitted infections. Antimicrobial treatment is recommended only in those individuals with a sexually transmitted infection (C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae) and always promote condom use.
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Resumen Introducción: La presencia de bacterias en semen (bacteriospermia) es una condición patológica asociada con infertilidad y con prevalencia de hasta el 35%. Objetivo: Reportar el caso de un paciente con oligoastenozoospermia manejado en la consulta de infertilidad. Caso: Paciente masculino de 33 años de edad con historia de dificultad para la concepción, antecedente de orquiectomía por torsión testicular a los 16 años, infección por Chlamydia trachomatis a los 20 años. Examen físico normal, ecografía doppler testicular con varicocele izquierdo leve. Espermograma con oligoastenozoospermia y espermocultivo en agar sangre positivo para Streptococcus spp y agar chocolate para Streptococcus spp. Se inició manejo con ampicilina Sulbactam durante 14 días y control a los 3 meses con nuevo espermograma con mejoría marcada de la concentración y la movilidad progresiva espermática. Resultado: La pareja logro un embarazo exitoso con bebe vivo en casa. Conclusión: La colonización bacteriana del semen contribuye a alteraciones de la calidad seminal, por lo tanto, determinar la presencia de bacterias en las parejas infértiles podría ser de utilidad para el mejoramiento de los parámetros seminales y lograr un embarazo exitoso.
Abstract The presence of bacteria in semen -bacteriospermia- is a pathological condition associated with infertility, which presents a prevalence of up to 35%. We describe the successful management during infertility consultation of a patient suffering from oligoasthenozoospermia. A 33-year-old male patient with a history of difficulty conceiving, a history of orchiectomy due to testicular torsion at 16 years of age, and Chlamydia trachomatis infection at 20 years of age. The physical examination showed normal results, and testicular Doppler ultrasonography presented mild left varicocele. The semen analysis reported oligoasthenozoospermia, positive semen culture on blood agar for Streptococcus spp, and positive chocolate agar for Streptococcus spp. The treatment started with ampicillin-sulbactam administration for 14 days and a check-up after three months with a new semen analysis which showed an improved concentration and progressive sperm motility. Finally, the couple achieved a successful pregnancy. Bacterial colonization of semen contributes to seminal quality alterations; therefore, determining bacteria's presence in infertile couples could help improve seminal parameters and achieve a successful pregnancy.
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CD8+ T-cells play a crucial role in the control of HIV replication. HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses rapidly expand since the acute phase of the infection, and it has been observed that HIV controllers harbor CD8+ T-cells with potent anti-HIV capacity. The development of CD8+ T-cell-based vaccine against HIV-1 has focused on searching for immunodominant epitopes. However, the strong immune pressure of CD8+ T-cells causes the selection of viral variants with mutations in immunodominant epitopes. Since HIV-1 mutations are selected under the context of a specific HLA-I, the circulation of viral variants with these mutations is highly predictable based on the most prevalent HLA-I within a population. We previously demonstrated the adaptation of circulating strains of HIV-1 to the HLA-A*02 molecule by identifying mutations under positive selection located in GC9 and SL9 epitopes derived from the Gag protein. Also, we used an in silico prediction approach and evaluated whether the mutations found had a higher or lower affinity to the HLA-A*02. Although this strategy allowed predicting the interaction between mutated peptides and HLA-I, the functional response of CD8+ T-cells that these peptides induce is unknown. In the present work, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 12 HIV-1+ HLA-A*02:01+ individuals were stimulated with the mutated and wild-type peptides derived from the GC9 and SL9 epitopes. The functional profile of CD8+ T-cells was evaluated using flow cytometry, and the frequency of subpopulations was determined according to their number of functions and the polyfunctionality index. The results suggest that the quality of the response (polyfunctionality) could be associated with the binding affinity of the peptide to the HLA molecule, and the functional profile of specific CD8+ T-cells to mutated epitopes in individuals under cART is maintained.
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Infecções por HIV , Soropositividade para HIV , HIV-1 , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos , Colômbia , Epitopos , Produtos do Gene gag , Antígenos HLA-A , Humanos , Epitopos Imunodominantes , Leucócitos Mononucleares , PeptídeosRESUMO
Introducción: Los brotes de enfermedades causados por los virus Zika (VZIK) y Chikungunya (VCHIK) representan un problema de salud pública para muchos países tropicales y subtropicales. Objetivo: Discutir las implicaciones del hallazgo del VZIK y del VCHIK en el semen, y su relación con la transmisión sexual y la fertilidad masculina. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura usando artículos indexados en PubMed (Medline), Embase y Scopus. Información, análisis y síntesis: Si bien los mosquitos del género Aedes son el vector principal y transmiten ambos virus, la transmisión sexual es una vía de infección significativa del VZIK y una posible ruta alterna para el VCHIK. La diseminación de estas arbovirosis vía linfática y sanguínea contribuye a la infección de diversos tejidos, incluyendo el tracto reproductivo masculino, donde el VZIK puede persistir. La infección de los testículos y quizás también de las glándulas accesorias del sistema reproductor masculino, se asocia con síntomas genitourinarios o alteraciones espermáticas, relacionadas con la detección del virus por largos periodos. Aunque no hay evidencia contundente sobre la presencia del VCHIK en el tracto genital masculino, se ha hallado en orina y semen. Además, se ha sugerido una posible persistencia en macrófagos que pueden infiltrar diferentes tejidos periféricos y cumplir una función de reservorio. Conclusiones: Hay presencia y persistencia de los virus Zika y Chikungunya en el tracto reproductor masculino. La infección en el semen se asocia con la transmisión sexual del virus, y con la alteración en la producción y calidad de los espermatozoides, con consecuencias clínicas graves en la salud sexual y reproductiva de los hombres infectados(AU)
Introduction: Disease outbreaks caused by Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses represent a public health problem for many tropical and subtropical countries. Objective: To discuss the implications of finding ZIKV and CHIKV in semen, and their relationship to sexual transmission and male fertility. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was carried out using articles indexed in PubMed (Medline), Embase and Scopus. Information, Analysis and Synthesis: Although Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vector and transmit both viruses, sexual transmission is a significant route of infection for ZIKV and a possible alternate route for CHIKV. Spread of these arboviruses via lymphatic and blood routes contributes to infection of various tissues, including the male reproductive tract, where ZIKV may persist. Infection of the testes and probably of the accessory glands of the male reproductive system is associated with genitourinary symptoms or sperm alterations, related to the detection of the virus for long periods. Although there is no conclusive evidence of the presence of CHIKV in the male genital tract, it has been found in urine and semen. In addition, a possible persistence in macrophages that can infiltrate different peripheral tissues and function as reservoir has been suggested. Conclusions: Zika and Chikungunya viruses can be present and persist in the male reproductive tract. Infection in semen is associated with sexual transmission of the virus and with alterations in the production and quality of spermatozoa, with serious clinical consequences in the sexual and reproductive health of infected men(AU)
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Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
La evidencia sugiere que la exposición a sustancias psicoactivas se relaciona con alteraciones en la espermatogénesis que afectan la calidad espermática. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los parámetros espermáticos en consumidores habituales de cigarrillos de marihuana. Se analizaron muestras seminales de 42 consumidores activos de cigarrillos de marihuana y de 16 voluntarios no consumidores de marihuana. Mediante un análisis de semen, se determinaron los parámetros seminales convencionales (viabilidad, movilidad, morfología, y concentración de los espermatozoides) siguiendo los lineamientos establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Adicionalmente, se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del plasma seminal mediante la determinación del porcentaje de inhibición del radical estable 1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidracilo. Los valores de la mediana de los consumidores respecto al grupo control fueron: volumen 2,98 mL versus 3,95 mL (p = 0,0221); concentración total 189 millones/mL versus 291,1 millones/mL (p = 0,0636); movilidad progresiva 50% versus 56,5% (p = 0,0052); viabilidad 65,3% versus 73,1% (p = 0,0732); y morfología normal 5% versus 7% (p = 0,0167), respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que el consumo de cigarrillos de marihuana afecta negativamente la movilidad progresiva, la morfología normal y la concentración total de espermatozoides; además, la concentración total de espermatozoides está afectada por la frecuencia del consumo de cigarrillos de marihuana.
Evidence suggests that exposure to psychoactive substances is related to spermatogenesis alterations that affect sperm quality. The objective of the present work was to determine sperm parameters in regular users of marijuana cigarettes. Seminal samples from 42 active consumers of marijuana cigarettes and 16 volunteer non-marijuana users were analyzed. Through a semen analysis, we identify conventional seminal parameters (viability, motility, morphology, and sperm concentration) according to the guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The antioxidant effect of the seminal plasma was evaluated through the determination of the percentage of inhibition of the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. The median values of consumers with respect to the control group were respectively: volume 2.98 mL versus 3.95 mL (p = 0.0221); total concentration 189 million/mL versus 291.1 million/mL (p = 0.0636); progressive motility 50% versus 56.5% (p = 0.0052); viability 65.3% versus 73.1% (p = 0.0732); and normal morphology 5% versus 7% (p = 0.0167). The results obtained in the present study indicate that the consumption of marijuana cigarettes negatively affects progressive motility, normal morphology, and total sperm concentration. In addition, the total sperm concentration is affected by the frequency of consumption of marijuana cigarettes
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Humanos , Masculino , Espermatozoides , Uso da Maconha , Padrões de Referência , Sêmen , Espermatogênese , Análise do Sêmen , Produtos do Tabaco , AntioxidantesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Male infertility is associated with altered characteristics of the sperm within the ejaculate. It is possible to find molecular explanations for the observed phenotypes and their consequences. This study aimed to analyze, using a specialized software, a gene set of transcriptomic data from different types of ejaculates. METHODS: Data from ejaculate samples categorized as normal, oligospermia, and teratozoospermia were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). After normalization, the data average for each sample category was calculated and analyzed independently using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Five important canonical pathways are involved in normal and altered semen samples (Oligospermia and teratozoospermia) except sirtuin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways. The five most important biological processes are identified in all semen phenotypes, but the only difference is the genes connected with initiation of RNA transcription in oligospermic and asthenospermic samples. CONCLUSION: Surprisingly, different types of ejaculates share many pathways and biological processes; sperm proteomics as a new global approach gives clues for the development of strategies to explain the reason for observed phenotypes of ejaculated spermatozoa, their possible effect on fertility, and for implementing research strategies in the context of infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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BACKGROUND: In health, microorganisms have been associated with the disease, although the current knowledge shows that the microbiota present in various anatomical sites is associated with multiple benefits. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the genitourinary microbiota of chronic prostatitis symptoms patients and fertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this preliminary study, ten volunteers have included 5 volunteers with symptoms of chronic prostatitis (prostatitis group) and five fertile volunteers, asymptomatic for urogenital infections (control group) matched by age. Bacterial diversity analysis was performed using the 16S molecular marker to compare the microbiota present in urine and semen samples from chronic prostatitis symptoms and fertile volunteers. Seminal quality, nitric oxide levels, and seminal and serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines were quantified. RESULTS: Fertile men present a greater variety of operational taxonomical units-OTUs in semen (67.5%) and urine (17.6%) samples than chronic prostatitis symptoms men. Chronic prostatitis symptoms men presented a higher concentration of IL-12p70 in seminal plasma. No statistically significant differences were observed in conventional and functional seminal parameters. The species diversity in semen samples was similar in healthy men than prostatitis patients, inverted Simpson index median 5.3 (5.0-10.7) vs. 4.5 (2.1-7.8, p=0.1508). Nevertheless, the microbiota present in the semen and urine samples of fertile men presents more OTUs. Less microbial diversity could be associated with chronic prostatitis symptoms. The presence of bacteria in the genitourinary tract is not always associated with the disease. Understanding the factors that affect the microbiota can implement lifestyle habits that prevent chronic prostatitis. CONCLUSION: Chronic prostatitis does not seem to affect male fertility; however, studies with a larger sample size are required. Our preliminary results strengthen the potential role; the greater bacterial diversity is a protective factor for chronic prostatitis.
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Introduction Glyphosate is an herbicide used to eradicate illicit crops; however, its use is controversial due to different health problems associated with it. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of glyphosate on human sperm in vitro. Methods Twenty-two semen samples from healthy normozoospermic men were included; 11 semen samples were incubated with Panzer (INVESA S.A., Antiquia, Colombia) and 11 with Roundup (Monsanto Company, MO, USA). The changes in motility and viability were observed. Functional seminal parameters were evaluated as well. Results The samples exposed to glyphosate showed less motility and viability; a decrease in the potential of the mitochondrial membrane was observed, and an increase in the lipoperoxidation of the membrane was evidenced. Conclusion Based on the present results, we concluded that glyphosate has cytotoxic potential for exposed people and may affect their fertility.
Introducción El glifosato es un herbicida utilizado ampliamente para la erradicación de cultivos ilícitos; sin embargo, su uso es polémico debido a diferentes problemas de salud asociados con él. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los efectos del glifosato sobre los espermatozoides humanos in vitro. Métodos Se incluyeron 22 muestras de semen de hombres sanos normozoospérmicos, de las cuales 11 se incubaron con Panzer y 11 con Roundup, y se evaluaron los cambios en la movilidad y la viabilidad espermática, además de valorar los parámetros seminales funcionales. Resultados Las muestras expuestas al glifosato presentaron una menor movilidad y viabilidad, una disminución en el potencial de la membrana mitocondrial, y un aumento en la lipoperoxidación de la membrana. Conclusiones El glifosato es potencialmente citotóxico para las personas que estén expuestas, y puede afectar su fertilidad.
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Humanos , Masculino , Espermatozoides , Potencial da Membrana Mitocondrial , Fertilidade , Sêmen , Técnicas In Vitro , Membranas Mitocondriais , Erradicação de DoençasRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the aspirin resistance prevalence in patients with previous ischemic cerebrovascular disease undergoing aspirin therapy for secondary prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred fifty patients presenting ischemic strokes and 100 healthy controls under aspirin treatment were evaluated using the optic platelet aggregation test. RESULTS: Aspirin resistance was found in 7.4% of the patients with ischemic stroke and 4% of controls. Aspirin resistance was associated with stroke recurrence in univariate analysis (p = 0.004). Aspirin resistance was not associated with smoking, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSION: Aspirin resistance is present in Colombian patients with ischemic stroke as well as in healthy controls.
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Durante las relaciones sexuales, se da el intercambio de especies bacterianas entre las parejas, siendo las relaciones sexuales un factor crucial en la modificación de la microbiota genital. En el presente artículo de reflexión, se analizó el efecto de las relaciones sexuales sobre el intercambio de la microbiota vaginal y seminal. Las parejas que sostienen relaciones sexuales sin protección comparten especies bacterianas que podrían influir negativamente o positivamente sobre los parámetros seminales, como los Lactobacillus con potencial probiótico para el mantenimiento de la calidad del semen
During sexual intercourse there is an exchange of bacterial species between couples, a crucial factor in modifying the genital microbiota. In this reflection article, the effect of sexual intercourse on the exchange of vaginal and seminal microbiota was analyzed. Couples who have unprotected sexual intercourse share bacterial species could affect positive or negatively the seminal parameters, such as Lactobacillus with probiotic potential for maintaining semen quality.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Sêmen , Análise do Sêmen , Microbiota , Coito , Probióticos , Genitália , LactobacillusRESUMO
INTRODUCCIÓN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar la serie de posibles heterogeneidades que subyacen a la aparente similitud en ciertos indicadores no refinados de mortalidad por COVID-19 -como las tasas brutas de mortalidad o las muertes por millón de habitantes- en Argentina y Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio en el que se utilizaron datos agregados de los informes diarios de vigilancia epidemiológica proporcionados por los ministerios de salud de Argentina y de Colombia, para explorar diferenciales en el nivel poblacional mediante el uso de técnicas clásicas de estandarización demográfica. RESULTADOS: Se detectó que el impacto de la mortalidad y la letalidad de casos es mayor en Colombia, debido a que tiene una estructura poblacional y de casos positivos de menor edad que Argentina. En especial, la mayoría de las diferencias entre países puede explicarse por ciertos grupos de edad. DISCUSIÓN: El hallazgo principal ha sido que la gran mayoría de las defunciones esperadas en Argentina y Colombia ocurrió en los grupos de 50 y de 80 años, lo que implica que el riesgo real de muerte para la población colombiana puede ser mayor que el observado para dichos grupos etarios