Associations of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples

Abstract

Background: Many studies have demonstrated that lifestyle factors can affect sperm quality and fertility. Sperm telomere length (STL) has been reported as potential biomarker or sperm quality. However, no studies have investigated how lifestyle factors can affect STL and associated clinical outcomes. Objectives:The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate any association between STL with lifestyle factors, semen parameters and clinical outcomes. Materials and methods:Sperm telomere length was measured using real-time PCR in normozoospermic male partners (n = 66) of couples undergoing ART treatment. Each participant also completed a detailed questionnaire about general lifestyle. Linear regression univariate analysis and ANCOVA were performed to respectively determine correlations between STL and study parameters or identify statistically significant differences in STL while controlling for age, BMI and other factors. Results:Using a linear regression model, STL is positively correlated with in vitro fertilization success (n = 65, r = 0.37, P = .004) but not with embryo cleavage rates and post-implantation clinical outcomes including gestational age-adjusted birth weight.No associations were observed between STL and sperm count, concentration or progressive motility. We further found that STL did not associate age, BMI, health or lifestyle factors. Discussion: In somatic cells, the rate of telomere shortening is influenced by a number of lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and occupation. However, little is known about how lifestyle factors affect STL and subsequently reproductive outcome. Out data suggest that STL might have an important role mechanistically for fertilization rate regardless of sperm parameters and lifestyle factors. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that STL is associated with in vitro fertilization rates, but not with semen parameters nor lifestyle factors. Further How to cite this article: Berneau SC, Shackleton J, Nevin C, et al. Associations of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples. Andrology. 2020;8:583-593.

Sperm telomere length as a novel biomarker of male infertility and embryonic development: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Most studies have concluded that STL is shorter in men with idiopathic infertility compared to fertile men. Telomere length is positively correlated with sperm anterograde motility and sperm count and negatively associated with sperm DNA fragmentation, and can be used as a marker of sperm quality ( 19 – 22 ). However, some scholars have suggested that telomere length shortening may be a sign of sperm damage rather than a cause of sperm alteration ( 23 ).…”

Oxidative Stress Is Associated with Telomere Interaction Impairment and Chromatin Condensation Defects in Spermatozoa of Infertile Males

“…Obesity is a well-known factor in male infertility and is associated with STL shortening [54]. A recent study failed to link sperm telomere length to lifestyle factors such as caffeine and alcohol consumption, exercise, and smoking [55]. The value of STL as a predictor of the success of Assisted Reproductive Techniques is disputed by experts in the field [15].…”

Functional association between telomeres, oxidation and mitochondria

“…Smoking, drinking, exposure to toxins and obesity are just a few of the factors that affect male infertility ( 51 ). Numerous studies have found a relationship between the aforementioned parameters and STL integrity ( 52 ). These lifestyle factors considerably increase the occurrence of ROS when paired with advanced age ( 53 , 54 ).…”