A new study from UCLA and MicroGenDX shows that bacteria may be one of the factors holding back male fertility
ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and MicroGenDX unveils a potential link between bacterial profiles and male infertility. The collaborative effort, highlighted in the study Semen microbiota are dramatically altered in men with abnormal sperm parameters by Osadchiy et al., sheds crucial light on microbial variations associated with abnormal sperm parameters. This significant discovery not only deepens our comprehension of male infertility, but also provides a new exploratory avenue for treatments facilitated by MicroGenDX’s advanced testing.
Differential Relative Abundance. Only statistically significant differences are shown. Figure 1A-C, represent the comparisons of groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
While pollution and other environmental factors have long been recognized as contributors to declining sperm counts, the revelation of bacterial involvement poses a new challenge in the battle against male infertility. Male fertility concerns have historically weighed heavily on individuals whose aspirations of fatherhood are jeopardized by factors often beyond their control. As eloquently expressed in The Guardian, one interviewee lamented, "It’s like a judgment on your masculinity… you do feel like less of a man." Yet, amidst these challenges, there emerges a new avenue of treatments that some men can take advantage of, offering renewed optimism to individuals grappling with infertility issues.
Recent advancements in microbiome research have revealed the intricate role of microbial communities in human health and disease. Despite significant progress, the etiology of abnormal semen analysis (SA) parameters remains elusive in 30% of cases. This study, however, sheds light on microbial alterations associated with abnormal sperm parameters, potentially bridging gaps in understanding male factor infertility.
Through meticulous analysis of semen samples using MicroGenDX NGS technologies and RTL Genomics biostatistics consulting, Osadchiy et al. identified key microbial signatures associated with abnormal sperm parameters. The study involved a cohort of men undergoing fertility evaluation or vasectomy consultation, providing comprehensive data on semen microbiota composition and sperm parameters.
Key findings include:
– Men with abnormally low sperm motility exhibited a higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners compared to those with normal sperm motility.
– Abnormal sperm concentration was associated with increased abundance of Pseudomonas stutzeri and Pseudomonas fluorescens, while Pseudomonas putida was less abundant compared to men with normal sperm concentration.
These results suggest that specific microorganisms may play critical roles in perturbations of sperm parameters, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions to improve male fertility. Notably, Lactobacillus iners, previously studied in the context of female fertility, emerged as a significant factor in male fertility as well.
MicroGenDX has plans for continued investigation into the impact of the urogenital microbiome on infertility and is conceiving new testing solutions to provide actionable results for those struggling with fertility issues. A recent Japanese study has found that treatment of microbial imbalance in women has led to an increase in fertility evidenced by success rates in pregnancy. These tests are still in development, but MicroGenDX hopes that testing those struggling with fertility and treating these imbalances will help increase fertility in both men and women.
This groundbreaking research, made possible by MicroGenDX’s expertise in NGS testing, contributes valuable insights to the field of male fertility and underscores the company’s commitment to driving innovation in microbiome analysis.
For more information about MicroGenDX and its research initiatives, please visit https://microgendx.com
About MicroGenDX
Founded in 2008, MicroGenDX has become the industry leader in the rapid turnaround and affordability of comprehensive Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and qPCR testing for clinical diagnostics.
MicroGenDX is a CLIA-licensed and CAP-accredited laboratory and has been the trusted research partner for the CDC, U.S. Army, NASA, and the FDA. MicroGenDX has published over 70 clinical studies and is the most experienced molecular diagnostic laboratory, with more than 1.5 million samples processed.
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SOURCE: MicroGenDX
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