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Sperm mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in normal and abnormal semen analysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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  • Daria Popova,
  • Priya Bhide,
  • Francesco DAntonio,
  • Purusotam Basnet,
  • Ganesh Acharya
Daria Popova
UiT The Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Priya Bhide
UiT The Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Health Sciences
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Francesco DAntonio
University of Chieti
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Purusotam Basnet
UiT The Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Health Sciences
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Ganesh Acharya
UiT The Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Health Sciences
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Abstract

Background: Normal mature sperm have a considerably reduced number of mitochondria which provide the energy required for progressive sperm motility. Literature suggests that disorders of sperm motility may be linked to abnormal sperm mitochondrial number and function. Objectives: To summarise the evidence from literature regarding the association of mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and semen quality with a particular emphasis on the spermatozoa motility. Search strategy: Standard methodology recommended by Cochrane. Selection criteria: All published primary research reporting on differences in mitochondrial DNA copy numbers between the sperm of males with a normal and abnormal semen analysis. Data collection and analysis: Using standard methodology recommended by Cochrane we pooled results using a random effects model and the findings were reported as a standardised mean difference. Main results: We included 10 trials. The primary outcome was sperm mitochondrial DNA copy numbers. A meta-analysis including five studies showed significantly higher mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in abnormal semen analysis as compared to normal semen analysis(SMD 1.08, 95% CI 0.74-1.43). Three other studies not included in the meta-analysis showed a significant negative correlation between mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and semen parameters. The quality of evidence was assessed as good to very good in 60% of studies. Conclusions: Our review demonstrates significantly higher mitochondrial DNA in human sperm cells of men with abnormal semen analysis in comparison to men with normal semen analysis. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019118841 Funding None received
26 Feb 2021Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
27 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
27 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
11 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Oct 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
21 Nov 20211st Revision Received
27 Nov 2021Assigned to Editor
27 Nov 2021Submission Checks Completed
27 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 Dec 20212nd Revision Received
11 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
11 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
11 Dec 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Aug 2022Published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology volume 129 issue 9 on pages 1434-1446. 10.1111/1471-0528.17078