MicroRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in diabetes male infertility: a systematic review
Zeinab Latifi1, Saba Nikanfar2, Rasa Khodavirdilou3
1Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Abstract:
This study conducts an in-depth review of the correlation between testis tissue changes and circulating microRNAs (miRNA) in diabetes-induced male reproductive complications, drawing upon both animal and clinical studies. The original articles published in English that specifically investigate miRNAs linked to male infertility in humans or animals with either type I or ΙΙ diabetes mellitus were included. The relevant articles were gathered from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The quality of study was assessed utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. We collected an overall number of 1989 citations relating to our research subject. Following the elimination of articles based on the criteria, a total of 20 papers were included in the study. Aberrant expression profiles of 25 miRNAs were identified in diabetes associated with male reproductive issues, with 15 miRNAs exhibiting increased expression and 10 miRNAs showing decreased expression. Among the chosen publications, eighteen were identified as low-risk and two were classed as moderate quality. The dysregulated miRNAs were linked to testicular injury, disrupted steroid production, decreased sperm development and quality, and erectile dysfunction. The results demonstrate that the miRNA-mRNA network is linked to the pathological progression of diabetic testicular damage or erectile dysfunction. From a therapeutic perspective, the identification of circulating miRNAs could be beneficial in the timely identification and prevention of diabetes problems, such as diabetes-induced male infertility. Among all signaling pathways influenced by modified miRNAs, the Bax-caspase-3, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and eNOS-cGMP-PKC were the main deregulated pathways.
Insights
Diabetes can cause male infertility by altering testis tissue. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) show abnormal levels, potentially aiding early detection and prevention of these reproductive complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern linked to various complications.
- Male reproductive dysfunction, including infertility and erectile dysfunction, is a recognized complication of diabetes.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in cellular processes and disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize evidence on the correlation between testis tissue changes and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in diabetes-induced male reproductive complications.
- To identify specific miRNAs dysregulated in diabetic male infertility and their potential role in pathogenesis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of circulating miRNAs for early diagnosis and prevention of diabetes-related male reproductive issues.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases.
- Inclusion of original English articles investigating miRNAs in human or animal models of type I or II diabetes mellitus with male infertility.
- Quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies.
Main Results:
- Twenty studies were included, identifying aberrant expression profiles of 25 miRNAs (15 increased, 10 decreased) associated with male reproductive issues in diabetes.
- Dysregulated miRNAs were linked to testicular injury, impaired steroidogenesis, reduced sperm quality, and erectile dysfunction.
- The miRNA-mRNA network, involving pathways like Bax-caspase-3, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and eNOS-cGMP-PKC, was implicated in the pathological progression.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs are significantly altered in diabetes-induced male reproductive complications.
- Dysregulated miRNAs contribute to testicular damage and impact sperm parameters and erectile function.
- Monitoring circulating miRNAs holds promise for early detection, prevention, and potential therapeutic strategies for diabetic male infertility.
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