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Dramatic fertility decline in aging C. elegans males is associated with mating execution deficits rather than diminished sperm quality.

ABSTRACT: Although much is known about female reproductive aging, fairly little is known about the causes of male reproductive senescence. We developed a method that facilitates culture maintenance of Caenorhabditis elegans adult males, which enabled us to measure male fertility as populations age, without profound loss of males from the growth plate. We find that the ability of males to sire progeny declines rapidly in the first half of adult lifespan and we examined potential factors that contribute towards reproductive success, including physical vigor, sperm quality, mating apparatus morphology, and mating ability. Of these, we find little evidence of general physical decline in males or changes in sperm number, morphology, or capacity for activation, at time points when reproductive senescence is markedly evident. Rather, it is the loss of efficient mating ability that correlates most strongly with reproductive senescence. Low insulin signaling can extend male ability to sire progeny later in life, although insulin impact on individual facets of mating behavior is complex. Overall, we suggest that combined modest deficits, predominantly affecting the complex mating behavior rather than sperm quality, sum up to block effective C. elegans male reproduction in middle adult life.

SUBMITTER: Chatterjee I

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4169024 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Dramatic fertility decline in aging C. elegans males is associated with mating execution deficits rather than diminished sperm quality.

Chatterjee Indrani I Ibanez-Ventoso Carolina C Vijay Priyanka P Singaravelu Gunasekaran G Baldi Christopher C Bair Julianna J Ng Susan S Smolyanskaya Alexandra A Driscoll Monica M Singson Andrew A

Experimental gerontology 20130802 11

Although much is known about female reproductive aging, fairly little is known about the causes of male reproductive senescence. We developed a method that facilitates culture maintenance of Caenorhabditis elegans adult males, which enabled us to measure male fertility as populations age, without profound loss of males from the growth plate. We find that the ability of males to sire progeny declines rapidly in the first half of adult lifespan and we examined potential factors that contribute tow ...[more]

PMID: 23916839

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Project description:ObjectiveApproximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience impaired fertility, yet fertility preservation (FP) remains underutilized. Although parent recommendation influences adolescents' decision-making, parents may be uncertain and/or underrate their sons' parenthood goals. This study assessed parent-adolescent and family-level concordance regarding adolescent fertility perspectives (i.e., values, goals) and associations with FP attempts.MethodsA prospective pilot study examined the impact of a family-centered values clarification tool (FAST) on banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer at risk for infertility. The FAST assessed adolescent and parent perceptions of adolescents' fertility values and goals (i.e., perceived threat of infertility, perceived benefits/barriers to banking). Parent-adolescent concordance and family-level concordance on fertility perspectives were examined, along with associations with banking attempts and salient demographic factors.ResultsNinety-eight participants (32 adolescents aged 12-20, 37 mothers, 29 fathers) from 32 families completed the FAST before treatment initiation. Parent-adolescent dyads were concordant on approximately one-half of responses. Banking attempts were associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .02. Older adolescent age was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived threat, r(31) = .37, p = .04, and benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .03. Fathers' education was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding barriers, r(21) = .53, p = .01.ConclusionsWhen parents were concordant with their son's fertility values and goals, particularly perceived benefits, adolescents were more likely to attempt FP. Clinicians should facilitate sharing of fertility perspectives within families before cancer treatment, especially with younger adolescents. Psychosocial support for families facing FP decisions is recommended at diagnosis and across the care continuum.

Dataset Information

Dramatic fertility decline in aging C. elegans males is associated with mating execution deficits rather than diminished sperm quality.

Publications

Dramatic fertility decline in aging C. elegans males is associated with mating execution deficits rather than diminished sperm quality.

Similar Datasets

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