Male infertility
Sperm function
Sperm Mitochondria
Biomarkers
Unknown origin male infertility
Antisperm antibodies-related infertility
Impact of lifestyle factor on male fertility
Psychological health and male (in)fertility
Sleep disorders and male (in)fertility
This team is committed to clarify several aspects of male infertility, particularly focusing on gamete function. Infertility is already considered a disease by the World Health Organization, affecting nearly 50 million couples worldwide. This disease has a serious impact on the life, health and well-being of infertile couples that commonly suffer from psycho-social distress and financial problems. Although it should be seen as a couple’s problem, it is known that the female and male contribute differently to it, with the male factor contributing to nearly 50% of the cases. However, there are some types of male infertility to which a cause cannot be found (idiopathic/unexplained), in which the molecular aspects underneath are not well understood (e.g: immunological) or even diseases (systemic, psychological) and lifestyle factors (expositions, consumptions) that might be related to male fertility but that have not been fully explored. Therefore, we are highly focused on clarifying this issues with the major aim of contributing to improve fertility rates and reproductive health globally. To do so we wage on a multidisciplinary team (researchers, clinicians, embryologists, psychologists and mathematicians), and in integrated analyses of sperm function, relying on our expertise on the male gamete and bioenergetics. Our experimental approaches include varied techniques such as microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal Raman microspectroscopy, seahorse flux analyzer, genotyping among others. We have also established collaborations with foreign partners, such as CeRA (Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology) in Germany, with the aim to improve our knowledge and the impact of our research. We are also highly involved in outreach activities, participating in several initiatives, such as lectures in high schools, videos, interviews or artistic exhibitions, just to mention a few. Despite our main objectives, in our team we are always welcoming new ideas.
Information about journal articles, updated at 01-12-2024, from platform CIÊNCIAVITAE.
Repeated administration of d-amphetamine results in a time-dependent and dose-independent sustained increase in urinary excretion of p-hydroxyamphetamine in mice
Carvalho, F.; Soares, M.E.; Fernandes, E.; Remião, F.; Carvalho, M.; Duarte, J.A.; Pires-das-Neves, R.; Pereira, M.D.L.; Bastos, M.D.L., 2007. Journal of Health Science. 371 - 377. 4. 53. 2007. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34547566233&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1248/jhs.53.371 . Journal of Health Science
Prolonged intracellular accumulation of light-inducible nanoparticles in leukemia cells allows their remote activation
Boto, C.; Quartin, E.; Cai, Y.; Martín-Lorenzo, A.; Cenador, M.B.G.; Pinto, S.; Gupta, R.; et al, 2017. Nature Communications. 8. 2017. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85026559803&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1038/ncomms15204 . Nature Communications
Mitochondrial variability as a source of extrinsic cellular noise
Johnston, I.G.; Gaal, B.; das Neves, R.P.; Enver, T.; Iborra, F.J.; Jones, N.S., 2012. PLoS Computational Biology. 3. 8. 2012. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84861161954&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002416 . PLoS Computational Biology
Effect of Cr(V) on reproductive organ morphology and sperm parameters: An experimental study in mice
Pereira, M.D.L.; Das Neves, R.P.; Oliveira, H.; Santos, T.M.; De Jesus, J.P., 2005. Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source. 4. 2005. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-23944463762&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1186/1476-069X-4-9 . Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source
Mitochondrial levels determine variability in cell death by modulating apoptotic gene expression
Márquez-Jurado, S.; Díaz-Colunga, J.; Das Neves, R.P.; Martinez-Lorente, A.; Almazán, F.; Guantes, R.; Iborra, F.J., 2018. Nature Communications. 1. 9. 2018. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85041107950&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1038/s41467-017-02787-4 . Nature Communications
Cr(V) involvement in the toxicity pathway of testicular damage
Pereira, M.L.; Santos, T.M.; Pires das Neves, R.; Costa, F.G.; Pedrosa de Jesus, J., 2002. Asian Journal of Andrology. 153 - 155. 2. 4. 2002. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0035987253&partnerID=MN8TOARS . Asian Journal of Andrology
Boron nitride nanotube-mediated stimulation modulates F/G-actin ratio and mechanical properties of human dermal fibroblasts
Ricotti, L.; Das Neves, R.P.; Ciofani, G.; Canale, C.; Nitti, S.; Mattoli, V.; Mazzolai, B.; Ferreira, L.; Menciassi, A., 2014. Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 2. 16. 2014. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84894539117&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1007/s11051-014-2247-z . Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Connecting variability in global transcription rate to mitochondrial variability
das Neves, R.P.; Jones, N.S.; Andreu, L.; Gupta, R.; Enver, T.; Iborra, F.J., 2010. PLoS Biology. 12. 8. 2010. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-78650442826&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000560 . PLoS Biology
Towards the maturation and characterization of smooth muscle cells derived from human embryonic stem cells
Vazão, H.; das Neves, R.P.; Grãos, M.; Ferreira, L., 2011. PLoS ONE. 3. 6. 2011. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79952523704&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1371/journal.pone.0017771 . PLoS ONE
Hypericum androsaemum infusion increases tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced mice hepatotoxicity in vivo
Valentão, P.; Carvalho, M.; Carvalho, F.; Fernandes, E.; Neves, R.P.D.; Pereira, M.L.; Andrade, P.B.; Seabra, R.M.; Bastos, M.L., 2004. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 345 - 351. 2-3. 94. 2004. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-4344716319&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.jep.2004.06.012 . Journal of Ethnopharmacology
5 10 out of 10 Featured Publications
Information about journal articles, updated at 01-12-2024, from platform CIÊNCIAVITAE.
Do sperm need to sleep? An overview on the impact of sleep disturbances on male (in)fertility
Amaral, Sandra, 2024. Sleep medicine reviews. 2024. submitted Sleep medicine reviews
New insights on sperm function in male infertility of unknown origin: a multimodal approach
Pacheco, Rita; Cristo, Maria I., 2023. Biomolecules . 10. 13. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13101462 . Biomolecules 2023, 13(10), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13101462 . published Biomolecules
Why some couples can not have children
Amaral, Sandra; Escada-Rebelo, S.; Cristo, Maria I.; Ramalho-Santos, João; Varela Amaral, Sara; Silva, Andreia, 2023. Frontiers for young minds. 1107336. 11. 2023. doi: 10.3389/frym.2023.1107336 . published Frontiers for young minds
Prevalence and impact of antisperm antibodies in semen quality and male reproductive health aspects: a 10-year retrospective study
Silva, Andreia; Amaral, Sandra; Ramalho-Santos, João; Schlatt, S.; Schubert, Maria; Kliesch, Sabine, 2023. Fertility and Sterility. 2023. submitted Fertility and Sterility
Metabolic characterization of human sperm cells using the Seahorse metabolic flux analyzer
Freitas-Martins, Artur; Cristo, Maria I.; Sousa, Maria Inês; Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2023. Andrology . 2023. DOI:10.1111/andr.13486 . published Andrology
MITOCHONDRIA-TARGETED COMPOUNDS TO ASSESS AND IMPROVE HUMAN SPERM FUNCTION
Escada-Rebelo, Sara; Cristo, Maria Inês; Ramalho-Santos, Joao; Amaral, Sandra, 2021. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/ars.2021.0238 . 10.1089/ars.2021.0238 . published Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
The impact of antisperm antibodies on human male reproductive function: an update
Silva, Andreia Filipa; Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2021. Reproduction. R55 - R71. 4. 162. 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/rep-21-0123 . 10.1530/rep-21-0123 . published Reproduction
Can Antidiabetic Drugs Improve Male Reproductive (Dys)Function Associated with Diabetes?
Tavares, Renata S.; Escada-Rebelo, Sara; Sousa, Maria Inês; Silva, Andreia; Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2019. Current Medicinal Chemistry. 4191 - 4222. 22. 26. 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867325666181101111404 . 10.2174/0929867325666181101111404 . published Current Medicinal Chemistry
Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of different sperm regions: a species comparison
Amaral, Sandra; Da Costa, Raul; Wübbeling, Frank; Redmann, Klaus; Schlatt, S, 2018. MHR: Basic science of reproductive medicine. 185 - 202. 4. 24. 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gax071 . 10.1093/molehr/gax071 . published MHR: Basic science of reproductive medicine
Can we induce spermatogenesis in the domestic cat using an in vitro tissue culture approach?
Silva, Andreia; Escada-Rebelo, S.; Amaral, Sandra; Tavares, Renata S.; Schlatt, S; Ramalho-Santos, João; Mota, Paula C, 2018. PLoS ONE. 2. 13. 2018. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85041519878&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1371/journal.pone.0191912 . published PLoS ONE
Spectral features of nuclear DNA in human sperm assessed by Raman Microspectroscopy: Effects of UV-irradiation and hydration
da Costa, Raul; Amaral, Sandra; Redmann, Klaus; Kliesch, S; Schlatt, S., 2018. PloS one. e0207786 - e0207786. 11. 13. 2018. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85056802974&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1371/journal.pone.0207786 . published PloS one
Antidiabetic therapies and male reproductive function: where do we stand? (top dowloaded paper in 2018 on Reproduction Journal)
Tavares, Renata S.; Escada-Rebelo, Sara; Silva, Andreia; Sousa, Maria Inês; Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2017. Reproduction (Cambridge, England). R13 - R37. 1. 155. 2017. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/28993453 . 10.1530/rep-17-0390 . published Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
High glucose levels affect spermatogenesis: an in vitro approach.
Tavares, Renata S.; Portela, J; Sousa, Maria Inês; Mota, Paula C; Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2017. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 1369 - 1378. 7. 29. 2017. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/27264729 . 10.1071/rd15475 . published Reproduction, Fertility and Development
Spermatogonial stem cell organization in felid testis as revealed by Dolichos biflorus lectin.
Escada-Rebelo, Sara; Silva, Andreia; Amaral, Sandra; Tavares, Renata S.; Paiva, Carla; Schlatt, S; Ramalho-Santos, João; Mota, Paula C, 2016. Andrology. 1159 - 1168. 6. 4. 2016. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/27317258 . 10.1111/andr.12223 . published Andrology
Mitochondrial Functionality and Chemical Compound Action on Sperm Function
Amaral, Sandra; Tavares, Renata S.; Baptista, Marta; Sousa, Maria Inês; Silva, Andreia; Escada-Rebelo, Sara; Paiva, Carla; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2016. Current Medicinal Chemistry. 3575 - 3606. 31. 23. 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867323666160425113518 . 10.2174/0929867323666160425113518 . published Current Medicinal Chemistry
In vitro exposure to the organochlorine p,p'-DDE affects functional human sperm parameters
Tavares, Renata S.; Amaral, Sandra; Paiva, Carla; Baptista, Marta; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2015. Chemosphere. 443 - 446. 120. 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.075 . 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.075 . published Chemosphere
High glucose concentrations per se do not adversely affect human sperm function in vitro
Portela, Joana; Tavares, Renata S.; Mota, Paula C; Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2015. REPRODUCTION. 77 - 84. 1. 150. 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/rep-15-0100 . 10.1530/rep-15-0100 . published REPRODUCTION
Concentration-dependent Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) effects on ROS production, energy status, and human sperm function
Sousa, Maria Inês; Amaral, Sandra; Tavares, Renata S.; Paiva, Carla; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2014. Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine. 72 - 79. 2. 60. 2014. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84901672805&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.3109/19396368.2013.867380 . published Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine
UVB irradiation as a tool to assess ROS-induced damage in human spermatozoa
Amaral, Sandra; Redmann, Klaus; Sanchez, V.; Mallidis, Con; Ramalho-Santos, João; Schlatt, S, 2013. Andrology. 707 - 714. 5. 1. 2013. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84883044268&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00098.x . published Andrology
Aging and male reproductive function: a mitochondrial perspective.
Amaral, Sandra; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2013. 181 - 187. S5. 2013. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/23277044 . 10.2741/s365 . published
Mitochondria and mammalian reproduction
Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra, 2013. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 74 - 84. 1-2. 379. 2013. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84884535027&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.mce.2013.06.005 . published Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Aging, Mitochondria and Male Reproductive Function
Amaral, Sandra; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2009. Current Aging Sciencee. 165 - 173. 3. 2. 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609810902030165 . 10.2174/1874609810902030165 . published Current Aging Sciencee
Mitochondrial functionality in reproduction: from gonads and gametes to embryos and embryonic stem cells
Ramalho-Santos, João; Varum, Sandra; Amaral, Sandra; Mota, Paula C; Ana Paula Sousa; Amaral, Alexandra, 2009. Human Reproduction Update. 553 - 572. 5. 15. 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmp016 . 10.1093/humupd/dmp016 . published Human Reproduction Update
Mitochondrial bioenergetics of testicular cells from the domestic cat (Felis catus)- A model for endangered species
Mota, Paula C; Amaral, Sandra; Martins, Luís; de Lourdes Pereira, Maria; Oliveira, Paulo; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2009. Reproductive Toxicology. 111 - 116. 2. 27. 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.01.008 . 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.01.008 . published Reproductive Toxicology
Testicular mitochondrial alterations in untreated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Amaral, Sandra; Mota, Paula C; Lacerda, Beatriz; Alves, Marco; Pereira, Maria de Lourdes; Oliveira, Paulo; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2009. Mitochondrion. 41 - 50. 1. 9. 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2008.11.005 . 10.1016/j.mito.2008.11.005 . published Mitochondrion
Diabetes and the Impairment of Reproductive Function: Possible Role of Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species
Ramalho-Santos, João; Amaral, Sandra; Oliveira, Paulo, 2008. Current Diabetes Reviews. 46 - 54. 1. 4. 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339908783502398 . 10.2174/157339908783502398 . published Current Diabetes Reviews
Testicular aging involves mitochondrial dysfunction as well as an increase in UCP2 levels and proton leak
Amaral, Sandra; Mota, Paula C; Rodrigues, Ana Sofia; Martins, Luís; Oliveira, Paulo; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2008. FEBS Letters. 4191 - 4196. 30. 582. 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2008.11.020 . 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.11.020 . published FEBS Letters
Effects of hyperglycemia on sperm and testicular cells of Goto-Kakizaki and streptozotocin-treated rat models for diabetes
Amaral, Sandra; Moreno, António J.; Santos, Maria Sancha; Seiça, Raquel; Ramalho-Santos, João, 2006. Theriogenology. 2056 - 2067. 9. 66. 2006. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.06.006 . 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.06.006 . published Theriogenology
5 28 out of 28 Publications
Vasco Almeida| University of Porto and CEIE
Susana Seixas | i3S - University of Porto
Stefan Schlatt |WWU, CeRA, Germany
Ana Rita Álvaro | CNC-CIBB; IIUC
Travel grant of the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation for outstanding young scientists (6th Workshop on Molecular Andrology, Giessen, Germany, September 2019)
Grant by the “Burrows Welcome Foundation” in order to apply to Frontiers in Reproduction Symposium (June 2015)
Grant by the “Burrows Welcome Foundation” in order to apply to Frontiers in Reproduction Summer course (May 2010)
Travel grant for the “15th European testis workshop" (2nd - 6th May 2008, Naantali, Finland
Grant - 12th International/11th European Congress of Andrology (ICA/ECA) (Virtual edition 5th-9th December 2020; from Münster, Germany)
Travel grant for the 6th International Workshop on Molecular Andrology (24th -26th September, 2019; Giessen, Germany)
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