Unraveling sex-specific risks of knee osteoarthritis before menopause: Do sex differences start early in life?

OBJECTIVE: Sufficient evidence within the past two decades have shown that osteoarthritis (OA) has a sex-specific component. However, efforts to reveal the biological causes of this disparity have emerged more gradually. In this narrative review, we discuss anatomical differences within the knee, incidence of injuries in youth sports, and metabolic factors that present early in life (childhood and early adulthood) that can contribute to a higher risk of OA in females. DESIGN: We compiled clinical data from multiple tissues within the knee joint-since OA is a whole joint disorder-aiming to reveal relevant factors behind the sex differences from different perspectives. RESULTS: The data gathered in this review indicate that sex differences in articular cartilage, meniscus, and anterior cruciate ligament are detected as early as childhood and are not only explained by sex hormones. Aiming to unveil the biological causes of the uneven sex-specific risks for knee OA, we review the current knowledge of sex differences mostly in young, but also including old populations, from the perspective of (i) human anatomy in both healthy and pathological conditions, (ii) physical activity and response to injury, and (iii) metabolic signatures. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that to close the gap in health disparities, and specifically regarding OA, we should address sex-specific anatomic, biologic, and metabolic factors at early stages in life, as a way to prevent the higher severity and incidence of OA in women later in life.

Fabrication of Micropatterns of Aligned Collagen Fibrils.

Many tissues in vivo contain aligned structures such as filaments, fibrils, and fibers, which expose cells to anisotropic structural and topographical cues that range from the nanometer to micrometer scales. Understanding how cell behavior is regulated by these cues during physiological and pathological processes (e.g., wound healing, cancer invasion) requires substrates that can expose cells to anisotropic cues over several length scales. In this study, we developed a novel method of fabricating micropatterns of aligned collagen fibrils of different geometry onto PDMS-coated glass coverslips that allowed us to investigate the roles of topography and confinement on corneal cell behavior. When corneal cells were cultured on micropatterns of aligned collagen fibrils in the absence of confinement, the degree of cell alignment increased from 40 ± 14 to 82 ± 5% as the size of the micropattern width decreased from 750 to 50 µm. Although the cell area (∼2500 µm2), cell length (∼160 µm), and projected nuclear area (∼175 µm2) were relatively constant on the different micropattern widths, cells displayed an increased aspect ratio as the width of the aligned collagen fibril micropatterns decreased. We also observed that the morphology of cells adhering to the surrounding uncoated PDMS was dependent upon both the size of the aligned collagen fibril micropattern and the distance from the micropatterns. When corneal cells were confined to the micropatterns of aligned collagen fibrils by a Pluronic coating to passivate the surrounding area, a similar trend in increasing cell alignment was observed (35 ± 10 to 89 ± 2%). However, the projected nuclear area decreased significantly (∼210 to 130 µm2) as the micropattern width decreased from 750 to 50 µm. The development of this method allows for the deposition of aligned collagen fibril micropatterns of different geometries on a transparent and elastic substrate and provides an excellent model system to investigate the role of anisotropic cues in cell behavior.

Linear Free Energy Relationship for Predicting the Rate Constants of Munition Compound Reduction by the Fe(II)-Hematite and Fe(II)-Goethite Redox Couples.

Abiotic reduction by iron minerals is arguably the most important fate process for munition compounds (MCs) in subsurface environments. No model currently exists that can predict the abiotic reduction rates of structurally diverse MCs by iron (oxyhydr)oxides. We performed batch experiments to measure the rate constants for the reduction of three classes of MCs (poly-nitroaromatics, nitramines, and azoles) by hematite or goethite in the presence of aqueous Fe2+. The surface area-normalized reduction rate constant (kSA) depended on the aqueous-phase one-electron reduction potential (EH1) of the MC and the thermodynamic state (i.e., pe and pH) of the iron oxide-Feaq2+ system. A linear free energy relationship (LFER), similar to that reported previously for nitrobenzene, successfully captures all MC reduction rate constants that span 6 orders of magnitude: log(kSA)=(1.12±0.04)[0.53EH159mV-(pH+pe)]+(5.52±0.23). The finding that the rate constants of all the different classes of MCs can be described by a single LFER suggests that these structurally diverse nitro compounds are reduced by iron oxide-Feaq2+ couples through a common mechanism up to the rate-limiting step. Multiple mechanistic implications of the results are discussed. This study expands the applicability of the LFER model for predicting the reduction rates of legacy and emerging MCs and potentially other nitro compounds.

Reduction of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-Triazol-5-One (NTO) by the Hematite-Aqueous Fe(II) Redox Couple.

3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) is an insensitive munition compound (MC) that has replaced legacy MC. NTO can be highly mobile in soil and groundwater due to its high solubility and anionic nature, yet little is known about the processes that control its environmental fate. We studied NTO reduction by the hematite-Fe2+ redox couple to assess the importance of this process for the attenuation and remediation of NTO. Fe2+(aq) was either added (type I) or formed through hematite reduction by dithionite (type II). In the presence of both hematite and Fe2+(aq), NTO was quantitatively reduced to 3-amino-1,2,4-triazol-5-one following first-order kinetics. The surface area-normalized rate constant (kSA) showed a strong pH dependency between 5.5 and 7.0 and followed a linear free energy relationship (LFER) proposed in a previous study for nitrobenzene reduction by iron oxide-Fe2+ couples, i.e., log kSA = -(pe + pH) + constant. Sulfite, a major dithionite oxidation product, lowered kSA in type II system by ∼10-fold via at least two mechanisms: by complexing Fe2+ and thereby raising pe, and by making hematite more negatively charged and hence impeding NTO adsorption. This study demonstrates the importance of iron oxide-Fe2+ in controlling NTO transformation, presents an LFER for predicting NTO reduction rate, and illustrates how solutes can shift the LFER by interacting with either iron species.

Interleukin 27, like interferons, activates JAK-STAT signaling and promotes pro-inflammatory and antiviral states that interfere with dengue and chikungunya viruses replication in human macrophages.

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines that activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to induce an antiviral state in cells. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a member of the IL-6 and/or IL-12 family that elicits both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Recent studies have reported that IL-27 also induces a robust antiviral response against diverse viruses, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that IFNs and IL-27 share many similarities at the functional level. However, it is still unknown how similar or different IFN- and IL-27-dependent signaling pathways are. To address this question, we conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptomic profiles of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) exposed to IL-27 and those exposed to recombinant human IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ. We utilized bioinformatics approaches to identify common differentially expressed genes between the different transcriptomes. To verify the accuracy of this approach, we used RT-qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and microarrays data. We found that IFNs and IL-27 induce transcriptional changes in several genes, including those involved in JAK-STAT signaling, and induce shared pro-inflammatory and antiviral pathways in MDMs, leading to the common and unique expression of inflammatory factors and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs)Importantly, the ability of IL-27 to induce those responses is independent of IFN induction and cellular lineage. Additionally, functional analysis demonstrated that like IFNs, IL-27-mediated response reduced chikungunya and dengue viruses replication in MDMs. In summary, IL-27 exhibits properties similar to those of all three types of human IFN, including the ability to stimulate a protective antiviral response. Given this similarity, we propose that IL-27 could be classified as a distinct type of IFN, possibly categorized as IFN-pi (IFN-π), the type V IFN (IFN-V).

Biological sex and age-related differences shape the antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

For the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, clinical manifestations are broad and highly heterogeneous for both sexes. We aimed to determine how biological sex and age impact immune gene expression, particularly influencing the humoral neutralizing antibody (NAb) response and the cytokine production in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) subjects. The immune gene expression, according to biological sex and age, was assessed using the genome wide expression profile of blood proteins from healthy individuals using the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Moreover, anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers and cytokine levels were determined in blood samples from 141 COVID-19 individuals from Medellín, Colombia. Among subjects with COVID-19, males had statistically significantly higher median NAb titers and serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and CC chemokine ligand 3 than females. Overall, our findings point out a more robust innate immune response in women that could help recognize and restrain the virus faster than in men.

Harmonization and standardization of nucleus pulposus cell extraction and culture methods.

Background: In vitro studies using nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are commonly used to investigate disc cell biology and pathogenesis, or to aid in the development of new therapies. However, lab-to-lab variability jeopardizes the much-needed progress in the field. Here, an international group of spine scientists collaborated to standardize extraction and expansion techniques for NP cells to reduce variability, improve comparability between labs and improve utilization of funding and resources. Methods: The most commonly applied methods for NP cell extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation were identified using a questionnaire to research groups worldwide. NP cell extraction methods from rat, rabbit, pig, dog, cow, and human NP tissue were experimentally assessed. Expansion and re-differentiation media and techniques were also investigated. Results: Recommended protocols are provided for extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation of NP cells from common species utilized for NP cell culture. Conclusions: This international, multilab and multispecies study identified cell extraction methods for greater cell yield and fewer gene expression changes by applying species-specific pronase usage, 60-100 U/ml collagenase for shorter durations. Recommendations for NP cell expansion, passage number, and many factors driving successful cell culture in different species are also addressed to support harmonization, rigor, and cross-lab comparisons on NP cells worldwide.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Extracellular and Pericellular Matrix of Articular Cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: Women have a higher prevalence and burden of joint injuries and pathologies involving articular cartilage than men. Although knee injuries affecting young women are on the rise, most studies related to sexual dimorphism target postmenopausal women. We hypothesize that sexual dimorphism in cartilage structure and mechanics is present before menopause, which can contribute to sex disparities in cartilage pathologies. DESIGN: Bovine knee was used as a model to study healthy adult cartilage. We compared elastic moduli under compression, abundances of extracellular and pericellular matrix (PCM) proteins using proteomics, and PCM constituency with tissue immunofluorescence. The gene expression of matrix-related genes under basal, anabolic, and catabolic conditions was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: The equilibrium modulus was higher in male cartilage compared with female cartilage. Proteoglycans were not associated with this biomechanical dimorphism. Proteomic and pathway analyses of tissue showed dimorphic enriched pathways in extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins in which male cartilage was enriched in matrix interconnectors and crosslinkers that strengthen the ECM network. Moreover, male and female tissue differed in enriched PCM components. Females had more abundance of collagen type VI and decorin, suggesting different PCM mechanics. Furthermore, the activation of regenerative and catabolic function in chondrocytes triggered sex-dependent signatures in gene expression, indicating dimorphic genetic regulation that is dependent on stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence for sexual dimorphism in cartilage before menopause. Some differences are intrinsic to chondrocytes' gene expression defined by their XX versus XY chromosomal constituency.

Actomyosin contractility confers mechanoprotection against TNFα-induced disruption of the intervertebral disc.

Inflammation triggers degradation of intervertebral disc extracellular matrix (ECM), a hallmark of disc degeneration that contributes to back pain. Mechanosensitive nucleus pulposus cells are responsible for ECM production, yet the impact of a proinflammatory microenvironment on cell mechanobiology is unknown. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we show that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced inflammation alters cell morphology and biophysical properties (circularity, contractility, cell stiffness, and hydraulic permeability) in a mechanism dependent on actomyosin contractility in a three-dimensional (3D) culture. We found that RhoA activation rescued cells from TNFα-induced mechanobiological disruption. Using a novel explant-in-hydrogel culture system, we demonstrate that nuclear factor kappa-B nuclear translocation and transcription are mechanosensitive, and its downstream effects on ECM degradation are regulated by actomyosin contractility. Results define a scaling relationship between circularity, contractility, and hydraulic permeability that is conserved from healthy to inflammatory microenvironments and is indicative of cell mechanobiological control across scales in 3D.

Confocal scanning of intervertebral disc cells in 3D: Inside alginate beads and in native microenvironment.

The interaction between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to maintain both tissue and cellular homeostasis. Indeed, cell phenotype is significantly affected by the 3D microenvironment. Although highly convenient, isolating cells from the intervertebral disc (IVD) and growing them in 2D on plastic or glass substrates, causes them to rapidly lose their phenotype and consequently alter their gene and protein expression. While characterization of cells in their native or simulated 3D environment is preferred, such approaches are complexed by limitations in phenotypic readouts. In the current article, we describe a detailed protocol to study nucleus pulposus cells in 3D-embedded in alginate as a permeable cell-staining reservoir, as well as adaptation for cell staining and imaging in their native ECM. This method allows for detection of phenotypical and cytoskeletal changes in cells within native tissue or 3D alginate beads using confocal microscopy, without the need for histological processing.

Early-Onset Osteoarthritis originates at the chondrocyte level in Hip Dysplasia.

Subjects with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) often show early-onset osteoarthritis (OA); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology are not known. We investigated whether cellular changes in chondrocytes from OA cartilage can be detected in chondrocytes from DDH cartilage before histological manifestations of degeneration. We characterized undamaged and damaged articular cartilage from 22 participants having hip replacement surgery with and without DDH (9 DDH-OA, 12 OA-only, one femoral fracture). Tissue immunostaining revealed changes in damaged OA-only cartilage that was also found in undamaged DDH-OA cartilage. Chondrocytes in situ from both groups show: (i) thicker fibers of vimentin intermediate filaments, (ii) clusters of integrin α5ß1, (iii) positive MMP13 staining and (iv) a higher percentage of cells expressing the serine protease HtrA1. Further characterization of the extracellular matrix showed strong aggrecan and collagen II immunostaining in undamaged DDH cartilage, with no evidence of augmented cell death by activation of caspase 3. These findings suggest that early events in DDH cartilage originate at the chondrocyte level and that DDH cartilage may provide a novel opportunity to study these early changes for the development of therapeutic targets for OA.

Male Ebola Survivors: Do Not Forget to Use a Condom!

The current Ebola outbreak is the largest, longest, and most complex the world has ever seen, that is, the United Nations declared it "a threat to peace and security"1 and the World Health Organization acknowledged it to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As new evidence emerges2 to enlighten the clinical characteristics and the prognosis of the acute phase of the disease, there is relatively scarce information about the convalescent phase, especially the measures to control the sexual transmission of Ebola.In order to assess the evidence that underlies the current recommendation (use of condom for 3 months in convalescent male3), we performed a systematic search of the literature (for articles indexed in Medline and Embase) using the following MESH terms (Ebolavirus; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Semen) with no further restrictions (Table 1).

Mechanotransduction and cell biomechanics of the intervertebral disc.

Mechanical loading of the intervertebral disc (IVD) initiates cell-mediated remodeling events that contribute to disc degeneration. Cells of the IVD, nucleus pulposus (NP) and anulus fibrosus (AF), will exhibit various responses to different mechanical stimuli which appear to be highly dependent on loading type, magnitude, duration, and anatomic zone of cell origin. Cells of the NP, the innermost region of the disc, exhibit an anabolic response to low-moderate magnitudes of static compression, osmotic pressure, or hydrostatic pressure, while higher magnitudes promote a catabolic response marked by increased protease expression and activity. Cells of the outer AF are responsive to physical forces in a manner that depends on frequency and magnitude, as are cells of the NP, though they experience different forces, deformations, pressure, and osmotic pressure in vivo. Much remains to be understood of the mechanotransduction pathways that regulate IVD cell responses to loading, including responses to specific stimuli and also differences among cell types. There is evidence that cytoskeletal remodeling and receptor-mediated signaling are important mechanotransduction events that can regulate downstream effects like gene expression and posttranslational biosynthesis, all of which may influence phenotype and bioactivity. These and other mechanotransduction events will be regulated by known and to-be-discovered cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, and depend on composition of extracellular matrix ligands for cell interaction, matrix stiffness, and the phenotype of the cells themselves. Here, we present a review of the current knowledge of the role of mechanical stimuli and the impact upon the cellular response to loading and changes that occur with aging and degeneration of the IVD.

[Roles and challenges of female heads of household with HIV/AIDS]. / Roles y desafíos de mujeres jefas de hogar con VIH/Sida.

Objective To characterize the roles and challenges that female heads of households with HIV in Valle del Cauca, Colombia assume. Method A qualitative exploratory method, based on Grounded Theory was conducted. Data were collected through in depth interviews to 13 women with HIV, heads of household with ages between 19 and 46,who live in the cities of Cali and Buenaventura. Results The main roles assumed by women are taking care of their children and their homes, expressing affection, providing support during different life events and administrative procedures related to health care services access. The challenges expressed by these women include aspects related to parenting, being a self-care role model, accompanying and leading the diagnosis and adherence to the treatment children with HIV, revealing the diagnosis, providing the best living conditions, and providing access to goods and services. Conclusions The results of the study highlight the challenges that women living with a chronic illness, that is still loaded with stigma and discrimination, have to face. The social, economic, cultural and health aspects related to the inequities and inequalities in health, to gender and access to health services, to decent work and to education are made clear in this work.

[Adherence to treatment for HIV/AIDS: beyond the uptake of antiretrovirals]. / La adherencia al tratamiento para el VIH/SIDA: más allá de la toma de antirretrovirales.

Objective To describe adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in HIV/Aids diagnosed patients from Cali, Colombia, and its relation to socio-demographic factors. Material and Methods Observational cross-sectional study, with a sample of 277 HIV/AIDS diagnosed patients from nine health care centers. The Adherence to Treatment for HIV/AIDS Questionnaire was used as a measurement tool. Results 37 % of patients were adherent to non-pharmacological treatment. The analysis of the socio-demographic related factors shows that patients with less opportunity to adhere to non-pharmacological treatment were those younger than 40 years. Conclusions Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment was low and seems to be a generalized problem in HIV/Aids population, being lower in people younger than 40 years. Results show the need to conduct interventions aimed at improving non-pharmacological adherence, in order to contribute to infection control. Interventions should be implemented in all the diagnosed patients, with special emphasis on youth.

Roles y desafíos de mujeres jefas de hogar con VIH/Sida / Roles and challenges of female heads of household with HIV/AIDS

Objetivo Caracterizar los roles y desafíos que enfrentan las mujeres con VIH, líderes de hogar, del Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Método Cualitativo exploratorio, basado en la Teoría Fundada. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas en profundidad a 13 mujeres con VIH, jefas de hogar con edades entre los 19 y los 46 años que viven en las ciudades de Cali y Buenaventura. Resultados Los principales roles asumidos por las mujeres son el cuidado de sus hijos, el sostenimiento del hogar, las expresiones de afecto, el apoyo frente a diferentes situaciones de la vida y los procedimientos administrativos relacionados con el acceso a los servicios de salud. Entre los desafíos se mencionan aquellos aspectos relacionados con la crianza, ser modelo de autocuidado, acompañar y liderar el diagnóstico y la adherencia al tratamiento de quienes tienen menores VIH positivos, dar a conocer el diagnóstico, proveer las mejores condiciones de vida, y el proveer acceso a bienes y servicios. Conclusiones Los resultados del estudio resaltan los desafíos y roles que enfrentan las mujeres al vivir con una enfermedad crónica y que aún sigue estando cargados de estigma y discriminación. Se evidencian los aspectos sociales, económicos, culturales y en salud relacionados con las inequidades y desigualdades en salud, asociadas al género y al acceso a los servicios en salud, al trabajo decente y educación.(AU)

Objective To characterize the roles and challenges that female heads of households with HIV in Valle del Cauca, Colombia assume. Method A qualitative exploratory method, based on Grounded Theory was conducted. Data were collected through in depth interviews to 13 women with HIV, heads of household with ages between 19 and 46,who live in the cities of Cali and Buenaventura. Results The main roles assumed by women are taking care of their children and their homes, expressing affection, providing support during different life events and administrative procedures related to health care services access. The challenges expressed by these women include aspects related to parenting, being a self-care role model, accompanying and leading the diagnosis and adherence to the treatment children with HIV, revealing the diagnosis, providing the best living conditions, and providing access to goods and services. Conclusions The results of the study highlight the challenges that women living with a chronic illness, that is still loaded with stigma and discrimination, have to face. The social, economic, cultural and health aspects related to the inequities and inequalities in health, to gender and access to health services, to decent work and to education are made clear in this work.(AU)

La adherencia al tratamiento para el VIH/SIDA: más allá de la toma de antirretrovirales / Adherence to treatment for HIV/AIDS: beyond the uptake of antiretrovirals

Objetivo Describir la adherencia a aspectos no-farmacológicos del tratamiento en personas con VIH/Sida de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia y establecer su relación con aspectos socio-demográficos. Material y Métodos Estudio observacional transversal, con una muestra de 277 personas con VIH/Sida de nueve instituciones de salud. Se utilizó el cuestionario de adherencia al tratamiento para el VIH/Sida. Resultados Sólo el 37 % de las personas son adherentes al tratamiento no-farmacológico. El análisis de los factores socio-demográficos relacionados con la adherencia, muestra que tienen menor oportunidad de estar adheridos los menores de 40 años. Conclusiones La adherencia al tratamiento no-farmacológica es baja y parece ser un problema generalizado en la población con VIH/Sida, si bien es más grave en menores de 40 años. Los resultados muestran que es necesario realizar intervenciones que mejoren la adherencia no-farmacológica para contribuir al control de la infección, y que éstas deben implementarse en todas las personas diagnosticadas, con especial énfasis en la población joven.(AU)

Objective To describe adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in HIV/Aids diagnosed patients from Cali, Colombia, and its relation to socio-demographic factors. Material and Methods Observational cross-sectional study, with a sample of 277 HIV/AIDS diagnosed patients from nine health care centers. The Adherence to Treatment for HIV/AIDS Questionnaire was used as a measurement tool. Results 37 % of patients were adherent to non-pharmacological treatment. The analysis of the socio-demographic related factors shows that patients with less opportunity to adhere to non-pharmacological treatment were those younger than 40 years. Conclusions Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment was low and seems to be a generalized problem in HIV/Aids population, being lower in people younger than 40 years. Results show the need to conduct interventions aimed at improving non-pharmacological adherence, in order to contribute to infection control. Interventions should be implemented in all the diagnosed patients, with special emphasis on youth.(AU)

Aproximación al desempeño operativo de un modelo de redes neuronales en el diagnóstico de la infertilidad masculina / Approach to operational performance of a neuronal network model in the diagnosis of male infertility

Objetivo: realizar una aproximación a la capacidad de las redes neuronales supervisadas para clasificar lizando los parámetros seminales convencionales. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal ensamblado sobre la base de datos del Grupo Reproducción de la Universidad de Antioquia, en el que se escogieron hombres con problemas re-productivos en los doce meses previos y hombres con antecedente de haber tenido hijos. Muestreo por conveniencia. Se tomaron en cuenta: la edad, el tiempo de abstinencia sexual, el volumen del eyaculado, el pH, los porcentajes de movilidad y de viabilidad, y la concentración espermática. Mediante una red neuronal supervisada se desarrolló un modelo de entrenamiento y un modelo de validación. Resultados: se incluyeron 204 hombres. Para el modelo de entrenamiento 129 hombres, 35 para la validación, 40 para probar el modelo y 25 para la validación externa. En el modelo de la red neuronal clasificó adecuadamente el 90% de los sujetos con problemas reproductivos y el 91% de los sujetos cuadamente el 40% de los sujetos con problemas reproductivos y el 100% de los sujetos fértiles. Conclusión: las redes neuronales surgen como una tecnología que podría ser valiosa para el estudio de la infertilidad masculina. Se requieren evaluaciones más rigurosas para definir su real utilidad en el estudio de la pareja infértil

Objective: To determine the ability of supervised neuronal networks at making the appropriate classification of fertile and infertile men using conventional seminal parameters. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study assembled on the database of the Universidad de Antioquia Reproduction Group, with a selection of men experiencing reproductive problems within the previous 12 months, and men with a history of having had children. Convenience sampling. The data considered were age, time of sexual abstinence, ejaculate volume, pH, percentage of sperm motility, viability and concentration. Using a supervised neuronal network, a training model and a validation model were created. Results: Overall, 204 men were included, 129 for the training model, 35 for validation, 40 for testing the model and 25 for external validation. The neuronal network model made the correct classification of 90% of the subjects with reproductive problems, and 91% of the fertile subjects. In the validation model, the neuronal network made the correct classification of 40% of the subjects with reproductive problems, and 100% of the fertile subjects. Conclusion: Neuronal networks emerge as a technology that may prove to be valuable for the study of male infertility. More rigorous evaluations are required in order to determine their true usefulness in the study of infertile couples