1
|
Huang WH, Xu LY, Chen SS, Chen ZQ, Cui X, Zhou CM. The effect of scrotal versus inguinal orchiopexy on the testicular function of children with clinically palpable, inguinal undescended testis: a randomized controlled trial. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:745-749. [PMID: 37282382 DOI: 10.4103/aja202314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To compare the impact of the scrotal vs inguinal orchidopexy approach on the testicular function of infants with cryptorchidism, a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving boys who were 6-12 months old at surgery and were diagnosed with clinically palpable, inguinal undescended testis. Between June 2021 and December 2021, these boys at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fuzhou, China) and Fujian Children's Hospital (Fuzhou, China) were enrolled. Block randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio was employed. The primary outcome was testicular function assessed by testicular volume, serum testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B (InhB) levels. Secondary outcomes included operative time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative complications. Among 577 screened patients, 100 (17.3%) were considered eligible and enrolled in the study. Of the 100 children who completed the 1-year follow-up, 50 underwent scrotal orchidopexy and 50 underwent inguinal orchidopexy. The testicular volume, serum testosterone, AMH, and InhB levels in both groups increased markedly after surgery (all P < 0.05), but there were no apparent differences between groups at 6 months and 12 months after operation (all P > 0.05). No differences between the scrotal and inguinal groups were noted regarding the operative time ( P = 0.987) and amount of intraoperative bleeding ( P = 0.746). The overall complication rate (2.0%) of the scrotal group was slightly lower than that of the inguinal group (8.0%), although this difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Both scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy exerted protective effects on testicular function in children with cryptorchidism, with similar operative status and postoperative complications. Scrotal orchiopexy is an effective alternative to inguinal orchiopexy in children with cryptorchidism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hua Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Long-Yao Xu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Fujian Children's Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Shu-Shen Chen
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Fujian Children's Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Fujian Children's Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xu Cui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Chao-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nonneman DJ, Lents CA. Functional genomics of reproduction in pigs: Are we there yet? Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:436-444. [PMID: 35704517 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive failure is the main reason for culling females in swine herds and is both a financial and sustainability issue. Because reproductive traits are complex and lowly to moderately heritable, genomic selection within populations can achieve substantial genetic gain in reproductive efficiency. A better understanding of the physiological components affecting the expression of these traits will facilitate greater understanding of the genes affecting reproductive traits and is necessary to improve and optimize management strategies to maximize reproductive success of gilts and sows. Large-scale genotyping with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are used for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and have facilitated identification of positional candidate genes. Transcriptomic data can be used to weight SNP for GWAS and could lead to previously unidentified candidate genes. Resequencing and fine mapping of candidate genes are necessary to identify putative functional variants and some of these have been incorporated into new genotyping arrays. Sequence imputation and genotype by sequence are newer strategies that could reveal novel functional mutations. In this study, these approaches are discussed. Advantages and limitations are highlighted where additional research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan J Nonneman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Clay A Lents
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
White BR, Cederberg RA, Elsken DH, Ross CE, Lents CA, Desaulniers AT. Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II and its receptor in swine reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:469-479. [PMID: 36542769 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The pig represents the only livestock mammal capable of producing a functional protein for the second mammalian form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) and its receptor (GnRHR-II). To examine the role of GnRH-II and its receptor in pig reproduction, we produced a unique swine line with ubiquitous knockdown of endogenous GnRHR-II levels (GnRHR-II knockdown [KD]), which is largely the focus of this review. In mature GnRHR-II KD males, circulating testosterone concentrations were 82% lower than littermate control boars, despite similar luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In addition, nine other gonadal steroids were reduced in the serum of GnRHR-II KD boars, whereas adrenal steroids (except 11-deoxycortisol) did not differ between lines. Interestingly, testes from GnRHR-II KD males had fewer, hypertrophic Leydig cells and fewer, enlarged seminiferous tubules than control testes. As expected, downstream reproductive traits such as androgen-dependent organ weights and semen characteristics were also significantly reduced in GnRHR-II KD versus control boars. Next, we explored the importance of this novel ligand/receptor complex in female reproduction. Transgenic gilts had fewer, but heavier, corpora lutea with smaller luteal cells than littermate control females. Although the number of antral follicles were similar between lines, the diameter of antral follicles tended to be larger in GnRHR-II KD females. In regard to steroidogenesis, circulating concentrations of progesterone and 17β-estradiol were lower in transgenic compared to control gilts, even though serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and LH were similar. Thus, GnRH-II and GnRHR-II represent a potential avenue to enhance fertility and promote the profitability of pork producers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett R White
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rebecca A Cederberg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dorothy H Elsken
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Caitlin E Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Clay A Lents
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, U. S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Amy T Desaulniers
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tzoupis H, Nteli A, Androutsou ME, Tselios T. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and GnRH Receptor: Structure, Function and Drug Development. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6136-6158. [PMID: 31309882 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190712165444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a key element in sexual maturation and regulation of the reproductive cycle in the human organism. GnRH interacts with the pituitary cells through the activation of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Receptors (GnRHR). Any impairments/dysfunctions of the GnRH-GnRHR complex lead to the development of various cancer types and disorders. Furthermore, the identification of GnRHR as a potential drug target has led to the development of agonist and antagonist molecules implemented in various treatment protocols. The development of these drugs was based on the information derived from the functional studies of GnRH and GnRHR. OBJECTIVE This review aims at shedding light on the versatile function of GnRH and GnRH receptor and offers an apprehensive summary regarding the development of different agonists, antagonists and non-peptide GnRH analogues. CONCLUSION The information derived from these studies can enhance our understanding of the GnRH-GnRHR versatile nature and offer valuable insight into the design of new more potent molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Agathi Nteli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Androutsou
- Vianex S.A., Tatoiou Str., 18th km Athens-Lamia National Road, Nea Erythrea 14671, Greece
| | - Theodore Tselios
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Djouahra N, Moudilou EN, Exbrayat JM, Hammouche S. Immunodistribution of RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) during the seminiferous epithelium cycle in a desert rodent Psammomys obesus. Tissue Cell 2021; 69:101484. [PMID: 33450652 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Sand rat, Psammomys obesus, living northwest of the Algerian Sahara, presents a seasonal reproductive cycle. The purposes of this study were firstly to determine the stages of seminiferous epithelium cycle (SEC) by histological and morphometric analysis and secondly to investigate, for the first time, the testicular expression of RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) during the SEC by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the SEC consists of 14 stages according to the tubular morphology method. RFRP-3 was observed in both testicular compartments: the tubular and the interstitial. Leydig cells exhibited the highest RFRP-3 signal (30.73 % ± 4.80) compared to Sertoli cells (13-15 %). In the germline, RFRP-3 was detected during the late prophase I of meiosis in late pachytene, diplotene and metaphasic spermatocytes I. In addition, only round and triangular spermatids were positive during spermiogenesis. Referring to the SEC, it was found that the increased staining of RFRP-3 in spermatocytes I coincided with late pachytene of XI and XII stages (16.90 % ± 0.69 and 16.61 % ± 0.28, respectively). In spermatids, the labeling decreased in the triangular ones at stage IX (8.04 % ± 0.42). These results suggest the involvement of RFRP-3 in the control of SEC in P. obesus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nassima Djouahra
- USTHB, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari Boumediene, Biological Sciences Faculty, Arid Area Research Laboratory, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Elara N Moudilou
- Confluence Sciences and Humanities Research Unit, Biosciences Technologies Ethics Laboratory, Lyon Catholic University, 10 Place des Archives, Lyon, 69002, France
| | - Jean-Marie Exbrayat
- Confluence Sciences and Humanities Research Unit, Biosciences Technologies Ethics Laboratory, Lyon Catholic University, 10 Place des Archives, Lyon, 69002, France
| | - Sadjia Hammouche
- USTHB, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari Boumediene, Biological Sciences Faculty, Arid Area Research Laboratory, Algiers, Algeria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hamidatou Khati W, Moudilou EN, Exbrayat JM, Hammouche S. Immunolocalization of RFamide-related peptide 3 in a desert rodent Gerbillus tarabuli during seminiferous epithelium cycle. Tissue Cell 2018; 55:1-12. [PMID: 30503055 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Gerbillus tarabuli is a nocturnal seasonal breeder desert rodent with a main breeding season in spring and summer, and sexual quiescence in winter. This species is an interesting model for studying testis function in rodents. Therefore, the present study was performed firstly to investigate the stages of seminiferous epithelium cycle of Gerbillus tarabuli with a histological, morphometric and statistical study. And secondly to investigate the expression and possible variations in cellular distribution of RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) - the mammalian ortholog of avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) - during seminiferous epithelium cycle using immunohistochimestry. Our results showed for the first time that the seminiferous epithelium cycle in Gerbillus tarabuli comprises 14 well-defined stages according to the tubular morphology method. The seminiferous epithelium thickness showed a significant difference during the epithelium cycle, thus it was the only morphometric classification criterion of seminiferous epithelium cycle in Gerbillus tarabuli. The immunohistochemical study reveals, for the first time, the presence of RFRP-3 in Gerbillus tarabuli testes, in both testicular compartments: the tubular and the interstitial. RFRP-3 is expressed differently according to the seminiferous epithelium cycle, RFRP-3 seemed to be more expressed at the stages V-VII and XIII. RFRP-3 was detected in Sertoli cells (≈12%), spermatocytes I (≈19%), round and elongated spermatids (≈13%), and with a more important signal in Leydig cells (26.87%±0.07). These results indicated the importance of RFRP-3 in testicular function in Gerbillus tarabuli; its expression at the interstitial and germinal levels argues in favor of an involvement in androgens synthesis and in spermatogenesis specifically in meiosis and spermiogenesis. This action seems primordial from stages V-VII and XIII. Also, the study of the seminiferous epithelium cycle will enrich the histological identity of the species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Hamidatou Khati
- USTHB, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari Boumediene, Biological Sciences Faculty, Aride Area Research Laboratory, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Elara N Moudilou
- UMRS 449- General Biology - Reproduction and Comparative Development, Lyon Catholic University, UDL, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, PSL, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Marie Exbrayat
- UMRS 449- General Biology - Reproduction and Comparative Development, Lyon Catholic University, UDL, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, PSL, Lyon, France
| | - Sadjia Hammouche
- USTHB, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari Boumediene, Biological Sciences Faculty, Aride Area Research Laboratory, Algiers, Algeria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Desaulniers AT, Cederberg RA, Lents CA, White BR. Expression and Role of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone 2 and Its Receptor in Mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:269. [PMID: 29312140 PMCID: PMC5732264 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) and its receptor (GnRHR1) drive mammalian reproduction via regulation of the gonadotropins. Yet, a second form of GnRH (GnRH2) and its receptor (GnRHR2) also exist in mammals. GnRH2 has been completely conserved throughout 500 million years of evolution, signifying high selection pressure and a critical biological role. However, the GnRH2 gene is absent (e.g., rat) or inactivated (e.g., cow and sheep) in some species but retained in others (e.g., human, horse, and pig). Likewise, many species (e.g., human, chimpanzee, cow, and sheep) retain the GnRHR2 gene but lack the appropriate coding sequence to produce a full-length protein due to gene coding errors; although production of GnRHR2 in humans remains controversial. Certain mammals lack the GnRHR2 gene (e.g., mouse) or most exons entirely (e.g., rat). In contrast, old world monkeys, musk shrews, and pigs maintain the coding sequence required to produce a functional GnRHR2. Like GnRHR1, GnRHR2 is a 7-transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptor that interacts with Gαq/11 to mediate cell signaling. However, GnRHR2 retains a cytoplasmic tail and is only 40% homologous to GnRHR1. A role for GnRH2 and its receptor in mammals has been elusive, likely because common laboratory models lack both the ligand and receptor. Uniquely, both GnRH2 and GnRHR2 are ubiquitously expressed; transcript levels are abundant in peripheral tissues and scarcely found in regions of the brain associated with gonadotropin secretion, suggesting a divergent role from GnRH1/GnRHR1. Indeed, GnRH2 and its receptor are not physiological modulators of gonadotropin secretion in mammals. Instead, GnRH2 and GnRHR2 coordinate the interaction between nutritional status and sexual behavior in the female brain. Within peripheral tissues, GnRH2 and its receptor are novel regulators of reproductive organs. GnRH2 and GnRHR2 directly stimulate steroidogenesis within the porcine testis. In the female, GnRH2 and its receptor may help mediate placental function, implantation, and ovarian steroidogenesis. Furthermore, both the GnRH2 and GnRHR2 genes are expressed in human reproductive tumors and represent emerging targets for cancer treatment. Thus, GnRH2 and GnRHR2 have diverse functions in mammals which remain largely unexplored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy T. Desaulniers
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Cederberg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | | | - Brett R. White
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- *Correspondence: Brett R. White,
| |
Collapse
|