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Sadeghinezhad J, Yarmahmoudi F, Dehghan MM, Mohajeri SF, Roomiani E, Bojarzadeh H, Asl MA, Saeidi A, Silva MD. Stereological study of testes following experimentally-induced unilateral cryptorchidism in rats. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:160-169. [PMID: 37643829 PMCID: PMC10477409 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cryptorchidism is one of the main causes of infertility and can result in testicular cancer. This study aimed to present quantitative data on the damage caused by cryptorchidism using stereological analysis. METHODS Thirty newborn rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group underwent surgery to induce unilateral cryptorchidism in the left testis, whereas the control group underwent a sham surgical procedure 18 days after birth. The testes were removed at designated time points (40, 63, and 90 days after birth) for stereological evaluation and sperm analysis. Total testicular volume, interstitial tissue volume, seminiferous tubule volume and length, and seminiferous epithelium volume and surface area were measured. Other parameters, such as sperm count, sperm morphology, and sperm tail length, were also examined. RESULTS Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the experimental and the control groups at different ages regarding the volumes of various parameters, including the surface area of the germinal layer, the length of the seminiferous tubules, sperm count, and sperm morphology. However, no significant differences were observed in the epithelial volume and the sperm tail length of the groups. CONCLUSION Given the substantial effect of cryptorchidism on different testicular parameters, as well as the irreversible damage it causes in the testes, it is important to take this abnormality seriously to prevent these consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Sadeghinezhad
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yarmahmoudi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Dehghan
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Farzad Mohajeri
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Roomiani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Bojarzadeh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Aghabalazadeh Asl
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ava Saeidi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Margherita De Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Barthold JS, Ivell R. Perspective: A Neuro-Hormonal Systems Approach to Understanding the Complexity of Cryptorchidism Susceptibility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:401. [PMID: 30083133 PMCID: PMC6065160 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsyndromic cryptorchidism is a common multifactorial, condition with long-term risks of subfertility and testicular cancer. Revealing the causes of cryptorchidism will likely improve prediction and prevention of adverse outcomes. Herein we provide our current perspective of cryptorchidism complexity in a synthesis of cumulative clinical and translational data generated by ourselves and others. From our recent comparison of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of cryptorchidism with or without testicular germ cell tumor, we identified RBFOX family genes as candidate susceptibility loci. Notably, RBFOX proteins regulate production of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide linked to testicular descent in animal models. We also re-analyzed existing fetal testis transcriptome data from a rat model of inherited cryptorchidism (the LE/orl strain) for enrichment of Leydig cell progenitor genes. The majority are coordinately downregulated, consistent with known reduced testicular testosterone levels in the LE/orl fetus, and similarly suppressed in the gubernaculum. Using qRT-PCR, we found dysregulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory transcripts ipsilateral to undescended testes. These data suggest that LE/orl cryptorchidism is associated with altered signaling in possibly related cell types in the testis and gubernaculum as well as DRG. Complementary rat and human studies thus lead us to propose a multi-level, integrated neuro-hormonal model of testicular descent. Variants in genes encoding RBFOX family proteins and/or their transcriptional targets combined with environmental exposures may disrupt this complex pathway to enhance cryptorchidism susceptibility. We believe that a systems approach is necessary to provide further insight into the causes and consequences of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Julia S. Barthold
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences and School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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Flutamide-induced hypospadias in rats: A critical assessment. Differentiation 2017; 94:37-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Kozina V, Geist D, Kubinová L, Bilić E, Karnthaler HP, Waitz T, Janáček J, Chernyavskiy O, Krhen I, Ježek D. Visualization of Reinke's crystals in normal and cryptorchid testis. Histochem Cell Biol 2011; 135:215-28. [PMID: 21287192 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-011-0782-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Within the human testis, Reinke's crystals are found in Leydig cells but their nature and function are poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the properties of Reinke's crystals in man with the normal morphology of the testis (control group) and infertile patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism. 20 biopsies from infertile patients and six biopsies from men with regular spermatogenesis (20-30 years.) were used. Sections of the testis tissue were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and a modified Masson's method. Specimens were observed by bright field, confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The number of Reinke's crystals in investigated groups was determined applying stereological methods. In both groups, Reinke's crystals were noted within the cytoplasm and nuclei of Leydig cells. Some "free" crystals were found within the interstitial space, outside Leydig cells. Confocal microscopy proved to be very useful in the assessment of the shape and 3D reconstruction of the crystal. TEM analysis confirmed a hexagonal form of the crystal, while crystallographic data on sections of 70-300 nm thickness provided a better insight into the organization of the crystal lattice. Stereological analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of crystals in cryptorchid testes when compared with controls. Increased number of crystals in cryptorchid specimens leads to the assumption that the prolonged exposure to higher (abdominal) temperature might stimulate enzymes involved in the synthesis of the proteins of the crystal. However, the exact molecular nature of the crystal lattice remains in both normal and cryptorchid testis obscure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Kozina
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Bilińska B, Hejmej A, Pawlak M, Sadowska J, Tischner M. Immunoexpression of androgen receptors in testes of immature and mature stallions. Equine Vet J 2010; 36:539-43. [PMID: 15460080 DOI: 10.2746/0425164044877305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Bilińska
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
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Okur H, Muhtaroğlu S, Bozkurt A, Kontaş O, Küçükaydin N, Küçükaydin M. Effects of prenatal flutamide on testicular development, androgen production and fertility in rats. Urol Int 2006; 76:130-3. [PMID: 16493213 DOI: 10.1159/000090875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2005] [Accepted: 09/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To investigate the effects of blocking prenatal androgen with the anti-androgen flutamide on testicular weight (TW), seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), testicular biopsy score (TBS), testicular testosterone (TT), and fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten pregnant Wistar albino rats were injected with flutamide (100 mg/kg) on gestational days 16 and 19. Rats injected with the solvent were used as controls. Male pups from these dams were evaluated for testicular descent on postnatal day 22. The ability of each male to produce offspring was tested when the animals were aged 130 days. The rats were killed when 180 days old, and the testes were removed. RESULTS Sixteen of the 24 male rats (66.6%) exhibited cryptorchidism (6 unilateral, 10 bilateral) in the flutamide-treated group. Three of the rats with normally descended testicles were fertile, but none of the cryptorchid rats was fertile in flutamide-treated group. The average TW, mean STD, TBS and TT levels of the flutamide-treated rats was significantly lower than in the solvent-injected rats. However, there was no significant difference in these values between descended and undescended testes in flutamide-treated rats. CONCLUSION Blocking of prenatal androgen with flutamide interferes with testicular development by inhibiting testicular descent, and also effects testicular morphology and function in both the descended and undescended testes of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamit Okur
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey.
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Kai H, Shono T, Tajiri T, Suita S. Long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to mono-n-butyl phthalate on the reproductive function of postnatal rats. J Pediatr Surg 2005; 40:429-33. [PMID: 15750943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2004.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although it is well known that phthalate esters induce testicular dysfunction in both adult and immature rats, there have been few reports on the long-term effect of phthalate esters on the testicular function of male rats exposed to phthalate esters in utero. This study was designed to assess the long-term effects of the mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) ester on the testicular function of neonatal and adult rat offspring from pregnant dams exposed to phthalate esters during gestation. METHODS Pregnant rats were administered MBP [0.5 g/(kg body weight/.d); 4 days] by gavage from the 15th to the 18th gestational day. Rats administered solvent only were used as control subjects. After the rats' puberty, using male pups whose testes descended normally, the authors examined their fertility while also measuring their testicular weights, mean seminiferous tubular diameter, and the developmental grade of the germ cells (Johnsen score) in their testes. Next, in neonatal rats, the authors measured the testicular concentration of the Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) protein using enzyme-linked immunoassay and the expression level of the MIS messenger RNA using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method as a marker of the Sertoli cells' function. Next the concentration of testosterone protein using a radioimmunoassay as a marker of the Leydig cells' function was measured. RESULTS The pregnancy rate of the female rats coupled with MBP-treated male rats decreased significantly in comparison with that of the female rats coupled with control male rats (P < .01). Both the testicular weight and the Johnsen score in the MBP-treated group were decreased significantly more than those of the control group (P < .05). Neither the concentration of the MIS protein nor the expression level of the MIS messenger RNA in the MBP-treated neonatal testes differed from those of the control testes, whereas the concentration of testosterone protein in the neonate testes decreased significantly in the MBP-treated group in comparison with that of the control group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS A prenatal short-time exposure to MBP induces a long-term effect on postnatal rats and impairs reproductive function in male offspring probably by inhibiting the Leydig cells' rather than Sertoli cells' function in the fetal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kai
- Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Bilińska B, Kotula-Balak M, Gancarczyk M, Sadowska J, Tabarowski Z, Wojtusiak A. Androgen aromatization in cryptorchid mouse testis. Acta Histochem 2003; 105:57-65. [PMID: 12666988 DOI: 10.1078/0065-1281-00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play an important role in germ cell development. Therefore, we have studied expression patterns of aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogens in 2 recombinant inbred mouse strains that differ in efficiency of spermatogenesis. In order to show whether germ cells are a target for estrogens, estrogen receptors (ER)alpha and beta were localized as well. Adult male CBA and KE mice were made unilaterally cryptorchid to determine alterations in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Differences between control and cryptorchid testes have been studied with respect to (1) cellular sites of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen formation, (2) the presence of ERalpha and ERbeta in various types of testicular cells, and (3) steroidogenic activity in the testes. Additionally, unilaterally control testes of cryptorchid mice were compared with bilaterally descended testes. Histological or hormonal differences were not found between control testes of cryptorchid and untreated mice. In cryptorchid testes from both strains, degeneration of germ cells was observed as well as a decrease in size of the seminiferous tubules, whereas the amount of interstitial tissue increased, especially in testes of CBA mice. Using immunohistochemistry, aromatase was localized in Leydig cells and germ cells in both control and cryptorchid testes. Sertoli cells were immunopositive in control testes only. In cryptorchid testes of KE mice, aromatase was strongly expressed in spermatids, that were still present in a few tubules. Other cell types in tubules were negative for aromatase. In both control and cryptorchid testes of both mouse strains, ERalpha were present in Leydig cells only, whereas ERbeta were found in Leydig cells and in germ cells in early stages of maturation. In homogenates of testes of CBA control mice, testosterone levels were 3-fold higher than in those of control KE mice, whereas the difference in estradiol levels between both strains was small. Cryptorchidism resulted in decreased testosterone levels and increased estradiol levels. The results of the present study show functional alterations due to cryptorchidism in both mouse strains. Strong aromatase expression in germ cells in control and cryptorchid testes indicates an additional source of estrogens in the testis besides the interstitial tissue and the relevance of estrogen in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bilińska
- Laboratory of Endocrinology & Tissue Culture, Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Thonneau PF, Gandia P, Mieusset R, Candia P. Cryptorchidism: incidence, risk factors, and potential role of environment; an update. JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2003; 24:155-62. [PMID: 12634298 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2003.tb02654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F Thonneau
- Human Fertility Research Group, Urology and Andrology Department, La Grave Hospital, Toulouse, France.
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