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Shen Y, Fan J, Liu S, Tao L, Yang Q, Shen X. Exploring pathogenesis and biomarkers through establishment of a rat model of male infertility with liver depression and kidney deficiency. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303189. [PMID: 38768165 PMCID: PMC11104592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish a rat model that accurately replicates the clinical characteristics of male infertility (MI) with Liver Depression and Kidney Deficiency (LD & KD) and investigate the pathogenesis. METHODS After subjecting the rats to chronic restraint stress (CRS) and adenine treatment, a series of tests were conducted, including ethological assessments, evaluations of reproductive characteristics, measurements of biochemical parameters, histopathological examinations, and analyses of urinary metabolites. Additionally, bioinformatics predictions were performed for comprehensive analysis. RESULTS Compared to the control, the model exhibited significant manifestations of MI with LD & KD, including reduced responsiveness, diminished frequency of capturing estrous female rats, and absence of mounting behavior. Additionally, the kidney coefficient increased markedly, while the coefficients of the testis and epididymis decreased significantly. Sperm counts and viabilities decreased notably, accompanied by an increase in sperm abnormalities. Dysregulation of reproductive hormone levels in the serum was observed, accompanied by an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines expressions in the liver and kidney, as well as exacerbated oxidative stress in the penile corpus cavernosum and testis. The seminiferous tubules in the testis exhibited a loose arrangement, loss of germ cells, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, utilizing urinary metabolomics and bioinformatics analysis, 5 key biomarkers and 2 crucial targets most closely linked to MI were revealed. CONCLUSION The study successfully established a clinically relevant animal model of MI with LD & KD. It elucidates the pathogenesis of the condition, identifies key biomarkers and targets, and provides a robust scientific foundation for the prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of MI with LD & KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The National Engineering Research Center of Miao’s Medicines, Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Fan
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shaobo Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ling Tao
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingbo Yang
- The National Engineering Research Center of Miao’s Medicines, Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Stabile AM, Pistilli A, Moretti E, Bartolini D, Ruggirello M, Rende M, Castellini C, Mattioli S, Ponchia R, Tripodi SA, Collodel G. A Possible Role for Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptors in Human Sperm Pathology. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3345. [PMID: 38137566 PMCID: PMC10742157 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123345] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling affects spermatogenesis and mature sperm traits. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the distribution and the role of NGF and its receptors (p75NTR and TrKA) on the reproductive apparatus (testis and epididymis) and sperm of fertile men (F) and men with different pathologies, namely varicocele (V) and urogenital infections (UGIs). We collected semen samples from 21 individuals (31-40 years old) subdivided as follows: V (n = 7), UGIs (n = 7), and F (n = 7). We submitted the semen samples to bacteriological analysis, leucocyte identification, and analysis of sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, and viability). We determined the seminal plasma levels of NGF, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), and the gene and protein expression of NGF receptors on sperm. We also used immunofluorescence to examine NGF receptors on ejaculated sperm, testis, and epididymis. As expected, fertile men showed better sperm parameters as well as lower levels of NGF, F2-IsoPs, and IL-1β compared with men with infertility. Notably, in normal sperm, p75NTR and TrKA were localised throughout the entire tail. TrKA was also found in the post-acrosomal sheath. This localisation appeared different in patients with infertility: in particular, there was a strong p75NTR signal in the midpiece and the cytoplasmic residue or coiled tails of altered ejaculated sperm. In line with these findings, NGF receptors were intensely expressed in the epididymis and interstitial tissue of the testis. These data suggest the distinctive involvement of NGF and its receptors in the physiology of sperm from fertile men and men with infertility, indicating a possible role for new targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Stabile
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (A.M.S.); (A.P.); (M.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Alessandra Pistilli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (A.M.S.); (A.P.); (M.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Desirée Bartolini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Mariangela Ruggirello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (A.M.S.); (A.P.); (M.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Mario Rende
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (A.M.S.); (A.P.); (M.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Simona Mattioli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Rosetta Ponchia
- Unit of Medically Assisted Reproduction, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Sergio Antonio Tripodi
- Department of Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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Mattioli S, Moretti E, Castellini C, Signorini C, Corsaro R, Angelucci E, Collodel G. Can Dietary n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Affect Apelin and Resolvin in Testis and Sperm of Male Rabbits? Molecules 2023; 28:6188. [PMID: 37687017 PMCID: PMC10488499 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176188] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin and other novel adipokines have been associated with normal and pathological reproductive conditions in humans and animals. In this paper, we used a rabbit model to investigate if apelin and resolvin (RvD1) in testis and sperm are associated with the oxidative status of semen and serum testosterone of rabbits fed different diets enriched with flaxseed (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) or with fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, docosapentaenoic acid, DPAn-3, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). Apelin and RvD1 were detected by ELISA and apelin and the apelin receptor by immunofluorescence. Increased levels of apelin in testes from both enriched diets were shown, particularly in the interstitial tissue of the FLAX group. The FLAX diet enhanced serum testosterone, and both enriched diets showed higher levels of malondialdehyde and RvD1 in the testis. In ejaculated sperm, apelin and its receptor were localized in the entire tail of the control and both treated groups. The ryanodine receptor was investigated in rabbit testis; the fluorescent signal was increased in mature elongated spermatids of the FLAX group. In conclusion, this data seems to indicate that FLAX increases the amount of apelin in testis, suggesting an involvement of this adipokine in male reproduction and probably a role in the resolution of the inflammatory status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mattioli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.M.); (C.C.); (E.A.)
| | - Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.M.); (C.C.); (E.A.)
| | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Roberta Corsaro
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Elisa Angelucci
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.M.); (C.C.); (E.A.)
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
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