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Aisyah CR, Mizuno Y, Masuda M, Iwamoto T, Yamasaki K, Uchida M, Kariya F, Higaki S, Konishi S. Association between Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Concentrations of Urinary Cadmium and Selenium. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2488-2500. [PMID: 37755586 PMCID: PMC11052814 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03868-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Elevated sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with damage to sperm and poorer measures of semen quality. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can increase oxidative stress and damage sperm mitochondria. The adverse effects of Cd can potentially be reduced by sufficient selenium (Se). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between sperm mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd and Se, as well as the Cd/Se molar ratio. Participants were recruited from patients who sought infertility treatment at two hospitals in Japan. Urine and semen specimens and self-administered questionnaires were collected on the day of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn was measured in extracted sperm DNA by multiplex real-time qPCR. Urinary Cd and Se concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and their molar weights were calculated to obtain the Cd/Se molar ratio. Linear regression was used to estimate associations after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, exercise, varicocele, and hospital of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn showed statistically insignificant associations with creatinine-adjusted concentrations of urinary Cd (β = 0.13, 95% CI -0.18, 0.44) and Se (β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.54, 0.35), and Cd/Se molar ratio (β = 0.12, 95% CI -0.13, 0.37). The current study found no evidence of an association between mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd or Se, or the Cd/Se molar ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuki Mizuno
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Momoka Masuda
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Japan
- Sanno Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Fumiko Kariya
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Higaki
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Konishi
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Jalili C, Ranjbar Shamsi R, Amiri B, Kakebaraie S, Jalili F, Nasta TZ. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of aflatoxin on the reproductive system: Focus on cell cycle dynamics and apoptosis in testicular tissue. Toxicology 2024; 504:153773. [PMID: 38484789 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153773] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are inevitable environmental contaminants that are detrimental to human and animal health. AFs interfere with metabolic processes, metabolizing into different hydroxylated derivatives in the liver, as well as mechanistically induce ROS accumulation, S-phase arrest, DNA damage, and cell apoptosis. Chronic consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods can adversely affect the male reproductive system, cause testicular damage, prevent testosterone synthesis, decline sperm quality, and cause infertility. Oxidative stress is the fundamental pathogenesis of aflatoxin-induced reproductive toxicity. The overproduction of reactive oxygen substances can cause testicular failure and disturb the process of spermatogenesis. Mitochondria are susceptible to being impaired by oxidative stress, and its damage is associated with infertility. AFs also disturb the process of spermatogenesis by disrupting the regulation of genes related to the progression of the cell cycle such as cyclins and inducing genes related to apoptosis, thereby weakening fertility and negatively affecting the testicular endocrine potential by suppressing androgen synthesis. Additionally, AFs downregulate ERα expression, potentially negatively impacting spermatogenesis by enhancing the apoptotic mechanism. In this review, we provide new insights into the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of AFB1 on the male reproductive system with a focus on the cell cycle and apoptosis destruction of testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Jalili
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Rahele Ranjbar Shamsi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Bita Amiri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Seyran Kakebaraie
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Faramarz Jalili
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Touraj Zamir Nasta
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Yang W, Hua R, Cao Y, He X. A metabolomic perspective on the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants and lifestyle lead to male infertility. Andrology 2024; 12:719-739. [PMID: 37815095 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of male infertility (MI) is rising annually. According to epidemiological studies, environmental pollution (e.g., organic, inorganic, and air pollutants), occupational exposure (e.g., high temperature, organic solvents, and pesticides), and poor lifestyle (e.g., diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise) are important non-genetic causative factors of MI. Due to multiple and complex causative factors, the dose-effect relationship, and the uncertainty of pathogenicity, the pathogenesis of MI is far from fully clarified. Recent data show that the pathogenesis of MI can be monitored by the metabolites in serum, seminal plasma, urine, testicular tissue, sperm, and other biological samples. It is considered that these metabolites are closely related to MI phenotypes and can directly reflect the individual pathological and physiological conditions. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the metabolome, the related metabolic pathways, and the identification of biomarkers will help to explore the MI-related metabolic problems and provide valuable insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we summarized new findings in MI metabolomics biomarkers research and their abnormal metabolic pathways triggered by the presented non-genetic risk factors, providing a metabolic landscape of semen and seminal plasma in general MI patients. Then, we compared the similarities and differences in semen and seminal plasma biomarkers between MI patients exposed to environmental and poor lifestyle factors and MI patients in general, and summarized some common biomarkers. We provide a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of MI pathogenesis, which might offer novel diagnostic, prognostic, and precise treatment approaches to MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Gatti M, Belli M, De Rubeis M, Tokita S, Ikema H, Yamashiro H, Fujishima Y, Anderson D, Goh VST, Shinoda H, Nakata A, Fukumoto M, Miura T, Nottola SA, Macchiarelli G, Palmerini MG. Ultrastructural Analysis of Large Japanese Field Mouse ( Apodemus speciosus) Testes Exposed to Low-Dose-Rate (LDR) Radiation after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:239. [PMID: 38666851 PMCID: PMC11048324 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, great attention has been paid to the impact of chronic low-dose-rate (LDR) radiation exposure on biological systems. The reproductive system is sensitive to radiation, with implications connected to infertility. We investigated the testis ultrastructure of the wild large Japanese field mouse (Apodemus speciosus) from three areas contaminated after the FDNPP accident, with different levels of LDR radiation (0.29 µSv/h, 5.11 µSv/h, and 11.80 µSv/h). Results showed good preservation of the seminiferous tubules, comparable to the unexposed animals (controls), except for some ultrastructural modifications. Increases in the numerical density of lipid droplet clusters in spermatogenic cells were found at high levels of LDR radiation, indicating an antioxidant activity rising due to radiation recovery. In all groups, wide intercellular spaces were found between spermatogenic cells, and cytoplasmic vacuolization increased at intermediate and high levels and vacuolated mitochondria at the high-level. However, these findings were also related to the physiological dynamics of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, the testes of A. speciosus exposed to LDR radiation associated with the FDNPP accident showed a normal spermatogenesis, with some ultrastructural changes. These outcomes may add information on the reproductive potential of mammals chronically exposed to LDR radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gatti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Manuel Belli
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariacarla De Rubeis
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Syun Tokita
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 959-2181, Japan
| | - Hikari Ikema
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 959-2181, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yamashiro
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 959-2181, Japan
| | - Yohei Fujishima
- Department of Risk Analysis and Biodosimetry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8564, Japan (D.A.); (T.M.)
| | - Donovan Anderson
- Department of Risk Analysis and Biodosimetry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8564, Japan (D.A.); (T.M.)
| | - Valerie Swee Ting Goh
- Department of Radiobiology, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Hisashi Shinoda
- Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akifumi Nakata
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, Hokkaido 006-8585, Japan
| | - Manabu Fukumoto
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Pathology Informatics Team, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan;
| | - Tomisato Miura
- Department of Risk Analysis and Biodosimetry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8564, Japan (D.A.); (T.M.)
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
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Vedelek V, Jankovics F, Zádori J, Sinka R. Mitochondrial Differentiation during Spermatogenesis: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3980. [PMID: 38612789 PMCID: PMC11012351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous diseases can arise as a consequence of mitochondrial malfunction. Hence, there is a significant focus on studying the role of mitochondria in cancer, ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, and the field of developmental biology. Mitochondria could exist as discrete organelles in the cell; however, they have the ability to fuse, resulting in the formation of interconnected reticular structures. The dynamic changes between these forms correlate with mitochondrial function and mitochondrial health, and consequently, there is a significant scientific interest in uncovering the specific molecular constituents that govern these transitions. Moreover, the specialized mitochondria display a wide array of variable morphologies in their cristae formations. These inner mitochondrial structures are closely associated with the specific functions performed by the mitochondria. In multiple cases, the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to male sterility, as it has been observed to cause a range of abnormal spermatogenesis and sperm phenotypes in different species. This review aims to elucidate the dynamic alterations and functions of mitochondria in germ cell development during the spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jankovics
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Medical Biology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Centre, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Zádori
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Centre, University of Szeged, 6723 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Qasemi M, Sur VP, Simonik O, Postlerova P, Skrobanek P, Hradec T, Boublikova L, Zamecnik L, Buchler T, Neuzil J, Komrskova K. Sperm mitochondria dysfunction in response to testicular cancer. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14146. [PMID: 38069497 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men of reproductive age and its incidence is increasing globally. With the currently successful treatment and 95% survival rate, there is a need for deeper understanding of testicular cancer-related infertility. Most patients with testicular cancer experience semen abnormalities prior to cancer therapy. However, the exact mechanism of the effect of testicular cancer on sperm anomalies is not known. Mitochondria are organelles that play a crucial role in both tumorigenesis and spermatogenesis and their malfunction may be an important factor resulting in sperm abnormalities in testicular cancer patients. Within the scope of this review, we will discuss current knowledge of testicular cancer-related alterations in the ATP production pathway, a possible pathophysiological switch from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, as well as the role of oxidative stress promoting sperm dysfunction. In this regard, the review provides a summary of the impact of testicular cancer on sperm quality as a possible consequence of impaired mitochondrial function including the energy metabolic pathways that are known to be altered in the sperm of testicular cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Qasemi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Vishma Pratap Sur
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Skrobanek
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Hradec
- Department of Urology, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Boublikova
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Zamecnik
- Department of Urology, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Buchler
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Li R, Du Y, Li K, Xiong X, Zhang L, Guo C, Gao S, Yao Y, Xu Y, Yang J. Single-cell transcriptome profiling implicates the psychological stress-induced disruption of spermatogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102158. [PMID: 38439912 PMCID: PMC10910125 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility has emerged as a global issue, partly attributed to psychological stress. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of psychological stress on male reproductive function remain elusive. We created a psychologically stressed model using terrified-sound and profiled the testes from stressed and control rats using single-cell RNA sequencing. Comparative and comprehensive transcriptome analyses of 11,744 testicular cells depicted the cellular landscape of spermatogenesis and revealed significant molecular alterations of spermatogenesis suffering from psychological stress. At the cellular level, stressed rats exhibited delayed spermatogenesis at the spermatogonia and pachytene phases, resulting in reduced sperm production. Additionally, psychological stress rewired cellular interactions among germ cells, negatively impacting reproductive development. Molecularly, we observed the down-regulation of anti-oxidation-related genes and up-regulation of genes promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the stress group. These alterations led to elevated ROS levels in testes, affecting the expression of key regulators such as ATF2 and STAR, which caused reproductive damage through apoptosis or inhibition of testosterone synthesis. Overall, our study aimed to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which psychological stress disrupts spermatogenesis, offering insights into the mechanisms of psychological stress-induced male infertility in other species and promises in potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yuefeng Du
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Xiong
- Center for Tumor and Immunology, the Precision Medical Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shanfeng Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yufei Yao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yungang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi’an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
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Pi Y, Huang Z, Xu X, Zhang H, Jin M, Zhang S, Lin G, Hu L. Increases in computationally predicted deleterious variants of unknown significance and sperm mtDNA copy numbers may be associated with semen quality. Andrology 2024; 12:585-598. [PMID: 37622679 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13521] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondria are essential for sperm motility because they provide the energy required for the movement. Changes in sperm mtDNA, such as point mutations, large-scale deletions, or copy number variations, may interfere with ATP production and reduce sperm motility. However, it is not clear if changes in mtDNA are linked to semen quality. OBJECTIVES To explore the association between sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) changes and semen quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-five oligo and/or astheno and/or terato patients (O/A/T) patients and 41 controls were recruited from couples undergoing assisted reproduction. Semen and blood samples were collected from the same individual on the day of oocyte retrieval to extract, isolate and purify mtDNA for next-generation sequencing. mtDNA copy numbers were assessed in 64 patient and 39 control sperm DNA samples using quantitative real-time PCR. The 4977 bp deletion was assessed in 20 patient and 20 control sperm DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The mtDNA of patients was more likely to carry pathogenic variants or variants of unknown significance (VUSs) (P = 0.091) with higher heteroplasmy levels (P < 0.05) than that of controls. Interestingly, 33.85% of O/A/T patients (22 out of 65) lacked unique variants in their spermatozoa. but presented an exceptionally high mtDNA copy number (P < 0.0001). Moreover, we observed a decrease in the heteroplasmy level of common mtDNA variants shared by somatic and gamete cells (P < 0.0001) and the emergence of a very large number of de novo mtDNA variants with low-level heteroplasmy in spermatozoa. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The increases in the number of computationally predicted deleterious VUS and mtDNA copies in spermatozoa may be associated with semen quality. Exposure to environmental mutation pressure that causes novel mtDNA variants with low-level heteroplasmy may occur during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, when a certain harmful threshold is reached, male germ cells may degrade mtDNA with mutations and replicate the correct mtDNA sequence to maintain the mitochondrial function in spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Pi
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory Medicine Centre, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Jin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Hunan, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Hunan, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Hunan, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Gao X, Feng B, Du C, Hou C, Jin S, Tang D, Zhu J, Lv Y. Expression dynamics indicate the involvement of SPG7 in the reproduction and spermiogenesis of Phascolosoma esculenta. Gene 2024; 895:148028. [PMID: 38007160 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148028] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Spastic paraplegia 7 (SPG7) is an m-AAA protease subunit involved in mitochondrial morphology and physiology. However, its function in animal reproduction is yet to be evaluated. In this study, its molecular features, subcellular localization, and expression dynamics were investigated to analyze its potential function in the reproduction of male Phascolosoma esculenta, an economically important marine species in China. The full-length cDNA of P. esculenta spg7 (Pe-spg7) measures 3053 bp and encodes an 853-amino acid protein (Pe-SPG7). Pe-SPG7 includes two transmembrane domains, an AAA domain and a proteolytic domain. Amino acid sequence alignment revealed that SPG7 was conserved during evolution. The mRNA and protein expression of spg7 indicated its involvement in reproduction. Its expression was the highest in coelomic fluid, where spermatids develop, and it was significantly higher in the breeding stage than in the nonbreeding stage. SPG7 was mainly found in the mitochondria of spermatids in the coelomic fluid, indicating that it functions in this organelle in spermatids. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that SPG7 was expressed and colocalized in the mitochondria during spermiogenesis, suggesting its involvement in P. esculenta spermiogenesis. Therefore, SPG7 may participate in spermiogenesis by functioning in the mitochondria and regulate the reproduction of male P. esculenta. This study provided insights into the function of SPG7 in animal reproduction and P. esculenta gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, People's Republic of China
| | - Binbin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Daojun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaoping Lv
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Huang R, Chen J, Guo B, Jiang C, Sun W. Diabetes-induced male infertility: potential mechanisms and treatment options. Mol Med 2024; 30:11. [PMID: 38225568 PMCID: PMC10790413 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a physiological phenomenon in which a man is unable to impregnate a fertile woman during a 12-month period of continuous, unprotected sexual intercourse. A growing body of clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that the increasing incidence of male reproductive problems, especially infertility, shows a very similar trend to the incidence of diabetes within the same age range. In addition, a large number of previous in vivo and in vitro experiments have also suggested that the complex pathophysiological changes caused by diabetes may induce male infertility in multiple aspects, including hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction, spermatogenesis and maturation disorders, testicular interstitial cell damage erectile dysfunction. Based on the above related mechanisms, a large number of studies have focused on the potential therapeutic association between diabetes progression and infertility in patients with diabetes and infertility, providing important clues for the treatment of this population. In this paper, we summarized the research results of the effects of diabetes on male reproductive function in recent 5 years, elaborated the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of male infertility induced by diabetes, and reviewed and prospected the therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runchun Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Jiawang Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Buyu Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Chenjun Jiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Weiming Sun
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000.
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Gromenko YY, Galimov KS, Gilyazova IR, Galimova EF, Bulygin KV, Ryagin SN, Galimov SN, Litvitskiy PF, Piavchenko GA, Pavlov VN. Single nucleotide polymorphism rs527236194 of the cytochrome B gene (MT-CYB) is associated with alterations in sperm parameters. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10131-10136. [PMID: 37921983 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08849-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mitochondrial genome is substantially susceptible to mutations and has high polymorphism due to structural features, location, and lack of recombinant variability, as its inheritance is strictly maternal. All of these events can be accompanied by the accumulation of mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs) in the sperm. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of mutations in the MT-CYB gene on sperm quality. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a case‒control study to identify mutations in the mitochondrial cytochrome B (MT-CYB) gene in men with asthenoteratozoospermia (89 cases) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (65 cases). The comparison group consisted of 164 fertile men. Somatic cell lysis followed by mtDNA extraction was conducted to analyze three mtDNA polymorphisms, rs28357373 (T15629C (Leu295=), rs527236194 (T15784C (p.Pro346=), rs2853506 (A15218G, p.Thr158Ala). Detection and genotyping of polymorphic loci in the MT-CYB gene was performed using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. To verify mutations in the MT-CYB gene, automated Sanger DNA sequencing was used. We found that rs527236194 was associated with asthenoteratozoospermia. rs28357373 in the MT-CYB gene did not show any polymorphism in the analyzed groups, which indicates a rare frequency of the TT genotype in our region. Rs28357373 and rs2853506 are not associated with male sperm abnormalities in the Volga-Ural region. CONCLUSION The association of the rs527236194 polymorphic variant with sperm parameter alterations suggests its role in the pathophysiology of male infertility and requires further investigation in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Yu Gromenko
- Medical Center "Family", Ufa, 450054, Russia
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, 450008, Russia
| | - Kamil S Galimov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | | | | | - Kirill V Bulygin
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Sergey N Ryagin
- Moscow University for Industry and Finance «Synergy», Moscow, 125190, Russia
| | | | - Peter F Litvitskiy
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Gennadii A Piavchenko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.
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12
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Vedelek V, Vedelek B, Lőrincz P, Juhász G, Sinka R. A comparative analysis of fruit fly and human glutamate dehydrogenases in Drosophila melanogaster sperm development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1281487. [PMID: 38020911 PMCID: PMC10652781 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1281487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate dehydrogenases are enzymes that take part in both amino acid and energy metabolism. Their role is clear in many biological processes, from neuronal function to cancer development. The putative testis-specific Drosophila glutamate dehydrogenase, Bb8, is required for male fertility and the development of mitochondrial derivatives in spermatids. Testis-specific genes are less conserved and could gain new functions, thus raising a question whether Bb8 has retained its original enzymatic activity. We show that while Bb8 displays glutamate dehydrogenase activity, there are significant functional differences between the housekeeping Gdh and the testis-specific Bb8. Both human GLUD1 and GLUD2 can rescue the bb8 ms mutant phenotype, with superior performance by GLUD2. We also tested the role of three conserved amino acids observed in both Bb8 and GLUD2 in Gdh mutants, which showed their importance in the glutamate dehydrogenase function. The findings of our study indicate that Drosophila Bb8 and human GLUD2 could be novel examples of convergent molecular evolution. Furthermore, we investigated the importance of glutamate levels in mitochondrial homeostasis during spermatogenesis by ectopic expression of the mitochondrial glutamate transporter Aralar1, which caused mitochondrial abnormalities in fly spermatids. The data presented in our study offer evidence supporting the significant involvement of glutamate metabolism in sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balázs Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Biological Research Centre, Developmental Genetics Unit, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Lőrincz
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Biological Research Centre, Institute of Genetics, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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13
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Guo C, Xiao Y, Gu J, Zhao P, Hu Z, Zheng J, Hua R, Hai Z, Su J, Zhang JV, Yeung WSB, Wang T. ClpP/ClpX deficiency impairs mitochondrial functions and mTORC1 signaling during spermatogenesis. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1012. [PMID: 37798322 PMCID: PMC10556007 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Caseinolytic protease proteolytic subunit (ClpP) and caseinolytic protease X (ClpX) are mitochondrial matrix peptidases that activate mitochondrial unfolded protein response to maintain protein homeostasis in the mitochondria. However, the role of ClpP and ClpX in spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the importance of ClpP/ClpX for meiosis and spermatogenesis with two conditional knockout (cKO) mouse models. We found that ClpP/ClpX deficiency reduced mitochondrial functions and quantity in spermatocytes, affected energy supply during meiosis and attenuated zygotene-pachytene transformation of the male germ cells. The dysregulated spermatocytes finally underwent apoptosis resulting in decreased testicular size and vacuolar structures within the seminiferous tubules. We found mTORC1 pathway was over-activated after deletion of ClpP/ClpX in spermatocytes. Long-term inhibition of the mTORC1 signaling via rapamycin treatment in vivo partially rescue spermatogenesis. The data reveal the critical roles of ClpP and ClpX in regulating meiosis and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yuan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Jingkai Gu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Peikun Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Jiahuan Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Renwu Hua
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Jiaping Su
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Tianren Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
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14
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Cheng YS, Chen HY, Lin YC, Lin YS, Yeh YC, Yeh YH, Cheng YH, Lin YM, Weng HY, Lin TY, Lin SC. The MAEL expression in mitochondria of human spermatozoa and the association with asthenozoospermia. Andrology 2023; 11:1286-1294. [PMID: 36779514 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13408] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The maelstrom spermatogenic transposon silencer (MAEL) function in postmeiotic germ cells remains unclear, and its protein localization in human testis and spermatozoa awaits determination. This study aims to clarify the MAEL expression in human spermatogenesis and to explore its role in sperm function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven asthenozoospermic men, 40 normozoospermic controls, and three obstructive azoospermic men were enrolled. The transcripts of MAEL in the seminiferous epithelium and MAEL downstream targets were identified by bioinformatics analysis. MAEL protein expression in human testis and ejaculated sperms were examined by immunohistochemical and immunogold staining, respectively. The roles of MAEL in mitochondria function were investigated by siRNA knockdown in human H358 cells. The association between MAEL protein levels and clinical sperm features was evaluated. RESULTS Abundant MAEL was expressed in spermatid and spermatozoa of the human testis. Remarkably, MAEL was located in the mitochondria of ejaculated sperm, and bioinformatics analysis identified GPX4 and UBL4B as MAEL's downstream targets. Knockdown of MAEL sabotaged mitochondria function and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in H358 cells. MAEL, GPX4, and UBL4B expression levels were significantly decreased in asthenozoospermic sperms than in controls. The MAEL protein levels were positively correlated with GPX4 and UBL4B in human sperm. Total motile sperm count (TMSC) was positively correlated with protein levels of MAEL, GPX4, and UBL4B in ejaculated sperms. CONCLUSIONS We highlight prominent MAEL expression in the intratesticular spermatid and the mitochondria of ejaculated spermatozoa. MAEL directly binds to GPX4 and UBL4B, and loss of MAEL induces mitochondrial dysfunction. MAEL-mitochondrial function-motility relationship might advance our understanding of the causes of asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of, Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Yi Chen
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of, Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiao Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of, Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Syuan Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Yeh
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Yeh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsuan Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of, Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of, Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yu Weng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of, Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yen Lin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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15
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Wei YS, Chen YL, Li WY, Yang YY, Lin SJ, Wu CH, Yang JI, Wang TE, Yu J, Tsai PS. Antioxidant Nanoparticles Restore Cisplatin-Induced Male Fertility Defects by Promoting MDC1-53bp1-Associated Non-Homologous DNA Repair Mechanism and Sperm Intracellular Calcium Influx. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4313-4327. [PMID: 37576465 PMCID: PMC10416785 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s408623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cisplatin, a commonly used anticancer compound, exhibits severe off-target organ toxicity. Due to its wide application in cancer treatment, the reduction of its damage to normal tissue is an imminent clinical need. Cisplatin-induced testicular oxidative stress and damage lead to male sub- or infertility. Despite earlier studies showing that the natural polyphenol extracts honokiol serve as the free radical scavenger that reduces the accumulation of intracellular free radicals, whether honokiol exhibits direct effects on the testis and sperm is unclear. Thus, the aim of the current study is to investigate the direct effects of honokiol on testicular recovery and sperm physiology. Methods We encapsulated this polyphenol antioxidation compound into liposome-based nanoparticles (nHNK) and gave intraperitoneally to mice at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body mass every other day for consecutive 6 weeks. Results We showed that nHNK promotes MDC1-53bp1-associated non-homologous DNA double-strand break repair signaling pathway that minimizes cisplatin-induced DNA damage. This positive effect restores spermatogenesis and allows the restructuring of the multi-spermatogenic layers in the testis. By reducing mitochondrial oxidative damage, nHNK also protects sperm mitochondrial structure and maintains both testicular and sperm ATP production. By a yet-to-identify mechanism, nHNK restores sperm calcium influx at the sperm midpiece and tail, which is essential for sperm hypermotility and their interaction with the oocyte. Discussion Taken together, the nanoparticulated antioxidant counteracts cisplatin-induced male fertility defects and benefits patients undertaking cisplatin-based chemotherapy. These data may allow the reintroduction of cisplatin for systemic applications in patients at clinics with reduced testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Syuan Wei
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Liang Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yun Li
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yi Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Jan Lin
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ho Wu
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jiue-In Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tse-En Wang
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jiashing Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shiue Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
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16
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Bai Y, Hei N, Gao M, Dong X, Li M, Jiang S, Zhang L. LDLR heterozygous deletion reduces hamster testicular cholesterol toxicity via AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway. Toxicol Lett 2023; 384:30-43. [PMID: 37459939 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.07.009] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an important part of the human diet. The relationship and molecular mechanisms between intracellular cholesterol and male infertility are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in male infertility. Both wild-type (WT) and LDLR heterozygous deletion (LDLR+/-) male Golden Syrian hamsters were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal diet (ND). Plasma biochemistry, serum hormone, testicular histopathology, mRNA and protein expression of AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α in both testicular tissue and isolated Leydig cells (LCs) were measured. Compared with the ND animals, the WT HFD hamsters developed dyslipidemia at three weeks with lipid droplets deposited in LCs, testosterone decreased at four weeks (0.440 ± 0.264 ng/ml vs. 2.367 ± 1.236 ng/ml), the number of the Sertoli cells decreased (21.578 ± 2.934/one tubule vs. 25.733 ± 3.424/one tubule), the seminiferous epithelium became thinner (0.0813 ± 0.01729 mm vs. 0.0944 ± 0.0138 mm), testicular atrophy and AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway downregulated at five weeks. All these changes persisted until the end of the study. LDLR+/- alleviated all of the above changes by downregulating the cellular influx of cholesterol induced by HFD except for higher hyperlipidemia. In summary, excessive intracellular cholesterol inactivates AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway firstly in LCs and then in both Sertoli and spermatids. Cholesterol toxicity was LDLR dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bai
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Naiheng Hei
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mingming Gao
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaohui Dong
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mingzhao Li
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shaohao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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17
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Costa J, Braga PC, Rebelo I, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Mitochondria Quality Control and Male Fertility. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:827. [PMID: 37372112 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are pivotal to cellular homeostasis, performing vital functions such as bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and cell signalling. Proper maintenance of these processes is crucial to prevent disease development and ensure optimal cell function. Mitochondrial dynamics, including fission, fusion, biogenesis, mitophagy, and apoptosis, maintain mitochondrial quality control, which is essential for overall cell health. In male reproduction, mitochondria play a pivotal role in germ cell development and any defects in mitochondrial quality can have serious consequences on male fertility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also play a crucial role in sperm capacitation, but excessive ROS levels can trigger oxidative damage. Any imbalance between ROS and sperm quality control, caused by non-communicable diseases or environmental factors, can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, cell damage, and apoptosis, which in turn affect sperm concentration, quality, and motility. Therefore, assessing mitochondrial functionality and quality control is essential to gain valuable insights into male infertility. In sum, proper mitochondrial functionality is essential for overall health, and particularly important for male fertility. The assessment of mitochondrial functionality and quality control can provide crucial information for the study and management of male infertility and may lead to the development of new strategies for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Costa
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C Braga
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Rebelo
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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18
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Barretta F, Uomo F, Caldora F, Mocerino R, Adamo D, Testa F, Simonelli F, Scudiero O, Tinto N, Frisso G, Mazzaccara C. Combined MITOchondrial-NUCLEAR (MITO-NUCLEAR) Analysis for Mitochondrial Diseases Diagnosis: Validation and Implementation of a One-Step NGS Method. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051087. [PMID: 37239447 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051087] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is revolutionizing diagnostic screening for mitochondrial diseases (MDs). Moreover, an investigation by NGS still requires analyzing the mitochondrial genome and nuclear genes separately, with limitations in terms of time and costs. We describe the validation and implementation of a custom blended MITOchondrial-NUCLEAR (MITO-NUCLEAR) assay for the simultaneous identification of genetic variants both in whole mtDNA and in nuclear genes included in a clinic exome panel. Furthermore, the MITO-NUCLEAR assay, implemented in our diagnostic process, has allowed us to arrive at a molecular diagnosis in a young patient. METHODS Massive sequencing strategy was applied for the validation experiments, performed using multiple tissues (blood, buccal swab, fresh tissue, tissue from slide, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue section) and two different blend-in ratios of the mitochondrial probes: nuclear probes; 1:900 and 1:300. RESULTS Data suggested that 1:300 was the optimal probe dilution, where 100% of the mtDNA was covered at least 3000×, the median coverage was >5000×, and 93.84% of nuclear regions were covered at least 100×. CONCLUSIONS Our custom Agilent SureSelect MITO-NUCLEAR panel provides a potential "one-step" investigation that may be applied to both research and genetic diagnosis of MDs, allowing the simultaneous discovery of nuclear and mitochondrial mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Barretta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Uomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Caldora
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Mocerino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Adamo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Olga Scudiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Tinto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Frisso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazzaccara
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
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19
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Yang P, Deng LJ, Xie JY, Li XJ, Wang XN, Sun B, Meng TQ, Xiong CL, Huang YC, Wang YX, Pan A, Chen D, Yang Y. Phthalate exposure with sperm quality among healthy Chinese male adults: The role of sperm cellular function. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 331:121755. [PMID: 37142207 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Adverse male reproduction caused by phthalate ester (PAE) exposure has been well documented in vivo. However, existing evidence from population studies remains inadequate to demonstrate the impact of PAE exposure on spermatogenesis and underlying mechanisms. Our present study aimed to explore the potential link between PAE exposure and sperm quality and the possible mediation by sperm mitochondrial and telomere in healthy male adults recruited from the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, China. Nine PAEs were determined in one pooled urine sample prepared from multiple collections during the spermatogenesis period from the same participant. Sperm telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) were determined in sperm samples. The sperm concentration and count per quartile increment in mixture concentrations were -4.10 million/mL (-7.12, -1.08) and -13.52% (-21.62%, -4.59%), respectively. We found one quartile increase in PAE mixture concentrations to be marginally associated with sperm mtDNAcn (β = 0.09, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.19). Mediation analysis showed that sperm mtDNAcn significantly explained 24.6% and 32.5% of the relationships of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) with sperm concentration and sperm count (β = -0.44 million/mL, 95% CI: -0.82, -0.08; β = -1.35, 95% CI: -2.54, -0.26, respectively). Our study provided a novel insight into the mixed effect of PAEs on adverse semen quality and the potential mediation role of sperm mtDNAcn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Lang-Jing Deng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Jin-Ying Xie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jie Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Na Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yi-Chao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Da Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Jieyang Branch of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Jieyang, 515200, Guangdong, PR China; Synergy Innovation Institute of GDUT, Shantou, 515041, PR China.
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20
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Wang R, Huang Y, Yu L, Li S, Li J, Han B, Zheng X, Zhang Z. The role of mitochondrial dynamics imbalance in hexavalent chromium-induced apoptosis and autophagy in rat testis. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 374:110424. [PMID: 36849043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that can cause reproductive toxicity. However, the exact mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced testis toxicity remains largely elusive. This study aims to explore the possible molecular mechanism of Cr(VI)-provoked testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with 0, 2, 4, or 6 mg/kg body weight/day of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), respectively, for 5 weeks. The results revealed that Cr(VI)-treated rat testis presented varying degrees of damage in a dose-dependent manner. Concretely, Cr(VI) administration suppressed Sirtuin 1/Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α pathway and led to mitochondrial dynamics disorder, along with the elevation of mitochondrial division and the repression of mitochondrial fusion. Meanwhile, the downstream effector of Sirt1, nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), was downregulated, and correspondingly exacerbated oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dynamics disorder and Nrf2 inhibition collectively contribute to abnormal mitochondrial dynamics in testis, which further promotes apoptosis and autophagy, evidenced by dose-dependently increasing the protein levels and gene expressions of apoptosis-related (including Bcl-2-associated X protein, cytochrome c, and cleaved-caspase 3) and autophagy-related (Beclin-1, ATG4B, and ATG5). Collectively, our results demonstrate that Cr(VI) exposure induced testis apoptosis and autophagy by disrupting the balance of mitochondrial dynamics and the oxidation-reduction process in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yuxiang Huang
- Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar, 161000, China
| | - Lu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Biqi Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, 150030, China.
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21
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TLR7/8 agonist (R848) inhibit bovine X sperm motility via PI3K/GSK3α/β and PI3K/NFκB pathways. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 232:123485. [PMID: 36731692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex-control technology have great economic value and is one of the hot topics in livestock research. To produce more milk, dairy farmers prefer female offspring. X/Y sperm separation is an effective method for offspring sex control. Currently, the major commercial production method for sperm separation is flow cytometry sorting in cattle. However, flow cytometry requires expensive equipment and long sorting times. So, a simple and inexpensive method for producing a higher number of dairy cows is required. In this study, R848 activates toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8), thereby separating X from Y sperm. The results showed TLR7/8 is expressed in the tail of X sperm. Immunofluorescence (IF) of testes, epididymis, and ejaculate shows that the number of TLR7+/8+ sperm cells is up to 50 %. Furthermore, TLR7/8 agonist (R848) affects mitochondrial function through the PI3K/GSK3α/β/hexokinase and PI3K/NFκB/hexokinase signalling pathways, inhibiting X sperm motility, while the motility of Y-sperm remains unchanged. The difference in sperm motility causes Y sperm (with high motility) to move to the upper layer and X-sperm (with low motility) to the lower layer allowing the separation of X and Y sperm. Based on this study, we reveal a simple and effective method for enriched X/Y sperms from cattle.
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22
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Harmak H, Redouane S, Charoute H, Aniq Filali O, Barakat A, Rouba H. In silico exploration and molecular dynamics of deleterious SNPs on the human TERF1 protein triggering male infertility. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14665-14688. [PMID: 36995171 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193995] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
By limiting chromosome erosion and end-to-end fusions, telomere integrity is critical for chromosome stability and cell survival. During mitotic cycles or due to environmental stresses, telomeres become progressively shorter and dysfunctional, thus triggering cellular senescence, genomic instability and cell death. To avoid such consequences, the telomerase action, as well as the Shelterin and CST complexes, assure the telomere's protection. Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TERF1), which is one of the primary components of the Shelterin complex, binds directly to the telomere and controls its length and function by regulating the telomerase activity. Several reports about TERF1 gene variations have been associated with different diseases, and some of them have linked these variations to male infertility. Hence, this paper can be advantageous to investigate the association between the missense variants of the TERF1 gene and the susceptibility to male infertility. The stepwise prediction of SNPs pathogenicity followed in this study was based on stability and conservation analysis, post-translational modification, secondary structure, functional interaction prediction, binding energy evaluation and finally molecular dynamic simulation. Prediction matching among the tools revealed that out of 18 SNPs, only four (rs1486407144, rs1259659354, rs1257022048 and rs1320180267) were predicted as the most damaging and highly deleterious SNPs affecting the TERF1 protein and its molecular dynamics when interacting with the TERB1 protein by influencing the function, structural stability, flexibility and compaction of the overall complex. Interestingly, these polymorphisms should be considered during genetic screening so they can be used effectively as genetic biomarkers for male infertility diagnosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Harmak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Salaheddine Redouane
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Research Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ouafaa Aniq Filali
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rouba
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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Yu J, Li Z, Fu Y, Sun F, Chen X, Huang Q, He L, Yu H, Ji L, Cheng X, Shi Y, Shen C, Zheng B, Sun F. Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals the transcriptional landscape of ND-42 mediated spermatid elongation via mitochondrial derivative maintenance in Drosophila testes. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102671. [PMID: 36933391 PMCID: PMC10036812 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, mitochondria extend along the whole length of spermatid tail and offer a structural platform for microtubule reorganization and synchronized spermatid individualization, that eventually helps to generate mature sperm in Drosophila. However, the regulatory mechanism of spermatid mitochondria during elongation remains largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 42 kDa subunit (ND-42) was essential for male fertility and spermatid elongation in Drosophila. Moreover, ND-42 depletion led to mitochondrial disorders in Drosophila testes. Based on single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified 15 distinct cell clusters, including several unanticipated transitional subpopulations or differentiative stages for testicular germ cell complexity in Drosophila testes. Enrichments of the transcriptional regulatory network in the late-stage cell populations revealed key roles of ND-42 in mitochondria and its related biological processes during spermatid elongation. Notably, we demonstrated that ND-42 depletion led to maintenance defects of the major mitochondrial derivative and the minor mitochondrial derivative by affecting mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial-encoded genes. Our study proposes a novel regulatory mechanism of ND-42 for spermatid mitochondrial derivative maintenance, contributing to a better understanding of spermatid elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Zhiran Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yangbo Fu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Feiteng Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Lei He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Li Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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24
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Wang Y, Wu J, Wang J, He L, Lai H, Zhang T, Wang X, Li W. Mitochondrial oxidative stress in brain microvascular endothelial cells: Triggering blood-brain barrier disruption. Mitochondrion 2023; 69:71-82. [PMID: 36709855 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier disruption plays an important role in central nervous system diseases. This review provides information on the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in brain microvascular endothelial cells in cellular dysfunction, the disruption of intercellular junctions, transporter dysfunction, abnormal angiogenesis, neurovascular decoupling, and the involvement and aggravation of vascular inflammation and illustrates related molecular mechanisms. In addition, recent drug and nondrug therapies targeting cerebral vascular endothelial cell mitochondria to repair the blood-brain barrier are discussed. This review shows that mitochondrial oxidative stress disorder in brain microvascular endothelial cells plays a key role in the occurrence and development of blood-brain barrier damage and may be critical in various pathological mechanisms of blood-brain barrier damage. These new findings suggest a potential new strategy for the treatment of central nervous system diseases through mitochondrial modulation of cerebral vascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Jing Wu
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Jiexin Wang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Linxi He
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Han Lai
- School of Foreign Languages, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Tian Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
| | - Weihong Li
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610000, PR China.
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25
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Diop N, Dieng M, Sy M, Gueye MV, Diallo AS, Dieye M, Ndiade A, Ngom AI, Diatta AL, Faye O. Contribution to a better analysis of spermatic and ultrasound testicular parameters in the follow-up of male infertility at the Histology Embryology Cytogenetic Laboratory of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD). Morphologie 2023:S1286-0115(23)00025-5. [PMID: 36842934 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2023.02.001] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Senegal, marital infertility is a real problem for society. We undertook the study of this subject to make an analysis of the spermatic parameters of the infertile Senegalese man and to better understand the impact of testicular morphological anomalies on male fertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of 100 infertile patients followed at the Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetics laboratory of UCAD in Dakar, during the year 2020. Sperm parameters, presence of varicocele, and testicular volume were evaluated in our patients. RESULTS/DISCUSSION The mean age of the patients was 35.17±8.7 years. A history of sexually transmitted infections was found in 57% of patients. The mean duration of infertility was 5.67±3.2 years. The mean sperm count was 14,871,230/ml±4,950,000. Necrospermia was the most frequent abnormality found (60%), followed by asthenospermia (51%). The high rate of necrospermia could be explained by the high frequency of sexually transmitted infections. Other abnormalities were oligospermia (48%, including 09% cryptospermia), azoospermia (19%), teratospermia (19%), and hypospermia (13%). The predominance of azoospermia and oligospermia should prompt a search for a genetic predisposition in these subjects. The mean testicular volume was 10.3±4.9 cc on the right and 9.5±4.8 cc on the left. A single or bilateral varicocele was found in 43% of subjects. Patients with azoospermia and teratospermia were associated with testicular hypotrophy with a significant value (p=0.04). CONCLUSION Overall, the senegalese man consulting for infertility is a young adult, married for an average of 5 years. Necrospermia is the most frequently found anomaly. The severity of both qualitative and quantitative abnormalities should lead to a systematic search for a genetic origin. The etiological research of infertile patients must be done within a multidisciplinary framework to propose better management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Diop
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - M Dieng
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M Sy
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M V Gueye
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A S Diallo
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M Dieye
- Thiaroye psychiatric hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A Ndiade
- Laboratory of histology-embryology-cytology-cytogenetics and reproductive biology of Alioune Diop University, Bambey, Senegal
| | - A I Ngom
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A L Diatta
- Laboratory of histology-embryology-cytology-cytogenetics and reproductive biology of the Assane SECK University, Ziguinchor, Senegal
| | - O Faye
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
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26
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1918-127-817
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Xiong W, Ge H, Shen C, Li C, Zhang X, Tang L, Shen Y, Lu S, Zhang H, Wang Z. PRSS37 deficiency leads to impaired energy metabolism in testis and sperm revealed by DIA-based quantitative proteomic analysis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:145-168. [PMID: 35471551 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00918-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies have reported that a putative trypsin-like serine protease, PRSS37, is exclusively expressed in testicular germ cells during late spermatogenesis and essential for sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct and sperm-egg recognition via mediating the interaction between PDILT and ADAM3. In the present study, the global proteome profiles of wild-type (wt) and Prss37-/- mice in testis and sperm were compared employing data independent acquisition (DIA) technology. Overall, 2506 and 459 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in Prss37-null testis and sperm, respectively, when compared to control groups. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that most of DEPs were related to energy metabolism. Of note, the DEPs associated with pathways for the catabolism such as glucose via glycolysis, fatty acids via β-oxidation, and amino acids via oxidative deamination were significantly down-regulated. Meanwhile, the DEPs involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were remarkably decreased. The DIA data were further confirmed by a markedly reduction of intermediate metabolites (citrate and fumarate) in TCA cycle and terminal metabolite (ATP) in OXPHOS system after disruption of PRSS37. These outcomes not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of the male fertility of energy metabolism modulated by PRSS37 but also furnish a dynamic proteomic resource for further reproductive biology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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28
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Kumar N. Sperm Mitochondria, the Driving Force Behind Human Spermatozoa Activities: Its Functions and Dysfunctions - A Narrative Review. Curr Mol Med 2023; 23:332-340. [PMID: 35400342 DOI: 10.2174/1566524022666220408104047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a major issue, and numerous factors contribute to it. One of the important organelles involved in the functioning of human spermatozoa is mitochondria. There are 50-75 mitochondria helically arranged in mid-piece bearing one mitochondrial DNA each. Sperm mitochondria play a crucial role in sperm functions, including the energy production required for sperm motility and the production of reactive oxygen species, which in the physiological range helps in sperm maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. It also plays a role in calcium signaling cascades, intrinsic apoptosis, and sperm hyperactivation. Any structural or functional dysfunction of sperm mitochondria results in increased production of reactive oxygen species and, a state of oxidative stress, decreased energy production, all leading to sperm DNA damage, impaired sperm motility and semen parameters, and reduced male fertility. Furthermore, human sperm mitochondrial DNA mutations can result in impaired sperm motility and parameters leading to male infertility. Numerous types of point mutations, deletions, and missense mutations have been identified in mtDNA that are linked with male infertility. Methods: Recent literature was searched from English language peer-reviewed journals from databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Scholar, and Web of Science till September 2021. Search terms used were "Sperm mitochondria and male fertility", "Bioenergetics of sperm", "Sperm mitochondria and reactive oxygen species", "Sperm mitochondrial mutations and infertility". Conclusion: Sperm mitochondria is an important organelle involved in various functions of human spermatozoa and sperm mitochondrial DNA has emerged as one of the potent biomarkers of sperm quality and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar-508126, Hyderabad Metropolitan Region, Telangana, India
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Liu C, Chen YJ, Sun B, Chen HG, Mustieles V, Messerlian C, Sun Y, Meng TQ, Lu WQ, Pan XF, Xiong CL, Hou J, Wang YX. Blood trihalomethane concentrations in relation to sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length among 958 healthy men. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114737. [PMID: 36372149 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animal and human studies, exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) has been associated with reduced semen quality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations of blood THM concentrations with sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and telomere length (TL) among healthy men. METHODS We recruited 958 men who volunteered as potential sperm donors. A single blood sample was collected from each participant at recruitment and measured for chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM) concentrations. Within a 90-day follow-up, the last semen sample provided by each participant was quantified for sperm mtDNAcn and TL. We used multivariable linear regression models to assess the associations between blood THM concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn and TL. We also performed stratified analyses according to the time intervals between baseline blood THM determinations and semen collection (i.e., 0-9, 10-14, 15-69, or >69 days) to explore potential windows of susceptibility. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, we found inverse associations between quartiles (or categories) of blood TBM, brominated THM (Br-THM, the sum of BDCM, DBCM, and TBM), and total THM (TTHM, the sum of all four THMs) concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn (all P for trend≤0.03). Besides, we found inverse associations between quartiles of blood TCM, Br-THM, chlorinated THM (Cl-THM, the sum of TCM, BDCM, and DBCM), and TTHM concentrations and sperm TL (all P for trend<0.10). Stratified analyses showed stronger associations between Br-THM concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn determined 15-69 days since baseline exposure determinations, and between blood TCM and TTHM concentrations and sperm TL determined >69 days since baseline exposure determinations. CONCLUSION Exposure to THMs may be associated with sperm mitochondrial and telomeric dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM); Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiong-Fei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chen-Liang Xiong
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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30
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CLPP Depletion Causes Diplotene Arrest; Underlying Testis Mitochondrial Dysfunction Occurs with Accumulation of Perrault Proteins ERAL1, PEO1, and HARS2. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010052. [PMID: 36611846 PMCID: PMC9818230 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Perrault syndrome (PRLTS) is autosomal, recessively inherited, and characterized by ovarian insufficiency with hearing loss. Among the genetic causes are mutations of matrix peptidase CLPP, which trigger additional azoospermia. Here, we analyzed the impact of CLPP deficiency on male mouse meiosis stages. Histology, immunocytology, different OMICS and biochemical approaches, and RT-qPCR were employed in CLPP-null mouse testis. Meiotic chromosome pairing and synapsis proceeded normally. However, the foci number of the crossover marker MLH1 was slightly reduced, and foci persisted in diplotene, most likely due to premature desynapsis, associated with an accumulation of the DNA damage marker γH2AX. No meiotic M-phase cells were detected. Proteome profiles identified strong deficits of proteins involved in male meiotic prophase (HSPA2, SHCBP1L, DMRT7, and HSF5), versus an accumulation of AURKAIP1. Histone H3 cleavage, mtDNA extrusion, and cGAMP increase suggested innate immunity activation. However, the deletion of downstream STING/IFNAR failed to alleviate pathology. As markers of underlying mitochondrial pathology, we observed an accumulation of PRLTS proteins ERAL1, PEO1, and HARS2. We propose that the loss of CLPP leads to the extrusion of mitochondrial nucleotide-binding proteins to cytosol and nucleus, affecting late meiotic prophase progression, and causing cell death prior to M-phase entry. This phenotype is more severe than in mito-mice or mutator-mice.
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31
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Burke ND, Nixon B, Roman SD, Schjenken JE, Walters JLH, Aitken RJ, Bromfield EG. Male infertility and somatic health - insights into lipid damage as a mechanistic link. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:727-750. [PMID: 36100661 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, mounting evidence has shown an alarming association between male subfertility and poor somatic health, with substantial evidence supporting the increased incidence of oncological disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases in men who have previously received a subfertility diagnosis. This paradigm is concerning, but might also provide a novel window for a crucial health reform in which the infertile phenotype could serve as an indication of potential pathological conditions. One of the major limiting factors in this association is the poor understanding of the molecular features that link infertility with comorbidities across the life course. Enzymes involved in the lipid oxidation process might provide novel clues to reconcile the mechanistic basis of infertility with incident pathological conditions. Building research capacity in this area is essential to enhance the early detection of disease states and provide crucial information about the disease risk of offspring conceived through assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L H Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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32
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Ommati MM, Ahmadi HN, Sabouri S, Retana-Marquez S, Abdoli N, Rashno S, Niknahad H, Jamshidzadeh A, Mousavi K, Rezaei M, Akhlagh A, Azarpira N, Khodaei F, Heidari R. Glycine protects the male reproductive system against lead toxicity via alleviating oxidative stress, preventing sperm mitochondrial impairment, improving kinematics of sperm, and blunting the downregulation of enzymes involved in the steroidogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2990-3006. [PMID: 36088639 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal widely dispersed in the environment because of human industrial activities. Many studies revealed that Pb could adversely affect several organs, including the male reproductive system. Pb-induced reproductive toxicity could lead to infertility. Thus, finding safe and clinically applicable protective agents against this complication is important. It has been found that oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Pb-induced reprotoxicity. Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been found that glycine could attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in various experimental models. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of glycine in Pb-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Male BALB/c mice received Pb (20 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days) and treated with glycine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days). Then, reproductive system weight indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and isolated sperm, sperm kinetic, sperm mitochondrial indices, and testis histopathological alterations were monitored. A significant change in testis, epididymis, and Vas deferens weight was evident in Pb-treated animals. Markers of oxidative stress were also significantly increased in the testis and isolated sperm of the Pb-treated group. A significant disruption in sperm kinetic was also evident when mice received Pb. Moreover, Pb exposure caused significant deterioration in sperm mitochondrial indices. Tubular injury, tubular desquamation, and decreased spermatogenic index were histopathological alterations detected in Pb-treated mice. It was found that glycine significantly blunted oxidative stress markers in testis and sperm, improved sperm mitochondrial parameters, causing considerable higher velocity-related indices (VSL, VCL, and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm, and decreased testis histopathological changes in Pb-exposed animals. These data suggest glycine as a potential protective agent against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity. The effects of glycine on oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial function play a key role in its protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Nategh Ahmadi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Socorro Retana-Marquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Autonomous Metropolitan University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Narges Abdoli
- Food and Drug Administration, Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Rashno
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Mousavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Akhlagh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Forouzan Khodaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Zhu H, Wang H, Cheng Y, Liu D, Zhang A, Wen Z, Gao J. Hadh deficiency induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia through the TNF-α/Bcl-2 pathway in male mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22661. [PMID: 36398584 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201144r] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The process of spermatogenesis is a complex and delicate process that is still not fully understood. In this study, we examined the role of fatty acid oxidase 3-hydroxy acyl CoA dehydrogenase (HADH) in maintaining normal spermatogenesis in mice. In male mice, ablation of the Hadh gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology arrested spermatocyte meiosis, increased multinucleated giant germ cells and vacuoles in seminiferous tubules, and accompanied with acrosomal dysplasia. Hadh-/- male mice showed the typical features of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), including decreased sperm concentration and motility and increased sperm abnormalities. Next, we explored the molecular events in the testes of the mutant mice. We found fatty acids accumulated in the testis of Hadh-/- mice. And also, inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased, apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 was decreased, and Bax and cleaved-Caspase3 were increased in Hadh-/- male mice testis. After using etanercept, a specific inhibitor of TNF-α, testis injury caused by Hadh knockout was significantly alleviated, the sperm quality and motility were improved, and germ cell apoptosis was reduced. So our study demonstrated that Hadh deletion caused an increase in fatty acids. The accumulated fatty acids further induced testicular inflammation and germ cell apoptosis through the TNF-α/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, finally resulting in OAT in the Hadh-/- mice. Inhibiting TNF-α may be used as a new treatment approach for testicular inflammation and OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongyue Liu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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34
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Mechanisms of Male Reproductive Toxicity of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214229. [PMID: 36430706 PMCID: PMC9693139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are a group of flame retardants used in a variety of artificial materials. Despite being phased out in most industrial countries, they remain in the environment and human tissues due to their persistence, lipophilicity, and bioaccumulation. Populational and experimental studies demonstrate the male reproductive toxicity of PBDEs including increased incidence of genital malformations (hypospadias and cryptorchidism), altered weight of testes and other reproductive tissues, altered testes histology and transcriptome, decreased sperm production and sperm quality, altered epigenetic regulation of developmental genes in spermatozoa, and altered secretion of reproductive hormones. A broad range of mechanistic hypotheses of PBDE reproductive toxicity has been suggested. Among these hypotheses, oxidative stress, the disruption of estrogenic signaling, and mitochondria disruption are affected by PBDE concentrations much higher than concentrations found in human tissues, making them unlikely links between exposures and adverse reproductive outcomes in the general population. Robust evidence suggests that at environmentally relevant doses, PBDEs and their metabolites may affect male reproductive health via mechanisms including AR antagonism and the disruption of a complex network of metabolic signaling.
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35
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Peña FJ, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Gaitskell-Phillips GL, Gil MC, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Martín-Cano FE. An integrated overview on the regulation of sperm metabolism (glycolysis-Krebs cycle-oxidative phosphorylation). Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106805. [PMID: 34275685 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An overview of the sperm metabolism is presented; using the stallion as a model we review glycolysis, Krebs Cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, paying special attention to the interactions among them. In addition, metabolism implies a series of coordinated oxidation-reduction reactions and in the course of these reactions reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive oxoaldehydes are produced ; the electron transport chain (ETC) in the mitochondria is the main source of the anion superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, while glycolysis produces 2-oxoaldehydes such as methylglyoxal as byproducts; due to the adjacent carbonyl groups are strong electrophiles (steal electrons oxidizing other compounds). Sophisticated mechanisms exist to maintain redox homeostasis, because ROS under controlled production also have important regulatory functions in the spermatozoa. The interactions between metabolism and production of reactive oxygen species are essential for proper sperm function, and deregulation of these processes rapidly leads to sperm malfunction and finally death. Lastly, we briefly describe two techniques that will expand our knowledge on sperm metabolism in the coming decades, metabolic flow cytometry and the use of the "omics" technologies, proteomics and metabolomics, specifically the micro and nano proteomics/metabolomics. A better understanding of the metabolism of the spermatozoa will lead to big improvements in sperm technologies and the diagnosis and treatment of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - José M Ortiz-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma L Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Maria C Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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36
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Xue F, Liu Y, Lv Z, Zhang J, Xiong S, Zha L, Liu Z, Shu J. Regulatory effects of differential dietary energy levels on spermatogenesis and sperm motility of yellow-feathered breeder cocks. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:964620. [PMID: 36246315 PMCID: PMC9556827 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.964620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The semen quality of breeder cocks profoundly impacted the numbers of matched layer hens and the economic benefits of the poultry industry. Adequacy and balance of poultry nutrition, especially the energy provision, critically modulated the reproductive potential of breeder cocks, however, the underlying mechanism was still unclear. For the purpose of this study, a total of 90 yellow-feathered 13-week-old roosters with the same age in days and similar body weight (1,437 ± 44.3 g) were selected and randomly divided into the low energy diet (LE), the moderate energy diet (ME), and the high energy diet (HE) treatments. The phenotypic parameters related to reproduction include semen quality, fertility, and hatchability, and the testis morphological parameters, including seminiferous epithelium length (SEL), seminiferous tubule perimeter (STP), seminiferous tubule area (STA), and Johnsen score, were measured to investigate the regulatory effects of different energy diets on reproductive performances. Furthermore, spermatogenesis and sperm motility-related genes, which included the sry-related high mobility group box (SOX) gene family and sperm-associated antigen (SPAG) gene family, and mitochondria apoptosis-related genes, such as Cyt-C, Bcl-2, and Bax, were measured to determine the underlying mechanism of energy on the reproductive performances. The The results showed that the gonadosomatic index and sperm motility in the ME treatment significantly increased compared with the LE treatment. Chickens in the ME treatment showed a preferable performance of testis development, especially a significant increment of SEL and Johnsen Score, compared with the LE and HE treatments. Finally, spermatogenesis-related genes, which included SPAG6, SPAG16, SOX5, SOX6, and SOX13, and apoptosis-related genes of mitochondria, such as the Cyt-C and Bcl-2, were significantly upregulated in the ME treatment. This study concluded that proper energy provision stimulated regular energy metabolism for spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation, which finally increased semen quality and reproductive performances of breeder cocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguang Xue
- Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Lv
- College of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyuan Xiong
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liqing Zha
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiyu Liu
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingting Shu
- Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jingting Shu
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Peña FJ, Herickhoff LA. Validation of a new multiparametric protocol to assess viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity in cooled and frozen thawed boar spermatozoa. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2022; 102:400-408. [PMID: 35099118 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motility, morphology, membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation are sperm characteristics routinely used to assess quality of boar spermatozoa. However, the evaluation of individual parameters has intrinsic restrictions in the estimation of potential fertility. Therefore, we aimed to validate a new multiparametric protocol to assess fertility potential through the evaluation of viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity within the same sperm population for cooled and frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. METHOD Three multicolor protocols to assess viability, acrosome integrity and/or mitochondrial activity were compared for agreement containing two dyes (HM-panel; Hoechst 33342, MitoTracker™ Deep Red), three dyes (3-panel; SYBR®14, propidium iodide and lectin PNA-Alexa™ 647) or four dyes (4-panel; Hoechst 33342, lectin PNA-Alexa™ 488, propidium iodide and MitoTracker™ Deep Red). Cooled (n = 132) and frozen-thawed (n = 254) samples of boar spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS 4-Panel enabled the detection of several sperm subpopulations based on plasma membrane integrity, acrosome status and mitochondrial activity in cooled and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. No significant differences were observed between 3-panel and 4-panel for the percentage of live, live-acrosome intact, and dead-acrosome reacted spermatozoa. However, the percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was significantly higher in cooled samples when stained by 3-panel than 4-panel. Percentages of sperm parameters between protocols were strongly correlated, and agreement analysis demonstrated that both assays resulted in similar values for both sperm sample type. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that a four-color protocol is a practical, simple and reliable procedure to simultaneously evaluate boar sperm viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity under clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Deparment of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Department of Animal Medicine, Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
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Natural Astaxanthin Improves Testosterone Synthesis and Sperm Mitochondrial Function in Aging Roosters. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091684. [PMID: 36139758 PMCID: PMC9495865 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and apoptosis are dependent on the regulation of glandular hormones and mitochondria. Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The present study evaluates the effects of ASTA on testosterone synthesis and mitochondrial function in aging roosters. Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters (n = 96, 53-week old) were fed a corn−soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks. The levels of plasma reproductive hormones and the mRNA and protein levels of molecules related to testosterone synthesis were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the testes of the ASTA group roosters. In addition, antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities in roosters of the ASTA groups were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes activities and mitochondrial membrane potential in sperm increased linearly with dietary ASTA supplementation (p < 0.05). The levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis factors decreased in roosters of the ASTA groups (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that dietary ASTA may improve testosterone levels and reduce sperm apoptosis, which may be related to the upregulation of the testosterone synthesis pathway and the enhancement of mitochondrial function in aging roosters.
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Chen Y, Chen X, Zhang H, Sha Y, Meng R, Shao T, Yang X, Jin P, Zhuang Y, Min W, Xu D, Jiang Z, Li Y, Li L, Yue W, Yin C. TBC1D21 is an essential factor for sperm mitochondrial sheath assembly and male fertility‡. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:619-634. [PMID: 35403672 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac069] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, the formation of the mitochondrial sheath is critical for male fertility. The molecular processes that govern the development of the mitochondrial sheath remain unknown. Whether TBC1D21 serves as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for GTP hydrolysis in the testis is unclear, despite recent findings indicating that it collaborates with numerous proteins to regulate the formation of the mitochondrial sheath. To thoroughly examine the property of TBC1D21 in spermiogenesis, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the Tbc1d21-/- mice, Tbc1d21D125A R128K mice with mutation in the GAP catalytic residues (IxxDxxR), and Tbc1d21-3xFlag mice. Male Tbc1d21-/- mice were infertile due to the curved spermatozoa flagella. In vitro fertilization is ineffective for Tbc1d21-/- sperm, although healthy offspring were obtained by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Electron microscopy revealed aberrant ultrastructural changes in the mitochondrial sheath. Thirty-four Rab vectors were constructed followed by co-immunoprecipitation, which identified RAB13 as a novel TBC1D21 binding protein. Interestingly, infertility was not observed in Tbc1d21D125A R128K mice harboring the catalytic residue, suggesting that TBC1D21 is not a typical GAP for Rab-GTP hydrolysis. Moreover, TBC1D21 was expressed in the sperm mitochondrial sheath in Tbc1d21-3xFlag mice. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry demonstrated the interactions of TBC1D21 with ACTB, TPM3, SPATA19, and VDAC3 to regulate the architecture of the sperm midpiece. The collective findings suggest that TBC1D21 is a scaffold protein required for the organization and stabilization of the mitochondrial sheath morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze, Shandong, China
| | - Haihang Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ranran Meng
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Shao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengpeng Jin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghua Zhuang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanping Min
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaodi Jiang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wentao Yue
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghong Yin
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
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Raad MV, Fesahat F, Talebi AR, Hosseini-Sharifabad M, Horoki AZ, Afsari M, Sarcheshmeh AA. Altered methyltransferase gene expression, mitochondrial copy number and 4977-bp common deletion in subfertile men with variable sperm parameters. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14531. [PMID: 35841193 DOI: 10.1111/and.14531] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen parameters have been found to predict reproductive success poorly and are the most prevalent diagnostic tool for male infertility. There are few conflicting reports regarding the correlation of DNMT genes expression, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and deletion (mtDNAdel) with different sperm parameters. To investigate DNMT mRNA level, mtDNAcn and deletion in infertile men, with different sperm parameters, compared with fertile men, semen samples from 30 men with unknown male infertility and normal sperm parameters (experimental group I), 30 infertile patients with at least two abnormal sperm parameters (experimental group II) and 30 fertile normozoospermic men (control group) were collected. After semen analysis, total RNA and DNA were extracted. The isolated DNA was used for assessing the respective mtDNAcn and the presence of common 4977 bp deletion in mtDNA by applying real-time quantitative PCR and multiplex PCR, respectively. Synthesized cDNA from total RNAs was used to quantify DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B transcripts in study groups by using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. Significantly higher proportions of mtDNAcn were found in experimental group II. DNMT1 was significantly downregulated in both experimental groups and 4977 bp deletion was not detected. Progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly and negatively correlated with mtDNAcn. A significant positive correlation was detected between sperm parameters and DNMT1 mRNA levels. In conclusion, infertile men with different sperm parameter qualities showed elevated mtDNA content. Abnormal sperm parameters associated with DNMT1 gene expression indicate the possibility of changes in some epigenetic aspects of spermatogenesis in subfertile men with different sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Vahedi Raad
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Ali Zare Horoki
- Department of Urology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Maliheh Afsari
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Activation of the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response: A New Therapeutic Target? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071611. [PMID: 35884915 PMCID: PMC9313171 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key hub that is common to many diseases. Mitochondria’s role in energy production, calcium homeostasis, and ROS balance makes them essential for cell survival and fitness. However, there are no effective treatments for most mitochondrial and related diseases to this day. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches, such as activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), are being examined. UPRmt englobes several compensation processes related to proteostasis and antioxidant mechanisms. UPRmt activation, through an hormetic response, promotes cell homeostasis and improves lifespan and disease conditions in biological models of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiopathies, and mitochondrial diseases. Although UPRmt activation is a promising therapeutic option for many conditions, its overactivation could lead to non-desired side effects, such as increased heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA mutations or cancer progression in oncologic patients. In this review, we present the most recent UPRmt activation therapeutic strategies, UPRmt’s role in diseases, and its possible negative consequences in particular pathological conditions.
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Characterization of Mitochondrial Prohibitin in Opsariichthys bidens and Its Potential Functions in Spermatogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137295. [PMID: 35806298 PMCID: PMC9266877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the intricate and coordinated process by which spermatogonia develop into haploid differentiated spermatozoa. Mitochondria are essential for spermatogenesis, and prohibitin (PHB) is closely associated with mitochondrial structure and function during spermatogenesis. Although PHB has been implicated in spermatogenesis in some taxa, its roles in Opsariichthys bidens have not been determined. In this study, the expression patterns and potential functions of PHB in spermatogenesis in O. bidens were characterized using histological microscopic observations, PCR cloning, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). The full-length cDNA of Ob-phb was 1500 bp encoding 271 amino acids. A sequence alignment demonstrated that the PHB protein is conserved among different animals. qPCR revealed that phb mRNA is widely distributed in O. bidens and highly expressed in the testes at stages IV and V. WB revealed that Ob-PHB is located in the mitochondria of testes. IF revealed the colocalization of PHB signals and mitochondria. Signals were detected around nuclei in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, gradually moving to the tail region during spermiogenesis, and finally aggregating in the midpiece. These results indicate that Ob-PHB was expressed in the mitochondria during spermatogenesis. In addition, this study proposed Ob-PHB may participate in the degradation of mitochondria and cell differentiation during spermatogenesis.
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Amor H, Hammadeh ME. A Systematic Review of the Impact of Mitochondrial Variations on Male Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071182. [PMID: 35885965 PMCID: PMC9325252 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
According to current estimates, infertility affects one in four couples trying to conceive. Primary or secondary infertility can be due either to both partners or only to the man or the woman. Up to 15% of infertility cases in men can be attributed to genetic factors that can lead to irreversible partial or complete spermatogenic arrest. The increased use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has provided not only insights into the causes of male infertility but also afforded a diagnostic tool to detect and manage this condition among couples. Genes control a variety of physiological attributes, such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, development, and germ cell differentiation. In the era of ART, it is important to understand the genetic basis of infertility so as to provide the most tailored therapy and counseling to couples. Genetic factors involved in male infertility can be chromosome abnormalities or single-gene disorders, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, Y-chromosome deletions, multifactorial disorders, imprinting disorders, or endocrine disorders of genetic origin. In this review, we discuss the role of mitochondria and the mitochondrial genome as an indicator of sperm quality and fertility.
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Daigneault BW, de Agostini Losano JD. Tributyltin chloride exposure to post-ejaculatory sperm reduces motility, mitochondrial function and subsequent embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:833-843. [PMID: 35610772 DOI: 10.1071/rd21371] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Male exposure to environmental toxicants can disrupt spermatogenesis and sperm function. However, consequences of environmentally relevant organotin exposure to post-ejaculatory mammalian spermatozoa on fertility are poorly understood. AIMS Determine the consequences of tributyltin chloride (TBT) exposure on post-ejaculatory sperm function and subsequent embryo development. METHODS Frozen-thawed bovine sperm were exposed to TBT (0.1-100nM) for 90min (acute) and 6h (short-term) followed by quantification of multiple sperm kinematics via computer aided sperm analysis. JC-1 dye was used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm were then exposed to TBT for 90min in non-capacitating conditions, washed several times by centrifugation and applied to gamete co-incubation for in vitro embryo production to the blastocyst stage. KEY RESULTS 100nM TBT decreased total motility (88 vs 79%), progressive motility (80 vs 70%) curvilinear velocity and beat-cross frequency for 90min with similar phenotypes at 6h (P<0.05). Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential was lower in 10 and 100nM groups after 6h (P≤0.05). Embryos fertilised from TBT-exposed sperm had reduced cleavage rate (80 vs 62%) and 8-16 cell morula development (55 vs 24%) compared to development from unexposed sperm. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of post-ejaculatory mammalian sperm to TBT alters sperm function through lowered motility and mitochondrial membrane potential. Fertilisation of oocytes with TBT-exposed sperm reduces embryo development through mechanisms of paternal origin. IMPLICATIONS Acute and short-term environmental exposure of post-ejaculatory sperm to organotins and endocrine disrupting chemicals such as TBT contribute to idiopathic subfertility and early embryo loss.
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Assessment of the Role of Nuclear ENDOG Gene and mtDNA Variations on Paternal Mitochondrial Elimination (PME) in Infertile Men: An Experimental Study. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2208-2222. [PMID: 35477840 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00953-8] [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: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In humans and most animals, maternal inheritance of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is considered as an universal assumption. Recently, several lines of evidence suggest that different species seem to employ distinct mechanisms to prevent the inheritance of paternal mtDNA. There are few studies in the literature on the molecular basis of sperm mtDNA elimination in mammals and paternal mtDNA transmission in humans. Endonuclease G (ENDOG) is a mitochondrial nuclease encoded by nuclear ENDOG gene. The critical importance of ENDOG gene on paternal mitochondrial elimination (PME) has been previously demonstrated in model organisms such as C. elegans and D. melanogaster. However, its mechanism in human is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether nuclear ENDOG gene copy number could be a potential marker of paternal mtDNA transmission or not.Male factor infertility patients diagnosed with different infertility subgroups such as azoospermia, oligoteratozoospermia, astheno-teratozoospermia were included in this study: 13 infertile men and 25 healthy men as control group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis and dual-color Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method were used to compare the groups. FISH method was applied to verify qPCR results and two signals were observed in nearly all patients. ENDOG gene copy number data were evaluated by comparing them with entire human mtDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis results obtained through bioinformatics and proteomics tools. Mitochondrial whole genome sequencing (WGS) data allowed determination of novel and reported variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), multiple nucleotide polymorphism (MNP), insertion/deletion (INDEL). Missense variants causing amino acid substitution were filtered out from patients' mtDNA WGS data.Relative copy number of target ENDOG gene in male infertility patients [0.49 (0.31 - 0.77)] was lower than healthy controls [1.00 (0.66 - 1.51)], and statistical results showed significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01). A total of 38 missense variants were detected in the genes encoding the proteins involved in the respiratory chain complex. Moreover, we detected paternal mtDNA transmissions in the children of these patients who applied to assisted reproductive techniques.In conclusion, this study reveals that ENDOG gene may be an important factor for the PME mechanism in humans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in humans about this topic and assessment of ENDOG gene sequencing and gene expression studies in a larger sample size including patients with male factor infertility would be our future project.
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Wang T, Xiao Y, Hu Z, Gu J, Hua R, Hai Z, Chen X, Zhang JV, Yu Z, Wu T, Yeung WSB, Liu K, Guo C. MFN2 Deficiency Impairs Mitochondrial Functions and PPAR Pathway During Spermatogenesis and Meiosis in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862506. [PMID: 35493072 PMCID: PMC9046932 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles and their activity is known to be regulated by changes in morphology via fusion and fission events. However, the role of mitochondrial dynamics on cellular differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we explored the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial fusion during spermatogenesis by generating an Mfn2 (mitofusin 2) conditional knock-out (cKO) mouse model. We found that depletion of MFN2 in male germ cells led to disrupted spermatogenesis and meiosis during which the majority of Mfn2 cKO spermatocytes did not develop to the pachytene stage. We showed that in these Mfn2 cKO spermatocytes, oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria was affected. In addition, RNA-Seq analysis showed that there was a significantly altered transcriptome profile in the Mfn2 deficient pachytene (or pachytene-like) spermatocytes, with a total of 262 genes up-regulated and 728 genes down-regulated, compared with wild-type (control) mice. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway was altered, and subsequent more detailed analysis showed that the expression of PPAR α and PPAR γ was up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, in the MFN2 deficient pachytene (or pachytene-like) spermatocytes. We also demonstrated that there were more lipid droplets in the Mfn2 cKO cells than in the control cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a novel finding that MFN2 deficiency negatively affects mitochondrial functions and alters PPAR pathway together with lipid metabolism during spermatogenesis and meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianren Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Tianren Wang, ; Chenxi Guo,
| | - Yuan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingkai Gu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Renwu Hua
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueli Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian V. Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiying Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenxi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Tianren Wang, ; Chenxi Guo,
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The Role of Mitochondria in Human Fertility and Early Embryo Development: What Can We Learn for Clinical Application of Assessing and Improving Mitochondrial DNA? Cells 2022; 11:cells11050797. [PMID: 35269419 PMCID: PMC8909547 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are well known as ‘the powerhouses of the cell’. Indeed, their major role is cellular energy production driven by both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Such a feature makes these organelles essential for successful fertilisation and proper embryo implantation and development. Generally, mitochondrial DNA is exclusively maternally inherited; oocyte’s mitochondrial DNA level is crucial to provide sufficient ATP content for the developing embryo until the blastocyst stage of development. Additionally, human fertility and early embryogenesis may be affected by either point mutations or deletions in mitochondrial DNA. It was suggested that their accumulation may be associated with ovarian ageing. If so, is mitochondrial dysfunction the cause or consequence of ovarian ageing? Moreover, such an obvious relationship of mitochondria and mitochondrial genome with human fertility and early embryo development gives the field of mitochondrial research a great potential to be of use in clinical application. However, even now, the area of assessing and improving DNA quantity and function in reproductive medicine drives many questions and uncertainties. This review summarises the role of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA in human reproduction and gives an insight into the utility of their clinical use.
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Wang X, Yin L, Wen Y, Yuan S. Mitochondrial regulation during male germ cell development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:91. [PMID: 35072818 PMCID: PMC11072027 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria tailor their morphology to execute their specialized functions in different cell types and/or different environments. During spermatogenesis, mitochondria undergo continuous morphological and distributional changes with germ cell development. Deficiencies in these processes lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal spermatogenesis, thereby causing male infertility. In recent years, mitochondria have attracted considerable attention because of their unique role in the regulation of piRNA biogenesis in male germ cells. In this review, we describe the varied characters of mitochondria and focus on key mitochondrial factors that play pivotal roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis, from primordial germ cells to spermatozoa, especially concerning metabolic shift, stemness and reprogramming, mitochondrial transformation and rearrangement, and mitochondrial defects in human sperm. Further, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lisha Yin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Laboratory Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Obesity and Male Reproduction: Do Sirtuins Play a Role? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020973. [PMID: 35055159 PMCID: PMC8779691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major current public health problem of global significance. A progressive sperm quality decline, and a decline in male fertility, have been reported in recent decades. Several studies have reported a strict relationship between obesity and male reproductive dysfunction. Among the many mechanisms by which obesity impairs male gonadal function, sirtuins (SIRTs) have an emerging role. SIRTs are highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylases that play a role in gene regulation, metabolism, aging, and cancer. SIRTs regulate the energy balance, the lipid balance, glucose metabolism, and adipogenesis, but current evidence also indicates a role for SIRTs in male reproduction. However, the majority of the studies have been conducted in animal models and very few have been conducted with humans. This review shows that SIRTs play an important role among the molecular mechanisms by which obesity interferes with male fertility. This highlights the need to deepen this relationship. It will be of particular interest to evaluate whether synthetic and/or natural compounds capable of modifying the activity of SIRTs may also be useful for the treatment of obesity and its effects on gonadal function. Although few studies have explored the role of SIRT activators in obesity-induced male infertility, some molecules, such as resveratrol, appear to be effective in modulating SIRT activity, as well as counteracting the negative effects of obesity on male fertility. The search for strategies to improve male reproductive function in overweight/obese patients is a challenge and understanding the role of SIRTs and their activators may open new interesting scenarios in the coming years.
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:669-679. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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