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Frungieri MB, Calandra RS, Matzkin ME, Rossi SP. Melatonin as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant therapy in the testis: a focus on infertility and aging†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:543-556. [PMID: 38869910 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae087] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a pineal hormone that regulates testicular activity (i.e., steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis) through two complementary mechanisms, indirect effects exerted via the hypothalamic-adenohypophyseal axis and direct actions that take place on the different cell populations of the male gonad. The effects of increased age on the testis and the general mechanisms involved in testicular pathology leading to infertility are still only poorly understood. However, there is growing evidence that link testicular aging and idiopathic male infertility to local inflammatory and oxidative stress events. Because literature data strongly indicate that melatonin exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, this review focuses on the potential benefits exerted by this indoleamine at testicular level in male reproductive fertility and aging. Taking into account that the effects of melatonin supplementation on testicular function are currently being investigated, the overview covers not only promising prospects but also many questions concerning the future therapeutic value of this indoleamine as an anti-aging drug as well as in the management of cases of male infertility for which there are no medical treatments currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Beatriz Frungieri
- Laboratorio de Neuro-Inmuno-Endocrinología Testicular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Fundación Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Saúl Calandra
- Laboratorio de Neuro-Inmuno-Endocrinología Testicular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Fundación Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Matzkin
- Laboratorio de Neuro-Inmuno-Endocrinología Testicular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Fundación Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra 1, Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad Paola Rossi
- Laboratorio de Neuro-Inmuno-Endocrinología Testicular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Fundación Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra 1, Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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2
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Atiakshin D, Kulchenko N, Kostin A, Ignatyuk M, Protasov A, Klabukov I, Baranovskii D, Faniev M, Korovyakova E, Chekmareva I, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M. Cyto- and Histopographic Assessment of CPA3-Positive Testicular Mast Cells in Obstructive and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Cells 2024; 13:833. [PMID: 38786055 PMCID: PMC11120214 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100833] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an important personal and society disease, of which the male factor represents half of all causes. One of the aspects less studied in male infertility is the immunological testicular microenvironment. Mast cells (MCs), having high potential for regulating spermatogenesis due to fine-tuning the state of the integrative buffer metabolic environment, are one of the most crucial cellular subpopulations of the testicular interstitium. One important component of the MC secretome is proteases that can act as proinflammatory agents and in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In the testis, MCs are an important cell component of the testicular interstitial tissue (TIT). However, there are still no studies addressing the analysis of a specific MC protease-carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3)-in cases with altered spermatogenesis. The cytological and histotopographic features of testicular CPA3+ MCs were examined in a study involving 34 men with azoospermia. As revealed, in cases with non-obstructive azoospermia, a higher content of CPA3+ MCs in the TIT and migration to the microvasculature and peritubular tissue of seminiferous tubules were observed when compared with cases with obstructive azoospermia. Additionally, a high frequency of CPA3+ MCs colocalization with fibroblasts, Leydig cells, and elastic fibers was detected in cases with NOA. Thus, CPA3 seems to be of crucial pathogenetic significance in the formation of a profibrogenic background of the tissue microenvironment, which may have direct and indirect effects on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Atiakshin
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Nina Kulchenko
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Andrey Kostin
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Michael Ignatyuk
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Andrey Protasov
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Ilya Klabukov
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Koroleva St. 4, 249036 Obninsk, Russia (D.B.)
| | - Denis Baranovskii
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Koroleva St. 4, 249036 Obninsk, Russia (D.B.)
| | - Mikhail Faniev
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Elina Korovyakova
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Irina Chekmareva
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
- Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstr, 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Markus Tiemann
- Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstr, 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany;
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3
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. A review on immunological aspects in male reproduction: An immune cells and cytokines. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103984. [PMID: 37390629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103984] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system, particularly the male gamete, offers a unique barrier to the immune system. The growing germ cells in the testis need to be shielded from autoimmune damage. Hence the testis has to establish and sustain an immune-privileged milieu. Sertoli cells create this safe space, protected by the blood-testis barrier. Cytokines are a type of immune reaction that can positively and negatively affect male reproductive health. Inflammation, disease, and obesity are just a few physiological conditions for which cytokines mediate signals. They interact with steroidogenesis, shaping the adrenals and testes to produce the hormones needed for survival. In particular pathological condition, including autoimmune disorders, contains high levels of the same cytokines in semen that play an essential role in the immunomodulation of the male gonad. This review focuses on understanding the immunological role of cytokines in the control and development of male reproduction. Also, in maintaining male reproductive health and diseases linked with their aberrant function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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4
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Akhavan Rezayat A, Soleimanian A, Kamandi N, Aslzare M, Shaikh Zada MM. Semen's parameters after varicocelectomy surgery with mast cell stabilizers treatment in infertile varicocele patients: Randomized clinical trial study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1431. [PMID: 37455707 PMCID: PMC10349387 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility in which testicular function is progressively damaged. This study aims to investigate the effect of varicocelectomy and mast cell stabilizers on reducing sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile patients with varicocele. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, infertile patients with varicocele were randomly assigned to three groups: varicocelectomy, 1 mg ketotifen, and varicocelectomy plus with 1 mg ketotifen for 3-month follow-up. Semen analysis and estimation of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were obtained from all people in the studied time periods. Results In this study, 420 infertile patients with varicocele were included with an average age of 31.6 years. The results showed that sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm DFI had significant differences after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the results of semen analysis for each group showed that there was a significant improvement in sperm morphology, motility, count, and DFI index of infertile people with varicocele after the intervention (p < 0.05). But the difference was statistically higher in the varicocelectomy plus with 1 mg ketotifen group than in the other groups (p < 0.01). Conclusion The evidence and results of this study showed that the use of varicocelectomy plus ketotifen in infertile people with varicocele was more effective in improving Semen parameters than the use of mast cell stabilizers or varicocelectomy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neda Kamandi
- Department of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Mohammad Aslzare
- Department of UrologyMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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5
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Dong F, Ping P, Wang SQ, Ma Y, Chen XF. Identification and validation of CCL2 as a potential biomarker relevant to mast cell infiltration in the testicular immune microenvironment of spermatogenic dysfunction. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:94. [PMID: 37221631 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenic dysfunction is an important cause of azoospermia. Numerous studies have focused on germ-cell-related genes that lead to spermatogenic impairment. However, based on the immune-privileged characteristics of the testis, the relationship of immune genes, immune cells or immune microenvironment with spermatogenic dysfunction has rarely been reported. RESULTS Using integrated methods including single-cell RNA-seq, microarray data, clinical data analyses and histological/pathological staining, we found that testicular mast cell infiltration levels were significantly negatively related to spermatogenic function. We next identified a functional testicular immune biomarker, CCL2, and externally validated that testicular CCL2 was significantly upregulated in spermatogenic dysfunctional testes and was negatively correlated with Johnsen scores (JS) and testicular volumes. We also demonstrated that CCL2 levels showed a significant positive correlation with testicular mast cell infiltration levels. Moreover, we showed myoid cells and Leydig cells were two of the important sources of testicular CCL2 in spermatogenic dysfunction. Mechanistically, we drew a potential "myoid/Leydig cells-CCL2-ACKR1-endothelial cells-SELE-CD44-mast cells" network of somatic cell-cell communications in the testicular microenvironment, which might play roles in spermatogenic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed CCL2-relevant changes in the testicular immune microenvironment in spermatogenic dysfunction, providing new evidence for the role of immunological factors in azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Qi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiang-Feng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China.
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Dabir M, Novruzov E, Mattes-György K, Beu M, Dendl K, Antke C, Koerber SA, Röhrich M, Kratochwil C, Debus J, Haberkorn U, Giesel FL. Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Findings on [ 68 Ga]-FAPI PET/CT Based on Quantitative SUV Measurements. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:324-333. [PMID: 35997853 PMCID: PMC10006041 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM/PURPOSE Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, activated fibroblasts have been shown to play a significant role also in certain benign conditions such as wound healing or chronic inflammation. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify whether FAPI uptake might differ between malignant lesions and benign conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 155 patients with various cancer types who received [68 Ga]-FAPI-04/02-PET/CT between July 2017 and March 2020. SUVmax, SUVmean, and lesion-to-background ratios (LBR) of FAPI uptake were measured in benign processes compared to malignant lesions (primary and/or 2 exemplary metastases). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to compare the predictive capabilities of semiquantitative PET/CT parameters. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, optimal cutoff value, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for each parameter. RESULTS Benign lesions exhibited significantly lower FAPI uptake compared to malignant lesions (mean SUVmax benign vs. malignant: 4.2 vs. 10.6; p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, cutoff values of these lesions (benign vs. malignant) were established based on SUVmax, SUVmean, and LBR. The SUVmax cutoff value for all lesions was 5.5 and the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 78.8%, 85.1%, 82.0%, and 0.89%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our aim was to systematically analyze the pattern of FAPI uptake in benign and malignant processes. This investigation demonstrates that FAPI uptake might be useful to differentiate malignant and benign findings due to different patho-physiological origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dabir
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - E Novruzov
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - K Mattes-György
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Beu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - K Dendl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Antke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S A Koerber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Röhrich
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - U Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F L Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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Costa GMJ, Lacerda SMSN, Figueiredo AFA, Wnuk NT, Brener MRG, Andrade LM, Campolina-Silva GH, Kauffmann-Zeh A, Pacifico LGG, Versiani AF, Antunes MM, Souza FR, Cassali GD, Caldeira-Brant AL, Chiarini-Garcia H, de Souza FG, Costa VV, da Fonseca FG, Nogueira ML, Campos GRF, Kangussu LM, Martins EMN, Antonio LM, Bittar C, Rahal P, Aguiar RS, Mendes BP, Procópio MS, Furtado TP, Guimaraes YL, Menezes GB, Martinez-Marchal A, Orwig KE, Brieño-Enríquez M, Furtado MH. High SARS-CoV-2 tropism and activation of immune cells in the testes of non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19 patients. BMC Biol 2023; 21:36. [PMID: 36797789 PMCID: PMC9933832 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to rely on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, whose expression in the testis is among the highest in the body. Additionally, the risk of mortality seems higher among male COVID-19 patients, and though much has been published since the first cases of COVID-19, there remain unanswered questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 impact on testes and potential consequences for reproductive health. We investigated testicular alterations in non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19-patients, the precise location of the virus, its replicative activity, and the immune, vascular, and molecular fluctuations involved in the pathogenesis. RESULTS We found that SARS-CoV-2 testicular tropism is higher than previously thought and that reliable viral detection in the testis requires sensitive nanosensors or RT-qPCR using a specific methodology. Through an in vitro experiment exposing VERO cells to testicular macerates, we observed viral content in all samples, and the subgenomic RNA's presence reinforced the replicative activity of SARS-CoV-2 in testes of the severe COVID-19 patients. The cellular structures and viral particles, observed by transmission electron microscopy, indicated that macrophages and spermatogonial cells are the main SARS-CoV-2 lodging sites, where new virions form inside the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate complex. Moreover, we showed infiltrative infected monocytes migrating into the testicular parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 maintains its replicative and infective abilities long after the patient's infection. Further, we demonstrated high levels of angiotensin II and activated immune cells in the testes of deceased patients. The infected testes show thickening of the tunica propria, germ cell apoptosis, Sertoli cell barrier loss, evident hemorrhage, angiogenesis, Leydig cell inhibition, inflammation, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that high angiotensin II levels and activation of mast cells and macrophages may be critical for testicular pathogenesis. Importantly, our findings suggest that patients who become critically ill may exhibit severe alterations and harbor the active virus in the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme M. J. Costa
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Samyra M. S. N. Lacerda
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - André F. A. Figueiredo
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Natália T. Wnuk
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Marcos R. G. Brener
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Lídia M. Andrade
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alice F. Versiani
- grid.419029.70000 0004 0615 5265Faculdade de Medicina de São Jose do Rio Preto, São Jose do Rio Preto, SP Brazil ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Maísa M. Antunes
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Fernanda R. Souza
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Geovanni D. Cassali
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - André L. Caldeira-Brant
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Hélio Chiarini-Garcia
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Fernanda G. de Souza
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Vivian V. Costa
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Flavio G. da Fonseca
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Maurício L. Nogueira
- grid.419029.70000 0004 0615 5265Faculdade de Medicina de São Jose do Rio Preto, São Jose do Rio Preto, SP Brazil ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Guilherme R. F. Campos
- grid.419029.70000 0004 0615 5265Faculdade de Medicina de São Jose do Rio Preto, São Jose do Rio Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Lucas M. Kangussu
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Estefânia M. N. Martins
- grid.466576.00000 0004 0635 4678Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear-CDTN/CNEN, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Loudiana M. Antonio
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Cintia Bittar
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XUniversidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XUniversidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Renato S. Aguiar
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Yuri L. Guimaraes
- Clínica MF Fertilidade Masculina, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil ,Departamentos de Urologia e de Reprodução Humana da Rede Mater Dei de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Gustavo B. Menezes
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Ana Martinez-Marchal
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Miguel Brieño-Enríquez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Marcelo H. Furtado
- Clínica MF Fertilidade Masculina, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil ,Departamentos de Urologia e de Reprodução Humana da Rede Mater Dei de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
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Subedi R, Rokade S, Surve S, Patil A, Kulkarni V, Gajbhiye RK, Madan T. Dysregulated serum and seminal plasma levels of surfactant protein D and MCP-1 in men with genital tract infection/inflammation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13588. [PMID: 35771685 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13588] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a multimeric collectin expressed by testicular mucosal epithelia and is positively regulated by testosterone. It exerts antimicrobial effects, modulates inflammation and rescued spermatogenesis in a murine model. Various cytokines and chemokines, including MCP-1, play a key role in regulating the inflammation in rat and human testis. The study aimed to investigate the role of SP-D and involvement of chemokines and cytokines in the male infertility associated with urogenital infections or inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY The cross-sectional study evaluated levels of SP-D, testosterone, estradiol and the cytokines/chemokines including MCP-1 in the serum and semen samples of fertile and infertile Indian men with and without urogenital infections/inflammation (n = 76). RESULTS Both fertile and infertile males with urogenital infection/inflammation had significantly lower levels of SP-D and higher levels of the chemokine, Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the serum and seminal plasma. Seminal plasma of these males exhibited significantly higher proportion of proteolytically degraded forms of SP-D. The serum SP-D levels positively correlated with testosterone/estradiol (TE) ratio. There was no significant correlation between the SP-D levels in seminal plasma and sperm count/motility. With a significant area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, the serum and seminal plasma SP-D levels exhibited significant potential to predict infertility with high sensitivity and specificity in men with genital infections/inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The circulating and seminal plasma SP-D levels were decreased in men with urogenital infection and inflammation. This could be due to their engagement at the site of infection, dysregulated expression owing to the altered hormonal profile and increased proteolytic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rambhadur Subedi
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sushama Rokade
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Suchitra Surve
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Anushree Patil
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Vijay Kulkarni
- Andrology Clinic, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul K Gajbhiye
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.,Andrology Clinic, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Taruna Madan
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
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9
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Ferreiro ME, Méndez CS, Glienke L, Sobarzo CM, Ferraris MJ, Pisera DA, Lustig L, Jacobo PV, Theas MS. Unraveling the effect of the inflammatory microenvironment in spermatogenesis progression. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 392:581-604. [PMID: 36627392 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03703-z] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes progressive spermatogenic impairment. EAO is characterized by high intratesticular levels of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) causing germ cell apoptosis and Sertoli cell dysfunction. However, the impact of this inflammatory milieu on the spermatogenic wave is unknown. Therefore, we studied the effect of inflammation on spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocyte cell cycle progression in an EAO context and through the intratesticular DETA-NO and TNFα injection in the normal rat testes. In EAO, premeiotic germ cell proliferation is limited as a consequence of the undifferentiated spermatogonia (CD9+) cell cycle arrest in G2/M and the reduced number of differentiated spermatogonia (c-kit+) and preleptotene spermatocytes that enter in the meiotic S-phase. Although inflammation disrupts spermatogenesis in EAO, it is maintained in some seminiferous tubules at XIV and VII-VIII stages of the epithelial cell cycle, thereby guaranteeing sperm production. We found that DETA-NO (2 mM) injected in normal testes arrests spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocyte cell cycle; this effect reduces the number of proliferative spermatogonia and the number of preleptotene spermatocytes in meiosis S-phase (36 h after). The temporal inhibition of spermatogonia clonal amplification delayed progression of the spermatogenic wave (5 days after) finally altering spermatogenesis. TNFα (0.5 and 1 µg) exposure did not affect premeiotic germ cell cycle or spermatogenic wave. Our results show that in EAO the inflammatory microenvironment altered spermatogenesis kinetics through premeiotic germ cell cycle arrest and that NO is a sufficient factor contributing to this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cinthia Soledad Méndez
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Leilane Glienke
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Cristian Marcelo Sobarzo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - María Jimena Ferraris
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Alberto Pisera
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Livia Lustig
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Patricia Verónica Jacobo
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Fisiología Materno-Placentaria (CONICET), Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBEE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Pabellón 2, Piso 4, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - María Susana Theas
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina.
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10
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Januś D, Wójcik M, Starzyk JB. Testicular microlithiasis in paediatric patients with Klinefelter syndrome from infancy till adolescence: early start of degenerative process in the testes-preliminary results. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:225-235. [PMID: 36282322 PMCID: PMC9829623 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To present the results of testicular ultrasonography supported by clinical and hormonal aspects in paediatric patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Prospective analysis of medical files of 20 patients diagnosed with KS between 2016 and 2022. Assessed data included analysis of causes of referral, ultrasound, and clinical characterisation with hormonal evaluation of serum FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone. Non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) was diagnosed in 65% of cases (13/20) by the geneticist (including 7 cases prenatally), in 25% (5/20) by the endocrinologist and in 10% (2/20) by the hematologist. Ultrasound assessment revealed bilateral testicular microlithiasis (TM) in all patients. The youngest KS patient with TM was 3 months old. TM patterns have not changed during follow-ups of up to 6 years in any of the patients. In all KS patients markedly reduced echogenicity and in pubertal KS patients, also irregular echostructure of the testes was observed. The hormonal patterns observed in the study group were typical for those already described in KS. Sertoli and Leydig cell function was intact in prepubertal patients and deteriorated after the start of puberty. CONCLUSION Although the degenerative process in the testicular tissue starts very early in the testes in KS and is reflected in morphological changes seen in ultrasonography, Sertoli and Leydig cell hormonal function is normal in prepubertal KS patients. WHAT IS KNOWN • So far, normal Leydig and Sertoli cell function was observed in infants and prepubertal KS patients. WHAT IS NEW • The morphological changes in the testes in KS may already be seen in early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Januś
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland. .,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University Children's Hospital, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Wójcik
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663 Krakow, Poland ,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University Children’s Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy B. Starzyk
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663 Krakow, Poland ,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University Children’s Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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11
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Dutta S, Sengupta P, Das S, Slama P, Roychoudhury S. Reactive Nitrogen Species and Male Reproduction: Physiological and Pathological Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810574. [PMID: 36142487 PMCID: PMC9506194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS), like reactive oxygen species (ROS), are useful for sustaining reproductive processes such as cell signaling, the regulation of hormonal biosynthesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. However, endogenous levels of RNS beyond physiological limits can impair fertility by disrupting testicular functions, reducing gonadotropin production, and compromising semen quality. Excessive RNS levels cause a variety of abnormalities in germ cells and gametes, particularly in the membranes and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and severely impair the maturation and fertilization processes. Cell fragmentation and developmental blockage, usually at the two-cell stage, are also connected with imbalanced redox status of the embryo during its early developmental stage. Since high RNS levels are closely linked to male infertility and conventional semen analyses are not reliable predictors of the assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes for such infertility cases, it is critical to develop novel ways of assessing and treating oxidative and/or nitrosative stress-mediated male infertility. This review aims to explicate the physiological and pathological roles of RNS and their relationship with male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
- School of Medical Sciences, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), 173 Agaram Main Rd., Selaiyur, Chennai 600073, India
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- School of Medical Sciences, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), 173 Agaram Main Rd., Selaiyur, Chennai 600073, India
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
| | - Sanghamitra Das
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar 788011, India
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Shubhadeep Roychoudhury
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar 788011, India
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (S.R.)
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12
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Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Calandra RS, Mayerhofer A, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Pleiotropic actions of melatonin in testicular peritubular myoid cells of immature Syrian hamsters. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130187. [PMID: 35691458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130187] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritubular myoid cells are emerging as key regulators of testicular function in adulthood. However, little is known about the role of testicular peritubular myoid cells (TPMCs) in the development of the male gonad. We found that, compared to testes of young adult hamsters, gonads of 21 day-old animals show increased melatonin concentration, seminiferous tubular wall thickening and a heterogeneous packaging of its collagen fibers thus raising the question whether melatonin may be involved in the regulation of TPMCs. METHODS We established primary cultures of TPMCs from immature hamsters (ihaTPMCs), which we found express melatonergic receptors. RESULTS Exogeneous melatonin decreased the levels of inflammatory markers (NLRP3 inflammasome, IL1β) but increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, key enzyme mediating prostaglandin synthesis) and of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in ihaTPMCs. Melatonin also stimulated ihaTPMCs proliferation and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen type I and IV. Furthermore, collagen gel contraction assays revealed an enhanced ability of ihaTPMCs to contract in the presence of melatonin. CONCLUSION Melatonin regulates immune and inflammatory functions as well as contractile phenotype of the peritubular wall in the hamster testis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE If transferable to the in vivo situation, melatonin-dependent induction of ihaTPMCs to produce factors known to exert paracrine effects in other somatic cell populations of the gonad suggests that the influence of melatonin may go beyond the peritubular wall and indicates its contribution to testicular development and the establishment of a normal and sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1405CAE, Argentina.
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13
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Liang D, Sun Q, Zhu Z, Wang C, Ye S, Li Z, Wang Y. Xenotransplantation of Human Spermatogonia Into Various Mouse Recipient Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883314. [PMID: 35676935 PMCID: PMC9168328 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are the foundation of continuous spermatogenesis in adult mammals. Xenograft models have been established to define human SSCs, mostly using infertile and immune-deficient mice as the recipients for human germ cell transplantation. However, it is time-consuming to prepare such recipients using irradiation or chemotherapeutic agents, and this approach may also introduce confounding factors when residual endogenous germ cells recover in transplanted recipients. It remains to be determined whether immune-competent genetically infertile mice can be suitable recipients for xenotransplantation. In this study, we observed similar engraftment efficiencies when using spermatogonia from human biopsied testes across immune-deficient nude mice, immune-competent ICR mice, and genetically infertile Kit w/w-v mice, suggesting minimal immunological rejection from immune-competent mouse recipients upon xenotransplantation of human germ cells. More importantly, we derived EpCAM negative and TNAP positive spermatogonia-like cells (SLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which highly expressed spermatogonial markers including PLZF, INTERGRINα6, TKTL1, CD90, and DRMT3. We found that upon transplantation, these SLCs proliferated and colonized at the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules in testes of both immune-deficient nude mice and Kit w/w-v mice, though complete spermatogenesis would likely require supporting human signaling factors and microenvironment. Taken together, our study functionally defined the cell identity of PSC-derived SLCs, and supported xenotransplantation using genetically infertile recipients as a convenient model for functionally evaluating spermatogonia derived from different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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14
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Himelreich-Perić M, Katušić-Bojanac A, Hohšteter M, Sinčić N, Mužić-Radović V, Ježek D. Mast Cells in the Mammalian Testis and Epididymis-Animal Models and Detection Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052547. [PMID: 35269690 PMCID: PMC8909951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are an evolutionary well-conserved type of cells, mediating and modulating allergic responses in innate immunity and tissue remodeling after chronic inflammation. Among other tissues, they inhabit both the testis and epididymis. In the testis, MCs usually appear in the interstitial compartment in humans, but not in other standard experimental models, like rats and mice. MCs seem to be responsible for testicular tissue fibrosis in different causes of infertility. Although experimental animal models follow the effect on MC activation or penetration to the interstitial tissue like in humans to some extent, there is an inconsistency in the available literature regarding experimental design, animal strain, and detection methods used. This comprehensive review offers an insight into the literature on MCs in mammalian testes and epididymides. We aimed to find the most suitable model for research on MC and offer recommendations for future experimental designs. When using in vivo animal models, tunica albuginea incorporation and standard histological assessment need to be included. Domesticated boar strains kept in modified controlled conditions exhibit the highest similarity to the MC distribution in the human testis. 3D testicular models are promising but need further fine-tuning to become a valid model for MC investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Himelreich-Perić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.K.-B.); (N.S.); (D.J.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Katušić-Bojanac
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.K.-B.); (N.S.); (D.J.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Hohšteter
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Nino Sinčić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.K.-B.); (N.S.); (D.J.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Mužić-Radović
- Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation of the Health and Lung Diseases and Rheumatism “Thalassotherapia-Opatija”, 51410 Opatija, Croatia;
| | - Davor Ježek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.K.-B.); (N.S.); (D.J.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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15
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Willems M, Seβenhausen P, Gies I, Vloeberghs V, Tournaye H, Goossens E, Van Saen D. To graft or not to graft? Intratesticular xenografting of (pre)pubertal testicular tissue from Klinefelter patients as potential ex vivo model to study testicular fibrosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:896-906. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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16
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Rajak P, Roy S, Dutta M, Podder S, Sarkar S, Ganguly A, Mandi M, Khatun S. Understanding the cross-talk between mediators of infertility and COVID-19. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100559. [PMID: 34547545 PMCID: PMC8407955 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the ongoing health emergency affecting individuals of all ages around the globe. Initially, the infection was reported to affect pulmonary structures. However, recent studies have delineated the impacts of COVID-19 on the reproductive system of both men and women. Hence, the present review aims to shed light on the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors in various reproductive organs. In addition, impacts of COVID-19 mediators like disrupted renin angiotensin system, oxidative stress, cytokine storm, fever, and the mental stress on reproductive physiology have also been discussed. For the present study, various keywords were used to search literature on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Articles were screened for relevancy and were studied in detail for qualitative synthesis of the review. Through our literature review, we found a multitude of effects of COVID-19 mediators on reproductive systems. Studies reported expression of receptors like ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and CD147 in the testes, epididymis, prostrate, seminal vesicles, and ovarian follicles. These proteins are known to serve as major SARS-CoV-2 entry factors. The expression of lysosomal cathepsins (CTSB/CTSL) and/ neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are also evident in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, fallopian tube, cervix, and endometrium. The binding of viral spike protein with ACE-2 was found to alter the renin-angiotensin cascade, which could invite additional infertility problems. Furthermore, COVID-19 mediated cytokine storm, oxidative stress, and elevated body temperature could be detrimental to gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and reproductive cycles in patients. Finally, social isolation, confinement, and job insecurities have fueled mental stress and frustration that might promote glucocorticoid-mediated subnormal sperm quality in men and higher risk of miscarriage in women. Hence, the influence of COVID-19 on the alteration of reproductive health and fertility is quite apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Rajak
- Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sumedha Roy
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Moumita Dutta
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sayanti Podder
- Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saurabh Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, Gushkara Mahavidyalaya, Gushkara, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhratanu Ganguly
- Post Graduate Department of Zoology, A.B.N. Seal College, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India
| | - Moutushi Mandi
- Toxicology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Salma Khatun
- Department of Zoology, Krishna Chandra College, Hetampur, West Bengal, India
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17
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Shen YC, Shami AN, Moritz L, Larose H, Manske GL, Ma Q, Zheng X, Sukhwani M, Czerwinski M, Sultan C, Chen H, Gurczynski SJ, Spence JR, Orwig KE, Tallquist M, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. TCF21 + mesenchymal cells contribute to testis somatic cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3876. [PMID: 34162856 PMCID: PMC8222243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development and function rely on interactions between somatic cells and the germline, but similar to other organs, regenerative capacity declines in aging and disease. Whether the adult testis maintains a reserve progenitor population remains uncertain. Here, we characterize a recently identified mouse testis interstitial population expressing the transcription factor Tcf21. We found that TCF21lin cells are bipotential somatic progenitors present in fetal testis and ovary, maintain adult testis homeostasis during aging, and act as potential reserve somatic progenitors following injury. In vitro, TCF21lin cells are multipotent mesenchymal progenitors which form multiple somatic lineages including Leydig and myoid cells. Additionally, TCF21+ cells resemble resident fibroblast populations reported in other organs having roles in tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and regeneration. Our findings reveal that the testis, like other organs, maintains multipotent mesenchymal progenitors that can be potentially leveraged in development of future therapies for hypoandrogenism and/or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Czerwinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins, USA
| | | | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- University of Hawaii, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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18
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Frungieri MB, Calandra RS, Bartke A, Matzkin ME. Male and female gonadal ageing: its impact on health span and life span. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 197:111519. [PMID: 34139215 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is linked to changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and a progressive decline in gonadal function. While women become infertile when they enter menopause, fertility decline in ageing men does not necessarily involve a complete cessation of spermatogenesis. Gonadal dysfunction in elderly people is characterized by morphological, endocrine and metabolic alterations affecting the reproductive function and quality of life. With advancing age, sexuality turns into a critical emotional and physical factor actually defining the number of years that ageing people live a healthy life. Gonadal ageing correlates with comorbidities and an increased risk of age-related diseases including diabetes, kidney problems, cardiovascular failures and cancer. This article briefly summarizes the current state of knowledge on ovarian and testicular senescence, explores the experimental models used in the study of gonadal ageing, and describes the local pro-inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic events and the associated signalling pathways that take place in the gonads while people get older. Overall, literature reports that ageing exacerbates a mutual crosstalk among oxidative stress, apoptosis and the inflammatory response in the gonads leading to detrimental effects on fertility. Data also highlight the clinical implications of novel therapeutic interventions using antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory drugs on health span and life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina.
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Division of Geriatrics Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
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19
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Missel A, Walenta L, Eubler K, Mundt N, Heikelä H, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Popper B, Poutanen M, Strauss L, Köhn FM, Kunz L, Spehr M, Mayerhofer A. Testicular adenosine acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule: role of testicular peritubular cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6276438. [PMID: 33993290 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular ATP has been described to be involved in inflammatory cytokine production by human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs). The ectonucleotidases ENTPD1 and NT5E degrade ATP and have been reported in rodent testicular peritubular cells. We hypothesized that if a similar situation exists in human testis, ATP metabolites may contribute to cytokine production. Indeed, ENTPD1 and NT5E were found in situ and in vitro in HTPCs. Malachite green assays confirmed enzyme activities in HTPCs. Pharmacological inhibition of ENTPD1 (by POM-1) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines evoked by ATP treatment, suggesting that metabolites of ATP, including adenosine, are likely involved. We focused on adenosine and detected three of the four known adenosine receptors in HTPCs. One, A2B, was also found in situ in peritubular cells of human testicular sections. The A2B agonist BAY60-6583 significantly elevated levels of IL6 and CXCL8, a result also obtained with adenosine and its analogue NECA. Results of siRNA-mediated A2B down-regulation support a role of this receptor. In mouse peritubular cells, in contrast to HTPCs, all four of the known adenosine receptors were detected; when challenged with adenosine, cytokine expression levels significantly increased. Organotypic short-term testis cultures yielded comparable results and indicate an overall pro-inflammatory action of adenosine in the mouse testis. If transferable to the in vivo situation, our results may implicate that interference with the generation of ATP metabolites or interference with adenosine receptors could reduce inflammatory events in the testis. These novel insights may provide new avenues for treatment of sterile inflammation in male subfertility and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Missel
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lena Walenta
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Eubler
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nadine Mundt
- Institute of Biology II/Department of Chemosensation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416, MultiSenses-MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hanna Heikelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Bastian Popper
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Core Facility Animal Models, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leena Strauss
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Lars Kunz
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Institute of Biology II/Department of Chemosensation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416, MultiSenses-MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
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20
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Willems M, Vloeberghs V, Gies I, De Schepper J, Tournaye H, Goossens E, Van Saen D. Testicular immune cells and vasculature in Klinefelter syndrome from childhood up to adulthood. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1753-1764. [PMID: 32649748 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the distribution of immune cells and the testicular vasculature altered in testicular biopsies from patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Increased numbers of macrophages and mast cells, an increased expression of decorin and an increased blood vessel density were found in KS samples compared to controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Most KS patients are infertile due to an early germ cell loss. From puberty onwards, testicular fibrosis can be detected. How this fibrotic process is initiated remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this study, the number of macrophages, mast cells and their secretory products were evaluated in KS, Sertoli cell only (SCO) and control patient samples. The association between immune cell numbers and level of fibrosis in KS tissue was examined. In addition, the vascularization within these testicular tissue biopsies was studied. For immunohistochemical evaluation, KS patients at different stages of testicular development were included: prepubertal (aged 4-7 years; n = 4), peripubertal (aged 11-17 years; n = 21) and adult (aged >18 years; n = 37) patients. In addition, testicular tissue biopsies of adult SCO (n = 33) and control samples for the three KS age groups (prepubertal n = 9; peripubertal n = 5; adult n = 25) were analysed. Gene expression analysis was performed on adult testicular tissue from KS (n = 5), SCO (n = 5) and control (n = 5) patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Adult (>18 years) KS, SCO and control testicular tissue biopsies were obtained during a testicular sperm extraction procedure. KS peripubertal (11-18 years), prepubertal (<11 years) and age-matched control biopsies were obtained from the biobank of the university hospital. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the tubular structure (H/PAS), the number of spermatogonia (MAGE-A4), macrophages (CD68) and mast cells (tryptase) and the blood vessel density (Von Willebrand factor). In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of secretory products of macrophages and mast cells (tryptase, tumour necrosis factor alpha and decorin). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant increase in the number of macrophages (P < 0.0001) and mast cells (P = 0.0008) was found in the peritubular compartment of testes of adult KS patients compared to control samples. However, no association between the number of immune cells and the degree of fibrosis was observed. In adult SCO samples, a significant increase was seen for peritubular macrophage (P < 0.0001) and mast cell (P < 0.0001) numbers compared to control samples. In the interstitial compartment, a significant increase in mast cell number was found in adult SCO samples compared to KS (P < 0.0001) and control (P < 0.0001) tissue. A significant difference (P = 0.0431) in decorin expression could be detected in adult KS compared to control patients. Decorin expression was mostly seen in the walls of the seminiferous tubules. When comparing the vascularization between KS patients and age-matched controls, a significant increase (P = 0.0081) in blood vessel density could be observed only in prepubertal KS testicular tissue. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As controls for this study, testicular tissue biopsies of men who underwent a vasectomy reversal or orchiectomy were used, but these men may not represent fertile controls. In addition, a high variability in immune cell numbers, secretory products expression and number of blood vessels could be observed amongst all patient samples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Increased numbers of macrophages and mast cells have previously been described in non-KS infertile men. Our results show that these increased numbers can also be detected in KS testicular tissue. However, no association between the number of macrophages or mast cells and the degree of fibrosis in KS samples could be detected. Decorin has previously been described in relation to fibrosis, but it has not yet been associated with testicular fibrosis in KS. Our results suggest a role for this proteoglycan in the fibrotic process since an increased expression was observed in adult KS tissue compared to controls. Impaired vascularization in KS men was suggested to be responsible for the KS-related disturbed hormone levels. Our results show a significant difference in blood vessel density, especially for the smallest blood vessels, between prepubertal KS samples and age-matched controls. This is the first study to report differences between KS and control testicular tissue at prepubertal age. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was funded by grants from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (E.G.) and the scientific Fund Willy Gepts from the UZ Brussel (D.V.S.). D.V.S. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO; 12M2819N). No conflict of interest is declared for this research project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Willems
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Vloeberghs
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Gies
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean De Schepper
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorien Van Saen
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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21
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Gu X, Li SY, DeFalco T. Immune and vascular contributions to organogenesis of the testis and ovary. FEBS J 2021; 289:2386-2408. [PMID: 33774913 PMCID: PMC8476657 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gonad development is a highly regulated process that coordinates cell specification and morphogenesis to produce sex-specific organ structures that are required for fertility, such as testicular seminiferous tubules and ovarian follicles. While sex determination occurs within specialized gonadal supporting cells, sexual differentiation is evident throughout the entire organ, including within the interstitial compartment, which contains immune cells and vasculature. While immune and vascular cells have been traditionally appreciated for their supporting roles during tissue growth and homeostasis, an increasing body of evidence supports the idea that these cell types are critical drivers of sexually dimorphic morphogenesis of the gonad. Myeloid immune cells, such as macrophages, are essential for multiple aspects of gonadogenesis and fertility, including for forming and maintaining gonadal vasculature in both sexes at varying stages of life. While vasculature is long known for supporting organ growth and serving as an export mechanism for gonadal sex steroids in utero, it is also an important component of fetal testicular morphogenesis and differentiation; additionally, it is vital for ovarian corpus luteal function and maintenance of pregnancy. These findings point toward a new paradigm in which immune cells and blood vessels are integral components of sexual differentiation and organogenesis. In this review, we discuss the state of the field regarding the diverse roles of immune and vascular cells during organogenesis of the testis and ovary and highlight outstanding questions in the field that could stimulate new research into these previously underappreciated constituents of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Gu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Shu-Yun Li
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA
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22
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Hypertension and reproductive dysfunction: a possible role of inflammation and inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis in gonads. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:3237-3257. [PMID: 33346358 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases that leads to end organ damage especially affecting the heart, kidney, brain, and eyes. Numerous studies have evaluated the association between hypertension and impaired sexual health, in both men and women. The detrimental effects of hypertension in men includes erectile dysfunction, decrease in semen volume, sperm count and motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. Similarly, hypertensive females exhibit decreased vaginal lubrication, reduced orgasm, and several complications in pregnancy leading to fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The adverse effect of hypertension on male and female fertility is attributed to hormonal imbalance and changes in the gonadal vasculature. However, mechanistic studies investigating the impact of hypertension on gonads in more detail on a molecular basis remain scarce. Hence, the aim of the current review is to address and summarize the effects of hypertension on reproductive health, and highlight the importance of research on the effects of hypertension on gonadal inflammation and lymphatics.
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23
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Moreno D, Sobarzo CM, Lustig L, Rodríguez Peña MG, Guazzone VA. Effect of ketotifen fumarate on experimental autoimmune orchitis and torsion of the spermatic cord. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:112-117. [PMID: 31115365 PMCID: PMC6958983 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_30_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study effects of ketotifen fumarate (KF) on prevention of tissue damage in testes of rats with experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and on the contralateral testis in a model of prolonged testicular cord torsion (TCT). Rats with EAO or TCT were injected intraperitoneally once daily with KF or saline solution (vehicle group). Incidence and severity of testicular damage were evaluated by histopathology using an EAO score or a Johnsen score. Mast cells (MC) were identified by histochemistry and quantified. In EAO model, KF significantly reduced severity of histopathological testicular damage compared to rats in the vehicle group. KF also reduced the number of testicular MC compared to vehicle group. Similarly, in TCT model, multifocal damage of the contralateral testis was observed 30 days after testicular torsion characterized by sloughing of the germinal epithelium, seminiferous tubule atrophy, and interstitial edema. Focal signs of inflammation and fibrosis of seminiferous tubular walls were also observed. In contrast, sections of contralateral testis of rats injected with KF and killed 30 days after surgery showed normal histological features. A significant decrease in the number of MC was observed in rats treated with KF compared to untreated animals. In conclusion, we demonstrated that treatment with KF reduced testicular inflammatory process and MC infiltrates in both EAO and TCT models. The results suggest a promising treatment for infertile male patients with testicular pathologies associated with inflammation and germ cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Moreno
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council - University of Buenos Aires, Institute of Biomedical Research (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina.,Central Militar Hospital "Cirujano Mayor Dr. Cosme Argerich", Buenos Aires C 1426BOR, Argentina
| | - Cristian M Sobarzo
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council - University of Buenos Aires, Institute of Biomedical Research (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina.,University of Buenos Aires, School of Medicine, Department of Cellular Biology and Histology/Academic Unit II, Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Livia Lustig
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council - University of Buenos Aires, Institute of Biomedical Research (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina.,University of Buenos Aires, School of Medicine, Department of Cellular Biology and Histology/Academic Unit II, Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina
| | | | - Vanesa Anabella Guazzone
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council - University of Buenos Aires, Institute of Biomedical Research (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina.,University of Buenos Aires, School of Medicine, Department of Cellular Biology and Histology/Academic Unit II, Buenos Aires C 1121ABG, Argentina
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24
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Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Ponzio R, Puigdomenech E, Levalle O, Martinez G, Terradas C, Calandra RS, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Melatonin daily oral supplementation attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in testes of men with altered spermatogenesis of unknown aetiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110889. [PMID: 32622722 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown an inverse correlation between testicular melatonin concentration and inflammation/oxidative stress-related markers levels in infertile men showing unexplained azoospermia. Here, we evaluated the impact of melatonin oral supplementation (daily 3 mg dose used to treat sleep disorders) in the incidence of local inflammation, oxidative stress, and tubular wall fibrosis development in young and middle-aged infertile adult men. Compared with testes without histological alterations, gonads with morphological abnormalities showed lower melatonin concentration along with increased macrophage numbers, TBARS generation, and expression levels of inflammation-related markers and antioxidant enzymes, as well as tubular wall collagen fibers disorganization and thickening. Melatonin oral supplementation not only increased its own testicular levels but also decreased inflammation- and oxidative stress-related markers levels, and improved the tubular wall aspect. Overall, our work provides insights into the potential benefits of melatonin on the inflammatory and oxidative status in testes of patients suffering from unexplained infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, 3000, Argentina
| | - Roberto Ponzio
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | | | - Oscar Levalle
- División Endocrinología, Hospital Durand, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405DCS, Argentina
| | | | - Claudio Terradas
- Instituto Médico PREFER, San Martín, Buenos Aires, B1650, Argentina; División Endocrinología, Hospital Durand, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405DCS, Argentina; Fertilidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires, B1642, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina.
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina
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25
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Palmitic Acid Targets Human Testicular Peritubular Cells and Causes a Pro-Inflammatory Response. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082655. [PMID: 32824411 PMCID: PMC7463762 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082655] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitic acid (PA) is a major fatty acid, derived from diet and endogenous production, which is being linked to inflammation. While such actions of PA at the level of the testis remain difficult to examine, we reasoned that studies in human testicular cells may be instructive. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) can be isolated from men and cultured. They have contractile properties but also produce Interleukin 6 (IL6), express the inflammasome member NLRP3, and via glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), they contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. We found that PA at 100 µM significantly increased the levels of IL6, while NLRP3 or the related Interleukin 1 beta (IL1beta) were not affected. The contractility marker calponin (CNN1) and the growth factor GDNF were likewise not affected. ELISA studies confirmed the stimulatory PA actions on IL6. Hence, PA derived from diet and/or endogenous sources may be able to foster a pro-inflammatory milieu in the testis. A possible link of these results to diet and high fat intake and obesity is indicated by the about 12-fold elevated testicular levels of IL6 in testes of obese rhesus monkeys (n = 3), fed with a Western Style diet. They had elevated 2–5-fold increased body fat and increased circulating triglyceride levels. Further consequences of PA and obesity for testicular functions remain to be evaluated.
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26
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Sayed RKA, Mokhtar DM, Fernández-Ortiz M, Fernández-Martínez J, Aranda-Martínez P, Escames G, Acuña-Castroviejo D. Lack of retinoid acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha accelerates and melatonin supplementation prevents testicular aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12648-12668. [PMID: 32644943 PMCID: PMC7377884 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of retinoid acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) on male reproductive functions during aging is unclear. Here, we analyze the morphological changes in the testis of both young and aged RORα-deficient mice, with and without melatonin supplementation. Young mutants showed vacuolation, degeneration and pyknosis of spermatogenic epithelium and Sertoli cells. Aged mutants showed atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and absence of mitotic spermatogenic cells. Absence of sperms in many tubules, loss of acrosomal cap, vacuolation and hypertrophy of Sertoli cells were detected in aged mice, with a significant reduction in the number of seminiferous tubules and a significant increase in the number of Leydig cells and telocytes. Repair in seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissues with enhancement of spermatogenesis was observed in melatonin-treated aged mice. Young mutants overexpressed VEGF that was weaker in aged animals and observed only in the spermatocytes, while melatonin increased VEGF expression in spermatocytes and spermatids. Caspase 3 increased in both young and aged mutant mice in all seminiferous tubules and interstitium; caspase 3 immunostaining in seminiferous tubules, however, showed a normal pattern of apoptosis with melatonin supplementation. The present study reports that age-dependent testicular changes in RORα mutant mice were recovered by melatonin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy K A Sayed
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Doaa M Mokhtar
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Marisol Fernández-Ortiz
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - José Fernández-Martínez
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Paula Aranda-Martínez
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Germaine Escames
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento, Ibs. Granada, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Laboratorios Clínicos, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Darío Acuña-Castroviejo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18016, Spain.,CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento, Ibs. Granada, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Laboratorios Clínicos, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada 18016, Spain
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Walker C, Ghazisaeidi S, Collet B, Boisvert A, Culty M. In utero exposure to low doses of genistein and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alters innate immune cells in neonatal and adult rat testes. Andrology 2020; 8:943-964. [PMID: 32533902 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although humans are exposed to mixtures of endocrine disruptor chemicals, few studies have examined their toxicity on male reproduction. We previously found that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) altered gene expression in adult rat testes. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to investigate the effects of fetal exposure to GEN-DEHP mixtures at two doses relevant to humans on testicular function and transcriptome in neonatal and adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant SD rats were gavaged with vehicle, GEN or DEHP, alone or mixed at 0.1 and 10 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 14 to birth. Fertility, steroid levels, and testis morphology were examined in neonatal and adult rats. Testicular transcriptomes were examined by gene array and functional pathway analyses. Cell-specific genes/proteins were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS GEN-DEHP mixtures increased the rates of infertility and abnormal testes in adult rats. Gene array analysis identified more genes exclusively altered by the mixtures than individual compounds. Altered top canonical pathways included urogenital/reproductive developmental and inflammatory processes. GEN-DEHP mixtures increased innate immune cells and macrophages markers at both doses and ages, more strongly and consistently than DEHP or GEN alone. Genes exclusively increased by the mixture in adult testis related to innate immune cells and macrophages included Kitlg, Rps6ka3 (Rsk2), Nr3c1, Nqo1, Lif, Fyn, Ptprj (Dep-1), Gpr116, Pfn2, and Ptgr1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that GEN-DEHP mixtures at doses relevant to human induce adverse testicular phenotypes, concurrent with age-dependent and non-monotonic changes in testicular transcriptomes. The involvement of innate immune cells such as macrophages suggests immediate and delayed inflammatory responses which may contribute to testicular dysfunction. Moreover, these effects are complex and likely involve multiple interactions between immune and non-immune testicular cell types that will entail further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casandra Walker
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahrzad Ghazisaeidi
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Berenice Collet
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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28
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Heinrich A, DeFalco T. Essential roles of interstitial cells in testicular development and function. Andrology 2020; 8:903-914. [PMID: 31444950 PMCID: PMC7036326 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular architecture and sperm production are supported by a complex network of communication between various cell types. These signals ensure fertility by: regulating spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells; promoting steroidogenesis; and driving male-specific differentiation of the gonad. Sertoli cells have long been assumed to be the major cellular player in testis organogenesis and spermatogenesis. However, cells in the interstitial compartment, such as Leydig, vascular, immune, and peritubular cells, also play prominent roles in the testis but are less well understood. OBJECTIVES Here, we aim to outline our current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which interstitial cell types contribute to spermatogenesis and testicular development, and how these diverse constituents of the testis play essential roles in ensuring male sexual differentiation and fertility. METHODS We surveyed scientific literature and summarized findings in the field that address how interstitial cells interact with other interstitial cell populations and seminiferous tubules (i.e., Sertoli and germ cells) to support spermatogenesis, male-specific differentiation, and testicular function. These studies focused on 4 major cell types: Leydig cells, vascular cells, immune cells, and peritubular cells. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A growing number of studies have demonstrated that interstitial cells play a wide range of functions in the fetal and adult testis. Leydig cells, through secretion of hormones and growth factors, are responsible for steroidogenesis and progression of spermatogenesis. Vascular, immune, and peritubular cells, apart from their traditionally acknowledged physiological roles, have a broader importance than previously appreciated and are emerging as essential players in stem/progenitor cell biology. CONCLUSION Interstitial cells take part in complex signaling interactions with both interstitial and tubular cell populations, which are required for several biological processes, such as steroidogenesis, Sertoli cell function, spermatogenesis, and immune regulation. These various processes are essential for testicular function and demonstrate how interstitial cells are indispensable for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Heinrich
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7045, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7045, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Avenue, Suite E-870, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
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Van Saen D, Vloeberghs V, Gies I, De Schepper J, Tournaye H, Goossens E. Characterization of the stem cell niche components within the seminiferous tubules in testicular biopsies of Klinefelter patients. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:1183-1195.e3. [PMID: 32418646 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the tubular environment in testicular biopsy tissues from patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). DESIGN Observational immunohistochemical study. SETTING Academic research unit. PATIENT(S) Males with KS and controls at different developmental time points: fetal, prepubertal, peripubertal, and adult. INTERVENTION(S) Immunohistochemical analysis of testicular biopsies samples to characterize maturation of Sertoli cells and tubular wall components-peritubular myoid cells (PTMC) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Intensity of antimüllerian hormone staining; proportion of Sertoli cells expressing androgen receptor (AR); and expression of tubular wall markers as characterized by identifying abnormal staining patterns. RESULT(S) Decreased expression for alpha smooth muscle actin 2 (ACTA2) was observed in peripubertal and adult KS as well as in Sertoli cell only (SCO) patients. Altered expression patterns for all ECM proteins were observed in SCO and KS biopsy tissues compared with controls. Only for collagen I and IV were altered expression patterns observed between KS and SCO patients. In peripubertal samples, no statistically significant differences were observed in the maturation markers, but altered ECM patterns were already present in some samples. CONCLUSION(S) The role of loss of ACTA2 expression in PTMC in the disintegration of tubules in KS patients should be further investigated. Future research is necessary to identify the causes of testicular fibrosis in KS patients. If the mechanism behind this fibrotic process could be identified, this process might be altered toward increasing the chances of fertility in KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Van Saen
- Biology of the Testis, Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Veerle Vloeberghs
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Gies
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean De Schepper
- Biology of the Testis, Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Biology of the Testis, Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Surgical and Clinical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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30
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Elieh Ali Komi D, Shafaghat F, Haidl G. Significance of mast cells in spermatogenesis, implantation, pregnancy, and abortion: Cross talk and molecular mechanisms. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 83:e13228. [PMID: 32053232 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Both subsets of MCs including MCTC (tryptase-positive, chymase-positive) and MCT (tryptase-positive, chymase-negative) are present in the testis and epididymis. Increased number of MCs, higher levels of MC-released tryptase in testis and seminal plasma of males with fertility problems, and promoting sperm motility in individuals with oligozoospermia after using MC blockers provide evidence that MCs may play a role in male infertility/subfertility disturbances. MC-released tryptase and histamine contribute to the fibrosis and may disrupt spermatogenesis. MCs not only influence the process of spermatogenesis but also have effects on the function of other testis-residing cells. MC-derived histamine may influence the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells by acting through H1R and H2R receptors. Additionally, the interaction between MC-released ATP and P2X receptors expressed on the peritubular cells may induce the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators by peritubular cells. Further investigations showed that MCs may be involved in the pathology of female infertility during implantation, pregnancy, and abortion. In the uterus, MCT subtype is abundant in myometrium and adjacent basal layer while MCTC subtype is distributed in all layers. MCs in response to hormones mainly estradiol and progesterone become activated and release a wide range of mediators including histamine, VEGF, proteases, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that have a role in different stages of pregnancy. An increasing influx of MCs to the cervix during the pregnancy occurs that helps to the physiologic cervical ripening. While MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), VEGF modulates neovascularization and histamine influences the embryo implantation. MC-derived histamine may have a positive effect during implantation due to its participation in tissue remodeling. MC proteases including tryptase and chymase activate the precursors of MMP2 and MMP9 to mediate ECM degradation during the physiologic menstrual cycle. There is a line of evidence that MCs have a role in abortion by releasing TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Elieh Ali Komi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Shafaghat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gerhard Haidl
- Andrology Unit, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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31
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Borelli V, Martinelli M, Luppi S, Vita F, Romano F, Fanfani F, Trevisan E, Celsi F, Zabucchi G, Zanconati F, Bottin C, Ricci G. Mast Cells in Peritoneal Fluid From Women With Endometriosis and Their Possible Role in Modulating Sperm Function. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1543. [PMID: 31998139 PMCID: PMC6964357 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a local pelvic inflammatory process, frequently associated with infertility, with altered function of immune-related cells in the peritoneal environment. Mast cells are known to be key players of the immune system and have been recently involved in endometriosis and in infertility, with their mediators directly suppressing sperm motility. In this study, we evaluated the mast cell population and their mediators in the peritoneal fluid of infertile patients with endometriosis and their impact on human sperm motility. Peritoneal fluids, collected by laparoscopy from 11 infertile patients with endometriosis and 9 fertile controls were evaluated for the presence of mast cells, tryptase levels and their effect on sperm motility. Furthermore, an in vitro model of mast cells-sperm interaction in peritoneal fluid was set up, using LAD2 cell line as a mast cell model, and analyzed from a functional as well as a morphological point of view. Mast cell peritoneal fluid population and its main mediator, tryptase, is more represented in endometriosis confirming an involvement of these cells in this disease. Anyway it appears unlikely that tryptase enriched peritoneal fluid, which fails to inhibit sperm motility, could contribute to endometriosis associated infertility. Despite of this, sperm interaction with the mast cell surface (LAD2) induced a significantly mast cell-degranulation response in the peritoneal fluid from endometriosis which could directly modulate sperm function other than motility. This evidence lead us to suppose that there is, between these elements, an interrelationship which deserves further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefania Luppi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Vita
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Fanfani
- UOC di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Trevisan
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvio Celsi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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32
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Ferreiro ME, Amarilla MS, Glienke L, Méndez CS, González C, Jacobo PV, Sobarzo CM, De Laurentiis A, Ferraris MJ, Theas MS. The inflammatory mediators TNFα and nitric oxide arrest spermatogonia GC-1 cell cycle. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:329-339. [PMID: 31757605 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
During an inflammatory process of the testis, the network of somatic, immune, and germ cell interactions is altered leading to organ dysfunction. In testicular biopsies of infertile men, spermatogenesis impairment is associated with reduced spermatogonia proliferation, increased number of immune cells, and content of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TNFα-TNFR and nitric oxide (NO)-NO synthase systems are up-regulated in models of testicular damage and in human testis with maturation arrest. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that TNFα-TNFR system and NO alter the function of spermatogonia in the inflamed testis. We studied the effect of TNFα and NO on GC-1 spermatogonia cell cycle progression and death by flow cytometry. GC-1 cells expressed TNFR1 and TNFR2 (immunofluorescence). TNFα (10 and 50 ng/ml) and DETA-Nonoate (0.5 and 2 mM), a NO releaser, increased the percentage of cells in S-phase of the cell cycle and reduced the percentage in G1, inducing also cell apoptosis. TNFα effect was not mediated by oxidative stress unlike NO, since the presence of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (2.5 and 5.0 mM) prevented NO induced cell cycle arrest and death. GC-1 spermatogonia overpass NO induced cell cycle arrest but no TNFα, since after removal of NO, spermatogonia progressed through the cell cycle. We propose TNFα and NO might contribute to impairment of spermatogenesis by preventing adequate functioning of the spermatogonia population. Our results showed that TNFα and NO impaired spermatogonia cell cycle, inducing GC-1 arrest in the S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Ferreiro
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Sofía Amarilla
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leilane Glienke
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cinthia Soledad Méndez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Candela González
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnósticos (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Verónica Jacobo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristian Marcelo Sobarzo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea De Laurentiis
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Jimena Ferraris
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Susana Theas
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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33
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Schmid N, Flenkenthaler F, Stöckl JB, Dietrich KG, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Kunz L, Luckner M, Wanner G, Arnold GJ, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A. Insights into replicative senescence of human testicular peritubular cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15052. [PMID: 31636313 PMCID: PMC6803627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence for an age-related decline in male reproductive functions, yet how the human testis may age is not understood. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) transport sperm, contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche and immune surveillance, and can be isolated and studied in vitro. Consequences of replicative senescence of HTPCs were evaluated to gain partial insights into human testicular aging. To this end, early and advanced HTPC passages, in which replicative senescence was indicated by increased cell size, altered nuclear morphology, enhanced β-galactosidase activity, telomere attrition and reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), were compared. These alterations are typical for senescent cells, in general. To examine HTPC-specific changes, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography was employed, which revealed a reduced mitochondrial network and an increased lysosome population. The results coincide with the data of a parallel proteomic analysis and indicate deranged proteostasis. The mRNA levels of typical contractility markers and growth factors, important for the SSC niche, were not significantly altered. A secretome analysis identified, however, elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), which may play a role in spermatogenesis. Testicular DPP4 may further represent a possible drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schmid
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Lars Kunz
- LMU München, Department Biology II, Division of Neurobiology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manja Luckner
- LMU München, Department Biology I, Ultrastructural Research, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wanner
- LMU München, Department Biology I, Ultrastructural Research, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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34
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Matzkin M, Valchi P, Riviere E, Rossi S, Tavalieri Y, Muñoz de Toro M, Mayerhofer A, Bartke A, Calandra R, Frungieri M. Aging in the Syrian hamster testis: Inflammatory-oxidative status and the impact of photoperiod. Exp Gerontol 2019; 124:110649. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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35
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Schmid N, Stöckl JB, Flenkenthaler F, Dietrich KG, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Drummer C, Fröhlich T, Arnold GJ, Behr R, Mayerhofer A. Characterization of a non-human primate model for the study of testicular peritubular cells-comparison with human testicular peritubular cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:401-410. [PMID: 29846669 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are monkey testicular peritubular cells (MKTPCs) from the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) a suitable translational model for the study of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER MKTPCs can be isolated and propagated in vitro, retain characteristic markers for testicular peritubular cells and their proteome strongly (correlation coefficient of 0.78) overlaps with the proteome of HTPCs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Smooth-muscle-like peritubular cells form the wall of seminiferous tubules, transport sperm, are immunologically active, secrete a plethora of factors and may contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. Mechanistic studies are hampered by heterogeneity of human samples. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We established a culture method for MKTPCs and characterized these cells from six young adult animals (2-3 years). To examine whether they qualify as a translational model we also examined HTPCs from seven men and compared the proteomes of both groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used explant cultures to obtain MKTPCs, which express smooth muscle markers (calponin (CNN1), smooth muscle actin (ACTA2)), lack FSH-receptors (FSHR) and LH-receptors (LHCGR), but possess androgen receptors (AR). MKTPCs can be passaged at least up to eight times, without discernable phenotypic changes. Mass-spectrometry-based analyses of the MKTPC and HTPC proteomes were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We established a method for isolation and cultivation of MKTPCs, and provide a comprehensive analysis of their protein repertoire. The results let us conclude that MKTPCs are suitable as a non-human primate model to study peritubular cell functions. LARGE SCALE DATA List of identified proteins in MKTPCs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is accessible at the ProteomeXchange (identifier PXD009394). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro cellular non-human primate model used to provide a window into the role of these cells in the human testis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Previous studies with HTPCs from patients revealed a degree of heterogeneity, possibly due to age, lifestyle and medical history of the individual human donors. We anticipate that the new translational model, derived from young healthy non-human primates, may allow us to circumvent these issues and may lead to a better understanding of the role of peritubular cells. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETION OF INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (MA 1080/27-1; AR 362/9-1; BE 2296/8-1). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Schmid
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J B Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - F Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - K-G Dietrich
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J U Schwarzer
- Andrology Center, Lortzingstrasse 26, Munich, Germany
| | - F-M Köhn
- Andrologicum, Burgstrassse 7, Munich, Germany
| | - C Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - T Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - G J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - R Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
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Mayerhofer A, Walenta L, Mayer C, Eubler K, Welter H. Human testicular peritubular cells, mast cells and testicular inflammation. Andrologia 2019; 50:e13055. [PMID: 30569646 DOI: 10.1111/and.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In man, the wall of seminiferous tubules forms a testicular compartment, which contains several layers of smooth muscle-like, "myoid", peritubular cells and extracellular matrix. Its architecture and its cellular composition change in male infertility associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Increased deposits of extracellular matrix, changes in the smooth muscle-like phenotype of peritubular cells and accumulation of immune cells, especially mast cells, are among the striking alterations. Taken together, the changes indicate that inflammatory events take place in particular within this compartment. This short review summarises recent studies, which pinpoint possible mechanisms of the interplay between peritubular cells and mast cells, which may contribute to sterile inflammation and impairments of testicular function. These insights are based mainly on cellular studies, for which we used isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), and on the examination of human testicular sections. Recent data on immunological properties of peritubular cells, unexpected roles of the extracellular matrix factor, biglycan, which is secreted by peritubular cells and functions of mast cell products (chymase, tryptase and ATP) are presented. We believe that the results may foster a better understanding of peritubular cells, their roles in the human testis and specifically their involvement in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mayerhofer
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lena Walenta
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christine Mayer
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Eubler
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Van Saen D, Vloeberghs V, Gies I, Mateizel I, Sermon K, De Schepper J, Tournaye H, Goossens E. When does germ cell loss and fibrosis occur in patients with Klinefelter syndrome? Hum Reprod 2019; 33:1009-1022. [PMID: 29684126 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION When does germ cell loss and fibrosis occur in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS)? SUMMARY ANSWER In KS, germ cell loss is not observed in testicular tissue from fetuses in the second semester of pregnancy but present at a prepubertal age when the testicular architecture is still normal, while fibrosis is highly present at an adolescent age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Most KS patients are azoospermic at adult age because of a massive germ cell loss. However, the timing when this germ cell loss starts is not known. It is assumed that germ cell loss increases at puberty. Therefore, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) at an adolescent age has been suggested to increase the chances of sperm retrieval at onset of spermatogenesis. However, recent data indicate that testicular biopsies from peripubertal KS patients contain only a few germ cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this study, we give an update on fertility preservation in adolescent KS patients and evaluate whether fertility preservation would be beneficial at prepubertal age. The possibility of retrieving testicular spermatozoa by TESE was evaluated in adolescent and adult KS men. The presence of spermatogonia and the degree of fibrosis were also analysed in testicular biopsies from KS patients at different ages. The patients were divided into four age groups: foetal (n = 5), prepubertal (aged 4-7 years; n = 4), peripubertal (aged 12-16 years; n = 20) and adult (aged 18-41 years; n = 27) KS patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In peripubertal and adult KS patients, retrieval of spermatozoa was attempted by semen analysis after masturbation, vibrostimulation, electroejaculation or by TESE. MAGE-A4 immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the presence of germ cells in testicular biopsies from foetal, prepubertal, peripubertal and adult KS patients. Tissue morphology was evaluated by haematoxylin-periodic acid Schiff (H/PAS) staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Testicular spermatozoa were collected by TESE in 48.1% of the adult KS patients, while spermatozoa were recovered after TESE in only one peripubertal patient (5.0%). Germ cells were detectable in testicular biopsies from 21% of adult men for whom no spermatozoa could be retrieved by TESE and in 31.5% of peripubertal KS boys. Very small numbers of spermatogonia (0.03-0.06 spermatogonia/tubule) were detected in three out of four (75%) prepubertal patients. At a foetal age, the number of germ cells was similar for KS and control samples. Increased signs of fibrosis were not present at foetal and prepubertal ages, but peripubertal and adult KS patients showed high levels of fibrosis. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only four prepubertal biopsies were included in this study, but they all showed a very low germ cell number. A high variability in the number of spermatogonia per mm2 was observed in the limited (n = 5) number of foetal biopsies. However, testicular biopsies from prepubertal and foetal Klinefelter patients are difficult to obtain. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Testicular tissue banking at a prepubertal age has been suggested as a potential method for fertility preservation in early diagnosed KS boys. However, our results show that a reduction in germ cell number has already taken place in childhood. Therefore, offering testicular tissue banking in young KS boys to prevent subsequent sterility might be a questionable strategy. However, this should be confirmed in a larger study population. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was funded by the scientific Fund Willy Gepts from the UZ Brussel (D.V.S., J.D.S.), grants from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (E.G.) and a Methusalem grant (K.S.). D.V.S is a post-doctoral fellow of the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO; 12M2815N). No conflict of interest is declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Van Saen
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - V Vloeberghs
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Gies
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Mateizel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Sermon
- Reproduction and Genetics, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean De Schepper
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Rossi SP, Walenta L, Rey-Ares V, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Welter H, Calandra RS, Frungieri MB, Mayerhofer A. Alpha 1 adrenergic receptor-mediated inflammatory responses in human testicular peritubular cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 474:1-9. [PMID: 29407194 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and is linked to impaired fertility in man. We hypothesized that catecholamines by acting on testicular cells have a role in these events, possibly by fostering an inflammatory environment. The cells of the wall of seminiferous tubules, human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), express adrenergic receptors (ADRs) α1B, α1D, β1 and β2. A selective α1-ADR agonist, phenylephrine, increased intracellular Ca2+-levels in cultured HTPCs and induced COX-2, IL-6 and MCP-1 mRNA expression without affecting IL-1β mRNA. These changes were paralleled by a significant increase in the secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1. Epinephrine was also effective, but salbutamol, a selective β2-ADR agonist was not. Our results suggest that stress-associated elevation of catecholamines may be able to promote inflammatory events by targeting peritubular cells in the human testis. Blockage of α1-ADRs may therefore be a novel way to interfere with stress-related impairment of male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Paola Rossi
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lena Walenta
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Verónica Rey-Ares
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | | | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Ricardo Saúl Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Beatriz Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany.
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Eubler K, Herrmann C, Tiefenbacher A, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Kunz L, Mayerhofer A. Ca 2+ Signaling and IL-8 Secretion in Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Involve the Cation Channel TRPV2. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092829. [PMID: 30235802 PMCID: PMC6165404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells are part of the wall of seminiferous tubules in the human testis and their contractile abilities are important for sperm transport. In addition, they have immunological roles. A proteomic analysis of isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) revealed expression of the transient receptor potential channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2). This cation channel is linked to mechano-sensation and to immunological processes and inflammation in other organs. We verified expression of TRPV2 in peritubular cells in human sections by immunohistochemistry. It was also found in other testicular cells, including Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. In cultured HTPCs, application of cannabidiol (CBD), a known TRPV2 agonist, acutely induced a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. These Ca2+ transients could be blocked both by ruthenium red, an unspecific Ca2+ channel blocker, and tranilast (TRA), an antagonist of TRPV2, and were also abolished when extracellular Ca2+ was removed. Taken together this indicates functional TRPV2 channels in peritubular cells. When applied for 24 to 48 h, CBD induced expression of proinflammatory factors. In particular, mRNA and secreted protein levels of the proinflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) were elevated. Via its known roles as a major mediator of the inflammatory response and as an angiogenic factor, this chemokine may play a role in testicular physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Eubler
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Astrid Tiefenbacher
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | | | | | - Lars Kunz
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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Fijak M, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Nicolas N, Bhushan S, Michel V, Tung KSK, Schuppe HC, Meinhardt A. Infectious, inflammatory and 'autoimmune' male factor infertility: how do rodent models inform clinical practice? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:416-441. [PMID: 29648649 PMCID: PMC6016649 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract are significant causes of male factor infertility. Ascending infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary tract pathogens represent the most frequent aetiology of epididymo-orchitis, but viral, haematogenous dissemination is also a contributory factor. Limitations in adequate diagnosis and therapy reflect an obvious need for further understanding of human epididymal and testicular immunopathologies and their contribution to infertility. A major obstacle for advancing our knowledge is the limited access to suitable tissue samples. Similarly, the key events in the inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies affecting human male fertility are poorly amenable to close examination. Moreover, the disease processes generally have occurred long before the patient attends the clinic for fertility assessment. In this regard, data obtained from experimental animal models and respective comparative analyses have shown promise to overcome these restrictions in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This narrative review will focus on male fertility disturbances caused by infection and inflammation, and the usefulness of the most frequently applied animal models to study these conditions. SEARCH METHODS An extensive search in Medline database was performed without restrictions until January 2018 using the following search terms: 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'testis' and/or 'epididymis', 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'male genital tract', 'male infertility', 'orchitis', 'epididymitis', 'experimental autoimmune' and 'orchitis' or 'epididymitis' or 'epididymo-orchitis', antisperm antibodies', 'vasectomy'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional publications independently by each author. Selected articles were verified by each two separate authors and discrepancies discussed within the team. OUTCOMES There is clear evidence that models mimicking testicular and/or epididymal inflammation and infection have been instructive in a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this regard, rodent models of acute bacterial epididymitis best reflect the clinical situation in terms of mimicking the infection pathway, pathogens selected and the damage, such as fibrotic transformation, observed. Similarly, animal models of acute testicular and epididymal inflammation using lipopolysaccharides show impairment of reproduction, endocrine function and histological tissue architecture, also seen in men. Autoimmune responses can be studied in models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and vasectomy. In particular, the early stages of EAO development showing inflammatory responses in the form of peritubular lymphocytic infiltrates, thickening of the lamina propria of affected tubules, production of autoantibodies against testicular antigens or secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, replicate observations in testicular sperm extraction samples of patients with 'mixed atrophy' of spermatogenesis. Vasectomy, in the form of sperm antibodies and chronic inflammation, can also be studied in animal models, providing valuable insights into the human response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This is the first comprehensive review of rodent models of both infectious and autoimmune disease of testis/epididymis, and their clinical implications, i.e. their importance in understanding male infertility related to infectious and non-infectious/autoimmune disease of the reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kenneth S K Tung
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Walenta L, Schmid N, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Urbanski HF, Behr R, Strauss L, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A. NLRP3 in somatic non-immune cells of rodent and primate testes. Reproduction 2018; 156:231-238. [PMID: 29907661 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NLRP3 is part of the NLRP3 inflammasome and a global sensor of cellular damage. It was recently discovered in rodent Sertoli cells. We investigated NLRP3 in mouse, human and non-human primate (marmoset and rhesus macaque) testes, employing immunohistochemistry. Sertoli cells of all species expressed NLRP3, and the expression preceded puberty. In addition, peritubular cells of the adult human testes expressed NLRP3. NLRP3 and associated genes (PYCARD, CASP1, IL1B) were also found in isolated human testicular peritubular cells and the mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Male infertility due to impairments of spermatogenesis may be related to sterile inflammatory events. We observed that the expression of NLRP3 was altered in the testes of patients suffering from mixed atrophy syndrome, in which tubules with impairments of spermatogenesis showed prominent NLRP3 staining. In order to explore a possible role of NLRP3 in male infertility, associated with sterile testicular inflammation, we studied a mouse model of male infertility. These human aromatase-expressing transgenic mice (AROM+) develop testicular inflammation and impaired spermatogenesis during aging, and the present data show that this is associated with strikingly elevated Nlrp3 expression in the testes compared to WT controls. Interference by aromatase inhibitor treatment significantly reduced increased Nlrp3 levels. Thus, throughout species NLRP3 is expressed by somatic cells of the testis, which are involved in testicular immune surveillance. We conclude that NLRP3 may be a novel player in testicular immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Walenta
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative DiseasesGerman Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leena Strauss
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
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Frungieri MB, Calandra RS, Bartke A, Matzkin ME. Ageing and inflammation in the male reproductive tract. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13034. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. B. Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET; Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina
- Cátedra de Química; Ciclo Básico Común; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - R. S. Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET; Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - A. Bartke
- Geriatrics Research; Department of Internal Medicine; School of Medicine; Southern Illinois University; Springfield Illinois USA
| | - M. E. Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET; Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina
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Abdel-Hamid AAM, Atef H, Zalata KR, Abdel-Latif A. Correlation between testicular mast cell count and spermatogenic epithelium in non-obstructive azoospermia. Int J Exp Pathol 2018; 99:22-28. [PMID: 29479754 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is emerging evidence that mast cells are involved in infertility, their exact role has not been elucidated clearly. Here we carried out a retrospective case-control study to find out whether there is a correlation between mast cell (MC) count and proliferation (Ki67 index) of the spermatogenic epithelium as well as of the Sertoli cells (vimentin-positive) in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We assessed MCs, Ki67 and vimentin expression in Sertoli cells in testicular biopsies of germ cell aplasia (GCA, n = 14) and maturation arrest (MA, n = 14) vs. normal spermatogenesis (n = 14) cases. There was a significant decrease in the spermatogonial Ki67 index (1.25 ± 0.91, 4.21 ± 1.81 vs. 39.57 ± 3.92) and Johnsen score (2.48 ± 0.65, 4.89 ± 1.05 vs. 9.75 ± 0.30) as well as a significant increase (P < 0.001) in MC count (29.00 ± 4.11, 7.57 ± 1.95 vs. 3.00 ± 1.30) in seminiferous tubules of infertile cases with GCA and MA vs. controls. On the other hand, the percentage of vimentin-expressing Sertoli cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in biopsies of cases with MA (35.50 ± 15.62) compared to those of cases with GCA and controls (72.64 ± 10.67 and 98.57 ± 1.45 respectively). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was detected between MC count and Ki67 index as well as Johnsen score in the MA group which became more significant in the GCA group. The significant increase in MC count in the GCA group and to a lesser extent in the MA group indicates their possible role in NOA particularly at the spermatogonial proliferation level and this is supported by the significant negative correlation with the Ki67 index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A M Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hoda Atef
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khaled R Zalata
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Atef Abdel-Latif
- Department of General Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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ATP-mediated Events in Peritubular Cells Contribute to Sterile Testicular Inflammation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1431. [PMID: 29362497 PMCID: PMC5780482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular myoid cells, which form the walls of seminiferous tubules in the testis, are functionally unexplored. While they transport sperm and contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche, specifically their emerging role in the immune surveillance of the testis and in male infertility remains to be studied. Recently, cytokine production and activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were uncovered in cultured peritubular cells. We now show that human peritubular cells express purinergic receptors P2RX4 and P2RX7, which are functionally linked to TLRs, with P2RX4 being the prevalent ATP-gated ion channel. Subsequent ATP treatment of cultured peritubular cells resulted in up-regulated (pro-)inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion, while characteristic peritubular proteins, that is smooth muscle cell markers and extracellular matrix molecules, decreased. These findings indicate that extracellular ATP may act as danger molecule on peritubular cells, able to promote inflammatory responses in the testicular environment.
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Zaazaa A, Adel A, Fahmy I, Elkhiat Y, Awaad AA, Mostafa T. Effect of varicocelectomy and/or mast cells stabilizer on sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile patients with varicocele. Andrology 2017; 6:146-150. [PMID: 29195028 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effect of varicocelectomy and/or mast cells (MCs) stabilizer on sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with varicocele (Vx). Overall, 120 infertile patients were randomized to three equal treatment arms; patients that underwent varicocelectomy, patients on 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for three months, and patients that underwent varicocelectomy followed with 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for three months. These patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, and estimation of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). After 3 months, all investigated groups showed significant improvement regarding the mean total sperm count, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and sperm normal forms percentage compared with the pre-treatment data. As well, the mean sperm DFI was significantly improved compared with the pre-treatment data; in men that underwent varicocelectomy (34.6% vs. 28.3%), in men on MC stabilizer only (33.4% vs. 27.8%), and in men that underwent varicocelectomy followed by MC stabilizer (34.3% vs. 25.1%). Sperm DFI improvement percentages showed the highest improvement in men that underwent varicocelectomy followed with MC stabilizer compared with the other two groups (26.8% vs. 18.2%, 16.8%). Sperm DFI improvement percentages showed significant increases in the infertile patients with Vx grade III compared to Vx grade II in all investigated groups. It is concluded that in infertile men associated with Vx and high sperm DFI, surgical repair followed with MCs stabilizer significantly improve sperm DFI compared with either surgical repair or MCs stabilizer alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zaazaa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A Adel
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - I Fahmy
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Y Elkhiat
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A A Awaad
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - T Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Local Actions of Melatonin in Somatic Cells of the Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061170. [PMID: 28561756 PMCID: PMC5485994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pineal hormone melatonin regulates testicular function through the hypothalamic-adenohypophyseal axis. In addition, direct actions of melatonin in somatic cells of the testis have been described. Melatonin acts as a local modulator of the endocrine activity in Leydig cells. In Sertoli cells, melatonin influences cellular growth, proliferation, energy metabolism and the oxidation state, and consequently may regulate spermatogenesis. These data pinpoint melatonin as a key player in the regulation of testicular physiology (i.e., steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis) mostly in seasonal breeders. In patients with idiopathic infertility, melatonin exerts anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects on testicular macrophages, and provides protective effects against oxidative stress in testicular mast cells. Consequently, melatonin is also involved in the modulation of inflammatory and oxidant/anti-oxidant states in testicular pathology. Overall, the literature data indicate that melatonin has important effects on testicular function and male reproduction.
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47
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Loveland KL, Klein B, Pueschl D, Indumathy S, Bergmann M, Loveland BE, Hedger MP, Schuppe HC. Cytokines in Male Fertility and Reproductive Pathologies: Immunoregulation and Beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:307. [PMID: 29250030 PMCID: PMC5715375 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline development in vivo is dependent on the environment formed by somatic cells and the differentiation cues they provide; hence, the impact of local factors is highly relevant to the production of sperm. Knowledge of how somatic and germline cells interact is central to achieving biomedical goals relating to restoring, preserving or restricting fertility in humans. This review discusses the growing understanding of how cytokines contribute to testicular function and maintenance of male reproductive health, and to the pathologies associated with their abnormal activity in this organ. Here we consider both cytokines that signal through JAKs and are regulated by SOCS, and those utilizing other pathways, such as the MAP kinases and SMADs. The importance of cytokines in the establishment and maintenance of the testis as an immune-privilege site are described. Current research relating to the involvement of immune cells in testis development and disease is highlighted. This includes new data relating to testicular cancer which reinforce the understanding that tumorigenic cells shape their microenvironment through cytokine actions. Clinical implications in pathologies relating to local inflammation and to immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Loveland,
| | - Britta Klein
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dana Pueschl
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sivanjah Indumathy
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Mark P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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48
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Mayer C, Adam M, Glashauser L, Dietrich K, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Strauss L, Welter H, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A. Sterile inflammation as a factor in human male infertility: Involvement of Toll like receptor 2, biglycan and peritubular cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37128. [PMID: 27849015 PMCID: PMC5111051 DOI: 10.1038/srep37128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the wall of seminiferous tubules in men with impaired spermatogenesis imply sterile inflammation of the testis. We tested the hypothesis that the cells forming the wall of seminiferous tubules, human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), orchestrate inflammatory events and that Toll like receptors (TLRs) and danger signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of this wall are involved. In cultured HTPCs we detected TLRs, including TLR2. A TLR-2 ligand (PAM) augmented interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in HTPCs. The ECM-derived proteoglycan biglycan (BGN) is secreted by HTPCs and may be a TLR2-ligand at HTPCs. In support, recombinant human BGN increased PTX3, MCP-1 and IL-6 in HTPCs. Variable endogenous BGN levels in HTPCs derived from different men and differences in BGN levels in the tubular wall in infertile men were observed. In testes of a systemic mouse model for male infertility, testicular sterile inflammation and elevated estradiol (E2) levels, BGN was also elevated. Hence we studied the role of E2 in HTPCs and observed that E2 elevated the levels of BGN. The anti-estrogen ICI 182,780 blocked this action. We conclude that TLR2 and BGN contribute to sterile inflammation and infertility in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mayer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - M Adam
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FL-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - L Glashauser
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - K Dietrich
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | - F-M Köhn
- Andrologicum, D-80331 Munich, Germany
| | - L Strauss
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FL-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - H Welter
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - M Poutanen
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FL-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
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49
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Lardone MC, Argandoña F, Flórez M, Parada-Bustamante A, Ebensperger M, Palma C, Piottante A, Castro A. Overexpression of CYP19A1
aromatase in Leydig cells is associated with steroidogenic dysfunction in subjects with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Andrology 2016; 5:41-48. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. C. Lardone
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - F. Argandoña
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - M. Flórez
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - A. Parada-Bustamante
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - M. Ebensperger
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
- Urology Department; San Borja Arriarán Clinical Hospital; Santiago Chile
| | - C. Palma
- Urology Department; José Joaquín Aguirre Clinical Hospital; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
- Urology Department; Clínica Las Condes; Santiago Chile
| | - A. Piottante
- Pathology Department; Clínica Las Condes; Santiago Chile
| | - A. Castro
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research; School of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago Chile
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50
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Khramtsova YS, Artashyan OS, Yushkov BG, Volkova YL, Nezgovorova NY. The influence of mast cells on reparative regeneration of tissues characterized by various degrees of immune privilege. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990519x16050060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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