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Hu Y, Jiang S, Zhang Q, Zhou W, Liang J, Xu Y, Su W. Protective effect of Cordycepin on blood-testis barrier against pre-puberty polystyrene nanoplastics exposure in male rats. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:30. [PMID: 39118174 PMCID: PMC11312894 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00590-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging environmental issue, with microplastics and nanoplastics raising health concerns due to bioaccumulation. This work explored the impact of polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NPs) exposure during prepuberty on male reproductive function post maturation in rats. Rats were gavaged with PS-NPs (80 nm) at 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg/day from postnatal day 21 to 95. PS-NPs accumulated in the testes and reduced sperm quality, serum reproductive hormones, and testicular coefficients. HE staining showed impaired spermatogenesis. PS-NPs disrupted the blood-testis barrier (BTB) by decreasing junction proteins, inducing inflammation and apoptosis. Transcriptomics identified differentially expressed genes related to metabolism, lysosome, apoptosis, and TLR4 signaling. Molecular docking revealed Cordycepin could compete with polystyrene for binding to TLR4. Cordycepin alleviated oxidative stress and improved barrier function in PS-NPs treated Sertoli cells. In conclusion, prepubertal PS-NPs exposure induces long-term reproductive toxicity in male rats, likely by disrupting spermatogenesis through oxidative stress and BTB damage. Cordycepin could potentially antagonize this effect by targeting TLR4 and warrants further study as a protective agent. This study elucidates the mechanisms underlying reproductive toxicity of PS-NPs and explores therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Units of Medical Laboratory, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Shuyi Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Jinhong Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China.
| | - Wenhui Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China.
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Grazia Mele V, Chioccarelli T, Diano N, Cappetta D, Ferraro B, Telesca M, Moggio M, Porreca V, De Angelis A, Berrino L, Fasano S, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. Variation of sperm quality and circular RNA content in men exposed to environmental contamination with heavy metals in 'Land of Fires', Italy. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1628-1644. [PMID: 38885964 PMCID: PMC11291948 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae109] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment induce a new condition of morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermia in normozoospermic young men? SUMMARY ANSWER Toxic environmental contaminants promote the onset of a new pathozoospermic condition in young normozoospermic men, consisting of morpho-functional defects and a sperm increase of low-quality circular RNA (circRNA) cargo, tightly linked to contaminant bioaccumulation in seminal plasma. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Epidemiological findings have reported several reproductive anomalies depending on exposure to contaminants discharged into the environment, such as germ cell apoptosis, steroidogenesis defects, oxidative stress induction, blood-testis barrier dysfunctions, and poor sperm quality onset. In this scenario, a vast geographical area located in Campania, Italy, called the 'Land of Fires', has been associated with an excessive illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment, negatively impacting human health, including male reproductive functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic men divided into two experimental groups, consisting of men living in the 'Land of Fires' (LF; n = 80) or not (CTRL; n = 80), with age ranging from 25 to 40 years. The study was carried out following World Health Organization guidelines. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quality parameters of semen from CTRL- and LF-normozoospermic men were evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis; high-quality spermatozoa from CTRL and LF groups (n = 80 for each experimental group) were obtained using a 80-40% discontinuous centrifugation gradient. Seminal plasma was collected following centrifugation and used for the dosage of chemical elements, dioxins and steroid hormones by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm morpho-functional investigations (cellular morphology, acrosome maturation, IZUMO1 fertility marker analysis, plasma membrane lipid state, oxidative stress) were assessed on the purified high-quality spermatozoa fraction by immunochemistry/immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Sperm circRNA cargo was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, and the physical interaction among circRNAs and fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein was detected using an RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. Protein immunoprecipitation experiments were carried out to demonstrate FUS/p-300 protein interaction in sperm cells. Lastly, in vitro lead (Pb) treatment of high-quality spermatozoa collected from normozoospermic controls was used to investigate a correlation between Pb accumulation and onset of the morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermic phenotype. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several morphological defects were identified in LF-spermatozoa, including: a significant increase (P < 0.05 versus CTRL) in the percentage of spermatozoa characterized by structural defects in sperm head and tail; and a high percentage (P < 0.01) of peanut agglutinin and IZUMO1 null signal cells. In agreement with these data, abnormal steroid hormone levels in LF seminal plasma suggest a premature acrosome reaction onset in LF-spermatozoa. The abnormal immunofluorescence signals of plasma membrane cholesterol complexes/lipid rafts organization (Filipin III and Flotillin-1) and of oxidative stress markers [3-nitrotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal] observed in LF-spermatozoa and associated with a sperm motility reduction (P < 0.01), demonstrated an affected membrane fluidity, potentially impacting sperm motility. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and dioxins occurring in LF seminal plasma and a direct correlation between Pb and deregulated circRNAs related to high- and low-sperm quality was also revealed. In molecular terms, we demonstrated that Pb bioaccumulation promoted FUS hyperacetylation via physical interaction with p-300 and, in turn, its shuttling from sperm head to tail, significantly enhancing (P < 0.01 versus CTRL) the endogenous backsplicing of sperm low-quality circRNAs in LF-spermatozoa. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Participants were interviewed to better understand their area of origin, their eating habits as well as their lifestyles, however any information incorrectly communicated or voluntarily omitted that could potentially compromise experimental group determination cannot be excluded. A possible association between seminal Pb content and other heavy metals in modulating sperm quality should be explored further. Future investigations will be performed in order to identify potential synergistic or anti-synergistic effects of heavy metals on male reproduction. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study provides new findings regarding the effects of environmental contaminants on male reproduction, highlighting how a sperm phenotype classified as normozoospermic may potentially not match with a healthy morpho-functional and epigenetic one. Overall, our results improve the knowledge to allow a proper assessment of sperm quality through circRNAs as biomarkers to select spermatozoa with high morpho-epigenetic quality to use for ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by 'Convenzione Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Caserta, Regione Campania' (ASL CE Prot. N. 1217885/DIR. GE). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Bruno Ferraro
- UOSD of Reproductive Pathophysiology, Marcianise Hospital, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marialucia Telesca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Moggio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Peng Y, He Q. Reproductive toxicity and related mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial mammals: Review of current evidence. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116505. [PMID: 38810287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been detected in various ecological environments and are widely used due to their stable properties, raising widespread concern about their potential human reproductive toxicity. Currently, infertility affects approximately 10-30% of couples of reproductive age globally. MNPs, as environmental pollutants, have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity through intrinsic mechanisms or as carriers of other hazardous substances. Numerous studies have established that MNPs of varying sizes and types can penetrate biological barriers, and enter tissues and even organelles of organisms through four main routes: dietary ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical interventions. However, historical research on the toxic effects of MNPs on reproduction mainly focused on lower and aquatic species. We conducted an inclusive review of studies involving terrestrial mammals, revealing that MNPs can induce reproductive toxicity via various mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, disruption of intestinal flora, endocrine disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and DNA damage. In terrestrial mammals, reproductive toxicity predominantly manifests as disruption in the blood-testis barrier (BTB), impaired spermatogenesis, sperm malformation, sperm DNA damage, reduced sperm fertilizing capacity, compromised oocyte maturation, impaired follicular growth, granulosa cell apoptosis, diminished ovarian reserve function, uterine and ovarian fibrosis, and endocrine disruption, among other effects. Furthermore, MNPs can traverse the maternal-fetal interface, potentially impacting offspring reproductive health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of MNPs with different sizes, polymer types, shapes, and carried toxins, as well as to explore effective protective interventions for mitigating reproductive damage, further in-depth animal studies, clinical trials, and large-scale epidemiological studies are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Qi He
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China
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Cao C, Zhang H, He Z, Zhang K, Qian Z, Shen J, Zheng L, Xue M, Sun S, Li C, Zhao W, Jing J, Ma R, Ge X, Yao B. Octanoic acid mitigates busulfan-induced blood-testis barrier damage by alleviating oxidative stress and autophagy. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:180. [PMID: 38862993 PMCID: PMC11165768 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of male infertility continues to encounter an array of challenges and constraints, necessitating an in-depth exploration of novel therapeutic targets to enhance its efficacy. As an eight-carbon medium-chain fatty acid, octanoic acid (OCA) shows promise for improving health, yet its impact on spermatogenesis remains inadequately researched. METHODS Mass spectrometry was performed to determine the fatty acid content and screen for a pivotal lipid component in the serum of patients with severe spermatogenesis disorders. The sperm quality was examined, and histopathological analysis and biotin tracer tests were performed to assess spermatogenesis function and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vivo. Cell-based in vitro experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of OCA administration on Sertoli cell dysfunction. This research aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which OCA may influence the function of Sertoli cells. RESULTS A pronounced reduction in OCA content was observed in the serum of patients with severe spermatogenesis disorders, indicating that OCA deficiency is related to spermatogenic disorders. The protective effect of OCA on reproduction was tested in a mouse model of spermatogenic disorder induced by busulfan at a dose 30 mg/kg body weight (BW). The mice in the study were separated into distinct groups and administered varying amounts of OCA, specifically at doses of 32, 64, 128, and 256 mg/kg BW. After evaluating sperm parameters, the most effective dose was determined to be 32 mg/kg BW. In vivo experiments showed that treatment with OCA significantly improved sperm quality, testicular histopathology and BTB integrity, which were damaged by busulfan. Moreover, OCA intervention reduced busulfan-induced oxidative stress and autophagy in mouse testes. In vitro, OCA pretreatment (100 µM) significantly ameliorated Sertoli cell dysfunction by alleviating busulfan (800 µM)-induced oxidative stress and autophagy. Moreover, rapamycin (5 µM)-induced autophagy led to Sertoli cell barrier dysfunction, while OCA administration exerted a protective effect by alleviating autophagy. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that OCA administration suppressed oxidative stress and autophagy to alleviate busulfan-induced BTB damage. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the toxicology of busulfan and a promising avenue for the development of novel OCA-based therapies for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaowanyue He
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kemei Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhang Qian
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaming Shen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengqi Xue
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuwei Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rujun Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xie Ge
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Liu S, Wei S, Wei L, Zhu X, Ding K, Liu Y. Protective effect of selenomethionine on rabbit testicular injury induced by Aflatoxin B1. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171973. [PMID: 38547995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the alleviating effect of selenomethionine (SeMet) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced testicular injury in rabbits. Twenty-five 90-d-old rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups (the control group, the AFB1 group, the 0.2 mg/kg SeMet + AFB1 group, the 0.4 mg/kg SeMet + AFB1 group and the 0.6 mg/kg SeMet + AFB1 group). After 1 d of the experiment, the SeMet-treated groups were fed 0.2 mg/kg SeMet, 0.4 mg/kg SeMet, or 0.6 mg/kg SeMet daily, and the remaining two groups were fed a normal diet for 30 d. On Day 31, all rabbits in the model group and the three treatment groups were fed 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 for 21 d. The levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in rabbit plasma were detected. Rabbit semen was collected, and its quality was evaluated. Pathological changes in rabbit testes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of related proteins in testicular tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blot (WB) analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to detect oxidative stress-related indices and inflammatory factors in testicular tissue. The results showed that AFB1 can induce oxidative stress and inflammation to activate the p38/MSK/NF-κB signalling pathway, mediate apoptosis, inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of testicular cells, destroy the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the normal structure of the testis, and reduce the content of sex hormones and semen quality. SeMet pretreatment significantly alleviated testicular injury oxidative stress, and the inflammatory response in rabbits. Thus, we demonstrated that SeMet restores AFB1-induced testicular toxicity by inhibiting the p38/MSK/NF-κB signalling pathway. In addition, in this study, 0.4 mg/kg SeMet had the most impactful effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Shiyang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Shixiao Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Lan Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Xuemin Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Ke Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Yumei Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China.
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Yi H, Chen T, He G, Liu L, Zhao J, Guo K, Cao Y, Sun P, Zhou X, Zhang B, Li C, Wang H. Retinoic acid mitigates the NSC319726-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction through cuproptosis-independent mechanisms. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:26. [PMID: 38691186 PMCID: PMC11062974 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09857-6] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Copper ionophore NSC319726 has attracted researchers' attention in treating diseases, particularly cancers. However, its potential effects on male reproduction during medication are unclear. This study aimed to determine whether NSC319726 exposure affected the male reproductive system. The reproductive toxicity of NSC319726 was evaluated in male mice following a continuous exposure period of 5 weeks. The result showed that NSC319726 exposure caused testis index reduction, spermatogenesis dysfunction, and architectural damage in the testis and epididymis. The exposure interfered with spermatogonia proliferation, meiosis initiation, sperm count, and sperm morphology. The exposure also disturbed androgen synthesis and blood testis barrier integrity. NSC319726 treatment could elevate the copper ions in the testis to induce cuproptosis in the testis. Copper chelator rescued the elevated copper ions in the testis and partly restored the spermatogenesis dysfunction caused by NSC319726. NSC319726 treatment also decreased the level of retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10), thereby inhibiting the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid, causing the inability to initiate meiosis. Retinoic acid treatment could rescue the meiotic initiation and spermatogenesis while not affecting the intracellular copper ion levels. The study provided an insight into the bio-safety of NSC319726. Retinoic acid could be a potential therapy for spermatogenesis impairment in patients undergoing treatment with NSC319726.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Yi
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Tong Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Guitian He
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Lingyun Liu
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jiantao Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Kaimin Guo
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Penghao Sun
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Boqi Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Andrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
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Falvo S, Minucci S, Santillo A, Senese R, Chieffi Baccari G, Venditti M. A short-term high-fat diet alters rat testicular activity and blood-testis barrier integrity through the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1274035. [PMID: 38027181 PMCID: PMC10643185 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1274035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and, in parallel, an ongoing decline in sperm quality and male fertility has been described. Numerous studies demonstrated the intimate association between overweight/obesity and reproductive dysfunction due to a highly intricate network of causes not yet completely understood. This study expands the knowledge on the impact of a short-term high-fat diet (st-HFD) on rat testicular activity, specifically on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, focusing on the involved molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity, and SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs pathways. Methods Ten adult Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five and treated with a standard diet or an HFD for five weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for serum sex hormone assay; one testis was stored at -80ÅãC for western blot analysis, and the other, was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Results Five weeks of HFD results in reduced steroidogenesis, increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and altered spermatogenesis, as highlighted by reduced protein levels ofmeiotic and post-meiotic markers. Further, we evidenced the compromission of the BTB integrity, as revealed by the downregulation of structural proteins (N-Cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) other than the phosphorylation of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). At the molecular level, the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, andbiogenesis), and the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways, were evidenced. Interestingly, no change was observed in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, NF-kB, and IL-6). Conclusions The combined data led us to confirm that overweight is a less severe state than obesity. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could improve the possibility of identifying novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Napoli, Italy
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Li HT, Zhong K, Xia YF, Song J, Chen XQ, Zhao W, Zeng XH, Chen TX. Puerarin improves busulfan-induced disruption of spermatogenesis by inhibiting MAPK pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115231. [PMID: 37516022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global concern, with a noticeable increase in the decline of spermatogenesis and sperm quality. However, there are limited clinically effective treatments available. This study aimed to investigate the potential effectiveness of puerarin in treating male infertility, which leads to gonadal changes. The results obtained from various analyses such as CASA, immunofluorescence, DIFF-Quick, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining demonstrated that puerarin supplementation significantly alleviated the busulfan-induced reduction in spermatogenesis and sperm quality in both young and adult mice. Furthermore, puerarin exhibited a marked improvement in the damage caused by busulfan to the architecture of seminiferous tubules, causal epididymis, blood-testicular barrier (BTB), as well as spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Similarly, puerarin significantly reduced the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 in the testes of busulfan-induced mice, as determined by microplate reader analysis. Additionally, RNA-seq data, RT-qPCR, and western blotting revealed that puerarin restored the abnormal gene expressions induced by busulfan to nearly healthy levels. Notably, puerarin significantly reversed the impact of busulfan on the expression of marker genes involved in spermatogenesis and oxidative stress. Moreover, puerarin suppressed the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK in the testes, as observed through testicular analysis. Consequently, this study concludes that puerarin may serve as a potential alternative for treating busulfan-induced damage to male fertility by inactivating the testicular MAPK pathways. These findings may pave the way for the use of puerarin in addressing chemotherapy- or other factors-induced male infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Li
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Zhong
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun-Fei Xia
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jian Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Chen
- Human Resources Division and Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xu-Hui Zeng
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Tian-Xing Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Zhang MF, Wan SC, Chen WB, Yang DH, Liu WQ, Li BL, Aierken A, Du XM, Li YX, Wu WP, Yang XC, Wei YD, Li N, Peng S, Li XL, Li GP, Hua JL. Transcription factor Dmrt1 triggers the SPRY1-NF-κB pathway to maintain testicular immune homeostasis and male fertility. Zool Res 2023; 44:505-521. [PMID: 37070575 PMCID: PMC10236308 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial or viral infections, such as Brucella, mumps virus, herpes simplex virus, and Zika virus, destroy immune homeostasis of the testes, leading to spermatogenesis disorder and infertility. Of note, recent research shows that SARS-CoV-2 can infect male gonads and destroy Sertoli and Leydig cells, leading to male reproductive dysfunction. Due to the many side effects associated with antibiotic therapy, finding alternative treatments for inflammatory injury remains critical. Here, we found that Dmrt1 plays an important role in regulating testicular immune homeostasis. Knockdown of Dmrt1 in male mice inhibited spermatogenesis with a broad inflammatory response in seminiferous tubules and led to the loss of spermatogenic epithelial cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that Dmrt1 positively regulated the expression of Spry1, an inhibitory protein of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analysis indicated that SPRY1 binds to nuclear factor kappa B1 (NF-κB1) to prevent nuclear translocation of p65, inhibit activation of NF-κB signaling, prevent excessive inflammatory reaction in the testis, and protect the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. In view of this newly identified Dmrt1- Spry1-NF-κB axis mechanism in the regulation of testicular immune homeostasis, our study opens new avenues for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive diseases in humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Fei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shi-Cheng Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Bo Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Dong-Hui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam 1105AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ba-Lun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Aili Aierken
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiao-Min Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yun-Xiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Ping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xin-Chun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yu-Dong Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xue-Ling Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Guang-Peng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Jin-Lian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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10
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Liu DX, Li ZF, Zhao YS, Wang LM, Qi HY, Zhao Z, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Es-β-CATENIN affects the hemolymph-testes barrier in Eriocheir sinensis by disrupting cell junctions and cytoskeleton. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124867. [PMID: 37201886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
β-CATENIN is an evolutionarily conserved multifunctional molecule that maintains cell adhesion as a cell junction protein to safeguard the integrity of the mammalian blood-testes barrier, and also regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis as a key signaling molecule in the WNT/β-CATENIN signaling pathway. In the crustacean Eriocheir sinensis, Es-β-CATENIN has been shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, but the testes of E. sinensis have large and well-defined structural differences from those of mammals, and the impact of Es-β-CATENIN in them is still unknown. In the present study, we found that Es-β-CATENIN, Es-α-CATENIN and Es-ZO-1 interact differently in the testes of the crab compared to mammals. In addition, defective Es-β-CATENIN resulted in increased Es-α-CATENIN protein expression levels, distorted and deformed F-ACTIN, and disturbed localization of Es-α-CATENIN and Es-ZO-1, leading to loss of hemolymph-testes barrier integrity and impaired sperm release. In addition to this, we also performed the first molecular cloning and bioinformatics analysis of Es-AXIN in the WNT/β-CATENIN pathway to exclude the effect of the WNT/β-CATENIN pathway on the cytoskeleton. In conclusion, Es-β-CATENIN participates in maintaining the hemolymph-testes barrier in the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Xi Liu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Shuang Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lan-Min Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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11
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Huang S, Zhang L, Luo J, Wu D, Ma K, Chen Y, Ma S, Feng L, Li F, Liu D, Deng J, Tan C. Cysteamine and N-Acetyl-cysteine Alleviate Placental Oxidative Stress and Barrier Function Damage Induced by Deoxynivalenol. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:6846-6858. [PMID: 37122089 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Sows are highly sensitive to deoxynivalenol (DON) and susceptible to reproductive toxicity caused by oxidative stress, but the potential mechanisms and effective interventions remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of two antioxidants (cysteamine and N-acetyl-cysteine) in regulating the reproductive performance, redox status, and placental barrier function of sows and their potential mechanisms under DON exposure. Maternal dietary supply of antioxidants from day 85 of gestation to parturition reduced the incidence of stillbirths and low-birth-weight piglets under DON exposure. Moreover, the alleviation of DON-induced reproductive toxicity by dietary antioxidants was associated with the alleviation of placental oxidative stress, the enhancement of the placental barrier, and the vascular function of sows. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro vascularized placental barrier modeling further demonstrated that antioxidants could reverse both DON transport across the placenta and DON-induced increase of placental barrier permeability. The molecular mechanism of antioxidant resistance to DON toxicity may be related to the signal transducer and activator of the transcription-3-occludin/zonula occludens-1 signaling pathway. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of antioxidants to protect the mother from DON-induced reproductive toxicity by alleviating placental oxidative stress and enhancing the placental barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangbo Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Longmiao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jinxi Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Deyuan Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Kaidi Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yiling Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shuo Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fuyong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dingfa Liu
- Guangdong Foodstuffs IMP&EXP (Group) Corp, Guangzhou 510100, China
| | - Jinping Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chengquan Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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12
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Feng S, Wen H, Liu K, Xiong M, Li J, Gui Y, Lv C, Zhang J, Ma X, Wang X, Yuan S. hnRNPH1 establishes Sertoli-germ cell crosstalk through cooperation with PTBP1 and AR, and is essential for male fertility in mice. Development 2023; 150:dev201040. [PMID: 36718792 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis depends on the crosstalk of Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells. However, the gene regulatory network establishing the communications between SCs and germ cells remains unclear. Here, we report that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1 (hnRNPH1) in SCs is essential for the establishment of crosstalk between SCs and germ cells. Conditional knockout of hnRNPH1 in mouse SCs leads to compromised blood-testis barrier function, delayed meiotic progression, increased germ cell apoptosis, sloughing of germ cells and, eventually, infertility of mice. Mechanistically, we discovered that hnRNPH1 could interact with the splicing regulator PTBP1 in SCs to regulate the pre-mRNA alternative splicing of the target genes functionally related to cell adhesion. Interestingly, we also found hnRNPH1 could cooperate with the androgen receptor, one of the SC-specific transcription factors, to modulate the transcription level of a group of genes associated with the cell-cell junction and EGFR pathway by directly binding to the gene promoters. Collectively, our findings reveal a crucial role for hnRNPH1 in SCs during spermatogenesis and uncover a potential molecular regulatory network involving hnRNPH1 in establishing Sertoli-germ cell crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kuan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chunyu Lv
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xixiang Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
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13
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Geng X, Wei Y, Geng W, Zhang T, Ding T, Xu J, He H, Gao X, Zhai J. BDE-209 disrupted the blood-testis barrier integrity by inhibiting estrogen receptor α signaling pathway in Sprague-Dawley rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:47349-47365. [PMID: 36737566 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25476-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Deca brominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a widely used flame retardant with endocrine-disrupting activity which reportedly caused sperm quality decline and damaged blood-testis barrier (BTB). However, whether BDE-209 exposure led to BTB integrity dysfunction through affecting microtubule cytoskeletal organization and junctions was not well-elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the role of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in BDE-209-mediated perturbation of BTB integrity. Male rats and primary culture Sertoli cells were co-treated with BDE-209 and propylpyrazoletriol (PPT). The data demonstrated that BDE-209 impaired BTB integrity by reducing crucial tight junction-related proteins with ZO-1 and Occludin. Furthermore, the data suggested that BDE-209 diminished the apical ectoplasmic specialization markers with Eps8 and Formin1. In addition, BDE-209 damaged BTB ultrastructure including tight junctions and ectoplasmic specialization structures with broken tight junctions and the absence of actin microfilaments. Further experiments revealed that ERα was triggered in BDE-209-treated Sertoli cells. Unexpectedly, we found that PPT rescued BDE-209-mediated disruption of BTB integrity including tight junction and apical ectoplasmic specialization by activating ERα in Sertoli cells. Taken together, these findings indicated that intratesticular BDE-209 exposure perturbed BTB integrity and destroyed BTB structure by blocking ERα pathway. Our findings provide a new therapeutic target for male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Rd 218, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenfeng Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Taifa Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jixiang Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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14
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Corpuz-Hilsabeck M, Culty M. Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals on Sertoli cell development and functions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1095894. [PMID: 36793282 PMCID: PMC9922725 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1095894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells play essential roles in male reproduction, from supporting fetal testis development to nurturing male germ cells from fetal life to adulthood. Dysregulating Sertoli cell functions can have lifelong adverse effects by jeopardizing early processes such as testis organogenesis, and long-lasting processes such as spermatogenesis. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is recognized as contributing to the rising incidence of male reproductive disorders and decreasing sperm counts and quality in humans. Some drugs also act as endocrine disruptors by exerting off-target effects on endocrine tissues. However, the mechanisms of toxicity of these compounds on male reproduction at doses compatible with human exposure are still not fully resolved, especially in the case of mixtures, which remain understudied. This review presents first an overview of the mechanisms regulating Sertoli cell development, maintenance, and functions, and then surveys what is known on the impact of EDCs and drugs on immature Sertoli cells, including individual compounds and mixtures, and pinpointing at knowledge gaps. Performing more studies on the impact of mixtures of EDCs and drugs at all ages is crucial to fully understand the adverse outcomes these chemicals may induce on the reproductive system.
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15
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Xu Y, Jiang S, Hu Y, Zhang Q, Su W. TGF-β3 induces lactate production in Sertoli cell through inhibiting Notch pathway. Andrology 2022; 10:1644-1659. [PMID: 36057850 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS In the testis, spermatocytes and spermatids rely on lactate produced by Sertoli cells (SCs) as energy source. TGF-β3 is one of the generally accepted paracrine regulatory factors of SC-created blood-testis barrier (BTB), yet its role in SC glycolysis and lactate production still remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of TGF-β3 on glycolysis and lactate production in SCs and determine the role of Lgl2 and Notch signaling activity during this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary cultured rat Sertoli cells and TM4 cells were treated with different concentrations of TGF-β3. In some experiments, cells were transfected with siRNA specifically targeting Lgl2 and then treated with TGF-β3 or DAPT. Lactate concentration, glucose and glutamine consumption in the culture medium, activity of PFK, LDH, and Gls, ATP level, oxygen consumption, extracellular acidification and mitochondrial respiration complex activity were detected using commercial kits. The protein level of Lgl2, LDH, MCT4, and activity of Akt, ERK, p38 MAPK, and Notch pathway were detected by Western blot. The stage-specific expression of Jagged1 was examined by immunohistochemistry and qPCR after LCM. Spermatogenesis in rat testis injected with recombinant Jagged1 (re-Jagged1) was observed by HE staining and lactate concentration in testis lysate was measured at different day point after re-Jagged1 treatment. RESULTS Significant enhancement of lactate concentration was detected in culture medium of both primary SCs and TM4 cells treated with TGF-β3 at 3 or 5 ng/ml. Besides, other parameters of glycolysis, i.e. glucose and Gln consumption, enzyme activity of PFK, LDH, and Gls, displayed different levels of increment in primary SCs and TM4 cells after TGF-β3 treatment. Mitochondria respiration of SCs was shown to decrease in response to TGF-β3. Lgl2, MCT4, activity of ERK and p38 MAPK were up-regulated, whereas Akt and Notch pathway activity were inhibited by TGF-β3. Silencing of Lgl2 in SCs affected lactate production and attenuated the above effects of TGF-β3 on SC glycolysis except for Gln consumption, Gls activity, and activity of Akt, ERK, and p38. DAPT treatment in SCs antagonized glycolysis suppression caused by Lgl2-silencing. In vivo analysis revealed a stage-specific expression of Jagged1 in contrary with TGF-β3. Activating Notch signaling by re-Jagged1 resulted in restorable hypospermatogenesis and lowered lactate level in rat testis. CONCLUSION TGF-β3 induces lactate production in Sertoli cell through upregulating Lgl2, which weakened the Notch signaling activity and intensified glycolysis in SCs. Thus, besides the known function of TGF-β3 as the BTB regulator, TGF-β3-Lgl2-Notch maybe considered as an important pathway controlling Sertoli cell glycolysis and spermatogenesis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shen Yang, 110122, China
| | - Shuyi Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shen Yang, 110122, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shen Yang, 110122, China
| | - Wenhui Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shen Yang, 110122, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics, Affiliated Reproductive Hospital of China Medical University, 10 Puhe Street, Huanggu District, Shenyang, 110084, China
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16
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Role of p38 MAPK Signalling in Testis Development and Male Fertility. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891897. [PMID: 36092154 PMCID: PMC9453003 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an important male reproductive organ, which ensures reproductive function via the secretion of testosterone and the generation of spermatozoa. Testis development begins in the embryonic period, continues after birth, and generally reaches functional maturation at puberty. The stress-activated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulates multiple cell processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular stress responses. p38 MAPK signalling plays a crucial role in testis development by regulating spermatogenesis, the fate determination of pre-Sertoli, and primordial germ cells during embryogenesis, the proliferation of testicular cells in the postnatal period, and the functions of mature Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, p38 MAPK signalling is involved in decreased male fertility when exposed to various harmful stimuli. This review will describe in detail the biological functions of p38 MAPK signalling in testis development and male reproduction, together with its pathological role in male infertility.
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Sertoli cell survival and barrier function are regulated by miR-181c/d-Pafah1b1 axis during mammalian spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:498. [PMID: 36008729 PMCID: PMC9411099 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04521-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells contribute to the formation of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), which is necessary for normal spermatogenesis. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as posttranscriptional regulatory elements in BTB function during spermatogenesis. Our previous study has shown that miR-181c or miR-181d (miR-181c/d) is highly expressed in testes from boars at 60 days old compared with at 180 days old. Herein, we found that overexpression of miR-181c/d via miR-181c/d mimics in murine Sertoli cells (SCs) or through injecting miR-181c/d-overexpressing lentivirus in murine testes perturbs BTB function by altering BTB-associated protein distribution at the Sertoli cell-cell interface and F-actin organization, but this in vivo perturbation disappears approximately 6 weeks after the final treatment. We also found that miR-181c/d represses Sertoli cell proliferation and promotes its apoptosis. Moreover, miR-181c/d regulates Sertoli cell survival and barrier function by targeting platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1b regulatory subunit 1 (Pafah1b1) gene. Furthermore, miR-181c/d suppresses PAFAH1B1 expression, reduces the complex of PAFAH1B1 with IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 1, and inhibits CDC42/PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin pathway which is required for F-actin stabilization. In total, our results reveal the regulatory axis of miR-181c/d-Pafah1b1 in cell survival and barrier function of Sertoli cells and provide additional insights into miRNA functions in mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Sun X, Song X, Guo P, Zhang D, Zuo S, Leng K, Liu Y, Zhang H. Improvement of the bladder perfusion curative effect through tight junction protein degradation induced by magnetic temperature-sensitive hydrogels. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:958072. [PMID: 35992356 PMCID: PMC9386042 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.958072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Postoperative intravesical instillation of chemotherapy is a routine procedure for non-muscular invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, traditional bladder perfusion methods have insufficient exposure time, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. In the present study, a chitosan (CS)-based in situ forming depot (ISFD) delivery system, including Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4-MNP), CS, and β-glycerophosphate (GP) as main components, was synthesized. Pirarubicin (THP), as a chemotherapeutic drug, was loaded into the new system. Results showed that our carrier system (Fe3O4-THP-CS/GP) was converted into gel and attached to the bladder wall, possessing loose network structures with magnetic targeting and sustained release properties. Moreover, its retention time in bladder was more than 72 h accompanied by a suitable expansion rate and good degradation characteristics. The antitumor activities of Fe3O4-THP-CS/GP were more effective both in vitro and in vivo than the free THP solution. In the study of its mechanism, results showed that Fe3O4-THP-CS/GP suppressed the expression of occludin (OCLN) and affected tight junctions (TJ) between urothelial cells to promote THP absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Sun
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinhong Song
- Department of Logistics Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shishuai Zuo
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Leng
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Haiyang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
- *Correspondence: Haiyang Zhang,
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Huang J, Ren H, Chen A, Li T, Wang H, Jiang L, Zheng S, Qi H, Ji B, Wang X, Qu J, Zhao J, Qiu L. Perfluorooctane sulfonate induces suppression of testosterone biosynthesis via Sertoli cell-derived exosomal/miR-9-3p downregulating StAR expression in Leydig cells. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 301:118960. [PMID: 35150797 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is associated with male reproductive disorder, but the related mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we used in vivo and in vitro models to explore the role of Sertoli cell-derived exosomes (SC-Exo)/miR-9-3p/StAR signaling pathway on PFOS-induced suppression of testosterone biosynthesis. Forty male ICR mice were orally administrated PFOS (0.5-10 mg/kg/bw) for 4 weeks. Bodyweight, organ index, sperm count, reproductive hormones were evaluated. Primary Sertoli cells and Leydig cells were used to delineate the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of PFOS on testosterone biosynthesis. Our results demonstrated that PFOS dose-dependently induced a decrease in sperm count, low levels of testosterone, and damage in testicular interstitium morphology. In vitro models, PFOS significantly increased miR-9-3p levels in Sertoli cells and SC-Exo, accompanied by a decrease in testosterone secretion and StAR expression in Leydig cells when Leydig cells were exposed to SC-Exo. Meanwhile, inhibition of SC-Exo or miR-9-3p by their inhibitors significantly rescued PFOS-induced decreases in testosterone secretion and the mRNA and protein expression of the StAR gene in Leydig cells. In summary, the present study highlights the role of the SC-Exo/miR-9-3p/StAR signaling pathway in PFOS-induced suppression of testosterone biosynthesis, advancing our understanding of molecular mechanisms for PFOS-induced male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyan Huang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Hang Ren
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Anni Chen
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Ting Li
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Lianlian Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Shaokai Zheng
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Han Qi
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Binyan Ji
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Xipei Wang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China; Jiangsu Province-Hai'an People's Hospital, Hai'an City, Nantong City, 17 Zhongba Middle Road, (Affiliated Haian Hospital of Nantong University), PR China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Jianya Zhao
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong, 226019, PR China.
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20
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Li J, You Y, Zhang P, Huang X, Dong L, Yang F, Yu X, Chang D. Qiangjing tablets repair of blood-testis barrier dysfunction in rats via regulating oxidative stress and p38 MAPK pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:133. [PMID: 35568844 PMCID: PMC9107122 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a physical barrier of the testis to prevent various exogenous substrates from entering apical compartments and provides immune privilege for spermatogenesis, which is essential for normal spermatogenic function of testis. It has been shown that oxidative stress can damage BTB by activating the p38 MAPK pathway. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qiangjing tablets (QJT) improve spermatogenesis and increase pregnancy rates. Previous studies have confirmed that QJT can improve sperm quality and have obvious antioxidant effects. In this study, we explore whether QJT contributes to recovery from BTB dysfunction in rats. METHODS BTB dysfunction was induced in rats by 1% Cyclophosphamide (CP). The CP-induced rats in the treatment group were given a dose of QJT (0.45 g/kg·d) by gavage. Testis tissues were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis, and the testis weight was estimated. Levels of BTB-related proteins and antioxidant enzyme were analyzed in the testis tissues. RESULTS QJT resolved the pathological injury of rats testis induced by CP. Furthermore, MDA levels were significantly reduced, and the levels of SOD markedly increased in the testicular tissue after QJT treatment. In addition, QJT down-regulated the expression of p38 protein in rat testis and up-regulated the expressions of key proteins ZO-1, occludin and F-actin in BTB. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that QJT exerts protective effects on CP-induced rats with BTB dysfunction, likely by regulating the oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Li
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, The People's Republic of China
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610041, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yaodong You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, The People's Republic of China
| | - Peihai Zhang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, The People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Dong
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610041, The People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610041, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xujun Yu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, The People's Republic of China.
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, The People's Republic of China.
| | - Degui Chang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, The People's Republic of China.
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21
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Zhu L, Guan Y, Li X, Xiong X, Liu J, Wang Z. BPA disrupts the SC barrier integrity by activating the cytokines/JNK signaling pathway in rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 245:106124. [PMID: 35193009 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been reported to disrupt blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity in mammals. However, its effects on fish testis sertoli cell (SC) barrier and the underlying mechanisms have been largely unknown to date. To study the SC barrier toxicity induced by BPA, male rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) were exposed to 15 μg L - 1 BPA for 7, 14 and 21 d. Meanwhile, a 25 ng L-1 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE2) group was set up as the positive control. Results showed that BPA induced immune response in the testes and decreased offspring hatching rate. The biotin tracer assay showed that BPA exposure destroyed the integrity of the testis SC barrier. In addition, BPA exposure decreased the expressions of occludin, ZO-1, CX43 and N-cadherin proteins. The transcripts of CX43 and occludin were significantly decreased and SP1 recruitment in each gene promoter was repressed after BPA exposure. Moreover, the cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β) were significantly increased while the JNK signal pathway was activated after BPA exposure. BPA also increased the matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1) and MMP2 levels in the testes. In addition, estrogenic effect did not entirely explain the mechanism by which BPA disrupted the SC barrier in G. rarus testes. These results suggested that BPA disrupted the SC barrier integrity by inhibiting SP1 enrichments within CX43 and occludin 5' flanking regions through activated cytokines/JNK signaling pathway. MMPs were also involved in the disruption of SC barrier caused by BPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yongjing Guan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuening Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaofan Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jialin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zaizhao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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22
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Zhang Y, Wu X, Zhu K, Liu S, Yang Y, Yuan D, Wang T, He Y, Dun Y, Wu J, Zhang C, Zhao H. Icariin attenuates perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced testicular toxicity by alleviating Sertoli cell injury and downregulating the p38MAPK/MMP9 pathway. Food Funct 2022; 13:3674-3689. [PMID: 35262540 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo04135e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is widely recognized as causing Sertoli cell injury and testicular toxicity in males. Icariin is a flavonoid from Epimedium, which effectively improves spermatogenesis disturbance induced by several factors in clinic. However, it is unclear whether icariin improves PFOS-induced testicular toxicity. In vivo, fifty-two male mice were randomly separated into four groups: normal control group, model group, and low and high doses of icariin-treated groups, with 13 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, the mice in the model group and icariin-treated groups were administered PFOS (10 mg kg-1) by gavage daily for 28 consecutive days, and concurrently treated with a diet containing different doses of icariin (0, 5 or 20 mg kg-1). In vitro, TM4 cells were treated with 150 μM PFOS to induce Sertoli cell injury, and were then utilized for icariin treatment. Our results demonstrated that icariin attenuated PFOS-induced testicular toxicity by increasing the testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights, epididymal and seminal vesicle indices, sperm parameters, and seminiferous epithelium height. In addition, icariin improved the PFOS-induced blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption by alleviating the Sertoli cell junctional injury, but without affecting Sertoli cell numbers in the testis of mice. Moreover, icariin increased the expression levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-11) and gap junction proteins (CX43 and p-CX43), and decreased the expression levels of p-p38MAPK and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, alleviation of the Sertoli cell injury by icariin exerted similar effects as SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38MAPK) in TM4 cells. This study revealed that icariin effectively reduces PFOS-induced testicular toxicity by alleviating the Sertoli cell injury and downregulating the p38MAPK/MMP9 pathway, indicating that icariin may be an attractive dietary supplement for the intervention of PFOS-induced testicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Kaili Zhu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Shangyu Liu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Yuan Yang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Ding Yuan
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Yumin He
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Yaoyan Dun
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Jie Wu
- Material Analysis and Testing Center, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Changcheng Zhang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Haixia Zhao
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
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23
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Wang J, Liu H. The Roles of Junctional Adhesion Molecules (JAMs) in Cell Migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:843671. [PMID: 35356274 PMCID: PMC8959349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.843671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The review briefly summarizes the role of the family of adhesion molecules, JAMs (junctional adhesion molecules), in various cell migration, covering germ cells, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, several leukocytes, and different cancer cells. These functions affect multiple diseases, including reproductive diseases, inflammation-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. JAMs bind to both similar and dissimilar proteins and take both similar and dissimilar effects on different cells. Concluding relevant results provides a reference to further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, People’s Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Han Liu,
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24
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Zhou GX, Liu WB, Dai LM, Zhu HL, Xiong YW, Li DX, Xu DX, Wang H. Environmental cadmium impairs blood-testis barrier via activating HRI-responsive mitochondrial stress in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:152247. [PMID: 34896485 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known testicular toxicant. Blood-testis barrier (BTB), a vital part of testes, which has been reported to be damaged upon Cd exposure. However, the detailed mechanism about Cd-mediated disruption of BTB remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of Heme-Regulated Inhibitor (HRI)-responsive mitochondrial stress in Cd-mediated disruption of BTB. Male mice are intraperitoneally injected (i.p.) with melatonin (Mel, a cellular stress antagonist, 5.0 mg/kg) before Cd treatment (i.p., 2.0 mg/kg) for 8 h, and then treated with Cd for 0-48 h. Mouse Sertoli cells are pretreated with Mel (10 μM) for 1 h, and then treated with Cd (10 μM) for 0-24 h. We find that Cd damages the BTB and reduces the Occludin protein, a crucial BTB-related protein via activating p38/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (p38/MMP2) pathway and Integrated Stress Response (ISR). Further experiments reveal that the Heme-Regulated Inhibitor (HRI)-responsive mitochondrial stress is triggered in Cd-treated Sertoli cells. Most importantly, Cd-activated p38 signaling and ISR are regulated by HRI-responsive mitochondrial stress in Sertoli cells. Unexpectedly, we find that melatonin rescues the Cd-mediated disruption of BTB through blocking HRI-responsive mitochondrial stress in testes. Overall, these data indicate that environmental cadmium exposure impairs the BTB through activating HRI-responsive mitochondrial stress in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei-Bo Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Li-Min Dai
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Dai-Xin Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
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25
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Ruan T, Sun Y, Zhang J, Sun J, Liu W, Prinz RA, Peng D, Liu X, Xu X. H5N1 infection impairs the alveolar epithelial barrier through intercellular junction proteins via Itch-mediated proteasomal degradation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:186. [PMID: 35233032 PMCID: PMC8888635 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03131-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza virus causes sporadic but fatal infections in humans. H5N1 virus infection leads to the disruption of the alveolar epithelial barrier, a pathologic change that often progresses into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia. The mechanisms underlying this remain poorly understood. Here we report that H5N1 viruses downregulate the expression of intercellular junction proteins (E-cadherin, occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) in several cell lines and the lungs of H5N1 virus-infected mice. H5N1 virus infection activates TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which then activates p38 and ERK to induce E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch expression and to promote occludin ubiquitination and degradation. Inhibition of the TAK1-Itch pathway restores the intercellular junction structure and function in vitro and in the lungs of H5N1 virus-infected mice. Our study suggests that H5N1 virus infection impairs the alveolar epithelial barrier by downregulating the expression of intercellular junction proteins at the posttranslational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ruan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuling Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Richard A Prinz
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
| | - Daxin Peng
- Animal Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiufan Liu
- Animal Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiulong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Wang L, Bu T, Wu X, Gao S, Li X, De Jesus AB, Wong CKC, Chen H, Chung NPY, Sun F, Cheng CY. Cell-Cell Interaction-Mediated Signaling in the Testis Induces Reproductive Dysfunction—Lesson from the Toxicant/Pharmaceutical Models. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040591. [PMID: 35203242 PMCID: PMC8869896 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown that cell-cell interactions between testicular cells, in particular at the Sertoli cell-cell and Sertoli-germ cell interface, are crucial to support spermatogenesis. The unique ultrastructures that support cell-cell interactions in the testis are the basal ES (ectoplasmic specialization) and the apical ES. The basal ES is found between adjacent Sertoli cells near the basement membrane that also constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The apical ES is restrictively expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid contact site in the apical (adluminal) compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. These ultrastructures are present in both rodent and human testes, but the majority of studies found in the literature were done in rodent testes. As such, our discussion herein, unless otherwise specified, is focused on studies in testes of adult rats. Studies have shown that the testicular cell-cell interactions crucial to support spermatogenesis are mediated through distinctive signaling proteins and pathways, most notably involving FAK, Akt1/2 and Cdc42 GTPase. Thus, manipulation of some of these signaling proteins, such as FAK, through the use of phosphomimetic mutants for overexpression in Sertoli cell epithelium in vitro or in the testis in vivo, making FAK either constitutively active or inactive, we can modify the outcome of spermatogenesis. For instance, using the toxicant-induced Sertoli cell or testis injury in rats as study models, we can either block or rescue toxicant-induced infertility through overexpression of p-FAK-Y397 or p-FAK-Y407 (and their mutants), including the use of specific activator(s) of the involved signaling proteins against pAkt1/2. These findings thus illustrate that a potential therapeutic approach can be developed to manage toxicant-induced male reproductive dysfunction. In this review, we critically evaluate these recent findings, highlighting the direction for future investigations by bringing the laboratory-based research through a translation path to clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Tiao Bu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Sheng Gao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | | | - Chris K. C. Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Nancy P. Y. Chung
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (C.Y.C.)
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (C.Y.C.)
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Liu JB, Chen K, Li ZF, Wang ZY, Wang L. Glyphosate-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis facilitates male reproductive toxicity in rats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150368. [PMID: 34543792 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate (GLY), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, can result in gut microbiota dysbiosis intimately involving various diseases. The latest research has shown an association between gut microbiota alteration and defective spermatogenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate whether GLY-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis contributed to male reproductive toxicity. Data showed that GLY-exposed rats exhibited male reproductive dysfunction, evidenced by impaired testis architectural structure, reduced sperm motility, together with increased sperm malformation ratio. 16S rDNA sequencing analysis indicated that GLY exposure altered the composition of gut commensal microbiota, of which the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla was significantly changed. Unexpectedly, the increased abundance of Prevotella_1 and Bacteroides genera was negatively correlated with sperm quality. Mechanistically, the pathological changes in GLY-exposed testis were accompanied by the increased interleukin (IL)-17A production, probably due to gut microbes-derived Th17 cell migration. Furthermore, activation of IL-17A signaling triggered testicular oxidative damage. Taken together, these findings uncover an underlying mechanistic scenario that gut microbiota dysbiosis-driven local IL-17A production is one reason responsible for male reproductive toxicity induced by GLY, which provides new insights into the male reproductive toxicity of GLY in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Bo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China
| | - Kai Chen
- New Drug Evaluation Center of Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 989 Xinluo Street, Ji'nan City 250101, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zi-Fa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan City 250355, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China.
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28
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Liu JB, Li ZF, Lu L, Wang ZY, Wang L. Glyphosate damages blood-testis barrier via NOX1-triggered oxidative stress in rats: Long-term exposure as a potential risk for male reproductive health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 159:107038. [PMID: 34906888 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blood-testis barrier (BTB) creates a privileged niche indispensable for spermatogenesis. Glyphosate (GLY), the most commonly used herbicide worldwide, has been reported to decrease sperm quality. However, whether and how GLY destroys the BTB to affect sperm quality remains to be elucidated. Herein, this study was designed to investigate the influence of GLY on the BTB in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that male rats exposed to GLY for 4 months exhibited a decrease in sperm quality and quantity, accompanied by BTB integrity disruption and testicular oxidative stress. Additionally, GLY-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributed to the downregulation of BTB-related proteins in primary Sertoli cells (SCs). Intriguingly, we identified a marked upregulation of oxidative stress-related gene NOX1 in GLY-exposed testis based on transcriptome analysis. NOX1 knockdown blocked the GLY-induced oxidative stress, as well as prevented BTB-related protein decrease in SCs. Furthermore, the estrogen receptor (ER)-α was significantly upregulated in vivo and in vitro models. An ER-α inhibitor decreased the expression levels of both ER-α and NOX1. Mechanistically, GLY directly interacted with ER-α at the site of Pro39 and Lys401 to promote ER-α activation, which boosted NOX1 expression to trigger ROS accumulation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that long-term GLY exposure adversely affects BTB integrity, which disrupts spermatogenesis via activation of ER-α/NOX1 axis. This study presents a better understanding of the risk of long-term GLY exposure to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Bo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zi-Fa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan City 250355, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lu Lu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China.
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Cao L, Zhao J, Xu J, Zhu L, Rahman SU, Feng S, Li Y, Wu J, Wang X. N-acetylcysteine ameliorate cytotoxic injury in piglets sertoli cells induced by zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:60276-60289. [PMID: 34156614 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) are two mycotoxins highly detected in agricultural products and feed. Both mycotoxins produce reproductive toxicity and pose a serious threat to human and animal health, among which pigs are the most sensitive animals. Sertoli cells (SCs) play an important role in spermatogenesis; however, the combined toxicity of ZEA and DON and the screening of effective protective agents remains to be determined. By studying the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the cells exposed to 20 μM of ZEA and 0.6 μM of DON, we explored the protective mechanism of NAC (4 mM) on the cytotoxic injury of piglets SCs induced by both mycotoxins. The results showed that the combination of ZEA and DON destroy organelles and SCs structures, NAC significantly alleviates the damage caused by ZEA and DON. NAC also significantly increased the expression and distribution of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), decreased the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax, Bid, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and increased Bcl-2 expression level and inhibited the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Further, NAC also eases the cell cycle arrest and oxidative stress caused by ZEA and DON. In summary, our results show that NAC could alleviate SCs injury via reducing the oxidative damage and apoptosis caused by ZEA and DON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jingru Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Sajid Ur Rahman
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shibin Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pathobiology and Disease Control, Hefei, China
| | - Jinjie Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pathobiology and Disease Control, Hefei, China
| | - Xichun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pathobiology and Disease Control, Hefei, China.
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30
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Jiang S, Xu Y, Fan Y, Hu Y, Zhang Q, Su W. Busulfan impairs blood-testis barrier and spermatogenesis by increasing noncollagenous 1 domain peptide via matrix metalloproteinase 9. Andrology 2021; 10:377-391. [PMID: 34535976 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Sterility induced by anti-cancer treatments has caused significant concern, yet the mechanism and treatment exploration are little for male infertility after cancer therapy. Busulfan, the antineoplastic that was widely applied before bone marrow transplantation, was known to induce male reproductive disorder. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of busulfan on blood-testis barrier function in adult rats and determine whether noncollagenous 1 domain peptide, the biologically active fragment proteolyzed from the collagen α3 chain (IV) by matrix metalloproteinase 9, was involved during this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male rats were treated with one-dose or double-dose of busulfan (10 mg/kg) before euthanized at day 35. Blood-testis barrier integrity assay, HE staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to validate the effect of busulfan on blood-testis barrier permeability and spermatogenesis. JNJ0966 was applied to specifically inhibit the matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity. The polymerization activity of F-actin/G-actin and microtubule/tubulin in the testis were assessed by using commercial kits. RESULTS A noteworthy blood-testis barrier injury and significant up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity and noncollagenous 1 level after a single-dose busulfan (10 mg/kg) treatment in adult rat testis were revealed. The application of JNJ0966 was found to decrease noncollagenous 1 level and rescue the busulfan-induced blood-testis barrier injury including the mis-localization of junction proteins across the seminiferous epithelium, by recovering the organization and polymerization of both F-actin and microtubule. The busulfan-induced spermatogenesis impairment was also improved by JNJ0966. CONCLUSION These findings thus demonstrate that the elevation in matrix metalloproteinase 9 and noncollagenous 1 might participate in busulfan-induced blood-testis barrier disruption in adult male rats. As such, busulfan-induced male infertility could possibly be managed through interventions on noncollagenous 1 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yunxia Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenhui Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Wu H, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Long C, Hong Y, Fu Y, Zhao T, Wang J, Wu Y, Wu S, Shen L, Wei G. Bisphenol S perturbs Sertoli cell junctions in male rats via alterations in cytoskeletal organization mediated by an imbalance between mTORC1 and mTORC2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:144059. [PMID: 33360459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) is now used as an alternative of bisphenol A (BPA), but has been implicated in male reproductive dysfunction-including diminished sperm number and quality and altered hormonal concentrations. However, the mechanisms of action subserving these effects remains unclear. In the present study, BPS at doses of 50 mg/kg bw and 100 mg/kg bw caused defects in the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES), and we also delineated an underlying molecular mechanism of action. BPS induced F-actin and α-tubulin disorganization in seminiferous tubules, which in turn led to the truncation of actin filaments and microtubules. Additionally, BPS was found to perturb the expression of the actin-binding proteins Arp3 and Eps8, which are critical for the organization of the actin filaments. mTORC1 and mTORC2 manifest opposing roles in Sertoli cell junctional function, and we demonstrated that mTORC1/rpS6/Akt/MMP9 signaling was increased and that mTORC2/rictor activity was also attenuated. In summary, we showed that BPS-induced disruption of the BTB and apical ES perturbed normal spermatogenic function that was mediated by mTORC1 and mTORC2. The imbalance in mTORC1 and mTORC2, in turn, altered the expression of actin-binding proteins, resulting in the impairment of F-actin and MT organization, and inhibited the expression of junctional proteins at the BTB and apical ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yuexin Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Junke Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yuhao Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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Wei YD, Du XM, Yang DH, Ma FL, Yu XW, Zhang MF, Li N, Peng S, Liao MZ, Li GP, Bai CL, Liu WS, Hua JL. Dmrt1 regulates the immune response by repressing the TLR4 signaling pathway in goat male germline stem cells. Zool Res 2021; 42:14-27. [PMID: 33420764 PMCID: PMC7840460 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Double sex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1), which is expressed in goat male germline stem cells (mGSCs) and Sertoli cells, is one of the most conserved transcription factors involved in sex determination. In this study, we highlighted the role of Dmrt1 in balancing the innate immune response in goat mGSCs. Dmrt1 recruited promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (Plzf), also known as zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 16 (Zbtb16), to repress the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent inflammatory signaling pathway and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Knockdown of Dmrt1 in seminiferous tubules resulted in widespread degeneration of germ and somatic cells, while the expression of proinflammatory factors were significantly enhanced. We also demonstrated that Dmrt1 stimulated proliferation of mGSCs, but repressed apoptosis caused by the immune response. Thus, Dmrt1 is sufficient to reduce inflammation in the testes, thereby establishing the stability of spermatogenesis and the testicular microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Dong Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiao-Min Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Dong-Hui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Fang-Lin Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiu-Wei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Meng-Fei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ming-Zhi Liao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Guang-Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Chun-Ling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China. E-mail:
| | - Wei-Shuai Liu
- Department of Pathology, Yangling Demonstration Zone Hospital, Yangling Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
| | - Jin-Lian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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The role of different compounds on the integrity of blood-testis barrier: A concise review based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Gene 2021; 780:145531. [PMID: 33631249 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are "nurturing cells'' in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which have essential roles in the development, proliferation and differentiation of germ cells. These cells also divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and an adluminal compartment and establish the blood-testis barrier (BTB). BTB shields haploid germ cells from recognition by the innate immune system. Moreover, after translocation of germ cells into the adluminal compartment their nutritional source is separated from the circulatory system being only supplied by the Sertoli cells. The integrity of BTB is influenced by several organic/ organometallic, hormonal and inflammatory substances. Moreover, several environmental contaminants such as BPA have hazardous effects on the integrity of BTB. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the impact of these agents on the integrity of BTB. These studies have implications in understanding the molecular mechanism of male infertility and also in the male contraception.
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Lu Y, Liu M, Tursi NJ, Yan B, Cao X, Che Q, Yang N, Dong X. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection Compromises the Blood-Testis Barrier by Disturbing mTORC1-mTORC2 Balance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:582858. [PMID: 33679734 PMCID: PMC7933507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.582858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural and functional destruction of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) following uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) infection may be a critical component of the pathologic progress of orchitis. Recent findings indicate that the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR)-signaling pathway is implicated in the regulation of BTB assembly and restructuring. To explore the mechanisms underlying BTB damage induced by UPEC infection, we analyzed BTB integrity and the involvement of the mTOR-signaling pathway using in vivo and in vitro UPEC-infection models. We initially confirmed that soluble virulent factors secreted from UPEC trigger a stress response in Sertoli cells and disturb adjacent cell junctions via down-regulation of junctional proteins, including occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), F-actin, connexin-43 (CX-43), β-catenin, and N-cadherin. The BTB was ultimately disrupted in UPEC-infected rat testes, and blood samples from UPEC-induced orchitis in these animals were positive for anti-sperm antibodies. Furthermore, we herein also demonstrated that mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) over-activation and mTORC2 suppression contributed to the disturbance in the balance between BTB "opening" and "closing." More importantly, rapamycin (a specific mTORC1 inhibitor) significantly restored the expression of cell-junction proteins and exerted a protective effect on the BTB during UPEC infection. We further confirmed that short-term treatment with rapamycin did not aggravate spermatogenic degeneration in infected rats. Collectively, this study showed an association between abnormal activation of the mTOR-signaling pathway and BTB impairment during UPEC-induced orchitis, which may provide new insights into a potential treatment strategy for testicular infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongning Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicholas J. Tursi
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bin Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Che
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nianqin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Huang W, Liu M, Xiao B, Zhang J, Song M, Li Y, Cao Z. Aflatoxin B 1 disrupts blood-testis barrier integrity by reducing junction protein and promoting apoptosis in mice testes. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 148:111972. [PMID: 33421461 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.111972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an unavoidable food and environmental contaminant, which can lead to disorders in spermatogenesis and its mechanism remains unclear. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is responsible for ensuring normal spermatogenesis in testes. Therefore, we hypothesized that disruption of the BTB was involved in AFB1-induced spermatogenesis disorders. To confirm our hypothesis, male Kunming mice were orally gavaged AFB1 (0, 0.375, 0.75, or 1.5 mg/kg) for 30 days. Primarily, we first proved that AFB1 disrupted the BTB integrity. Then, AFB1 decreased BTB-related junction protein expression and elevated Sertoli cell apoptosis, which were associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, AFB1 upregulated the p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio. These results collectively indicated that AFB1 disrupted the BTB via reducing the expression of BTB-related junction protein and promoting apoptosis in mice testes, which were associated with the oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyue Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Menglin Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Bonan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Miao Song
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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Wang S, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Zheng F, Xue T, Ge X, Ma R, Li X, Wu R, Liang K, Qian Z, Ge Y, Ma J, Yao B. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids alleviate hydrogen sulfide-induced blood-testis barrier disruption in the testes of adult mice. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 98:233-241. [PMID: 33068716 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous intracellular signal transducer, participates in multiple physiological and pathological conditions, including reproductive conditions, and disrupts spermatogenesis. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) plays a vital role in spermatogenesis. However, the effect of H2S on the BTB and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we examined the effect of H2S and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) on the BTB and testicular functions. ICR male mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control, H2S exposure, and H2S exposure with ω-3 PUFAs intervention. The sperm parameters (sperm concentration and sperm motility) declined in the H2S group and improved in the ω-3 intervention group. BTB integrity was severely disrupted by H2S, and the BTB-related gene levels (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin 11) decreased; ω-3 supplementation could alleviate BTB disruption by upregulating BTB-related genes, and TM4 Sertoli cells had a similar trend in vitro. p38 MAPK phosphorylation was upregulated in the Na2S treatment group and downregulated after ω-3 cotreatment. These findings suggest that H2S can impair the BTB and that ω-3 PUFAs supplementation can attenuate H2S toxicity in the male reproductive system. Our study elucidated the relationship between a gasotransmitter (H2S) and the BTB and identified the potential therapeutic effect of ω-3 PUFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Feng Zheng
- Model Animal Research Center of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Tongmin Xue
- Jinling Hospital Department Reproductive Medical Center, Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xie Ge
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Rujun Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Ronghua Wu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Kuan Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Zhang Qian
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yifeng Ge
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Jinzhao Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Bing Yao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, China; Jinling Hospital Department Reproductive Medical Center, Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing 210002, China.
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37
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Molecular and hormonal changes caused by long-term use of high dose pregabalin on testicular tissue: the role of p38 MAPK, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8523-8533. [PMID: 33051752 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In 1990, pregabalin was introduced as a novel antiepileptic drug that acts by binding selectively to the alpha-2-delta subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels resulting in increasing neuronal GABA levels and inhibiting the release of exciting neurotransmitters. The aim of our study is to assess the hazardous effects of prolonged high-dose pregabalin (like that abused by addicts) on testes and to clarify the potential causative mechanisms. The current study was conducted on 70 adult male Wistar albino rats which were divided into 7 groups. In our study we evaluated the effect of pregabalin, at concentrations 150 and 300 mg/kg/day for 90 days, on hormones; FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin secretion. Our study also evaluated the expression of apoptosis-related genes BAX and BCL2 in testicular tissue in addition to the western blotted analysis of p38 Mitogen activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK). The levels of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were also measured. Pregabalin decreased testosterone level while FSH, LH and prolactin showed a significant increase. It also produced genotoxicity through reversal of the BAX/BCL2 ratio; increased p38 MAPK level and induction of oxidative stress markers. The concomitant administration of vitamin E significantly reduced all the previously mentioned biochemical and hormonal adverse effects caused by pregabalin. Pregabalin can adversely affect male fertility particularly in addicts and patients who are being treated with it for long periods as those suffering from neuropathies and seizures. Antioxidants like vitamin E could have a role in amelioration.
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38
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Yang D, Wei Y, Lu Q, Qin D, Zhang M, Du X, Xu W, Yu X, He C, Li N, Peng S, Li G, Hua J. Melatonin alleviates LPS-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in spermatogonial stem cells. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3536-3551. [PMID: 32996162 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Orchitis is one of the leading causes of male animal infertility and is associated with inflammatory reactions caused by the bacterium. It has been reported that there is a mutual coupling effect between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and inflammatory response. Our studies showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could cause testicular damages, apoptosis, ERS, and inflammatory responses in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs); ERS-related apoptosis proteins were activated and the expression of ERS genes was significantly upregulated; meanwhile, the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and inflammation factors was apparently increased with LPS treatment. Moreover, melatonin (MEL) could rescue testicular damage, and significantly inhibited the expression of ERS-related apoptosis genes, ERS markers, and inflammatory factors in SSCs and MEL played repairing and anti-infection roles in LPS-induced testicular damage. Therefore, MEL may be used as a drug to prevent and control bacterial infections in male reproductive systems. However, the specific molecular mechanism of MEL to resist ERS and inflammatory response remains to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Yang
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yudong Wei
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dezhe Qin
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaomin Du
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiuwei Yu
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chen He
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sha Peng
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Cao Z, Huang W, Sun Y, Li Y. Deoxynivalenol induced spermatogenesis disorder by blood-testis barrier disruption associated with testosterone deficiency and inflammation in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114748. [PMID: 32416428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an unavoidable cereal crops contaminants and environmental pollutants, which seriously threated the health of human and animal. DON has been reported to exert significant toxicity effects on spermatogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely inconclusive. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) provides a specialized biochemical microenvironment for maintaining spermatogenesis. Thus, we hypothesized that DON could impair BTB and lead to spermatogenesis disorder. To confirm this hypothesis, sixty male mice were intragastrically administered with 0, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 mg/kg body weight DON for 28 days, and several important observations were obtained in present study. First, we found that DON induced spermatogenesis disorder, reflected by the declines of sperm concentration and quality, sperm ultrastructural damage as well as seminiferous tubular damage. Then, we proved that DON induced BTB disruption as well as decreased the expressions of BTB junction proteins, including Occludin, Connexin 43 and N-cadherin. Finally, the present study showed that DON induced inflammation and inhibited T biosynthesis in testis of mice. These results revealed that DON induced spermatogenesis disorder by BTB disruption associated with testosterone deficiency and inflammation in mice, which shed a new light on the potential mechanisms of reproductive toxicity induced by DON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Wanyue Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yiran Sun
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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40
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Murati T, Miletić M, Pleadin J, Šimić B, Kmetič I. Cell membrane-related toxic responses and disruption of intercellular communication in PCB mechanisms of toxicity: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 40:1592-1601. [PMID: 32648282 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener-specific effects on cell membrane and intercellular communication is important within the studies of PCB absorption, organ-related PCB accumulation and exertion of toxic responses. Toxic potential of PCBs is linked to various deleterious effects on human health, including neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity and, recently in 2016 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has upgraded the classification of PCBs to Group 1 "Carcinogenic to humans." Proposed mechanisms of aforementioned PCBs adverse effects at cellular membrane level are: (i) downregulation of gap junction intercellular communication and/or connexins; (ii) compromised membrane integrity; and (iii) altered tight junction barrier function. This study, based on an extensive literature survey, shows the progress in scientific research of each of these three levels with the aim of pointing out the earliest toxic events of PCBs, which can result in serious cell/tissue/organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teuta Murati
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Miletić
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelka Pleadin
- Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branimir Šimić
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Kmetič
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Selvaraju V, Baskaran S, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Environmental contaminants and male infertility: Effects and mechanisms. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13646. [PMID: 32447772 DOI: 10.1111/and.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of male infertility and decreasing trend in sperm quality have been correlated with rapid industrialisation and the associated discharge of an excess of synthetic substances into the environment. Humans are inevitably exposed to these ubiquitously distributed environmental contaminants, which possess the ability to intervene with the growth and function of male reproductive organs. Several epidemiological reports have correlated the blood and seminal levels of environmental contaminants with poor sperm quality. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of various environmental contaminants on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, Sertoli cells, blood-testis barrier, epididymis and sperm functions. The reported reprotoxic effects include alterations in the spermatogenic cycle, increased germ cell apoptosis, inhibition of steroidogenesis, decreased Leydig cell viability, impairment of Sertoli cell structure and function, altered expression of steroid receptors, increased permeability of blood-testis barrier, induction of peroxidative and epigenetic alterations in spermatozoa resulting in poor sperm quality and function. In light of recent scientific reports, this review discusses the effects of environmental contaminants on the male reproductive function and the possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaithinathan Selvaraju
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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42
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Liu Y, Fan J, Yan Y, Dang X, Zhao R, Xu Y, Ding Z. JMY expression by Sertoli cells contributes to mediating spermatogenesis in mice. FEBS J 2020; 287:5478-5497. [PMID: 32279424 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are crucial for spermatogenesis in the seminiferous epithelium because their actin cytoskeleton supports vesicular transport, cell junction formation, protein anchoring, and spermiation. Here, we show that a junction-mediating and actin-regulatory protein (JMY) affects the blood-tissue barrier (BTB) function through remodeling of the Sertoli cell junctional integrity and it also contributes to controlling endocytic vesicle trafficking. These functions are critical for the maintenance of sperm fertility since loss of Sertoli cell-specific Jmy function induced male subfertility in mice. Specifically, these mice have (a) impaired BTB integrity and spermatid adhesion in the seminiferous tubules; (b) high incidence of sperm structural deformity; and (c) reduced sperm count and poor sperm motility. Moreover, the cytoskeletal integrity was compromised along with endocytic vesicular trafficking. These effects impaired junctional protein recycling and reduced Sertoli cell BTB junctional integrity. In addition, JMY interaction with actin-binding protein candidates α-actinin1 and sorbin and SH3 domain containing protein 2 was related to JMY activity, and in turn, actin cytoskeletal organization. In summary, JMY affects the control of spermatogenesis through the regulation of actin filament organization and endocytic vesicle trafficking in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jiaying Fan
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China.,Center for Experimental Medical Science Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xuening Dang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yimei Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Zhide Ding
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
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Gorga A, Rindone GM, Centola CL, Sobarzo C, Pellizzari EH, Camberos MDC, Cigorraga SB, Riera MF, Galardo MN, Meroni SB. In vitro effects of glyphosate and Roundup on Sertoli cell physiology. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 62:104682. [PMID: 31626902 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Roundup (R), a formulation that contains glyphosate (G) as the active ingredient, is a commonly used nonselective herbicide that has been proposed to affect male fertility. It is well known that an adequate Sertoli cell function is essential to maintain germ cell development. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether G and R are able to affect Sertoli cell functions, such as energy metabolism and blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity. Sertoli cell cultures from 20-day-old rats were exposed to 10 and 100 ppm of G or R, doses which do not decrease cell viability. Neither G nor R caused impairment in lactate production or fatty acid oxidation. G and R decreased Transepithelial Electrical Resistance, which indicates the establishment of a Sertoli cell junction barrier. However, neither G nor R modified the expression of claudin11, ZO1 and occludin, proteins that constitute the BTB. Analysis of cellular distribution of claudin11 by immunofluorescence showed that G and R induced a delocalization of the signal from membrane to the cytoplasm. The results suggest that G and R could alter an important function of Sertoli cell such as BTB integrity and thus they could compromise the normal development of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostina Gorga
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Marcelo Rindone
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Lucia Centola
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Cristian Sobarzo
- Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Argentina
| | - Eliana Herminia Pellizzari
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - María Del Carmen Camberos
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Selva Beatriz Cigorraga
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Maria Fernanda Riera
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Maria Noel Galardo
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Silvina Beatriz Meroni
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina.
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang SX, Miao YL, Huo LJ. Bisphenol AF compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124410. [PMID: 31362132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The profound influence of environmental chemicals on human health including inducing life-threatening gene mutation has been publicly recognized. Being a substitute for the extensively used endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, Bisphenol AF (BPAF) has been known as teratogen with developmental toxicities and therefore potentially putting human into the risk of biological hazards. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of BPAF on spermatogenesis and spermiotiliosis in sexual maturity of mice exposing to BPAF (5, 20, 50 mg/kg/d) for consecutive 28 days. BPAF exposure significantly compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quantity and quality in a dose-dependent manner. Sperms from BPAF exposure mice are featured by severe DNA damage, altered SUMOylation and ubiquitination dynamics and interfered epigenetic inheritance with hypermethylation of H3K27me3 presumably due to the aggregation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, BPAF treatment (50 μM for 24 h) compromises cytoskeleton architecture and tight junction permeability in primary cultured Sertoli cells evidenced by dysfunction of actin regulatory proteins (e.g. Arp3 and Palladin) via activation of ERK signaling, thereby perturbing the privilege microenvironment created by Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis. Overall, our study determines BPAF is deleterious for male fertility, leading to a better appreciation of its toxicological features in our life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shou-Xin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Biochip Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Protective effects of betaine on diabetic induced disruption of the male mice blood-testis barrier by regulating oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 120:109474. [PMID: 31585299 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-testis barrier (BTB) impairments is one of the major secondary complications of diabetes. Betaine (BET) is the important active ingredients isolated from Lycium barbarum, which exhibits numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to establish whether BET contributes to the recovery from BTB dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. METHODS BET (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) was orally administered to diabetic mice for 8 weeks. Testis tissues were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis, the reproductive organ weight was estimated. Antioxidant enzyme activity and BTB associated protein expressions were determined with their corresponding assay kits and western blot analysis. The results revealed that BET significantly improved the weight of the reproductive organs and testicular morphology in diabetic mice. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), markedly increased in the testicular tissue after SAL treatment. In addition, our data also showed a marked down-regulated the expressions of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and up-regulation the protein expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-11, N-cadherin, and Connexin-43 after BET administration compared with the diabetic group. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that BET exerts protective effects on diabetes-induced BTB dysfunction, which may be through regulating oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathways.
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46
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Li R, Qi Y, Jiang M, Zhang T, Wang H, Wang L, Han M. Primary tumor-secreted VEGF induces vascular hyperpermeability in premetastatic lung via the occludin phosphorylation/ubiquitination pathway. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:2316-2326. [PMID: 31553086 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Primary tumor can induce the formation of premetastatic niche. The hyperpermeability of the vessels in the premetastatic niche is the first step in the development of metastasis. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular hyperpermeability remain to be elucidated. In this study, 4T1 breast cells were injected into the breasts of mice to establish a tumor model. Our results showed that primary tumors induced hyperpermeability of the vessels in the premetastatic lung. Subsequent studies showed that the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was elevated in the tumor-bearing mice serum and the levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins occludin and ZO-1 were decreased in the premetastatic lung. In vitro studies demonstrated that VEGF increased the permeability of dextran and decreased the levels of occludin and ZO-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Moreover, the hyperpermeability of vessels and the degradation of occludin was blocked by bevacizumab. Overexpression of occludin alleviated the VEGF-induced hyperpermeability. Further investigations revealed that VEGF-induced occludin phosphorylation at Ser-490 and ubiquitination. Finally, we showed that VEGF accelerated the process of occludin degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In conclusion, primary tumor-secrete VEGF induce the occludin phosphorylation/ubiquitination and downregulation, resulting in the disruption of TJs and hyperpermeability of vessels in premetastatic lung. The occludin phosphorylation/ubiquitination pathway may be the mechanism of VEGF-induced vascular hyperpermeability in the lung premetastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Li
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yana Qi
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tiehong Zhang
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liguang Wang
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingyong Han
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Mao B, Mruk D, Lian Q, Ge R, Li C, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Mechanistic Insights into PFOS-Mediated Sertoli Cell Injury. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:781-793. [PMID: 30056046 PMCID: PMC6114095 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies have proven that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are harmful to humans, most notably perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). PFOS induces rapid disorganization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons in primary cultures of rodent and human Sertoli cells, perturbing Sertoli cell gap junction communication, thereby prohibiting Sertoli cells from maintaining cellular homeostasis in the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. PFOS perturbs several signaling proteins/pathways, such as FAK and mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2. The use of either an activator of Akt1/2 or overexpression of a phosphomimetic (and constitutively active) mutant of FAK or connexin 43 has demonstrated that such treatment blocks PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury by preventing actin- and MT-based cytoskeletal disorganization. These findings thus illustrate an approach to manage PFOS-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dolores Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Shen X, Niu C, Guo J, Xia M, Xia J, Hu Y, Zheng Y. Stra8 may inhibit apoptosis during mouse spermatogenesis via the AKT signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:2819-2830. [PMID: 30106128 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8), one of genes induced by retinoic acid (RA), is required for the meiotic initiation of male spermatogenesis. The present study found that Stra8 inhibited apoptosis in male Stra8‑knockout mice, and in mice with vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A recovery in vivo. This phenotype was also verified in GC1 spermatogonia (spg) cells overexpressing Stra8. In addition, microarray analysis identified that there were nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Stra8‑overexpressed GC1 spg cells compared with the control groups; the expression of these nine genes was verified via mRNA expression levels. The DEGs were as follows: Phosphatidylinositol‑dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), a key gene upstream of protein kinase B (AKT); angiopoietin 2, a B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑inhibited gene; transcription factor 4, glutathione S‑transferase P91 and ubiquitin‑specific protease 33, mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK)‑related genes; oxidative stress induced growth inhibitor 1, related to the P53 pathway; Bcl‑2, P53, ERK (MAPK1/3), c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (MAPK8/9), and P38 (MAPK14), all of which are key genes involved in the AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the present study further verified these genes and found that the mRNA and protein expression levels of PDK1, AKT, Bcl‑2 and ERK were increased. Although the mRNA expression level of P53 was decreased, there was no significant difference in the protein expression level in Stra8‑overexpressing GC1 spg cells compared with controls. In addition, Caspase 3, one of the executioner caspases, was decreased in Stra8‑overexpressing GC1 spg cells compared with the control groups. Therefore, it was suggested that Stra8 may directly or indirectly inhibit caspases through the AKT signaling pathway and ultimately exert an anti‑apoptotic effect in the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Shen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Changmin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqian Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Mengmeng Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yanqiu Hu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
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