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Odroniec A, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M. Epigenetic markers in the embryonal germ cell development and spermatogenesis. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:6. [PMID: 36814207 PMCID: PMC9948345 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of generation of male reproductive cells from spermatogonial stem cells in the seminiferous epithelium of the testis. During spermatogenesis, key spermatogenic events such as stem cell self-renewal and commitment to meiosis, meiotic recombination, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, followed by cellular and chromatin remodeling of elongating spermatids occur, leading to sperm cell production. All the mentioned events are at least partially controlled by the epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones. Additionally, during embryonal development in primordial germ cells, global epigenetic reprogramming of DNA occurs. In this review, we summarized the most important epigenetic modifications in the particular stages of germ cell development, in DNA and histone proteins, starting from primordial germ cells, during embryonal development, and ending with histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeusz Odroniec
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60–479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60–479 Poznan, Poland
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2
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Yao Y, Chen Z, Zhang T, Tang M. Adverse reproductive and developmental consequences of quantum dots. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113666. [PMID: 35697086 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs), with a size of 1-10 nm, are luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals characterized by a shell-core structure. Notably, QDs have potential application in bioimaging owing to their higher fluorescence performance than conventional fluorescent dyes. To date, QDs has been widely used in photovoltaic devices, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis. In recent years, scientists have focused on whether the use of QDs can interfere with the reproductive and developmental processes of organisms, resulting in serious population and community problems. In this study, we first analyze the possible reproductive and development toxicity of QDs. Next, we summarize the possible mechanisms underlying QDs' interference with reproduction and development, including oxidative stress, altered gametogenesis and fetal development gene expression, autophagy and apoptosis, and release of metal ions. Thereafter, we highlight some potential aspects that can be used to eliminate or reduce QDs toxicity. Based on QDs' unique physical and chemical properties, a comprehensive range of toxicity test data is urgently needed to build structure-activity relationship to quickly evaluate the ecological safety of each kind of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshuai Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Wang L, Zhang R, Wu B, Yu Y, Li W, Li S, Liu C. Autophagy mediated tubulobulbar complex components degradation is required for spermiation. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Hong S, Shen X, Luo C, Sun F. Comparative analysis of the testes from wild-type and Alkbh5-knockout mice using single-cell RNA sequencing. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6598802. [PMID: 35652742 PMCID: PMC9339272 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The RNA demethylase ALKBH5 is regarded as the “eraser” in N6-methyladenosine modification. ALKBH5 deficiency causes male infertility in mice; however, the mechanisms that confer disruption of spermatogenesis are not completely clear. In this study, we profiled testis samples from wild-type and Alkbh5-knockout mice using single-cell RNA sequencing. We obtained single-cell RNA sequencing data of 5,596 and 6,816 testis cells from a wild-type and a knockout mouse, respectively. There were differences detected between the transcriptional profiles of the groups at various germ cell developmental stages. This ranged from the development of spermatogonia to sperm cells, in macrophages, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. We identified the differentially expressed genes related to spermatogenesis in germ cells and somatic cells (Sertoli cells and Leydig cells) and evaluated their functions and associated pathways, such as chromatin-related functional pathways, through gene ontology enrichment analysis. This study provides the first single-cell RNA sequencing profile of the testes of ALKBH5-deficient mice. This highlights that ALKBH5 is an important gene for germ cell development and spermatogenesis and offers new molecular mechanistic insights. These findings could provide the basis for further research into the causes and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Hong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaozhong Shen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
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The effects of female-male friendships on male postcopulatory levels of oxytocin and vasopressin, and sperm parameters in Macacaarctoides. Theriogenology 2022; 177:63-72. [PMID: 34666204 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.022] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Male and female stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides) form close relationships akin to human friendships. Oxytocin and vasopressin modulate these and other social relationships and reproductive behavior and physiology in various mammal species. Besides the behavioral effects of oxytocin, this hormone plays an essential role in the ejaculatory process, favoring sperm transport upward the female reproductive tract. Therefore, we investigated the influence of friendships on postcopulatory serum levels of oxytocin and vasopressin in the stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides). In addition, we searched for a correlation between this kind of social relationship and sperm transport in the vagina during the periovulatory and luteal phases. Six female and six male adult macaques having different friendship indices served as experimental animals. Allocated in 57 mating pairs combinations, these animals were allowed to copulate once in the luteal and periovulatory phases. Blood samples were collected from each animal finishing copulation to measure oxytocin and vasopressin. Afterward, we profoundly sedated the females and collected three semen samples from the vagina every 10 min to perform spermatobioscopies. Males' post-copulation oxytocin values increased along with the friendship index, while vasopressin behaves oppositely. Sperm concentration and immotile and motile sperm decreased from one sample to another as male-female closeness increased. Finally, in the periovulatory phase, only in the first vaginal sample, sperm velocities significantly increased with friendship indices. Our results showed that in stump-tailed macaques, heterosexual friendships promote higher postcopulatory oxytocin concentrations and better physiological conditions to males, which probably enhance reproductive success.
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Chen T, Zhou Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Yuan J, Wang Z. Adenylyl cyclase 3 deficiency results in dysfunction of blood-testis barrier during mouse spermiogenesis. Theriogenology 2021; 180:40-52. [PMID: 34953349 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Human infertility has become a global medical and social health problem. Mice deficient in type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3), a key enzyme that synthesizes cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), develop male infertility, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We performed a label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics analyses to identify testicular differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their respective biological processes. Furthermore, histological examination demonstrated that AC3 deficiency in mice led to mild impairment of spermatogenesis, including the thinning of seminiferous epithelium and local lesions in the testis. We further identified that the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) was impaired in AC3 knockout (AC3-/-) mice accompanied with the reduction in the expression of tight junctions (TJs) and ectoplasmic specialization (ESs)-related proteins. In addition, the deletion of AC3 in mice also reduced the germ cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased lipid deposition in the seminiferous tubules. Collectively, our results revealed a role of AC3 in regulating the BTB integrity during spermatogenesis. Thus, our findings provide new perspectives for future research in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrong Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yanfen Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xinxia Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, Hebei, PR China
| | - Junkai Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, Hebei, PR China
| | - Zhenshan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China.
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O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cells as key drivers of testis function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:2-9. [PMID: 34229950 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the orchestrators of spermatogenesis; they support fetal germ cell commitment to the male pathway and are essential for germ cell development, from maintenance of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and spermatogonial populations, through meiosis and spermiogeneis and to the final release of mature spermatids during spermiation. However, Sertoli cells are also emerging as key regulators of other testis somatic cells, including supporting peritubular myoid cell development in the pre-pubertal testis and supporting the function of the testicular vasculature and in contributing to testicular immune privilege. Sertoli cells also have a major role in regulating androgen production within the testis, by specifying interstitial cells to a steroidogenic fate, contributing to androgen production in the fetal testis, and supporting fetal and adult Leydig cell development and function. Here, we provide an overview of the specific roles for Sertoli cells in the testis and highlight how these cells are key drivers of testicular sperm output, and of adult testis size and optimal function of other testicular somatic cells, including the steroidogenic Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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de Santi F, Beltrame FL, Rodrigues BM, Junior MJVP, Scaramele NF, Lopes FL, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Venlafaxine-induced damage to seminiferous epithelium, spermiation, and sperm parameters in rats: A correlation with high estrogen levels. Andrology 2021; 9:297-311. [PMID: 32598512 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venlafaxine (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) use has increased worldwide. However, the impact of venlafaxine on testes and sperm parameters has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES We evaluated venlafaxine impact on testicular and sperm parameters and verified whether the changes are reversible. METHODS Animals from venlafaxine-35 days and venlafaxine-65 days groups received 30 mg/kg of venlafaxine for 35 days. Control-35 days and control-65 days received distilled water. In control-65 days and venlafaxine-65 days, the treatment was interrupted for 30 days. Sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed. Number of step 19 spermatids (NLS), frequency of tubules with spermiation failure, Sertoli cells number, and TUNEL-positive germ cells were quantified. Testicular aromatase, connexin 43 (Cx43) immunoexpression, Cx43 protein levels, and Cx43 expression were evaluated. Either intratesticular testosterone or estrogen levels were measured. RESULTS Venlafaxine impaired sperm morphology, reduced sperm concentration, mitochondrial activity, and sperm motility. The frequency of tubules with spermiation failure and NLS increased in parallel to increased Cx43 immunoexpression; mRNA and protein levels; and aromatase, testosterone, and estrogen levels. An increase in germ cell death and decreased Sertoli cells number were observed. In venlafaxine-65 days, except for sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, Sertoli cells number, and germ cell death, all other parameters were partially or totally recovered. CONCLUSION Venlafaxine increases testosterone aromatization and Cx43. This drug, via high estrogen levels, disturbs Sertoli cells, induces germ cell death, and impairs spermiation and sperm parameters. The restoration of spermiation associated with the decreased Cx43 and hormonal levels in venlafaxine-65 days reinforces that high estrogen levels are related to venlafaxine-induced changes. The presence of damaged Sertoli cells, germ cell death, and low sperm motility in venlafaxine-65 days indicates that interruption of treatment for 30 days was insufficient for testicular recovery and points to a long-term estrogen impact on the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane de Santi
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Rodrigues
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marcio J V P Junior
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Natália F Scaramele
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Lopes
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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Hussain A, Gilloteaux J. The human testes: Estrogen and ageing outlooks. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2020.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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