1
|
Li F, Yang R, Lu L, Hua W, Sun Y, Tian M, Lu Y, Huang Q. Comparative steroidogenic effects of hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Regulation of histone modifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:124030. [PMID: 38663511 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124030] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
As a widely used alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) has been detected in the environment and humans; however, little is known regarding its male reproductive toxicity. To compare the effects of HFPO-TA on steroid hormone synthesis with PFOA, we exposed Leydig cells (MLTC-1) to non-lethal doses (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) of PFOA and HFPO-TA for 48 h. It was found that the levels of steroid hormones, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP), androstenedione (ASD), and testosterone (T) were significantly increased in 1 and 10 μM of PFOA and HFPO-TA groups, with greater elevation being observed in the HFPO-TA groups than in the PFOA groups at 10 μM. We further showed that the two rate-limiting steroidogenic genes (Star and Cyp11a1) were up-regulated, while Hsd3b, Cyp17a1, and Hsd17b were down-regulated or unchanged after PFOA/HFPO-TA exposure. Moreover, PFOA exposure significantly up-regulated histone H3K4me1/3 and H3K9me1, while down-regulated H3K4me2 and H3K9me2/3 levels. By contrast, H3K4me2/3 and H3K9me2/3 were enhanced, while H3K4me1 and H3K9me1 were repressed after HFPO-TA treatment. It was further confirmed that H3K4me1/3 were increased and H3K9me2 was decreased in Star and Cyp11a1 promoters by PFOA, while HFPO-TA increased H3K4me2/3 and decreased H3K9me1 in the two gene promoters. Therefore, we propose that low levels of PFOA/HFPO-TA enhance the expression of Star and Cyp11a1 by regulating H3K4 and H3K9 methylation, thus stimulating the production of steroid hormones in MLTC-1 cells. Collectively, HFPO-TA exhibits stronger effects on steroidogenesis compared to PFOA, which may be ascribed to the distinct regulation of histone modifications. These data suggest that HFPO-TA does not appear to be a safer alternative to PFOA on the aspect of male reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Weizhen Hua
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yanyang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McPherson NO, Nottle M, McIlfatrick S, Saini A, Hamilton H, Bowman E, Tully CA, Pacella-Ince L, Zander-Fox D, Bakos HW. Clinical use of progesterone in human sperm preparation media for increasing IVF success. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103625. [PMID: 38402675 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103625] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can the addition of progesterone and neurotensin, molecular agents found in the female reproductive tract, after sperm washing increase the fertilization potential of human spermatozoa? DESIGN (i) Cohort study of 24 men. Spermatozoa selected by swim-up were incubated in either progesterone or neurotensin (0.1-100 µM) for 1-4 h, and hyperactive motility and binding to hyaluronan (0.1-100 µM) were assessed. The effect of progesterone 10 µM on sperm function was assessed in a blinded manner, including: hyperactive motility, binding to hyaluronan, tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction and oxidative DNA damage. (i) Embryo safety testing [one-cell mouse embryo assay (MEA), endotoxin and sterility counts (n = 3)] in preclinical embryo models of IVF (murine and porcine, n = 7 each model) and a small preliminary human study (n = 4) of couples undergoing standard IVF with oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa ± 10 µM progesterone. RESULTS Progesterone 10 µM increased sperm binding to hyaluronan, hyperactive motility and tyrosine phosphorylation (all P < 0.05). Neurotensin had no effect (P > 0.05). Progesterone 10 µM in human embryo culture media passed embryo safety testing (MEA, endotoxin concentration and sterility plate count). In preclinical models of IVF, the exposure of spermatozoa to progesterone 10 µM and oocytes to progesterone 1 µM was not detrimental, and increased the fertilization rate in mice and the blastocyst cell number in mice and pigs (all P ≤ 0.03). In humans, every transferred blastocyst that had been produced from spermatozoa exposed to progesterone resulted in a live birth. CONCLUSION The addition of progesterone to sperm preparation media shows promise as an adjunct to current methods for increasing fertilization potential. Randomized controlled trials are required to determine the clinical utility of progesterone for improving IVF outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole O McPherson
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Monash IVF Group, Clayton, Australia.
| | - Mark Nottle
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stephan McIlfatrick
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anmol Saini
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Cathryn A Tully
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, Australia
| | - Leanne Pacella-Ince
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, Australia
| | - Deirdre Zander-Fox
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Monash IVF Group, Clayton, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Hassan W Bakos
- Monash IVF Group, Clayton, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Memphasys Ltd, Homebush, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kyriazis M, Swas L, Orlova T. The Impact of Hormesis, Neuronal Stress Response, and Reproduction, upon Clinical Aging: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5433. [PMID: 37629475 PMCID: PMC10455615 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165433] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary objective of researchers in the biology of aging is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the aging process while developing practical solutions that can enhance the quality of life for older individuals. This involves a continuous effort to bridge the gap between fundamental biological research and its real-world applications. PURPOSE In this narrative review, we attempt to link research findings concerning the hormetic relationship between neurons and germ cells, and translate these findings into clinically relevant concepts. METHODS We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase, PLOS, Digital Commons Network, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2023, analyzing studies dealing with the relationship between hormetic, cognitive, and reproductive aspects of human aging. RESULTS The process of hormesis serves as a bridge between the biology of neuron-germ cell interactions on one hand, and the clinical relevance of these interactions on the other. Details concerning these processes are discussed here, emphasizing new research which strengthens the overall concept. CONCLUSIONS This review presents a scientifically and clinically relevant argument, claiming that maintaining a cognitively active lifestyle may decrease age-related degeneration, and improve overall health in aging. This is a totally novel approach which reflects current developments in several relevant aspects of our biology, technology, and society.
Collapse
|
4
|
Meena R, Bharti S. Effect of anti-estrogen and anti-progesterone on spermatogenesis, testosterone production and expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes in adult male rats. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100749. [PMID: 36867990 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100749] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study was planned to investigate the anti-spermatogenic and anti-steroidogenic effects of Clomiphene Citrate (CC) an anti-estrogen and Mifepristone (MT) an anti-progesterone in the testis of male rats. Following the oral administration of 1.0 mg and 5.0 mg/kg b.w/day of each for the duration of 30 and 60 days, quantitation of spermatogenesis, RIA for serum and intra-testicular testosterone levels, western blotting and RT-PCR for expression of StAR, 3β-HSD and P450arom enzymes in the testis was done. Clomiphene Citrate at 5.0 mg/kg b.w/day for 60 days significantly reduced testosterone (T) levels however the effect was not significant with the lower doses. Reproductive parameters in animals treated by Mifepristone remained mostly unaffected, however, a significant decline in testosterone levels and altered expression of selected genes was observed in 5.0 mg for the 30d treatment group. Clomiphene Citrate at higher doses affected the weights of the testis and secondary sex organs. Seminiferous tubules revealed hypo-spermatogenesis with a significant decrease in the number of maturing germ cells and a reduction in tubular diameter. Attenuation in serum testosterone was associated with the downregulation of expression in StAR, 3β-HSD, and P450arom mRNA and protein levels in the testis even after 30 d of CC administration. The results indicate that the anti-estrogen (Clomiphene Citrate) but not anti-progesterone (Mifepristone) induces hypo-spermatogenesis in rats which are associated with a downregulation of expression of two of the steroidogenic enzymes, 3β-HSD and P450arom mRNA and StAR protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Meena
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Shilpa Bharti
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Does the Ketogenic Diet Improve the Quality of Ovarian Function in Obese Women? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194147. [PMID: 36235799 PMCID: PMC9571725 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, the prevalence of which ranges from 8 to 13%. It is characterized by metabolic, reproductive, and psychological alterations. PCOS prevalence is related to body mass index (BMI). Women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 have a prevalence of 4.3%, whereas women with BMI > 30 kg/m2 have a prevalence of 14%. Moreover, women with PCOS have a risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) two-fold higher than controls, independently of BMI. Both PCOS and T2DM are also consequences of lower serum sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, which is currently considered a biomarker of metabolic disorders, in particular T2DM. Aim: To evaluate the effect of the very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) on markers suggested to be predictive of metabolic and ovulatory dysfunction. These comprehend SHBG, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and progesterone levels on day 21 of the menstrual cycle in a cohort of obese non-diabetic women with PCOS and regular menses. Methods: Twenty-five patients (mean age 25.4 ± 3.44 years) with obesity and PCOS underwent VLCKD for 12 weeks. Each of them underwent measurements of anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, and waist circumference) and blood testing to evaluate serum levels of SHBG, AMH, and progesterone before and after 12 weeks of VLCKD. Results: At enrollment, all patients had high BMI, WC, and AMH, whereas SHBG and progesterone levels were low. After VLCKD, the patients showed a significant reduction in BMI, WC, and HOMA index. In particular, 76% of patients (19/25) switched from obesity to overweight, and the HOMA index normalized, reaching values lower than 2.5 in 96% (24/25) of patients. In addition, serum AMH levels significantly decreased, and progesterone and SHBG significantly increased after VLCKD. Conclusions: This is the first study documenting the effects of VLCKD on ovarian reserve and luteal function in women with PCOS. VLCKD could be used to improve metabolic and ovulatory dysfunction in women with PCOS. Further studies are needed to understand the reasons for the AMH reduction.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhai YJ, Feng Y, Ma X, Ma F. Defensins: defenders of human reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:126-154. [PMID: 36130055 PMCID: PMC9825273 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main factors affecting female reproductive health and causing tubal infertility, ectopic tubal pregnancy and premature delivery. Among male infertility factors, 13-15% of male infertility is related to infection. Defensins are cationic antibacterial and antiviral peptides, classified into α-defensins, β-defensins and θ-defensins. Humans only have α-defensins and β-defensins. Apart from their direct antimicrobial functions, defensins have an immunomodulatory function and are involved in many physiological processes. Studies have shown that defensins are widely distributed in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and male reproductive tract (MRT), playing a dual role of host defence and fertility protection. However, to our knowledge, the distribution, regulation and function of defensins in the reproductive tract and their relation to reproduction have not been reviewed. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the expression, distribution and regulation of defensins in the reproductive tracts to reveal the updated research on the dual role of defensins in host defence and the protection of fertility. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed using the related keywords through April 2022. Related data from original researches and reviews were integrated to comprehensively review the current findings and understanding of defensins in the human reproductive system. Meanwhile, female and male transcriptome data in the GEO database were screened to analyze defensins in the human reproductive tracts. OUTCOMES Two transcriptome databases from the GEO database (GSE7307 and GSE150852) combined with existing researches reveal the expression levels and role of the defensins in the reproductive tracts. In the FRT, a high expression level of α-defensin is found, and the expression levels of defensins in the vulva and vagina are higher than those in other organs. The expression of defensins in the endometrium varies with menstrual cycle stages and with microbial invasion. Defensins also participate in the local immune response to regulate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the MRT, a high expression level of β-defensins is also found. It is mainly highly expressed in the epididymal caput and corpus, indicating that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation. The expression of defensins in the MRT varies with androgen levels, age and the status of microbial invasion. They protect the male reproductive system from bacterial infections by neutralizing lipopolysaccharide and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, animal and clinical studies have shown that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation, motility and fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide without drug resistance, defensin has great potential for developing new natural antimicrobial treatments for reproductive tract infections. However, increasing evidence has shown that defensins can not only inhibit microbial invasion but can also promote the invasion and adhesion of some microorganisms in certain biological environments, such as human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the safety of defensins as reproductive tract anti-infective drugs needs more in-depth research. In addition, the modulatory role of defensins in fertility requires more in-depth research since the current conclusions are based on small-size samples. At present, scientists have made many attempts at the clinical transformation of defensins. However, defensins have problems such as poor stability, low bioavailability and difficulties in their synthesis. Therefore, the production of safe, effective and low-cost drugs remains a challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xue Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
| | - Fang Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mirihagalle S, Hughes JR, Miller DJ. Progesterone-Induced Sperm Release from the Oviduct Sperm Reservoir. Cells 2022; 11:1622. [PMID: 35626659 PMCID: PMC9139440 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian females, after sperm are deposited in the reproductive tract, a fraction of sperm migrates to the lower oviduct (isthmus) and forms a sperm storage site known as the functional sperm reservoir. The interactions between sperm membrane proteins and oviduct epithelial cells facilitate sperm binding to the oviductal epithelium and retention in the reservoir. Sperm are bound by glycans that contain specific motifs present on isthmic epithelial cells. Capacitated sperm are released from the reservoir and travel further in the oviduct to the ampulla where fertilization occurs. For decades, researchers have been studying the molecules and mechanisms of sperm release from the oviductal sperm reservoir. However, it is still not clear if the release of sperm is triggered by changes in sperm, oviduct cells, oviduct fluid, or a combination of these. While there is a possibility that more than one of these events are involved in the release of sperm from the reservoir, one activator of sperm release has the largest accumulation of supporting evidence. This mechanism involves the steroid hormone, progesterone, as a signal that induces the release of sperm from the reservoir. This review gathers and synthesizes evidence for the role of progesterone in inducing sperm release from the oviduct functional sperm reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Joel Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.M.); (J.R.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Han X, Alam MN, Cao M, Wang X, Cen M, Tian M, Lu Y, Huang Q. Low Levels of Perfluorooctanoic Acid Exposure Activates Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis through Repressing Histone Methylation in Rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:5664-5672. [PMID: 35438966 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent organic pollutant, which has endocrine-disrupting properties and can interfere with the synthesis and secretion of testicular steroid hormones, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of low doses of PFOA exposure on testicular steroidogenesis in rats and revealed the role of histone modifications. It was found that the serum levels of progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol were significantly increased after 0.015 and 0.15 mg/kg of PFOA exposure, and the expression of Star, a key rate-limiting gene, was up-regulated, while other steroidogenic genes Cyp11a1, Hsd3b, Cyp17a1, and Hsd17b were down-regulated. In addition, the levels of multiple histone modifications (H3K9me1/2/3 and H3K9/18/23ac) were all significantly reduced by PFOA in rat testis. Histone H3K9 methylation is associated with gene silencing, while histone acetylation leads to gene activation. ChIP analysis further showed that H3K9me1/3 was significantly decreased in the promoter region of Star, while H3K18ac levels were down-regulated in other gene promoters. Accordingly, we suggest that low-level PFOA enhances StAR expression through the repression of H3K9me1/3, which stimulates steroid hormone production in rat testis. These results are expected to shed new light on the molecular mechanisms by which low-dose PFOA disturbs male reproductive endocrine from an epigenetic aspect and may be useful for human health risk assessment regarding environmental PFOA exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejingping Han
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Md Nur Alam
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Meiyi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Meifeng Cen
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yanyang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hyperactivation is sufficient to release porcine sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6446. [PMID: 35440797 PMCID: PMC9019019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10390-x] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilizing sperm are retained by adhesion to specific glycans on the epithelium of the oviduct forming a reservoir before sperm are released from the reservoir so fertilization can ensue. Capacitated sperm lose affinity for the oviduct epithelium but the components of capacitation that are important for sperm release are uncertain. One important correlate of capacitation is the development of hyperactivated motility. Hyperactivation is characterized by asymmetrical flagellar beating with high beat amplitude. We tested whether the development of full-type asymmetrical motility was sufficient to release sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sperm hyperactivation was induced by four different compounds, a cell-permeable cAMP analog (cBiMPS), CatSper activators (4-aminopyridine and procaine), and an endogenous steroid (progesterone). Using standard analysis (CASA) and direct visualization with high-speed video microscopy, we first confirmed that all four compounds induced hyperactivation. Subsequently, sperm were allowed to bind to immobilized oviduct glycans, and compounds or vehicle controls were added. All compounds caused sperm release from immobilized glycans, demonstrating that hyperactivation was sufficient to release sperm from oviduct cells and immobilized glycans. Pharmacological inhibition of the non-genomic progesterone receptor and CatSper diminished sperm release from oviduct glycans. Inhibition of the proteolytic activities of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), implicated in the regulation of sperm capacitation, diminished sperm release in response to all hyperactivation inducers. In summary, induction of sperm hyperactivation was sufficient to induce sperm release from immobilized oviduct glycans and release was dependent on CatSper and the UPS.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cohen R, Mukai C, Nelson JL, Zenilman SS, Sosnicki DM, Travis AJ. A genetically targeted sensor reveals spatial and temporal dynamics of acrosomal calcium and sperm acrosome exocytosis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101868. [PMID: 35346690 PMCID: PMC9046242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Secretion of the acrosome, a single vesicle located rostrally in the head of a mammalian sperm, through a process known as "acrosome exocytosis" (AE), is essential for fertilization. However, the mechanisms leading to and regulating this complex process are controversial. In particular, poor understanding of Ca2+ dynamics between sperm subcellular compartments and regulation of membrane fusion mechanisms have led to competing models of AE. Here, we developed a transgenic mouse expressing an Acrosome-targeted Sensor for Exocytosis (AcroSensE) to investigate the spatial and temporal Ca2+ dynamics in AE in live sperm. AcroSensE combines a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator (GCaMP) fused with an mCherry indicator to spatiotemporally resolve acrosomal Ca2+ rise (ACR) and membrane fusion events, enabling real-time study of AE. We found that ACR is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and that ACR precedes AE. In addition, we show that there are intermediate steps in ACR and that AE correlates better with the ACR rate rather than absolute Ca2+ amount. Finally, we demonstrate that ACR and membrane fusion progression kinetics and spatial patterns differ with different stimuli and that sites of initiation of ACR and sites of membrane fusion do not always correspond. These findings support a model involving functionally redundant pathways that enable a highly regulated, multistep AE in heterogeneous sperm populations, unlike the previously proposed "acrosome reaction" model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Cohen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
| | - Chinatsu Mukai
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Jacquelyn L Nelson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Shoshana S Zenilman
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Danielle M Sosnicki
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Alexander J Travis
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen H, Shi X, Li X, Diao R, Ma Q, Jin J, Qiu Z, Li C, Yu MK, Wang C, Li X, Li F, Chan DYL, Zhao AZ, Cai Z, Sun F, Fok KL. CD147 deficiency is associated with impairedsperm motility/acrosome reaction and offersa therapeutic target for asthenozoospermia. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:1374-1386. [PMID: 34900396 PMCID: PMC8626663 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with asthenozoospermia often present multiple defects in sperm functions apart from a decrease in sperm motility. However, the etiological factors underlying these multifaceted defects remain mostly unexplored, which may lead to unnecessary treatment and unsatisfactory assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcome. Here, we show that the protein levels of CD147 were lowered in sperm obtained from asthenozoospermic infertile patients exhibiting defects in both sperm motility and the acrosome reaction. Whereas CD147 maintained sperm motility before capacitation, female tract-derived soluble CD147 interacted with sperm-bound CD147 to induce an acrosome reaction in capacitated sperm. Soluble CD147 treatment restored the acrosome reaction and improved the fertility of sperm from patients with asthenozoospermia. Mechanistically, CD147 promotes sperm motility and acrosome reaction (AR) by eliciting Ca2+ influx through soluble CD147 binding to sperm-bound CD147. Notably, the level of soluble CD147 in seminal plasma was positively correlated with the fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. Our study has identified a marker for the diagnosis and a therapeutic target for the defective AR capability in asthenozoospermia and a candidate for the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes for male infertile patients that facilitates the development of precision medicine in ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Hao Chen, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Xiao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ruiying Diao
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhuolin Qiu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Cailing Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianxin Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Fanghong Li
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Allan Zijian Zhao
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Sichuan University—The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Kin Lam Fok, Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Keyser S, van der Horst G, Maree L. Progesterone, Myo-Inositol, Dopamine and Prolactin Present in Follicular Fluid Have Differential Effects on Sperm Motility Subpopulations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1250. [PMID: 34833125 PMCID: PMC8617736 DOI: 10.3390/life11111250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the challenges surrounding causative factors in male infertility, rather than relying on standard semen analysis, the assessment of sperm subpopulations and functional characteristics essential for fertilization is paramount. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of sperm interactions with biological components in the female reproductive tract may improve our understanding of subfertility and provide applications in assisted reproductive techniques. We investigated the response of two sperm motility subpopulations (mimicking the functionality of potentially fertile and sub-fertile semen samples) to biological substances present in the female reproductive tract. Donor semen was separated via double density gradient centrifugation, isolated into high (HM) and low motile (LM) sperm subpopulations and incubated in human tubal fluid (HTF), capacitating HTF, HD-C medium, progesterone, myo-inositol, dopamine and prolactin. Treated subpopulations were evaluated for vitality, motility percentages and kinematic parameters, hyperactivation, positive reactive oxygen species (ROS), intact mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and acrosome reaction (AR). While all media had a significantly positive effect on the LM subpopulation, dopamine appeared to significantly improve both subpopulations' functional characteristics. HD-C, progesterone and myo-inositol resulted in increased motility, kinematic and hyperactivation parameters, whereas prolactin and myo-inositol improved the LM subpopulations' MMP intactness and reduced ROS. Furthermore, progesterone, myo-inositol and dopamine improved the HM subpopulations' motility parameters and AR. Our results suggest that treatment of sub-fertile semen samples with biological substances present in follicular fluid might assist the development of new strategies for IVF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (S.K.); (G.v.d.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bovine Follicular Fluid Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate the Viability, Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction of Bull Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111154. [PMID: 34827147 PMCID: PMC8614796 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Before the union of an egg and spermatozoon, several vital processes occur for fertilization in the female reproductive system. One of these processes is the maturation of spermatozoa which occurs in the female reproductive tract. Spermatozoa not undergoing maturation in the female reproductive tract are unable to penetrate the egg. Many reports have suggested the involvement of different factors in mediating the functional maturation of spermatozoa. Follicular fluid (FF) is named as one of those factors. FF is an ovarian fluid that plays an essential role in egg maturation and sources extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are nano-containers that are released from different cells and are present in all body fluids. Several studies have reported that FF supports the functional maturation of spermatozoa. Therefore, we hypothesized that FF EVs might have a role in inducing functional maturation in spermatozoa. Surprisingly, the FF-derived EVs were able to aid vital functional parameters of spermatozoa and the effects from EVs were species- and source-specific. Therefore, deciphering the cargo of FF EVs responsible for modulating spermatozoa’s functions can potentially prove beneficial in diagnosing and treating male infertility and improving the current assisted reproductive technology protocols. Abstract While follicular fluid (FF) is known to enhance the functional properties of spermatozoa, the role of FF-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this respect is unknown. We hypothesized that bovine FF EVs convey signals to spermatozoa supporting sperm viability, inducing sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. In this study, the effects of bovine FF EVs on sperm functions are evaluated. Irrespective of the size of the follicles which FF EVs had originated from, they were capable of supporting sperm viability, inducing capacitation and acrosome reaction. These effects were specific to the source of bovine FF EVs, as human-cell-line-derived or porcine FF EVs did not affect spermatozoa viability or induced capacitation and acrosome reaction. A minimum of 5 × 105 EVs/mL was adequate to maintain sperm viability and induce capacitation and acrosome reaction in spermatozoa. Interestingly, with FF EV trypsin treatment, FF EVs lost their ability to support sperm functions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that bovine FF EVs can support spermatozoa function and may contribute to a favorable periconceptional microenvironment. This is an important aspect of the interactions between different sexes at the earliest stages of reproduction and helps to understand molecular mechanisms modulating processes such as sperm competition and female cryptic choice.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang F, Chen Q, Zhan Y, Yang H, Zhang A, Ling X, Zhang H, Zhou W, Zou P, Sun L, Huang L, Chen H, Ao L, Liu J, Cao J, Zhou N. Acute effects of short-term exposure to ambient air pollution on reproductive hormones in young males of the MARHCS study in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145691. [PMID: 33611002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution, which is associated with male reproductive health. However, it is unknown the acute effects of ambient air pollutants exposure on male reproductive hormones. The current study, we measured serum levels of reproductive hormone in 2030 blood samples gathered from The Male Reproductive Health in Chongqing College Students (MARHCS) cohort study. We derived a full coverage of ambient air pollutant (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO and O3) concentrations by employing machine learning algorithms, and used a mixed-effect model to estimate single-day and cumulative effects of air pollutants exposure on serum reproductive hormones. Our results showed that (1) PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were positively associated with estradiol (E2) in both single and cumulative lag days, but were negatively associated with the ratio of Testosterone/E2 (the T/E2 ratio). NO2 was positively associated with estradiol at lag day 2 (95% CI: 0.290, 0.881; corrected P = 0.048) and lag 0-2 days (95% CI: 0.523, 1.337; corrected P = 0.003), with progesterone (P) at lag day 2 and lag day 3 (corrected P < 0.05). There was also a positive association between CO exposure and progesterone at lag day 2. (2) SO2 was inversely associated with E2 at lag day 3, 4 and lag 0-4 days, and progesterone at lag day 0, 1, 2 and lag 0-1, 0-2, 0-4 days, but positively associated with the T/E2 ratio at lag day 3, 4 and lag 0-4 days (corrected P < 0.05). O3 exposure was negatively associated with E2 at lag day 3 (95% CI: -0.216, -0.074, corrected P = 0.03). (3) No significant associations were found between the cumulative daily average air pollutant exposure of CO, O3 and hormone outcomes. This study suggests that short-term exposure to air pollutants may thus alter reproductive hormone levels, especially on serum estradiol, progesterone levels and the T/E2 ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Furong Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Zhan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenzheng Zhou
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Linping Huang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hongqiang Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Niya Zhou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hu J, Ge W, Xiao L, Zeng J, Lv J, Ding Z, Wang W, Duan H, Li F. Assessment of progesterone synthesis and its regulation role on dihydrotestosterone secretion in sheep epididymis. Gene 2021; 790:145699. [PMID: 33964380 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) is an anti-androgen compound whose role in sperm maturation and functionality remains unclear in sheep. Here, we aimed to investigate the regulation mechanism of P4 on the epididymal secretion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). To this end, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect P4 concentration as well as StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD expression in sheep epididymis. Besides, cauda epithelial cells were cultured at different concentrations of P4 (10-9-10-5 g ml-1) as well as with or without the P4 receptor (PGR) inhibitor RU486 (10-7 M) or the PI3K-AKT inhibitor LY294006 (10-7 M) to explore the effect of P4 on DHT secretion and the underlying regulatory mechanism. The results showed that the caput, corpus, and cauda of sheep epididymis could synthesize P4 but had different synthesis ability. The PGR expression levels were the highest in the cauda, followed by the corpus. In vitro cell culture showed that P4 inhibition of DHT secretion and 5α-reductase 1 and 2 expression in epididymal epithelial cells could be moderately mitigated by RU486 but not by LY294002. Our results indicated that the paracrine and autocrine P4 could affect the secretion of DHT in epididymal cells through PGR. Overall, this study provides new data regarding the involvement of P4 in sperm maturation and functionality in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlin Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianshu Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Fadi Li
- Animal Science and Technology College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sharif M, Kerns K, Sutovsky P, Bovin N, Miller DJ. Progesterone induces porcine sperm release from oviduct glycans in a proteasome-dependent manner. Reproduction 2021; 161:449-457. [PMID: 33589564 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the oviduct retains sperm, forming a reservoir from which they are released in synchrony with ovulation. However, the mechanisms underlying sperm release are unclear. Herein, we first examined in greater detail the release of sperm from the oviduct reservoir by sex steroids, and secondly, if the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) mediates this release in vitro. Sperm were allowed to bind to oviductal cells or immobilized oviduct glycans, either bi-SiaLN or a suLeX, and channeled with steroids in the presence or absence of proteasome inhibitors. Previously, we have demonstrated progesterone-induced sperm release from oviduct cells and immobilized glycans in a steroid-specific manner. Herein, we found that the release of sperm from an immobilized oviduct glycan, a six-sialylated branched structure, and from immobilized fibronectin was inhibited by the CatSper blocker NNC 055-0396, akin to the previously reported ability of NNC 055-0396 to inhibit sperm release from another oviduct glycan, sulfated Lewis-X trisaccharide. Thus, CatSper may be required for release of sperm from a variety of adhesion systems. One possible mechanism for sperm release is that glycan receptors on sperm are degraded by proteasomes or shed from the sperm surface by proteasomal degradation. Accordingly, the inhibition of proteasomal degradation blocked sperm release from oviduct cell aggregates both immobilized oviduct glycans as well as fibronectin. In summary, progesterone-induced sperm release requires both active CatSper channels and proteasomal degradation, suggesting that hyperactivation and proteolysis are vital parts of the mechanism by which sperm move from the oviduct reservoir to the site of fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Momal Sharif
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Characterization of Estrogenic Activity and Site-Specific Accumulation of Bisphenol-A in Epididymal Fat Pad: Interfering Effects on the Endocannabinoid System and Temporal Progression of Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052540. [PMID: 33802611 PMCID: PMC7961766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work has been to characterize the estrogenic activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating germ cell progression. Male offspring exposed to BPA during the foetal-perinatal period at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level were used to investigate the exposure effects in adulthood. Results showed that BPA accumulates specifically in epididymal fat rather than in abdominal fat and targets testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 aromatase, thus promoting sustained increase of estrogens and a decrease of testosterone. The exposure to BPA affects the expression levels of some ECS components, namely type-1 (CB1) and type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptor and monoacylglycerol-lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, it affects the temporal progression of germ cells reported to be responsive to ECS and promotes epithelial germ cell exfoliation. In particular, it increases the germ cell content (i.e., spermatogonia while reducing spermatocytes and spermatids), accelerates progression of spermatocytes and spermatids, promotes epithelial detachment of round and condensed spermatids and interferes with expression of cell–cell junction genes (i.e., zonula occcludens protein-1, vimentin and β-catenin). Altogether, our study provides evidence that early exposure to BPA produces in adulthood sustained and site-specific BPA accumulation in epididymal fat, becoming a risk factor for the reproductive endocrine pathways associated to ECS.
Collapse
|
18
|
Olaniyan OT, Dare A, Okotie GE, Adetunji CO, Ibitoye BO, Eweoya O, Dare JB, Okoli BJ. Ovarian odorant-like biomolecules in promoting chemotaxis behavior of spermatozoa olfactory receptors during migration, maturation, and fertilization. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-020-00049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Studies have shown that olfactory receptor genes are the largest in the human genome, which are significantly expressed in olfactory and non-olfactory tissues such as the reproductive systems where they perform many important biological functions.
Main body
There is growing evidence that bioactive metabolites from the ovary, follicular fluid, and other parts of the female reproductive tract signal the sperm through a series of signal transduction cascades that regulate sperm migration, maturation, and fertilization processes. Several studies have highlighted the role of G-protein-coupled receptors in these cellular processes. Thus, we aimed to summarize the existing evidence describing the physiological role of most prominent exogenous and endogenous biomolecules found in the female reproductive organ in enhancing the chemotaxis behavior of spermatozoa during migration, maturation, and fertilization and also to elucidate the pathological implications of its dysfunctions and the clinical significance in human fertility.
Short conclusion
In the future, drugs and molecules can be designed to activate these receptors on sperm to facilitate fertility among infertile couples and use as contraceptives.
Collapse
|
19
|
Bunay J, Gallardo LM, Torres-Fuentes JL, Aguirre-Arias MV, Orellana R, Sepúlveda N, Moreno RD. A decrease of docosahexaenoic acid in testes of mice fed a high-fat diet is associated with impaired sperm acrosome reaction and fertility. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:306-313. [PMID: 33269725 PMCID: PMC8152421 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_76_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major worldwide health problem that is related to most chronic diseases, including male infertility. Owing to its wide impact on health, mechanisms underlying obesity-related infertility remain unknown. In this study, we report that mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for over 2 months showed reduced fertility rates and increased germ cell apoptosis, seminiferous tubule degeneration, and decreased intratesticular estradiol (E2) and E2-to-testosterone ratio. Interestingly, we also detected a decrease in testicular fatty acid levels, behenic acid (C22:0), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), which may be related to the production of dysfunctional spermatozoa. Overall, we did not detect any changes in the frequency of seminiferous tubule stages, sperm count, or rate of in vitro capacitation. However, there was an increase in spontaneous and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis (acrosome reaction) in spermatozoa from HFD-fed mice. These data suggest that a decrease in E2 and fatty acid levels influences spermatogenesis and some steps of acrosome biogenesis that will have consequences for fertilization. Thus, our results add new evidence about the adverse effect of obesity in male reproduction and suggest that the acrosomal reaction can also be affected under this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Bunay
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Luz-Maria Gallardo
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge Luis Torres-Fuentes
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - M Verónica Aguirre-Arias
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Renan Orellana
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Bernardo O Higgins, Santiago 8370854, Chile
| | - Néstor Sepúlveda
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology of Reproduction, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang X, Kang H, Peng L, Song D, Jiang X, Li Y, Chen H, Zeng X. Pentachlorophenol inhibits CatSper function to compromise progesterone's action on human sperm. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 259:127493. [PMID: 32622245 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a highly toxic contaminant of chlorophenols, is common in a variety of environments and presents serious risks to animal and human health. However, the reproductive toxicity and potential actions of PCP have not been investigated thoroughly, especially in humans. Here, human spermatozoa were used to evaluate the effect of PCP on cell function and to explore the underlying mechanisms. PCP had no substantive effects on sperm viability or motility, nor on the ability to penetrate viscous medium, sperm hyperactivation or spontaneous acrosome reactions. However, PCP significantly inhibited these properties induced by progesterone (P4). Consistent with the functional observations, although PCP itself did not affect the basal intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and CatSper current, PCP dose-dependently inhibited increases of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations caused by P4. In addition, the activation of CatSper induced by P4 was largely suppressed by PCP. This is the first report showing that PCP may serves as an antagonist of the P4 membrane receptor to interfere with Ca2+ signaling by compromising the action of P4 on regulating sperm function. These findings suggest that the reproductive toxicity of PCP should also be a matter of concern as a mammalian health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Zhang
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Lizhong Peng
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, PR China
| | - Dandan Song
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Yanting Li
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Houyang Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Elango K, Kumaresan A, Sharma A, Nag P, Prakash MA, Sinha MK, Manimaran A, Peter ESKJ, Jeyakumar S, Selvaraju S, Ramesha KP, Datta TK. Sub-fertility in crossbred bulls: deciphering testicular level transcriptomic alterations between zebu (Bos indicus) and crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) bulls. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:502. [PMID: 32693775 PMCID: PMC7372791 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of poor semen quality and sub-fertility/infertility is higher in crossbred as compared to Zebu males. Several attempts have been made to understand the possible reasons for higher incidence of fertility problems in crossbred males, at sperm phenotype, proteome and genome level but with variable results. Since the quality of the ejaculated spermatozoa is determined by the testicular environment, assessing the testicular transcriptome between these breeds would help in identifying the possible mechanisms associated with infertility in crossbred bulls. However, such information is not available. We performed global transcriptomic profiling of testicular tissue from crossbred and Zebu bulls using Agilent Bos taurus GXP 8X60k AMADID: 29411 array. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the testicular mRNAs between crossbred and Zebu bulls. RESULTS Out of the 14,419 transcripts detected in bovine testis, 1466 were differentially expressed between crossbred and Zebu bulls, in which 1038 were upregulated and 428 were downregulated in crossbred bulls. PI4KB and DPY19L2 genes, reported to be involved in sperm capacitation and acrosome formation respectively, were among the top 10 downregulated transcripts in crossbred testis. Genes involved in ubiquitination and proteolysis were upregulated, while genes involved in cell proliferation, stem cell differentiation, stem cell population maintenance, steroidogenesis, WNT signalling, protein localization to plasma membrane, endocannabinoid signalling, heparin binding, cAMP metabolism and GABA receptor activity were downregulated in crossbred testis. Among the 10 genes validated using qPCR, expression of CCNYL, SOX2, MSMB, SPATA7, TNP1, TNP2 and CRISP2 followed the same trend as observed in microarray analysis with SPATA7 being significantly downregulated and transition proteins (TNP1, TNP2) being significantly upregulated in crossbred bulls. CONCLUSIONS Abundant proteolysis by ubiquitination and downregulation of WNT signaling, cell proliferation, differentiation and steroidogenesis might be associated with higher incidence of poor semen quality and/or sub-fertility/infertility in crossbred bulls as compared to Zebu bulls. Downregulation of SPATA7 (Spermatogenesis Associated 7) and upregulation of transition proteins (TNP1 and TNP2) in crossbred bull testis might be associated with impaired spermatogenesis processes including improper chromatin compaction in crossbred bulls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India.
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Mani Arul Prakash
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Ayyasamy Manimaran
- Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Ebenezer Samuel King John Peter
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Sakthivel Jeyakumar
- Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Kerekoppa P Ramesha
- Southern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560030, India
| | - Tirtha K Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132 001, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Saymé N, Dite L, Krebs T, Kljajić M, Maas DHA. Positive effect of progesterone on motility and velocity of fresh, vitrified without permeable cryoprotectants and frozen with permeable cryoprotectants human spermatozoa. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13133. [PMID: 30225900 DOI: 10.1111/and.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormone progesterone has been found to play an important role in the migration of spermatozoa through the reproductive tract, as well as to induce hyperactive motility and increase sperm velocity. The aim of this study was to examine whether progesterone could induce beneficial effects in vitrified and slow-frozen spermatozoa. During the research process, 50 semen samples were divided into three treatment groups; noncryopreserved, slow-freezing and vitrification. After thawing and an incubation period of 2 hr to induce capacitation, semen samples from each treatment group were treated with 50 nM, 25 nM progesterone and a control solution for 30 min. Thereafter, the sperm suspensions were examined manually to assess the proportion of viable and motile spermatozoa, as well as using the CASA to evaluate the velocity parameters. The results indicated a higher proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa in vitrified teratozoospermic samples and improved velocity parameters in slow-frozen normozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples. The main conclusion of this research was that the used progesterone concentration of 50 nM was sufficient to significantly improve the motility of vitrified teratozoospermic samples and velocity parameters of cryopreserved sperm samples. The present findings might have important implications in determining ways of improving the current low rates of motility in cryopreserved spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Saymé
- IVF Laboratory Department, Team Kinderwunsch Hannover Aegidientorplatz, 2b, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Dite
- IVF Laboratory Department, Kinderwunsch Praxis München Nord, Garching bei München, Germany.,UNI for LIFE Department, Karl Franz University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Krebs
- IVF Laboratory Department, Team Kinderwunsch Hannover Aegidientorplatz, 2b, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marija Kljajić
- IVF Laboratory Department, Team Kinderwunsch Hannover Aegidientorplatz, 2b, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dieter H A Maas
- IVF Laboratory Department, Team Kinderwunsch Hannover Aegidientorplatz, 2b, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ramírez-Reveco A, Villarroel-Espíndola F, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Concha II. Neuronal signaling repertoire in the mammalian sperm functionality. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:505-524. [PMID: 28339693 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The common embryonic origin has been a recurrent explanation to understand the presence of "neural receptors" in sperm. However, this designation has conditioned a bias marked by the classical neurotransmission model, dismissing the possibility that neurotransmitters can play specific roles in the sperm function by themselves. For instance, the launching of acrosome reaction, a fundamental sperm function, includes several steps that recall the process of presynaptic secretion. Unlike of postsynaptic neuron, whose activation is mediated by molecular interaction between neurotransmitter and postsynaptic receptors, the oocyte activation is not mediated by receptors, but by cytosolic translocation of sperm phospholipase (PLCζ). Thus, the sperm has a cellular design to access and activate the oocyte and restore the ploidy of the species by an "allogenic pronuclear fusion." At subcellular level, the events controlling sperm function, particularly the capacitation process, are activated by chemical signals that trigger ion fluxes, sterol oxidation, synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, protein kinase A activation, tyrosine phosphorylations and calcium signaling, which correspond to second messengers similar to those associated with exocytosis and growth cone guidance in neurons. Classically, the sperm function associated with neural signals has been analyzed as a unidimensional approach (single ligand-receptor effect). However, the in vivo sperm are exposed to multidimensional signaling context, for example, the GABAergic, monoaminergic, purinergic, cholinergic, and melatoninergic, to name a few. The aim of this review is to present an overview of sperm functionality associated with "neuronal signaling" and possible cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in their regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ramírez-Reveco
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Franz Villarroel-Espíndola
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Department of Pathology and Pediatric Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Unitat de Reproducció Animal, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ilona I Concha
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Götz V, Qiao S, Beck A, Boehm U. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel function in the reproductive axis. Cell Calcium 2017; 67:138-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
25
|
Ayala EME, Aragón MA. Effect of sexual steroids on boar kinematic sperm subpopulations. Cytometry A 2017; 91:1096-1103. [PMID: 28940889 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Here, we show the effects of sexual steroids, progesterone, testosterone, or estradiol on motility parameters of boar sperm. Sixteen commercial seminal doses, four each of four adult boars, were analyzed using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Mean values of motility parameters were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA), followed by hierarchical clustering, was applied on data of motility parameters, provided automatically as intervals by the CASA system. Effects of sexual steroids were described in the kinematic subpopulations identified from multivariate statistics. Mean values of motility parameters were not significantly changed after addition of sexual steroids. Multivariate graphics showed that sperm subpopulations were not sensitive to the addition of either testosterone or estradiol, but sperm subpopulations responsive to progesterone were found. Distribution of motility parameters were wide in controls but sharpened at distinct concentrations of progesterone. We conclude that kinematic sperm subpopulations responsive to progesterone are present in boar semen, and these subpopulations are masked in evaluations of mean values of motility parameters. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E M E Ayala
- Laboratorio de Pubertad, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, UNAM. AP 9-020, Unidad de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, Distrito Federal, CP 15000, México
| | - M A Aragón
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, C.P. 54090, México
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Diao R, Wang T, Fok KL, Li X, Ruan Y, Yu MK, Cheng Y, Chen Y, Chen H, Mou L, Cai X, Wang Y, Cai Z, Zeng X, Chan HC. CCR6 is required for ligand-induced CatSper activation in human sperm. Oncotarget 2017; 8:91445-91458. [PMID: 29207656 PMCID: PMC5710936 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CatSper channel has been considered the principal sperm Ca2+ channel responsible for the cytosolic Ca2+ elevation required for various sperm functions necessary for fertilization [1–4]. However, the mechanism underlying the activation of CatSper channel by various physiological ligands remain incompletely understood. We have recently demonstrated the expression of C-C chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in sperm and Ca2+ influx upon binding of human β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) to CCR6, which is important for sperm motility [5]. In the present study, we have demonstrated that CCR6 receptor and CatSper channel are both required for the Ca2+ entry/current induced by physiological ligands DEFB1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) and progesterone in human sperm. CCR6 is co-localized and interacts with CatSper in human sperm. Ca2+ influx mediated by CCR6 and CatSper is required for essential sperm functions, including motility, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction, which are impaired in infertile sperm showing reduced levels of CCR6 and CatSper. The present finding suggests a critical role of CCR6 receptor in mediating ligand-induced, CatSper-dependent Ca2+ influx required for various sperm functions and thus male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yechun Ruan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yimin Cheng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueyong Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nait Mouloud M, Ouennoughi F, Yaiche L, Kaidi R, Iguer-ouada M. Effects of female bovine plasma collected at different days of the estrous cycle on epididymal spermatozoa motility. Theriogenology 2017; 91:44-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
28
|
Xu W, Wang K, Chen Y, Liang XT, Yu MK, Yue H, Tierney ML. Sperm gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor delta subunit (GABRD) and its interaction with purinergic P2X 2 receptors in progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and male fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:2060-2072. [PMID: 28190421 DOI: 10.1071/rd16294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying the non-genomic action of progesterone in sperm functions and related Ca2+ mobilisation remains elusive. Herein we report the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor delta subunit (GABRD) in human and rodent sperm and its involvement in mediating the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. GABRD was localised in the sperm head/neck region. A δ(392-422)-specific inhibitory peptide against GABRD blocked the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and the associated increase in intracellular Ca2+. Similarly, an inhibitory effect against both progesterone-induced Ca2+ influx and the acrosome reaction was observed with a P2X2 receptor antagonist. The lack of synergism between the GABRD and P2X2 inhibitors suggests that these two receptors are playing a role in the same pathway. Furthermore, a co-immunoprecipitation experiment demonstrated that GABRD could undergo protein-protein interactions with the Ca2+-conducting P2X2 receptor. This interaction between the receptors could be reduced following progesterone (10μM) inducement. Significantly reduced GABRD expression was observed in spermatozoa from infertile patients with reduced acrosome reaction capacity, suggesting that normal expression of GABRD is critical for the sperm acrosome reaction and thus male fertility. The results of the present study indicate that GABRD represents a novel progesterone receptor or modulator in spermatozoa that is responsible for the progesterone-induced Ca2+ influx required for the acrosome reaction through its interaction with the P2X2 receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, (Sichuan University), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Lanlu, 3 duan, No.17, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ke Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, (Sichuan University), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Lanlu, 3 duan, No.17, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, (Sichuan University), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Lanlu, 3 duan, No.17, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiao Tong Liang
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, (Sichuan University), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Lanlu, 3 duan, No.17, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huanxun Yue
- Andrology clinic, Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - M Louise Tierney
- Membrane Physiology and Ion Channel Signalling Group, Division of Translational Bioscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Building 54, Ward and Garran Roads, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
López-Torres AS, González-González ME, Mata-Martínez E, Larrea F, Treviño CL, Chirinos M. Luteinizing hormone modulates intracellular calcium, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and motility during human sperm capacitation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:834-839. [PMID: 28063926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to fertilize, spermatozoa must undergo physiological and biochemical changes during their transit along the female reproductive tract before reaching and fusing with the oocyte, process known as capacitation. Sperm modifications associated with capacitation are modulated by their interaction with molecules present in the female reproductive tract. During the woman fertile window, some reproductive hormones reach their maximum concentrations in serum, such as the luteinizing hormone (LH). Since spermatozoa preparing to fertilize may be exposed to LH, the purpose of this work was to study the effects of this hormone on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), protein tyrosine phosphorylation, sperm motility and acrosome reaction under capacitating conditions. The results showed that LH increases the duration and amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations. Furthermore, motility analysis indicated that LH decreases rapid progressive motility and that sperm hyperactivation as well as several kinetic parameters augment in the presence of 0.5 and 1 μg/ml of the hormone. In addition, these two hormone concentrations also consistently promoted protein tyrosine phosphorylation. However, no effects on acrosome reaction were observed. In conclusion, the evidence indicates that LH modulates several sperm function variables involved in capacitation, suggesting that may have an important and unexplored role during human fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aideé S López-Torres
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María E González-González
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
López-Torres AS, Chirinos M. Modulation of Human Sperm Capacitation by Progesterone, Estradiol, and Luteinizing Hormone. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:193-201. [PMID: 27071965 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116641766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sperm residency in female reproductive tract is essential to undergo functional changes that allow the cell to encounter the oocyte and fertilize it. Those changes, known as capacitation, are modulated by molecules located in the uterotubal surface and fluids. During the fertile window, there is a notable increase in some reproductive hormones such as progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone in the female reproductive tract, so spermatozoa are exposed to these hormones in an environment that must favor gamete encountering and fusion. This spatiotemporal coincidence suggests that they are suitable candidates to modulate sperm function in order to synchronize the events that ultimately allow the success of fertilization. The presence of receptors for these hormones in the human sperm has been described, but their physiological relevance and mechanisms of action have been either subject of controversy or not properly investigated. This review intends to summarize the evidence that support the participation of these hormones in the regulation of sperm capacitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aideé Saray López-Torres
- 1 Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, Mexico.,2 Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- 1 Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Generation of Gradients on a Microfluidic Device: Toward a High-Throughput Investigation of Spermatozoa Chemotaxis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142555. [PMID: 26555941 PMCID: PMC4640579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Various research tools have been used for in vitro detection of sperm chemotaxis. However, they are typically poor in maintenance of gradient stability, not to mention their low efficiency. Microfluidic device offers a new experimental platform for better control over chemical concentration gradient than traditional ones. In the present study, an easy-handle diffusion-based microfluidic chip was established. This device allowed for conduction of three parallel experiments on the same chip, and improved the performance of sperm chemotaxis research. In such a chip, there were six channels surrounding a hexagonal pool. The channels are connected to the hexagon by microchannels. Firstly, the fluid flow in the system was characterized; secondly, fluorescein solution was used to calibrate gradient profiles formed in the central hexagon; thirdly, sperm behavior was observed under two concentration gradients of progesterone (100 pM and 1 mM, respectively) as a validation of the device. Significant differences in chemotactic parameters were recognized between experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Compared with control group, sperm motility was greatly enhanced in 1 mM group (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in 100 pM group. In conclusion, we proposed a microfluidic device for the study of sperm chemotaxis that was capable of generating multi-channel gradients on a chip and would help reduce experimental errors and save time in experiment.
Collapse
|
32
|
Kumar A, Kumari S, Majhi RK, Swain N, Yadav M, Goswami C. Regulation of TRP channels by steroids: Implications in physiology and diseases. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 220:23-32. [PMID: 25449179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
While effects of different steroids on the gene expression and regulation are well established, it is proven that steroids can also exert rapid non-genomic actions in several tissues and cells. In most cases, these non-genomic rapid effects of steroids are actually due to intracellular mobilization of Ca(2+)- and other ions suggesting that Ca(2+) channels are involved in such effects. Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels or TRPs are the largest group of non-selective and polymodal ion channels which cause Ca(2+)-influx in response to different physical and chemical stimuli. While non-genomic actions of different steroids on different ion channels have been established to some extent, involvement of TRPs in such functions is largely unexplored. In this review, we critically analyze the literature and summarize how different steroids as well as their metabolic precursors and derivatives can exert non-genomic effects by acting on different TRPs qualitatively and/or quantitatively. Such effects have physiological repercussion on systems such as in sperm cells, immune cells, bone cells, neuronal cells and many others. Different TRPs are also endogenously expressed in diverse steroid-producing tissues and thus may have importance in steroid synthesis as well, a process which is tightly controlled by the intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. Tissue and cell-specific expression of TRP channels are also regulated by different steroids. Understanding of the crosstalk between TRP channels and different steroids may have strong significance in physiological, endocrinological and pharmacological context and in future these compounds can also be used as potential biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- School of Biology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751005, India
| | - Shikha Kumari
- School of Biology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751005, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Majhi
- School of Biology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751005, India
| | - Nirlipta Swain
- School of Biology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751005, India
| | - Manoj Yadav
- School of Biology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751005, India
| | - Chandan Goswami
- School of Biology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ko JKY, Huang VW, Li RHW, Yeung WSB, Ho PC, Chiu PCN. An in vitro study of the effect of mifepristone and ulipristal acetate on human sperm functions. Andrology 2014; 2:868-74. [PMID: 25168311 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00261.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ulipristal acetate (UPA) and mifepristone are currently well-established agents for emergency contraception. Both drugs are selective progestogen receptor modulators which have been shown to have better efficacy than the widely used levonorgestrel in prevention of pregnancy. However, there is only limited information on the action of UPA on sperm function. The present study compared the in vitro biological effects of mifepristone and UPA on human sperm functions. Spermatozoa from semen samples with normal semen parameters were isolated. Capacitated spermatozoa were pre-incubated with 0.04, 0.4, 4 and 40 μM mifepristone or UPA for 1 h. Sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity, capacitation, spontaneous acrosome reaction, spontaneous hyperactivation, zona pellucida (ZP) binding capability and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) were determined. The effects of mifepristone and UPA on progesterone-induced acrosome reaction, hyperactivation and [Ca(2+)]i were also studied. Our results showed that mifepristone and UPA dose-dependently suppressed progesterone-induced acrosome reaction, hyperactivation and [Ca(2+)]i at concentrations ≥0.4 μM in human spermatozoa. Both compounds did not affect sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity, capacitation, spontaneous acrosome reaction, spontaneous hyperactivation, ZP binding capability and [Ca(2+)]i. This study demonstrated that UPA and mifepristone modulate human sperm functions by acting as progesterone antagonists. The results enable us to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms by which mifepristone and UPA work for emergency contraception, and provide a scientific basis for their clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J K Y Ko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kotarska K, Galas J, Przybyło M, Bilińska B, Styrna J. Increased progesterone production in cumulus-oocyte complexes of female mice sired by males with the Y-chromosome long arm deletion and its potential influence on fertilization efficiency. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:242-9. [PMID: 24899473 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114537717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It was revealed previously that B10.BR(Y(del)) females sired by males with the Y-chromosome long arm deletion differ from genetically identical B10.BR females sired by males with the intact Y chromosome. This is interpreted as a result of different epigenetic information which females of both groups inherit from their fathers. In the following study, we show that cumulus-oocyte complexes ovulated by B10.BR(Y(del)) females synthesize increased amounts of progesterone, which is important sperm stimulator. Because their extracellular matrix is excessively firm, the increased progesterone secretion belongs presumably to factors that compensate this feature enabling unchanged fertilization ratios. Described compensatory mechanism can act only on sperm of high quality, presenting proper receptors. Indeed, low proportion of sperm of Y(del) males that poorly fertilize B10.BR(Y(del)) oocytes demonstrates positive staining of membrane progesterone receptors. This proportion is significantly higher for sperm of control males that fertilize B10.BR(Y(del)) and B10.BR oocytes with the same efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kotarska
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Galas
- Department of Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Chair of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Przybyło
- Department of Glycoconjugate Biochemistry, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Chair of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Józefa Styrna
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hermanny A, de Nascimento J, Fazano F, Munuce MJ, Bahamondes L. Effect of levonorgestrel as emergency contraception on spermatozoa function: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eog.12.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
36
|
Ghoraeian P, Mozdarani H, Aleyasin A, Alizadeh-Nili H. Frequency of sex chromosomal disomy in spermatozoa of normal and oligozoospermic Iranian patients and its effects on fertilisation and implantation rates after ICSI. Andrologia 2012; 45:46-55. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2012.01309.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Ghoraeian
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran; Iran
| | - Hossein Mozdarani
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran; Iran
| | - A. Aleyasin
- Department of Infertility; Shariati Hospital; Tehran; Iran
| | - H. Alizadeh-Nili
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran; Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Caille AM, Berta CL, Cuasnicú PS, Munuce MJ. Peritoneal fluid modifies the response of human spermatozoa to follicular fluid. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 24:466-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
38
|
Hermanny A, Bahamondes MV, Fazano F, Marchi NM, Ortiz ME, Genghini MHRR, Croxatto HB, Bahamondes L. In vitro assessment of some sperm function following exposure to levonorgestrel in human fallopian tubes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:8. [PMID: 22289514 PMCID: PMC3395846 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of action of levonorgestrel (LNG) as emergency contraception (EC) remains a subject of debate and its effect on sperm function has been only partially explained. The aim of this study was to assess whether LNG at a similar dose to those found in serum following oral intake for EC could affect spermatozoa when exposed to human fallopian tubes in vitro. METHODS Fifteen mini-laparotomies were performed, the side on which ovulation occurred was recorded, and both tubes were removed and perfused with a suspension containing 1 × 10(6) motile spermatozoa, with or without LNG. Following 4-hour incubation, the tubes were sectioned to separate the isthmus and the ampulla. Each segment was flushed and the material was evaluated to quantify the number of motile sperm, the number of spermatozoa adhering to the oviductal epithelium and the acrosome reaction (AR) rate. RESULTS The addition of LNG did not significantly alter the number of recovered motile spermatozoa either at the isthmus or at the ampulla, nor did it have any effect on the number of recovered spermatozoa adhered to the human tubal epithelium. Furthermore, LNG did not affect the AR rate. No significant differences were found even when the side on which ovulation occurred was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS In a similar dose to that observed in serum following oral intake for EC, LNG had no effect on the number of motile spermatozoa recovered from the human fallopian tubes in vitro, on their adhesion to the tubal epithelium, distribution or AR rate. The possible effect of LNG as EC on sperm function remains poorly understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Hermanny
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - M Valeria Bahamondes
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Fazano
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Nadia M Marchi
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Heloisa RR Genghini
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Horacio B Croxatto
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Bahamondes
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Arienti G, Mazzoni M, Spapperi C, Saccardi C, Palmerini CA. Effect of FSH and progesterone on human spermatozoa cytosolic calcium. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 120:180-3. [PMID: 20417711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculated spermatozoa must undergo a number of modifications before fertilizing the oocyte: among these the capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Calcium signals play an essential role in these functional and structural modifications. Mature spermatozoa have few organelles and a very small cytoplasmic volume but maintain the homeostasis of [Ca(2+)](c) with great accuracy. We study Ca(2+) mobilization in human spermatozoa exposed to FSH and progesterone by measuring the [Ca(2+)](c) with the FURA-2AM method and report for the first time that the exposure to FSH (up to 98ng/ml) produced an increase of [Ca(2+)](c) to an extent comparable to that observed with 1muM progesterone. FSH and progesterone increase the spermatozoa [Ca(2+)](c) by acting primarily on calcium entry from the external medium. The effects of the two hormones on [Ca(2+)](c) were similar but not identical; the pre-treatment of progesterone blocks the effects of FSH, but not vice-versa. The increase of [Ca(2+)](c) due to FSH was more sensitive to nifedipine (VOCCs inhibitor) than that of progesterone. The effects of these hormones on calcium homeostasis may be relevant for sperm activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Arienti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Internal Medicine, Via del Giochetto, 06127 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chen SX, Bogerd J, García-López A, de Jonge H, de Waal PP, Hong WS, Schulz RW. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a zebrafish nuclear progesterone receptor. Biol Reprod 2009; 82:171-81. [PMID: 19741208 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Progestagenic sex steroid hormones play critical roles in reproduction across vertebrates, including teleost fish. To further our understanding of how progesterone modulates testis functions in fish, we set out to clone a progesterone receptor (pgr) cDNA exhibiting nuclear hormone receptor features from zebrafish testis. The open reading frame of pgr consists of 1854 bp, coding for a 617-amino acid-long protein showing the highest similarity with other piscine Pgr proteins. Functional characterization of the receptor expressed in mammalian cells revealed that zebrafish Pgr exhibited progesterone-specific, dose-dependent induction of reporter gene expression, with 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP), a typical piscine progesterone, showing the highest potency. Expression of pgr mRNA: 1) appeared in embryos at 8 h after fertilization; 2) was significantly higher in developing ovary than in early transforming testis at 4 wk of age but vice versa in young adults at 12 wk of age, and thus resembling the expression pattern of the germ cell marker piwil1; and, 3) was restricted to Leydig and Sertoli cells in adult testis. Zebrafish testicular explants released DHP concentration dependently in response to high concentrations of recombinant zebrafish gonadotropins. In addition, DHP stimulated 11-ketotestosterone release from zebrafish testicular explants, but only in the presence of its immediate precursor, 11 beta-hydroxytestosterone. This stimulatory activity was blocked by a Pgr antagonist (RU486), suggesting that 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was stimulated by DHP via Pgr. Our data suggest that DHP contributes to the regulation of Leydig cell steroidogenesis, and potentially--via Sertoli cells--also to germ cell differentiation in zebrafish testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi X Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Department of Oceanography, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nixon B, Bielanowicz A, Mclaughlin EA, Tanphaichitr N, Ensslin MA, Aitken RJ. Composition and significance of detergent resistant membranes in mouse spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2009; 218:122-34. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
42
|
Tartaglione C, Ritta M. On the presence of 3H-GABA uptake mechanism in bovine spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 108:247-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2007.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2006] [Accepted: 08/20/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
43
|
Progesterone from the cumulus cells is the sperm chemoattractant secreted by the rabbit oocyte cumulus complex. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3040. [PMID: 18725941 PMCID: PMC2515641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 08/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis in mammals have been identified towards several female sources as follicular fluid (FF), oviduct fluid, and conditioned medium from the cumulus oophorus (CU) and the oocyte (O). Though several substances were confirmed as sperm chemoattractant, Progesterone (P) seems to be the best chemoattractant candidate, because: 1) spermatozoa express a cell surface P receptor, 2) capacitated spermatozoa are chemotactically attracted in vitro by gradients of low quantities of P; 3) the CU cells produce and secrete P after ovulation; 4) a gradient of P may be kept stable along the CU; and 5) the most probable site for sperm chemotaxis in vivo could be near and/or inside the CU. The aim of this study was to verify whether P is the sperm chemoattractant secreted by the rabbit oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC) in the rabbit, as a mammalian animal model. By means of videomicroscopy and computer image analysis we observed that only the CU are a stable source of sperm attractants. The CU produce and secrete P since the hormone was localized inside these cells by immunocytochemistry and in the conditioned medium by enzyme immunoassay. In addition, rabbit spermatozoa express a cell surface P receptor detected by western blot and localized over the acrosomal region by immunocytochemistry. To confirm that P is the sperm chemoattractant secreted by the CU, the sperm chemotactic response towards the OCC conditioned medium was inhibited by three different approaches: P from the OCC conditioned medium was removed with an anti-P antibody, the attractant gradient of the OCC conditioned medium was disrupted by a P counter gradient, and the sperm P receptor was blocked with a specific antibody. We concluded that only the CU but not the oocyte secretes P, and the latter chemoattract spermatozoa by means of a cell surface receptor. Our findings may be of interest in assisted reproduction procedures in humans, animals of economic importance and endangered species.
Collapse
|
44
|
Abid S, Gokral J, Maitra A, Meherji P, Kadam S, Pires E, Modi D. Altered expression of progesterone receptors in testis of infertile men. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 17:175-84. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60192-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
45
|
Teves ME, Barbano F, Guidobaldi HA, Sanchez R, Miska W, Giojalas LC. Progesterone at the picomolar range is a chemoattractant for mammalian spermatozoa. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:745-9. [PMID: 16784744 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.02.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2005] [Revised: 02/03/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
By means of a videomicroscopy system and a computer image analysis, we performed chemotaxis assays to detect true chemotaxis in human spermatozoa, in parallel to immunohistochemistry detection of progesterone inside the cumulus cells. Progesterone indeed chemotactically guides mammalian spermatozoa at very low hormone concentrations, and the cumulus oophorus could be a potential place for sperm chemotaxis mediated by progesterone in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Teves
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Contrary to the prevalent view, there seems to be no competition in the mammalian female genital tract among large numbers of sperm cells that are racing towards the egg. Instead, small numbers of the ejaculated sperm cells enter the Fallopian tube, and these few must be guided to make the remaining long, obstructed way to the egg. Here, we review the mechanisms by which mammalian sperm cells are guided to the egg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eisenbach
- Department of Biological Chemistry, the Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Shah C, Modi D, Sachdeva G, Gadkar S, D'Souza S, Puri C. N-terminal region of progesterone receptor B isoform in human spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 28:360-71. [PMID: 16300669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00566.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone is known to act on human spermatozoa by an unidentified membrane receptor. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of transcripts of conventional progesterone receptor (PR) in sperm RNA; antibodies directed against the C-terminal region of the conventional PR recognize a protein in sperm extracts. The present study aimed at characterizing the sperm PR using probes unique to the N-terminal region of the PR-B isoform. PR-B transcripts that were homologous to the conventional PR were detected in sperm RNA and localized in the midpiece region. Using specific antibody against the N-terminal region of PR-B, strong immunoreactivity was observed on the acrosomal region of digitonin-treated spermatozoa; Western blot analysis revealed a single band of approximately 55 kDa. Immunogold labelling studies using the same antibody localized the protein at the inner acrosomal membrane of testicular spermatids. This antibody blocked the binding of fluorescent-tagged progesterone to digitonin-treated spermatozoa and inhibited the progesterone-mediated kinase activation. The results of the present study gives an insight to speculate that the sperm membrane PR may have homology at the N-terminal region of the conventional PR-B isoform, or the membrane PR protein may share structural motifs that allows progesterone binding and interactions with the antibodies against the conventional PR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Shah
- Primate Biology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400-012, Maharashtra, India
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cheng FP, Wu JT, Tsai PS, Chang CLT, Lee SL, Lee WM, Fazeli A. Effects of cryo-injury on progesterone receptor(s) of canine spermatozoa and its response to progesterone. Theriogenology 2005; 64:844-54. [PMID: 16054490 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2004] [Revised: 08/22/2004] [Accepted: 10/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The integrity of sperm progesterone (P4) receptor(s) and its response to steroid stimulation might be crucial for the maintenance of sperm fertilizing ability after cryopreservation. The aim of the current investigation was to study the effect of cryo-procedures on canine sperm P4 receptor(s). In addition, alteration of P4 receptor(s) at the molecular level and their functional integrity following cryo-procedures was evaluated. Fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples (n=6 same dogs) after capacitation were treated with 10 microg/mL P4 to induce the acrosome reaction (AR, FITC-PNA staining). Parallel samples were treated with 50% canine seminal plasma (SP) prior to AR induction with P4. The percentages of AR in capacitated fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples after treatment with P4 were 31.0+/-6.7 and 21.6+/-4.1% (P<0.05), respectively. The percentage of AR in fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples pretreated with SP and incubated with P4 was; 11.5+/-4.8 and 16.5+/-2.0% (P<0.05), respectively. The incidence of the spontaneous AR (P>0.05) in fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples at the onset (5.5+/-2.2 and 6.1+/-1.8%; respectively) and after a 2h (9.6+/-5.1 and 10.4+/-2.7%; respectively) capacitation, avoiding P4 stimulation, were not different. The percentage of progesterone-BSA-FITC staining over the acrosomal region was 18.3+/-10.3% in fresh semen, 36.0+/-11.9% in capacitated (P<0.05) and less than 5% in SP treated spermatozoa. This staining was barely visible in frozen-thawed spermatozoa regardless of capacitation status. In western blot analysis, mAb C262 recognized two bands (54 and 65 kDa). Digitonin treated fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa, labeled with [3H]-progesterone, revealed that the P4 binding capacity decreased from 6.0+/-4.4 in fresh to 3.0+/-2.1 nM in frozen-thawed spermatozoa. In nearly all samples tested (except one) 65 kDa protein band decreased significantly after freeze-thaw procedures while the 54kDa protein was increased. These results indicate that the reduced incidence of AR in response to P4 in frozen spermatozoa is possibly due to the conformational changes of P4 receptor(s) and/or reduced P4 receptor density derived from freezing injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Pang Cheng
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 250-1 Ko-Koung Rd, 402 Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Munuce MJ, Nascimento JAA, Rosano G, Faúndes A, Saboya-Brito K, Bahamondes L. In vitro effect of levonorgestrel on sperm fertilizing capacity and mouse embryo development. Contraception 2005; 72:71-6. [PMID: 15964296 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2004.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2004] [Revised: 11/24/2004] [Accepted: 12/16/2004] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess the expression of alpha-d-mannose binding sites in human spermatozoa, human sperm-oocyte interaction and the development of early stages of mouse embryo in the presence of levonorgestrel (LNG). Semen samples were obtained from 16 normozoospermic men. Spermatozoa were separated by Percoll gradient and incubated overnight for capacitation. The kinetic analysis of the expression of alpha-D-mannose binding sites was determined at 0, 4 and 22 h and in 22 h-capacitated spermatozoa that had been exposed to 1, 10 or 100 ng/mL of LNG or to a control medium for 30 min. Sperm binding sites for alpha-D-mannose were detected using commercial alpha-D-mannosylated bovine serum albumin conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. To evaluate sperm-oocyte interaction, each oocyte was placed in a 100-microL droplet containing one of the three doses of LNG or control medium and inseminated with 1.0 x 10(5) motile spermatozoa/mL, after which the number of bound spermatozoa was evaluated. A total of 157 two-cell embryos recovered from eight mice was pooled and assigned randomly to treatment (1, 10 or 100 ng/mL of LNG) or control groups. There was a significant increase in the expression of specific alpha-d-mannose binding sites (Patterns II and III) during the incubation of spermatozoa under capacitating conditions. In the presence of LNG, results showed that there was no significant difference in the expression of specific alpha-d-mannose binding sites (Patterns II and III) at any LNG concentration tested compared with those spermatozoa in control medium. None of the LNG concentrations were capable of modifying the number of spermatozoa tightly bound to the human zona pellucida. There was no association between the presence or absence of LNG or the different doses of LNG evaluated and mouse embryo development. In conclusion, the hypothesis that in vitro exposure to LNG could interfere with sperm function and could contribute to the mechanism of action of this form of contraception was not confirmed but cannot be ruled out by the results of this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María José Munuce
- Laboratory of Reproductive Studies, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Shah C, Modi D, Sachdeva G, Gadkar S, Puri C. Coexistence of intracellular and membrane-bound progesterone receptors in human testis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:474-83. [PMID: 15509639 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2004-0793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone and progesterone receptors (PR) play a crucial role in female reproduction, but their roles in male reproductive physiology are largely unknown. Our previous studies demonstrated the presence of a specific membrane-bound PR in mature human spermatozoa that is known to regulate important sperm functions. The present study was undertaken to determine whether there exist PR in human testis and to investigate their molecular characteristics and expression profiles. PR mRNA and protein were detected in the spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells, and occasionally the Leydig cells. PR protein was localized in nucleus and cytoplasm of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and round spermatids in a stage-specific manner. Intense PR localization was observed in stages IV and V, whereas it was low at stages I, II, and III of spermatogenesis. RT-PCR studies revealed the presence of transcripts for PR in human testis and spermatogenic cells. In accordance with the reported molecular sizes of the known isoforms of PR, two mRNA transcripts of 3.8 and 2.8 kb for PR in adult human testis and spermatogenic cell RNA were detected by Northern blot hybridization. Western blot analysis of testicular and spermatogenic cell lysates revealed two bands of 120 and 90 kDa, corresponding to the conventional PR. In these tissue lysates, an additional band of approximately 55 kDa was detected that was also observed as a single band in sperm lysates, indicating that this smaller protein may correspond to the membrane-bound PR. The membrane-bound PR protein was demonstrated on the spermatogenic cells when probed with progesterone-bound fluorescein conjugate. The results of the present study demonstrate the existence of both intracellular PR-B and PR-A mRNA and protein in the spermatogenic cells of the human testis. A membrane-bound PR was also localized in these cells. The varying levels of intracellular PR during different stages of spermatogenesis and the presence of the membrane-bound PR imply the significance of progesterone in male reproductive events such as regulation of spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Shah
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|