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Parvin A, Erabi G, Alemi A, Rezanezhad A, Maleksabet A, Sadeghpour S, Taheri-Anganeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H. Seminal plasma proteomics as putative biomarkers for male infertility diagnosis. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119757. [PMID: 38857670 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119757] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility represents a significant global public health issue that is currently emerging as a prominent research focus. Presently, laboratories adhere to the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) manuals for conducting routine semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, the accuracy of results in predicting sperm quality and fertility is limited because some individuals with a normal semen analysis report, an unremarkable medical history, and a physical examination may still experience infertility. As a result, the importance of employing more advanced techniques to investigate sperm function and male fertility in the treatment of male infertility and/or subfertility becomes apparent. The standard test for evaluating human semen has been improved by more complex tests that look at things like reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sperm DNA fragmentation levels, DNA compaction, apoptosis, genetic testing, and the presence and location of anti-sperm antibodies. Recent discoveries of novel biomarkers have significantly enriched our understanding of male fertility. Moreover, the notable biological diversity among samples obtained from the same individual complicates the efficacy of routine semen analysis. Therefore, unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in fertilization is pivotal in expanding our understanding of factors contributing to male infertility. By understanding how these proteins work and what role they play in sperm activity, we can look at the expression profile in men who can't have children to find diagnostic biomarkers. This review examines the various sperm and seminal plasma proteins associated with infertility, as well as proteins that are either deficient or exhibit aberrant expression, potentially contributing to male infertility causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Parvin
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Gisou Erabi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Alireza Alemi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arman Rezanezhad
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amir Maleksabet
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Mangione R, Pallisco R, Bilotta G, Marroni F, Di Pietro V, Capoccia E, Lazzarino G, Tavazzi B, Lazzarino G, Bilotta P, Amorini AM. Bilirubin Concentration in Follicular Fluid Is Increased in Infertile Females, Correlates with Decreased Antioxidant Levels and Increased Nitric Oxide Metabolites, and Negatively Affects Outcome Measures of In Vitro Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10707. [PMID: 37445884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we showed that various low-molecular-weight compounds in follicular fluid (FF) samples of control fertile females (CFF) have different concentrations compared to those found in FF of infertile females (IF), before and after their categorization into different subgroups, according to their clinical diagnosis of infertility. Using the same FF samples of this previous study, we here analyzed the FF concentrations of free and bound bilirubin and compared the results obtained in CFF, IF and the different subgroups of IF (endometriosis, EM, polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, age-related reduced ovarian reserve, AR-ROR, reduced ovarian reserve, ROR, genetic infertility, GI and unexplained infertility, UI). The results clearly indicated that CFF had lower values of free, bound and total bilirubin compared to the respective values measured in pooled IF. These differences were observed even when IF were categorized into EM, PCOS, AR-ROR, ROR, GI and UI, with EM and PCOS showing the highest values of free, bound and total bilirubin among the six subgroups. Using previous results of ascorbic acid, GSH and nitrite + nitrate measured in the same FF samples of the same FF donors, we found that total bilirubin in FF increased as a function of decreased values of ascorbic acid and GSH, and increased concentrations of nitrite + nitrate. The values of total bilirubin negatively correlated with the clinical parameters of fertilization procedures (number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, blastocysts, high-quality blastocysts) and with clinical pregnancies and birth rates. Bilirubin concentrations in FF were not linked to those found in serum samples of FF donors, thereby strongly suggesting that its over production was due to higher activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the key enzyme responsible for bilirubin formation, in granulosa cells, or cumulus cells or oocytes of IF and ultimately leading to bilirubin accumulation in FF. Since increased activity of HO-1 is one of the main enzymatic intracellular mechanisms of defense towards external insults (oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation), and since we found correlations among bilirubin and oxidative/nitrosative stress in these FF samples, it may reasonably be supposed that bilirubin increase in FF of IF is the result of protracted exposures to the aforementioned insults evidently playing relevant roles in female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Mangione
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Rome, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Pallisco
- Laboratory of Andrology and Embriology, Alma Res Fertility Center, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bilotta
- Laboratory of Andrology and Embriology, Alma Res Fertility Center, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Marroni
- Laboratory of Andrology and Embriology, Alma Res Fertility Center, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Pietro
- Neurotrauma and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Elena Capoccia
- Laboratory of Andrology and Embriology, Alma Res Fertility Center, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
- LTA-Biotech srl, Viale Don Orione 3D, 95047 Paternò, Italy
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Bilotta
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alma Res Fertility Center, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Kumar N, Deepthi KN, Padugupati S, Ghose S, Narang R. Seminal plasma testis expressed sequence (TEX)-101 as a biomarker for the qualitative assessment of male factor infertility: A case-control study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 287:221-226. [PMID: 37390755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to assess the role of seminal plasma Testis Expressed Sequence (TEX)-101 as a biomarker of male infertility. STUDY DESIGN The study was conducted on 180 men (20-50 years) with 90 having abnormal semen reports as cases and 90 with normal reports as controls in a rural tertiary care center in Southern India over two years. After the enrolment of cases and control, semen samples were cryopreserved till the desired sample size was achieved and a biochemical test for TEX-101 was run using Human Testis-expressed Protein 101 ELISA Kit. The results of TEX-101 were compared between cases and controls and correlated with various semen parameters. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.0, a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Mean ± SD age of all participants was 29.94 ± 4.91 years. Of 90 cases, 48.9% had asthenospermia, 24.4% oligoasthenospermia, 15.6% oligospermia, 11.1% azoospermia. A statistically significant difference was observed in mean values of seminal plasma TEX-101 between cases (1.45 ± 0.08 ng/mL) and controls (2.26 ± 0.18 ng/mL), p = 0.001. A significant correlation (p = 0.001) was found between seminal TEX-101, semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of TEX-101 between cases and controls was 1.00 (p = 0.001), indicating TEX-101 as a potential biomarker for distinguishing men with abnormal semen parameters from those with normal semen parameters. At a cut-off value of 1.84 ng/mL, seminal plasma TEX-101 had a sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 100% for male infertility prediction. CONCLUSION Seminal TEX-101 is a potential seminal biomarker and can be used in the qualitative assessment of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar-508126, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - K N Deepthi
- Department of Pathology, SVS Medical College, Yenugonda, Mahabubnagar 509001, Telangana, India
| | - Suhasini Padugupati
- Department of Biochemistry, SVS Medical College, Yenugonda, Mahabubnagar 509002, Telangana, India
| | - Seetesh Ghose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry 607402, India.
| | - Rahul Narang
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, 508126 Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Chen X, Wu B, Shen X, Wang X, Ping P, Miao M, Liang N, Yin H, Shi H, Qian J, Zhang T. Relevance of PUFA-derived metabolites in seminal plasma to male infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1138984. [PMID: 37284213 PMCID: PMC10240070 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1138984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aims to investigate the biological effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-derived metabolites in seminal plasma on male fertility and to evaluate the potential of PUFA as a biomarker for normozoospermic male infertility. Methods From September 2011 to April 2012, We collected semen samples from 564 men aged 18 to 50 years old (mean=32.28 years old)ch., residing in the Sandu County, Guizhou Province, China. The donors included 376 men with normozoospermia (fertile: n=267; infertile: n=109) and 188 men with oligoasthenozoospermia (fertile: n=121; infertile: n=67). The samples thus obtained were then analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect the levels of PUFA-derived metabolites in April 2013. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2020, to May 15, 2022. Results Our analysis of propensity score-matched cohorts revealed that the concentrations of 9/26 and 7/26 metabolites differed significantly between fertile and infertile men with normozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia, respectively (FDR < 0.05). In men with normozoospermia, higher levels of 7(R)-MaR1 (HR: 0.4 (95% CI [0.24, 0.64]) and 11,12-DHET (0.36 (95% CI [0.21, 0.58]) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of infertility, while higher levels of 17(S)-HDHA (HR: 2.32 (95% CI [1.44, 3.79]), LXA5 (HR: 8.38 (95% CI [4.81, 15.24]), 15d-PGJ2 (HR: 1.71 (95% CI [1.06, 2.76]), and PGJ2 (HR: 2.28 (95% CI [1.42, 3.7]) correlated with an increased risk of infertility. Our ROC model using the differentially expressed metabolites showed the value of the area under the curve to be 0.744. Conclusion The PUFA-derived metabolites 7(R)-MaR1, 11,12-DHET, 17(S)-HDHA, LXA5, and PGJ2 might be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers of infertility in normozoospermic men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfeng Chen
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wu
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - XiaoRong Shen
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningning Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyong Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Qian
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiancheng Zhang
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC), Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Calogero AE, Cannarella R, Agarwal A, Hamoda TAAAM, Rambhatla A, Saleh R, Boitrelle F, Ziouziou I, Toprak T, Gul M, Avidor-Reiss T, Kavoussi P, Chung E, Birowo P, Ghayda RA, Ko E, Colpi G, Dimitriadis F, Russo GI, Martinez M, Calik G, Kandil H, Salvio G, Mostafa T, Lin H, Park HJ, Gherabi N, Phuoc NHV, Quang N, Adriansjah R, La Vignera S, Micic S, Durairajanayagam D, Serefoglu EC, Karthikeyan VS, Kothari P, Atmoko W, Shah R. The Renaissance of Male Infertility Management in the Golden Age of Andrology. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:237-254. [PMID: 36649928 PMCID: PMC10042649 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects nearly 186 million people worldwide and the male partner is the cause in about half of the cases. Meta-regression data indicate an unexplained decline in sperm concentration and total sperm count over the last four decades, with an increasing prevalence of male infertility. This suggests an urgent need to implement further basic and clinical research in Andrology. Andrology developed as a branch of urology, gynecology, endocrinology, and, dermatology. The first scientific journal devoted to andrological sciences was founded in 1969. Since then, despite great advancements, andrology has encountered several obstacles in its growth. In fact, for cultural reasons, the male partner has often been neglected in the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of the infertile couple. Furthermore, the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has driven a strong impression that this biotechnology can overcome all forms of infertility, with a common belief that having a spermatozoon from a male partner (a sort of sperm donor) is all that is needed to achieve pregnancy. However, clinical practice has shown that the quality of the male gamete is important for a successful ART outcome. Furthermore, the safety of ART has been questioned because of the high prevalence of comorbidities in the offspring of ART conceptions compared to spontaneous conceptions. These issues have paved the way for more research and a greater understanding of the mechanisms of spermatogenesis and male infertility. Consequently, numerous discoveries have been made in the field of andrology, ranging from genetics to several "omics" technologies, oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, the sixth edition of the WHO manual, artificial intelligence, management of azoospermia, fertility in cancers survivors, artificial testis, 3D printing, gene engineering, stem cells therapy for spermatogenesis, and reconstructive microsurgery and seminal microbiome. Nevertheless, as many cases of male infertility remain idiopathic, further studies are required to improve the clinical management of infertile males. A multidisciplinary strategy involving both clinicians and scientists in basic, translational, and clinical research is the core principle that will allow andrology to overcome its limits and reach further goals. This state-of-the-art article aims to present a historical review of andrology, and, particularly, male infertility, from its "Middle Ages" to its "Renaissance", a golden age of andrology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Gul
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Nazim Gherabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Algiers University, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Nguyen Quang
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Banding, Indonesia
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sava Micic
- Department of Andrology, Uromedica Polyclinic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rupin Shah
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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Privitera A, Cardaci V, Weerasekara D, Saab MW, Diolosà L, Fidilio A, Jolivet RB, Lazzarino G, Amorini AM, Camarda M, Lunte SM, Caraci F, Caruso G. Microfluidic/HPLC combination to study carnosine protective activity on challenged human microglia: Focus on oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1161794. [PMID: 37063279 PMCID: PMC10095171 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1161794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous peptide widely distributed in excitable tissues such as the brain. This dipeptide possesses well-demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation properties, and it may be useful for treatment of pathologies characterized by oxidative stress and energy unbalance such as depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are involved in different physiological brain activities such synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, but their dysregulation has been linked to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. In AD brain, the activation of microglia towards a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory phenotype has found in an early phase of cognitive decline, reason why new pharmacological targets related to microglia activation are of great importance to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. In particular, microglia represent a common model of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced activation to identify novel pharmacological targets for depression and AD and numerous studies have linked the impairment of energy metabolism, including ATP dyshomeostasis, to the onset of depressive episodes. In the present study, we first investigated the toxic potential of LPS + ATP in the absence or presence of carnosine. Our studies were carried out on human microglia (HMC3 cell line) in which LPS + ATP combination has shown the ability to promote cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Additionally, to shed more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of carnosine, its ability to modulate reactive oxygen species production and the variation of parameters representative of cellular energy metabolism was evaluated by microchip electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. In our experimental conditions, carnosine prevented LPS + ATP-induced cell death and oxidative stress, also completely restoring basal energy metabolism in human HMC3 microglia. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of carnosine as a new pharmacological tool in the context of multifactorial disorders characterize by neuroinflammatory phenomena including depression and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Dhanushka Weerasekara
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Miriam Wissam Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lidia Diolosà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Renaud Blaise Jolivet
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Susan Marie Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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7
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Caruso G, Di Pietro L, Caraci F. Gap Junctions and Connexins in Microglia-Related Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation: Perspectives for Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030505. [PMID: 36979440 PMCID: PMC10046203 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia represent the immune system of the brain. Their role is central in two phenomena, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are at the roots of different pathologies related to the central nervous system (CNS). In order to maintain the homeostasis of the brain and re-establish the equilibrium after a threatening imbalance, microglia communicate with each other and other cells within the CNS by receiving specific signals through membrane-bound receptors and then releasing neurotrophic factors into either the extracellular milieu or directly into the cytoplasm of nearby cells, such as astrocytes and neurons. These last two mechanisms rely on the activity of protein structures that enable the formation of channels in the membrane, namely, connexins and pannexins, that group and form gap junctions, hemichannels, and pannexons. These channels allow the release of gliotransmitters, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate, together with calcium ion (Ca2+), that seem to play a pivotal role in inter-cellular communication. The aim of the present review is focused on the physiology of channel protein complexes and their contribution to neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress-related phenomena, which play a central role in neurodegenerative disorders. We will then discuss how pharmacological modulation of these channels can impact neuroinflammatory phenomena and hypothesize that currently available nutraceuticals, such as carnosine and N-acetylcysteine, can modulate the activity of connexins and pannexins in microglial cells and reduce oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0957385036
| | - Lucia Di Pietro
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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8
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Caruso G, Di Pietro L, Cardaci V, Maugeri S, Caraci F. The therapeutic potential of carnosine: Focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2023.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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9
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Caruso G, Privitera A, Saab MW, Musso N, Maugeri S, Fidilio A, Privitera AP, Pittalà A, Jolivet RB, Lanzanò L, Lazzarino G, Caraci F, Amorini AM. Characterization of Carnosine Effect on Human Microglial Cells under Basal Conditions. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020474. [PMID: 36831010 PMCID: PMC9953171 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The activity of microglia is fundamental for the regulation of numerous physiological processes including brain development, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, and its deviation from homeostasis can lead to pathological conditions, including numerous neurodegenerative disorders. Carnosine is a naturally occurring molecule with well-characterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, able to modulate the response and polarization of immune cells and ameliorate their cellular energy metabolism. The better understanding of microglia characteristics under basal physiological conditions, as well as the possible modulation of the mechanisms related to its response to environmental challenges and/or pro-inflammatory/pro-oxidant stimuli, are of utmost importance for the development of therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we assessed the activity of carnosine on human HMC3 microglial cells, first investigating the effects of increasing concentrations of carnosine on cell viability. When used at a concentration of 20 mM, carnosine led to a decrease of cell viability, paralleled by gene expression increase and decrease, respectively, of interleukin 6 and heme oxygenase 1. When using the maximal non-toxic concentration (10 mM), carnosine decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, with no changes in the intracellular levels of superoxide ion. The characterization of energy metabolism of HMC3 microglial cells under basal conditions, never reported before, demonstrated that it is mainly based on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, paralleled by a high rate of biosynthetic reactions. The exposure of HMC3 cells to carnosine seems to ameliorate microglia energy state, as indicated by the increase in the adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio and energy charge potential. The improvement of cell energy metabolism mediated by 10 mM carnosine could represent a useful protective weapon in the case of human microglia undergoing stressing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0957385036
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Miriam Wissam Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maugeri
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Pittalà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Renaud Blaise Jolivet
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Lanzanò
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Caruso G, Scalisi EM, Pecoraro R, Cardaci V, Privitera A, Truglio E, Capparucci F, Jarosova R, Salvaggio A, Caraci F, Brundo MV. Effects of carnosine on the embryonic development and TiO 2 nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress on Zebrafish. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148766. [PMID: 37035814 PMCID: PMC10078361 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is due to an unbalance between pro-oxidants, such as reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, and antioxidants/antioxidant system. Under physiological conditions these species are involved in different cellular processes such as cellular homeostasis and immune response, while an excessive production of ROS/RNS has been linked to the development of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. In this context, the naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine has shown the ability to scavenge ROS, counteract lipid peroxidation, and inhibit proteins oxidation. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) have been widely used to produce cosmetics, in wastewater treatment, in food industry, and in healthcare product. As consequence, these NPs are often released into aquatic environments. The Danio rerio (commonly called zebrafish) embryos exposure to TiO2-NPs did not affect the hatching rate, but induced oxidative stress. According to this scenario, in the present study, we first investigated the effects of carnosine exposure and of a sub-toxic administration of TiO2-NPs on the development and survival of zebrafish embryos/larvae measured through the acute embryo toxicity test (FET-Test). Zebrafish larvae represent a useful model to study oxidative stress-linked disorders and to test antioxidant molecules, while carnosine was selected based on its well-known multimodal mechanism of action that includes a strong antioxidant activity. Once the basal effects of carnosine were assessed, we then evaluated its effects on TiO2-NPs-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae, measured in terms of total ROS production (measured with 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe) and protein expression by immunohistochemistry of two cellular stress markers, 70 kDa-heat shock protein (Hsp70) and metallothioneins (MTs). We demonstrated that carnosine did not alter the phenotypes of both embryos and larvae of zebrafish at different hours post fertilization. Carnosine was instead able to significantly decrease the enhancement of ROS levels in zebrafish larvae exposed to TiO2-NPs and its antioxidant effect was paralleled by the rescue of the protein expression levels of Hsp70 and MTs. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of carnosine as a new pharmacological tool in the context of pathologies characterized by oxidative stress such as neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Caruso
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Truglio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabiano Capparucci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Romana Jarosova
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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11
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Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, Martin JH, Lord T, Bromfield EG. New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145533. [PMID: 36909306 PMCID: PMC9992892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male's fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan D. Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanah M. Hart
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Are There Associations between Seminal Plasma Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Selected Redox-Associated Biochemical Parameters in Infertile Male Patients? A Preliminary Report. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223667. [PMID: 36429095 PMCID: PMC9688436 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the reasons for male infertility. Seminal plasma contains a multitude of enzymes and ions which influence OS and thus may affect male fertility. The aim of the study was to check for associations between seminal plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) concentrations and levels of selected biochemical parameters (total protein, iron, uric acid, magnesium, calcium) in infertile men, and establish whether they are associated with sperm disorders. Seminal plasma AOPP, as well as total protein, iron, uric acid, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, were determined for the following patient groups: normozoospermic (N; n = 33), teratozoospermic (T; n = 30), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT; n = 18), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT; n = 28). AOPP concentrations were significantly higher in N and T groups in comparison to AT and OAT groups. Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in the T group in comparison to the AT and OAT groups, whereas iron concentrations significantly decreased in the OAT group in comparison to the T and N patients. AOPP differentiates AT patients from men with other sperm disorders. Our results suggest that asthenozoospermia may be connected with total protein levels. Insufficient iron levels may reflect a decrease in sperm count.
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Alhakamy NA, Caruso G, Privitera A, Ahmed OAA, Fahmy UA, Md S, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SRM, Eid BG, Abdel-Naim AB, Caraci F. Fluoxetine Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion Enhances Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: In Vivo Efficacy Assessment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1133. [PMID: 35745706 PMCID: PMC9227110 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired diabetic wound healing is a major concern for health care professionals worldwide, imposing an intense financial burden and reducing the quality of life of patients. A dysregulation of this process can be responsible for the development of intractable ulcers and the formation of excessive scars. Therefore, the identification of novel pharmacological strategies able to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue becomes essential. In the present study, fluoxetine ecofriendly nanoemulsion (FLX-EFNE) was prepared and its potential efficacy in enhancing wound healing was tested in diabetic rats. The Box-Behnken response surface design was used to select the optimized formulation that was prepared by the high-shear homogenization-based technique. A Zetasizer was used for the characterization of the optimized formulation, providing a FLX-EFNE with a globule size of 199 nm. For the in vivo study, a wound was induced by surgical methods, and diabetic rats (streptozotocin-induced) were divided into five groups: untreated control, vehicle-treated, FLX, FLX-EFNE, and positive control receiving a commercially available formula. The treatment continued from the day of wound induction to day 21. Then, the animals were sacrificed and skin tissues were collected at the site of wounding and used for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and mRNA expression assessments. In the FLX-EFNE treated group, the rate of wound contraction and signs of healing were significantly higher compared to all other groups. In addition, angiogenesis, proliferation, and collagen deposition were enhanced, while oxidative stress and inflammation decreased. The present data highlight the enhanced wound healing activity of the optimized FLX-EFNE formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Gamal A. Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Basma G. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (B.G.E.); (A.B.A.-N.)
| | - Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (B.G.E.); (A.B.A.-N.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Eid BG, Alhakamy NA, Fahmy UA, Ahmed OAA, Md S, Abdel-Naim AB, Caruso G, Caraci F. Melittin and diclofenac synergistically promote wound healing in a pathway involving TGF-β1. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105993. [PMID: 34801680 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A dysregulation of the wound healing process can lead to the development of various intractable ulcers or excessive scar formation. Therefore it is essential to identify novel pharmacological strategies to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue. The goal of the present study was to formulate a nano-complex containing melittin (MEL) and diclofenac (DCL) with the aim to evaluate their synergism and preclinical efficacy in an in vivo model of acute wound. After its preparation and characterization, the therapeutic potential of the combined nano-complexes was evaluated. MEL-DCL nano-complexes exhibited better regenerated epithelium, keratinization, epidermal proliferation, and granulation tissue formation, which in turn showed better wound healing activity compared to MEL, DCL, or positive control. The nano-complexes also showed significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Treatment of wounded skin with MEL-DCL nano-complexes showed significant reduction of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory markers that was paralleled by a substantial increase in mRNA expression levels of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen, type IV, alpha 1 (Col4A1), and hydroxyproline content as compared to individual drugs. Additionally, MEL-DCL nano-complexes were able to significantly increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) proteins expression compared to single drugs or negative control group. SB431542, a selective inhibitor of type-1 TGF-β receptor, significantly prevented in our in vitro assay the wound healing process induced by the MEL-DCL nano-complexes, suggesting a key role of TGF-β1 in the wound closure. In conclusion, the nano-complex of MEL-DCL represents a novel pharmacological tool that can be topically applied to improve wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma G Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Scientific chair "Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical industries", King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Scientific chair "Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical industries", King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy.
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Nowicka-Bauer K, Malcher A, Włoczkowska O, Kamieniczna M, Olszewska M, Kurpisz MK. Evaluation of seminal plasma HSPA2 protein as a biomarker of human spermatogenesis status. Reprod Biol 2021; 22:100597. [PMID: 34959194 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, testicular Heat shock-related 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) is a chaperon strictly linked to spermatogenesis status, whereas its presence in spermatozoa ensures successful oocyte fertilization. However, there is little information on this protein in seminal plasma in infertile males. Based on our previous two independent studies, we have selected HSPA2 to evaluate this seminal plasma protein is a potential biomarker of correct spermatogenesis. Using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry (MS) we have screened human seminal plasma samples for the presence of HSPA2. Samples were obtained from individuals with normozoospermia, cryptozoospermia, non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. Our results showed a lack of HSPA2 in seminal plasma in all azoospermic males however, in cryptozoospermia the results were extremely diversified. Additionally, the application of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) indicated the presence of additional protein isoforms suggesting possible mechanisms underlying the male infertility. Our findings suggest seminal plasma HSPA2 protein as a possible biomarker not only of spermatogenesis status, especially in cryptozoospermic males, but also as a biomarker predicting the success of reproductive treatment including assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Olga Włoczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Fahmy O, Alhakamy NA, Khairul-Asri MG, Ahmed OAA, Fahmy UA, Fresta CG, Caruso G. Oncological Response and Predictive Biomarkers for the Checkpoint Inhibitors in Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pers Med 2021; 12:jpm12010008. [PMID: 35055323 PMCID: PMC8778903 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, checkpoint inhibitors have been investigated in metastatic prostate cancer, however their overall effect is unclear and needs to be further investigated. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the oncological response of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic review of the literature was conducted through online electronic databases and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting Library. Eligible publications were selected after a staged screening and selection process. RevMan 5.4 software was employed to run the quantitative analysis and forest plots. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for the randomized and non-randomized trials, respectively. Results: From the 831 results retrieved, 8 studies including 2768 patients were included. There was no significant effect on overall survival (OS) (overall response (OR) = 0.98; Z = 0.42; p = 0.67). Meanwhile, progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better with immune checkpoint inhibitors administration (OR = 0.85; Z = 3.9; p < 0.0001). The subgroup analysis for oncological outcomes based on programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positivity status displayed no significant effect, except on prostate-specific antigen response rate (PSA RR) (OR = 3.25; Z = 2.29; p = 0.02). Based on DNA damage repair (DDR), positive patients had a significantly better PFS and a trend towards better OS and overall response rate (ORR); the ORR was 40% in positive patients compared to 20% in the negative patients (OR = 2.46; Z = 1.3; p = 0.19), while PSA RR was 23.5% compared to 14.3% (OR = 1.88; Z = 0.88; p = 0.38). Better PFS was clearly associated with DDR positivity (OR = 0.70; Z = 2.48; p = 0.01) with a trend towards better OS in DDR positive patients (OR = 0.71; Z = 1.38; p = 0.17). Based on tumor mutation burden (TMB), ORR was 46.7% with high TMB versus 8.8% in patients with low TMB (OR = 11.88; Z = 3.0; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitors provide modest oncological advantages in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. There are currently no good predictive indicators that indicate a greater response in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Fahmy
- Department of Urology, University Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Malaysia; (O.F.); (M.G.K.-A.)
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd G. Khairul-Asri
- Department of Urology, University Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Malaysia; (O.F.); (M.G.K.-A.)
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.)
| | - Claudia G. Fresta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Alhakamy NA, Badr-Eldin SM, Alharbi WS, Alfaleh MA, Al-hejaili OD, Aldawsari HM, Eid BG, Bakhaidar R, Drago F, Caraci F, Caruso G. Development of an Icariin-Loaded Bilosome-Melittin Formulation with Improved Anticancer Activity against Cancerous Pancreatic Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121309. [PMID: 34959710 PMCID: PMC8703505 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer currently represents a severe issue for the entire world. Therefore, much effort has been made to develop an effective treatment against it. Emerging evidence has shown that icariin, a flavonoid glycoside, is an effective anti-pancreatic cancer drug. Melittin, as a natural active biomolecule, has also shown to possess anticancer activities. In the present study, with the aim to increase its effectiveness against cancerous cells, icariin-loaded bilosome-melittin (ICA-BM) was developed. For the selection of an optimized ICA-BM, an experimental design was implemented, which provided an optimized formulation with a particle size equal to 158.4 nm. After estimation of the release pattern, the anti-pancreatic cancer efficacy of this new formulation was evaluated. The MTT assay was employed for the determination of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), providing smaller IC50 for ICA-BM (2.79 ± 0.2 µM) compared to blank-BM and ICA-Raw (free drug) against PNAC1, a human pancreatic cancer cell line isolated from a pancreatic carcinoma of ductal cell origin. Additionally, cell cycle analysis for ICA-BM demonstrated cell arrest at the S-phase and pre-G1 phase, which indicated a pro-apoptotic behavior of the new developed formulation. The pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of the optimized ICA-BM against PNAC1 cells was also demonstrated through annexin V staining as well as estimation of caspase-3 and p53 protein levels. It can be concluded that the optimized ICA-BM formulation significantly improved the efficacy of icariin against cancerous pancreatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Waleed S. Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Mohamed A. Alfaleh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar D. Al-hejaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Hibah M. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Basma G. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rana Bakhaidar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (G.C.)
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Fahmy O, Alhakamy NA, Rizg WY, Bagalagel A, Alamoudi AJ, Aldawsari HM, Khateb AM, Eldakhakhny BM, Fahmy UA, Abdulaal WH, Fresta CG, Caruso G. Updates on Molecular and Biochemical Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5127. [PMID: 34768647 PMCID: PMC8585085 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215127] [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: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the most commonly non-cutaneous diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and occupies a very wide area of preclinical and clinical research. Targeted therapy for any cancer depends on the understanding of the molecular bases and natural behaviour of the diseases. Despite the well-known effect of androgen deprivation on PCa, many patients develop resistance either for antiandrogen therapy or other new treatment modalities such as checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy. Comprehensive understanding of the development of PCa as well as of the mechanisms underlying its progression is mandatory to maximise the benefit of the current approved medications or to guide the future research for targeted therapy of PCa. The aim of this review was to provide updates on the most recent mechanisms regarding the development and the progression of PCa. According to the current understanding, future treatment strategies should include more predictive genetic and biomarker analysis to assign different patients to the expected most appropriate and effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Fahmy
- Department of Urology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Y. Rizg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Bagalagel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulmohsin J. Alamoudi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hibah M. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiah M. Khateb
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42224, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Basmah M. Eldakhakhny
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21555, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21555, Saudi Arabia;
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21555, Saudi Arabia
| | - Claudia G. Fresta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Ceftriaxone and Melittin Synergistically Promote Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101622. [PMID: 34683915 PMCID: PMC8539663 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High glucose levels in diabetic patients are implicated in delay wound healing that could lead to more serious clinical complications. The aim of the present work was to examine the formulation of ceftriaxone (CTX) and melittin (MEL) as nanoconjugate (nanocomplex)-loaded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (1.5% w/v)-based hydrogel for healing of acute wounds in diabetic rats. The CTX–MEL nanoconjugate, formulated by ion-pairing at different molar ratio, was characterized for size and zeta potential and investigated by transmission electron microscopy. CTX–MEL nanoconjugate was prepared, and its preclinical efficacy evaluated in an in vivo model of acute wound. In particular, the potential ability of the innovative CTX–MEL formulation to modulate wound closure, oxidative status, inflammatory markers, and hydroxyproline was evaluated by ELISA, while the histopathological examination was obtained by using hematoxylin and eosin or Masson’s trichrome staining techniques. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of the excised tissue to measure collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1A1) expression and immunohistochemical assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were also carried out to shed some light on the mechanism of wound healing. Our results show that the CTX–MEL nanocomplex has enhanced ability to regenerate epithelium, also giving better keratinization, epidermal proliferation, and granulation tissue formation, compared to MEL, CTX, or positive control. The nanocomplex also significantly ameliorated the antioxidant status by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The treatment of wounded skin with the CTX–MEL nanocomplex also showed a significant reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory cytokines combined with a substantial increase in hydroxyproline, VEFG-A, and TGF-β1 protein expression compared to individual components or negative control group. Additionally, the CTX–MEL nanocomplex showed a significant increase in mRNA expression levels of Col1A1 as compared to individual compounds. In conclusion, the ion-pairing nanocomplex of CTX–MEL represents a promising carrier that can be topically applied to improve wound healing.
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20
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Altered Follicular Fluid Metabolic Pattern Correlates with Female Infertility and Outcome Measures of In Vitro Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168735. [PMID: 34445441 PMCID: PMC8395780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 40-50% of infertility problems are estimated to be of female origin. Previous studies dedicated to the analysis of metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) produced contrasting results, although some valuable indexes capable to discriminate control groups (CTRL) from infertile females (IF) and correlate with outcome measures of assisted reproduction techniques were in some instances found. In this study, we analyzed in blind FF of 35 control subjects (CTRL = patients in which inability to obtain pregnancy was exclusively due to a male factor) and 145 IF (affected by: endometriosis, n = 19; polycystic ovary syndrome, n = 14; age-related reduced ovarian reserve, n = 58; reduced ovarian reserve, n = 29; unexplained infertility, n = 14; genetic infertility, n = 11) to determine concentrations of 55 water- and fat-soluble low molecular weight compounds (antioxidants, oxidative/nitrosative stress-related compounds, purines, pyrimidines, energy-related metabolites, and amino acids). Results evidenced that 27/55 of them had significantly different values in IF with respect to those measured in CTRL. The metabolic pattern of these potential biomarkers of infertility was cumulated (in both CTRL and IF) into a Biomarker Score index (incorporating the metabolic anomalies of FF), that fully discriminated CTRL (mean Biomarker Score value = 4.00 ± 2.30) from IF (mean Biomarker Score value = 14.88 ± 3.09, p < 0.001). The Biomarker Score values were significantly higher than those of CTRL in each of the six subgroups of IF. Posterior probability curves and ROC curve indicated that values of the Biomarker Score clustered CTRL and IF into two distinct groups, based on the individual FF metabolic profile. Furthermore, Biomarker Score values correlated with outcome measures of ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, number and quality of blastocysts, clinical pregnancy, and healthy offspring. These results strongly suggest that the biochemical quality of FF deeply influences not only the effectiveness of IVF procedures but also the following embryonic development up to healthy newborns. The targeted metabolomic analysis of FF (using empowered Redox Energy Test) and the subsequent calculation of the Biomarker Score evidenced a set of 27 low molecular weight infertility biomarkers potentially useful in the laboratory managing of female infertility and to predict the success of assisted reproduction techniques.
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Caruso G, Benatti C, Musso N, Fresta CG, Fidilio A, Spampinato G, Brunello N, Bucolo C, Drago F, Lunte SM, Peterson BR, Tascedda F, Caraci F. Carnosine Protects Macrophages against the Toxicity of Aβ1-42 Oligomers by Decreasing Oxidative Stress. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050477. [PMID: 33926064 PMCID: PMC8146816 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous peptide widely distributed in excitable tissues such as the brain. This dipeptide has well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation activities, and it may be useful for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this disease, peripheral infiltrating macrophages play a substantial role in the clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides from the brain. Correspondingly, in patients suffering from AD, defects in the capacity of peripheral macrophages to engulf Aβ have been reported. The effects of carnosine on macrophages and oxidative stress associated with AD are consequently of substantial interest for drug discovery in this field. In the present work, a model of stress induced by Aβ1-42 oligomers was investigated using a combination of methods including trypan blue exclusion, microchip electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and high-throughput quantitative real-time PCR. These assays were used to assess the ability of carnosine to protect macrophage cells, modulate oxidative stress, and profile the expression of genes related to inflammation and pro- and antioxidant systems. We found that pre-treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with carnosine counteracted cell death and apoptosis induced by Aβ1-42 oligomers by decreasing oxidative stress as measured by levels of intracellular nitric oxide (NO)/reactive oxygen species (ROS) and production of peroxynitrite. This protective activity of carnosine was not mediated by modulation of the canonical inflammatory pathway but instead can be explained by the well-known antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities of carnosine, enhanced macrophage phagocytic activity, and the rescue of fractalkine receptor CX3CR1. These new findings obtained with macrophages challenged with Aβ1-42 oligomers, along with the well-known multimodal mechanism of action of carnosine in vitro and in vivo, substantiate the therapeutic potential of this dipeptide in the context of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-7384265
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.B.); (N.B.); (F.T.)
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (C.G.F.); (G.S.); (C.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Claudia G. Fresta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (C.G.F.); (G.S.); (C.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Giorgia Spampinato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (C.G.F.); (G.S.); (C.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Nicoletta Brunello
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.B.); (N.B.); (F.T.)
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (C.G.F.); (G.S.); (C.B.); (F.D.)
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (C.G.F.); (G.S.); (C.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Susan M. Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
| | - Blake R. Peterson
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.B.); (N.B.); (F.T.)
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (F.C.)
- Department of Laboratories, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Agarwal A, Selvam MKP, Baskaran S, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Barbăroșie C, Pushparaj PN, Robert KA, Ambar RF, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R. Highly Cited Articles in the Field of Male Infertility and Antioxidants: A Scientometric Analysis. World J Mens Health 2021; 39:760-775. [PMID: 33663027 PMCID: PMC8443986 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this scientometric analysis was to recognize the top 100 cited articles on ‘Male infertility and Antioxidants’ and analyze its publication characteristics. Materials and Methods The Scopus database was used to retrieve related articles and the top 100 identified based on citation rate. Results The articles were published in 56 journals between 1995 and 2019 with a median (interquartile range) citation score of 17 (5–62). Among the top 100 articles, 69 were clinical studies, which included controlled and blinded (33.33%), prospective (27.54%), randomized-controlled trials (26.09%), uncontrolled (11.59%), and retrospective (1.45%) studies. In addition to conventional semen parameters, advanced sperm function tests such as oxidative stress (51%) and sperm DNA damage (23%) were reported. Pregnancy rate (33%) was found to be the most reported reproductive outcome. Antioxidant therapy was mostly investigated in male cohorts with sperm abnormalities such as asthenozoospermia (28%) and clinical conditions such as idiopathic male infertility (20%), varicocele/varicocelectomy (17%) and general male infertility (16%). Conclusions The most influential publications on antioxidants and male infertility were identified for the first time in the literature. This will serve as a reliable source of information for researchers and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | | | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Cătălina Barbăroșie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Peter Natesan Pushparaj
- King Abdulaziz University, Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rafael F Ambar
- Urology Department of Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC/Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Antioxidant-Based Therapies in Male Infertility: Do We Have Sufficient Evidence Supporting Their Effectiveness? Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020220. [PMID: 33540782 PMCID: PMC7912982 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play pivotal roles in various processes of human spermatozoa. Indeed, semen requires the intervention of ROS to accomplish different stages of its maturation. However, ROS overproduction is a well-documented phenomenon occurring in the semen of infertile males, potentially causing permanent oxidative damages to a vast number of biological molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids of biological membrane lipids), negatively affecting the functionality and vitality of spermatozoa. ROS overproduction may concomitantly occur to the excess generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), leading to oxidative/nitrosative stress and frequently encountered in various human pathologies. Under different conditions of male infertility, very frequently accompanied by morpho-functional anomalies in the sperm analysis, several studies have provided evidence for clear biochemical signs of damages to biomolecules caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress. In the last decades, various studies aimed to verify whether antioxidant-based therapies may be beneficial to treat male infertility have been carried out. This review analyzed the results of the studies published during the last ten years on the administration of low-molecular-weight antioxidants to treat male infertility in order to establish whether there is a sufficient number of data to justify antioxidant administration to infertile males. An analysis of the literature showed that only 30 clinical studies tested the effects of the administration of low-molecular-weight antioxidants (administered as a single antioxidant or as a combination of different antioxidants with the addition of vitamins and/or micronutrients) to infertile males. Of these studies, only 33.3% included pregnancy and/or live birth rates as an outcome measure to determine the effects of the therapy. Of these studies, only 4 were case–control studies, and only 2 of them found improvement of the pregnancy rate in the group of antioxidant-treated patients. Additionally, of the 30 studies considered in this review, only 43.3% were case–control studies, 66.7% enrolled a number of patients higher than 40, and 40% carried out the administration of a single antioxidant. Therefore, it appears that further studies are needed to clearly define the usefulness of antioxidant-based therapies to treat male infertility.
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Liu L, Li F, Wen Z, Li T, Lv M, Zhao X, Zhang W, Liu J, Wang L, Ma X. Preliminary investigation of the function of hsa_circ_0049356 in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13814. [PMID: 32894622 DOI: 10.1111/and.13814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which is considered the most severe form of male infertility, has placed a heavy burden on families and society. As vital regulators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are closely related to all the pathophysiological processes involved in infertility in males, especially spermatogenesis. Our study explored the expression levels of circ_0049356 in both the whole blood and seminal plasma samples of idiopathic NOA patients via quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, the relative expression of its host gene (CARM1) was also determined using the same methods. In addition, as circRNAs have been demonstrated to regulate gene expression as miRNAs sponge, we predicted a total of five miRNAs and 101 mRNAs as putative downstream targets and constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Based on the predictions, Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses were performed for further bioinformatics analysis to explore the potential function and investigate the circ_0049356-miRNA-mRNA interactions. Our results show target mRNAs that have been predicted to regulate guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor activity to mediate the GTP/GDP exchange, and downstream targets possibly involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, which play a significant role in cytoskeleton rearrangement of germ cells during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Zhen Wen
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng Lv
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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Kumar N, Singh NK. "Emerging role of Novel Seminal Plasma Bio-markers in Male Infertility: A Review". Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 253:170-179. [PMID: 32871440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility has emerged as an important cause of infertility worldwide. There are many factors affecting male fertility and research is going on to know impact of various factors on sperm functions. Semen analysis is gold standard diagnostic test for male infertility, but it is crude method for estimation of male infertility as seminal composition gets affected by environmental factors, infections, other pathologies, hence, results of semen analysis either becomes normal/ambiguous, leading to failure of diagnosis and delayed treatment. Hence, with need of newer, better tests for assessing male factor infertility, seminal plasma is being tested for biomarkers. Seminal plasma is considered gold mine for male fertility as it contains molecules from male reproductive glands which play important role in sperm function. Study of seminal plasma molecules can give an idea about sperm concentration, motility, morphology and cause of infertility and can serve as biomarkers for male infertility. Present review briefs on some of these novel seminal plasma biomarkers which may play significant role in male fertility and can be used in future for better identification, assessment of infertile males. METHODOLOGY Literature from 1985 to 2019 was searched from various databases including PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar on seminal plasma biomarkers using keywords: "seminal plasma protein biomarkers", "novel seminal plasma markers and male infertility", "hormones in seminal plasma and male infertility", "oxidative stress and male infertility", "Reactive Oxygen Species and sperm DNA", "immunoinfertility". INCLUSION CRITERIA All full length original or review articles or abstracts on seminal plasma markers and male infertility published in English language in various peer-reviewed journals were considered. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Articles published in languages other than English were excluded from the study. RESULTS Seminal plasma is a big reservoir of molecules derived from the various male reproductive glands which can be used as potential biomarkers of male fertility. CONCLUSION Hence, seminal plasma biomarkers can be used in future for better assessment of male factor infertility, its causes and may play an important role in management of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, 522503, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Namit Kant Singh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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Iamsaard S, Tongpan S, Yannasithinon S, Arun S, Wu ATH, Sukhorum W. Effect of chronic stress on expression and secretion of seminal vesicle proteins in adult rats. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13800. [PMID: 32816406 DOI: 10.1111/and.13800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress (CS) is known to affect men's health especially fertility by reducing semen quality. Although the effects of CS on testicular function and sperm parameters are documented, changes of substances and secreting proteins in the seminal vesicle (SV) have never been reported. This study aimed to demonstrate the alterations of contents and expressions of proteins in seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) under CS. Fourteen adult rats were divided into control and CS groups (n = 7/each). Control rats were not exposed to stressor, while the CS animals were immobilised by restraint cage (4 hr/day) and followed by forced swimming (15 min/day) for consecutive 60 days. Biochemical substances and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in SVF were examined. Expressions of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (Casp) 3 and 9, and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins were investigated in seminal vesicle tissue (SVT) and SVF. It was found that CS caused reductions of seminal epithelial height and secreted substance levels. Significantly, MDA levels in SVF and expressions of Hsp70, Casp and TyrPho proteins were increased in of CS animals. It was concluded that CS affected seminal secretion. Low quality of CS seminal plasma may associate with increase of MDA and expressions of secreted proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Saranya Tongpan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Supatcharee Arun
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Alexander T H Wu
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wannisa Sukhorum
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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Zhang X, Wang H, Feng T, Yang J, Huang Q, Lu C, Guan Y, Sun R, Chen M, Qian Y. The relationship between semen factors and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 510:605-612. [PMID: 32827532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The male factor may contribute to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The relationship between semen factors and URSA is largely unknown. The analysis of metabolomics which is broadly acknowledged as the omics closest to the phenotype is suitable for providing assistance in the semen parameters analysis. METHODS We conducted a study including couples with URSA and controls which was next combined with a meta-analysis, and finally the study included 2352 subjects on semen parameters and URSA. Metabolomics analysis was conducted to detect semen metabolic factors related to URSA in total of 106 samples including seminal plasma and sperm cells. RESULTS The URSA group had significantly lower total sperm count, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology percentage. Meta-analysis next showed consistent findings. Metabolomics revealed that 4 metabolites and one pathway and 8 metabolites and one pathway were significantly associated with URSA in sperm and seminal plasma, respectively. The combination of ascorbic acid and guanine in seminal plasma and hexadecanedioic acid and pyroglutamic acid in sperm showed ability for URSA prediction. CONCLUSION We provided novel insights into semen indices in relation to URSA. Lower sperm number and quality might increase the risk of URSA, and oxidative stress and hormone metabolism in sperm as well as nucleic acid synthesis and oxidative stress in seminal plasma were related to URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Jihong Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Qianqian Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Chaoyi Lu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Yusheng Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yun Qian
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China.
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Collodel G, Signorini C, Nerucci F, Gambera L, Iacoponi F, Moretti E. Semen Biochemical Components in Varicocele, Leukocytospermia, and Idiopathic Infertility. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:91-101. [PMID: 32696238 PMCID: PMC7782457 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The evaluation of the seminal plasma plays a relevant role in the definition of male infertility and in assisted reproduction outcomes; for this reason, it would be recommended to find biochemical markers able to characterize sperm pathology. In this study, 53 infertile patients (grouped by the presence leukocytospermia, idiopathic infertility, or varicocele) and 10 fertile men were selected. Spermiogram was performed by light microscopy, and sperm ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) mathematically elaborated. Testosterone (TESTO), estradiol (E2), ferritin (FERR), iron (Fe), transferrin (TRSF), triglycerides (TRG), cholesterol (CHOL), and isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were detected in seminal plasma. Sperm characteristics and biochemical components were correlated by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient in the whole population and in each group. The levels of TESTO and E2 were positively correlated with sperm quality in particular, and E2 was correlated with fertility index expressing the number of sperm free of ultrastructural defects evaluated by TEM. On the contrary, the indices of iron metabolism (FERR, Fe, and TRSF) were positively associated with low sperm quality and sperm necrosis, particularly in leukocytospermia and varicocele groups, pathologies in which an inflammatory status and oxidative stress condition are present. The study of the seminal plasma composition deserves attention because the levels of the various components seem to be associated with specific reproductive pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabiola Nerucci
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Teaching, Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 14, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Wu HP, Lin YS, Chang CF, Lu SY, Chao PM. Dietary Exposure to Oxidized Frying Oil from Fetus to Adulthood Suppresses Male Reproductive Development by Altering Testicular Cholesterol and Testosterone Homeostasis in Sprague Dawley Rats. J Nutr 2020; 150:1713-1721. [PMID: 32286625 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary frying oil may have endocrine-disrupting effects, as a feminization effect was observed in cohorts of C57BL/6J male mice fetuses from dams consuming oxidized frying oil (OFO) during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE The aim of present study was to test the hypothesis that OFO is an anti-androgen. METHODS In experiment 1, male progeny of Sprague Dawley female rats fed fresh oil or an OFO diet (10 g fat/100 g, from fresh or 24-h-fried soybean oil; [control diet (C) and OFO groups, respectively] from midgestation through lactation were studied. Pups were weaned at 3 wk of age and then consumed their mothers' diet until 9 wk of age. In addition, a group of dams and pups that consumed a high-fat diet (HF; 10 g fried and 20 g fresh soybean oil/100 g) was included to counteract body-weight loss associated with OFO ingestion. Indices of male reproductive development and testosterone homeostasis were measured. In experiment 2, male rats were allocated to C and OFO groups (treated as above) and indices of male fertility compared at 9-10 wk of age. RESULTS In experiment 1, final body weights of the HF group were lower (17%) than the C group but higher (14%) than the OFO group (P < 0.0001 for each). In addition to abnormalities in seminiferous tubules, HF and OFO groups did not differ from one another, but, compared with the C group, had delayed preputial separation (4.9 d) and reductions in serum testosterone concentrations (17-74%), anogenital distance (8-20%), weights of androgen-dependent tissues (8-30%), testicular testosterone and cholesterol concentrations (30-40%), and mRNA levels of genes involved in steroidogenesis and cholesterol homeostasis (30-70%). In experiment 2, OFO-exposed males had 20% lower sperm motility (P < 0.05); however, when mated to normal females, pregnancy rates and litter sizes did not differ between OFO and C groups. CONCLUSIONS The anti-androgenic effect of OFO in Sprague Dawley rats was attributed to decreased testicular concentrations of cholesterol (testosterone precursor) and not body-weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ping Wu
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shun Lin
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fen Chang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shui-Yuan Lu
- Department of Applied Toxicology, Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Min Chao
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Li L, Hao X, Chen H, Wang L, Chen A, Song X, Hu Z, Su Y, Lin H, Fan P. Metabolomic characterization of semen from asthenozoospermic patients using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2020; 34:e4897. [PMID: 32428267 PMCID: PMC7507193 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia (AS) is a common factor of male infertility, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differential seminal plasma metabolic pattern in asthenozoospermic men and to identify potential biomarkers in relation to spermatogenic dysfunction using sensitive ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem quadruple time‐of‐flight MS (UHPLC–Q‐TOF/MS). The samples of seminal plasma from patients with AS (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20) were checked and differentiated by UHPLC–Q‐TOF/MS. Compared with the control group, the AS group showed a total of nine significantly different metabolites, including increases in creatinine, uric acid, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), uridine, and taurine and decreases in carnitine, nicotinamide, N‐acetylputrescine and l‐palmitoylcarnitine. By analyzing the correlation among these metabolites and clinical computer‐assisted semen analysis reports, we found that m6A is significantly correlated with not only the four decreased metabolites but also with sperm count, motility, and curvilinear velocity. Furthermore, nicotinamide was shown to correlate with other identified metabolites, indicating its important role in the metabolic pathway of AS. Current results implied that sensitive untargeted seminal plasma metabolomics could identify distinct metabolic patterns of AS and would help clinicians by offering novel cues for discovering the pathogenesis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinrui Hao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Reproductive Health Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Reproductive Health Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aolei Chen
- Reproductive Health Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaotian Song
- Reproductive Health Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyan Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Su
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Han Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pei Fan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Di Pietro V, Yakoub KM, Caruso G, Lazzarino G, Signoretti S, Barbey AK, Tavazzi B, Lazzarino G, Belli A, Amorini AM. Antioxidant Therapies in Traumatic Brain Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9030260. [PMID: 32235799 PMCID: PMC7139349 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9030260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a multiplicity of causes provoking traumatic brain injury (TBI), TBI is a highly heterogeneous pathology, characterized by high mortality and disability rates. TBI is an acute neurodegenerative event, potentially and unpredictably evolving into sub-chronic and chronic neurodegenerative events, with transient or permanent neurologic, cognitive, and motor deficits, for which no valid standardized therapies are available. A vast body of literature demonstrates that TBI-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress is involved in the development of both acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Cellular defenses against this phenomenon are largely dependent on low molecular weight antioxidants, most of which are consumed with diet or as nutraceutical supplements. A large number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of antioxidant administration to decrease TBI-associated damage in various animal TBI models and in a limited number of clinical trials. Points of weakness of preclinical studies are represented by the large variability in the TBI model adopted, in the antioxidant tested, in the timing, dosages, and routes of administration used, and in the variety of molecular and/or neurocognitive parameters evaluated. The analysis of the very few clinical studies does not allow strong conclusions to be drawn on the real effectiveness of antioxidant administration to TBI patients. Standardizing TBI models and different experimental conditions, as well as testing the efficacy of administration of a cocktail of antioxidants rather than only one, should be mandatory. According to some promising clinical results, it appears that sports-related concussion is probably the best type of TBI to test the benefits of antioxidant administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Pietro
- Neurotrauma and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (V.D.P.); (K.M.Y.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Kamal M. Yakoub
- Neurotrauma and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (V.D.P.); (K.M.Y.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Laboratories, Oasi Research Institute – IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy;
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Signoretti
- UOC Neurochirurgia, ASL Roma2, S. Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell’Umanesimo 10, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Aron K. Barbey
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, Largo F.Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Scienze di laboratorio e infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (G.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (G.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Belli
- Neurotrauma and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (V.D.P.); (K.M.Y.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (G.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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Fresta CG, Fidilio A, Lazzarino G, Musso N, Grasso M, Merlo S, Amorini AM, Bucolo C, Tavazzi B, Lazzarino G, Lunte SM, Caraci F, Caruso G. Modulation of Pro-Oxidant and Pro-Inflammatory Activities of M1 Macrophages by the Natural Dipeptide Carnosine. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030776. [PMID: 31991717 PMCID: PMC7038063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is a natural endogenous dipeptide widely distributed in mammalian tissues, existing at particularly high concentrations in the muscles and brain and possesses well-characterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In an in vitro model of macrophage activation, induced by lipopolysaccharide + interferon-gamma (LPS + IFN-γ), we here report the ability of carnosine to modulate pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory activities of macrophages, representing the primary cell type that is activated as a part of the immune response. An ample set of parameters aimed to evaluate cytotoxicity (MTT assay), energy metabolism (HPLC), gene expressions (high-throughput real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)), protein expressions (western blot) and nitric oxide production (qRT-PCR and HPLC), was used to assess the effects of carnosine on activated macrophages challenged with a non cytotoxic LPS (100 ng/mL) + IFN-γ (600 U/mL) concentration. In our experimental model, main carnosine beneficial effects were: (1) the modulation of nitric oxide production and metabolism; (2) the amelioration of the macrophage energy state; (3) the decrease of the expressions of pro-oxidant enzymes (Nox-2, Cox-2) and of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde; (4) the restoration and/or increase of the expressions of antioxidant enzymes (Gpx1, SOD-2 and Cat); (5) the increase of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and the down-regulation of the expressions of interleukins 1β and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6) and 6) the increase of the expressions of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). According to these results carnosine is worth being tested in the treatment of diseases characterized by elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation (atherosclerosis, cancer, depression, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia G. Fresta
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA; (C.G.F.); (S.M.L.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (M.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Bio-nanotech Research and Innovation Tower (BRIT), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (M.G.); (F.C.)
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy
| | - Sara Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (A.M.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Angela M. Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (A.M.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (A.M.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (A.M.A.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Susan M. Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA; (C.G.F.); (S.M.L.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (M.G.); (F.C.)
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (G.C.)
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Caruso G, Fresta CG, Fidilio A, O'Donnell F, Musso N, Lazzarino G, Grasso M, Amorini AM, Tascedda F, Bucolo C, Drago F, Tavazzi B, Lazzarino G, Lunte SM, Caraci F. Carnosine Decreases PMA-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Murine Macrophages. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:E281. [PMID: 31390749 PMCID: PMC6720685 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8080281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide composed of β-alanine and L-histidine. This naturally occurring molecule is present at high concentrations in several mammalian excitable tissues such as muscles and brain, while it can be found at low concentrations in a few invertebrates. Carnosine has been shown to be involved in different cellular defense mechanisms including the inhibition of protein cross-linking, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species detoxification as well as the counteraction of inflammation. As a part of the immune response, macrophages are the primary cell type that is activated. These cells play a crucial role in many diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, carnosine was first tested for its ability to counteract oxidative stress. In our experimental model, represented by RAW 264.7 macrophages challenged with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitors, carnosine was able to decrease the intracellular concentration of superoxide anions (O2-•) as well as the expression of Nox1 and Nox2 enzyme genes. This carnosine antioxidant activity was accompanied by the attenuation of the PMA-induced Akt phosphorylation, the down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNAs, and the up-regulation of the expression of the anti-inflammatory mediators IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Additionally, when carnosine was used at the highest dose (20 mM), there was a generalized amelioration of the macrophage energy state, evaluated through the increase both in the total nucleoside triphosphate concentrations and the sum of the pool of intracellular nicotinic coenzymes. Finally, carnosine was able to decrease the oxidized (NADP+)/reduced (NADPH) ratio of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate in a concentration dependent manner, indicating a strong inhibitory effect of this molecule towards the main source of reactive oxygen species in macrophages. Our data suggest a multimodal mechanism of action of carnosine underlying its beneficial effects on macrophage cells under oxidative stress and inflammation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Laboratories, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy.
| | - Claudia G Fresta
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Fergal O'Donnell
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09W6Y4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Bio-Nanotech Research and Innovation Tower (BRIT), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Department of Laboratories, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Angela M Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Susan M Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Laboratories, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Tongpan S, Sukhorum W, Arun S, Sawatphanich T, Iamsaard S. Valproic acid changes the expression of tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins in rat seminal vesicle. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13303. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Tongpan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | | | - Supatcharee Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Tarinee Sawatphanich
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
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