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Yang J, Ou X, Shu M, Wang J, Zhang X, Wu Z, Hao W, Zeng H, Shao L. Inhibition of p38MAPK signalling pathway alleviates radiation-induced testicular damage through improving spermatogenesis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:393-412. [PMID: 37580308 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Damage to the testis following exposure to ionizing radiation has become an urgent problem to be solved. Here we have investigated if inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signalling could alleviate radiation-induced testicular damage. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In mice exposed to whole body radiation (2-6 Gy), morphological changes of the epididymis and testis was measured by histochemical staining. immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence procedures and western blotting were used to monitor expression and cellular location of proteins. Expression of genes was assessed by qPCR and RNA-Seq was used to profile gene expression. KEY RESULTS Exposure to ionizing radiation induced dose-dependent damage to mouse testis. The sperm quality decreased at 6 and 8 weeks after 6 Gy X-ray radiation. Radiation decreased PLZF+ cells and increased SOX9+ cells, and affected the expression of 969 genes, compared with data from non-irradiated mice. Expression of genes related to p38MAPK were enriched by GO analysis and were increased in the irradiated testis, and confirmed by qPCR. Levels of phospho-p38MAPK protein increased at 28 days after irradiation. In irradiated mice, SB203580 treatment increased spermatozoa, SOX9+ cells, the area and diameter of seminiferous tubules, sperm movement rate and density. Furthermore, SB203580 treatment increased SCP3+ cells, accelerating the process of spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Exposure to ionizing radiation clearly changed gene expression in mouse testis, involving activation of p38MAPK signalling pathways. Inhibition of p38MAPK by SB203580 partly alleviated the testicular damage caused by radiation and accelerated the recovery of sperms through promoting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiangying Ou
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Manling Shu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Hao
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huihong Zeng
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijian Shao
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Ramos RM, Petroli RJ, D'Alessandre NDR, Guardia GDA, Afonso ACDF, Nishi MY, Domenice S, Galante PAF, Mendonca BB, Batista RL. Small Indels in the Androgen Receptor Gene: Phenotype Implications and Mechanisms of Mutagenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 109:68-79. [PMID: 37572362 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad470] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite high abundance of small indels in human genomes, their precise roles and underlying mechanisms of mutagenesis in Mendelian disorders require further investigation. OBJECTIVE To profile the distribution, functional implications, and mechanisms of small indels in the androgen receptor (AR) gene in individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). METHODS We conducted a systematic review of previously reported indels within the coding region of the AR gene, including 3 novel indels. Distribution throughout the AR coding region was examined and compared with genomic population data. Additionally, we assessed their impact on the AIS phenotype and investigated potential mechanisms driving their occurrence. RESULTS A total of 82 indels in AIS were included. Notably, all frameshift indels exhibited complete AIS. The distribution of indels across the AR gene showed a predominance in the N-terminal domain, most leading to frameshift mutations. Small deletions accounted for 59.7%. Most indels occurred in nonrepetitive sequences, with 15.8% situated within triplet regions. Gene burden analysis demonstrated significant enrichment of frameshift indels in AIS compared with controls (P < .00001), and deletions were overrepresented in AIS (P < .00001). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore a robust genotype-phenotype relationship regarding small indels in the AR gene in AIS, with a vast majority presenting complete AIS. Triplet regions and homopolymeric runs emerged as prone loci for small indels within the AR. Most were frameshift indels, with polymerase slippage potentially explaining half of AR indel occurrences. Complex frameshift indels exhibited association with palindromic runs. These discoveries advance understanding of the genetic basis of AIS and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying pathogenic small indel events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Martinez Ramos
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo José Petroli
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas-UFAL, Maceió, AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Caroline de Freitas Afonso
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Mirian Yumie Nishi
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Loch Batista
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo da Faculdade, de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, SP, 01246-000, Brazil
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Sahoo B, Gupta MK. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Spermatogenesis-Related CircRNAs and LncRNAs in Goat Spermatozoa. Biochem Genet 2023:10.1007/s10528-023-10520-8. [PMID: 37815627 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa comprises both coding and non-coding RNAs, which are traditionally believed to be a residual of spermatogenesis. The differential expression level of spermatozoal RNAs is also observed between fertile and infertile human, thereby anticipated as potential molecular marker of male fertility. This study investigated the transcriptome profile of goat (Capra hircus) spermatozoa. The sperm transcriptome was analyzed by three different methods viz. RLM-RACE, long-read RNA sequencing (RNAseq) in Nanopore™ platform, and short-read RNAseq in Illumina™ platform. The Illumina™ sequencing discovered 16,604 transcripts with 357 mRNAs having FPKM (fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads) of more than five. The spermatozoal RNA suite included mRNA (94%), rRNA (3%), miscRNA (1%), circRNA (1%), miRNA (1%), etc. This study also predicted circRNAs (127), lncRNAs (655), and imprinted genes (160) that have potential role in male reproduction. The gene ontology analysis revealed the involvement of spermatozoal RNA in regulating male meiosis (TET3, STAT5B), capacitation (ACRBP, CATSPER4), sperm motility (GAS8, TEKT2), spermatogenesis (ADAMTS2, CREB3L4), etc. The spermatozoal RNA were also associated with different biological pathways viz. Wnt signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathways having potential role in spermatogenesis. Overall, this study enlightened the suite of spRNA transcripts in goat and their relevance in male fertility for diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijayalaxmi Sahoo
- Gene Manipulation Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769 008, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Gene Manipulation Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769 008, India.
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Jafari L, Safinejad K, Nasiri M, Heidari M, Houshmand M. The relationship between common mutations in CFTR, AR genes, Y chromosome microdeletions and karyotyping abnormalities with very severe oligozoospermia in Iranian men. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:519-529. [PMID: 35982373 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01300-6] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility due to very severe oligozoospermia has been associated with some genetic risk factors. OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of the mutations in the CFTR gene, the CAG-repeat expansion of the AR gene, also Y chromosome microdeletions and karyotyping abnormalities in very severe oligozoospermia patients. METHODS In the present case-control study, 200 patients and 200 fertile males were enrolled. All patients and control group were karyotyped. Microdeletions were evaluated using multiplex PCR. Five common CFTR mutations were genotyped using the ARMS-PCR technique. The CAG-repeat expansion in the AR gene was evaluated for each individual using sequencing. RESULTS Overall 4% of cases shows a numerical and structural abnormality. 7.5% of patients had a deletion in one of the AZF regions on Yq, and 3.5% had a deletion in two regions. F508del was the most common (4.5%) CFTR gene mutation; G542X, and W1282X were detected with 1.5% and 1% respectively. One patient was found to have AZFa microdeletion and F508del in heterozygote form; one patient had AZFb microdeletion with F508del. F508del was seen as compound heterozygous with G542X in one patient and with W1282X in the other patient. The difference in the mean of the CAG-repeats in the AR gene in patients and control groups was statistically significant (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Our study shows the genetic mutations in men with severe oligozoospermia and given the possibility of transmission of these disorders to the next generation by fertilization, counseling and genetic testing are suggested for these couples before considering ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Jafari
- Department of Biology, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arsanjan, Iran
| | - Kyumars Safinejad
- Department of Biology, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran.
| | - Mahboobeh Nasiri
- Department of Biology, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arsanjan, Iran
| | - Mansour Heidari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Poursina Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Houshmand
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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Carver JJ, Zhu Y. Metzincin metalloproteases in PGC migration and gonadal sex conversion. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114137. [PMID: 36191636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of a functional gonad includes migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs), differentiations of somatic and germ cells, formation of primary follicles or spermatogenic cysts with somatic gonadal cells, development and maturation of gametes, and subsequent releasing of mature germ cells. These processes require extensive cellular and tissue remodeling, as well as broad alterations of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Metalloproteases, including MMPs (matrix metalloproteases), ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases), and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), are suggested to have critical roles in the remodeling of the ECM during gonad development. However, few research articles and reviews are available on the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteases in remodeling gonadal ECM, gonadal development, or gonadal differentiation. Moreover, most studies focused on the roles of transcription and growth factors in early gonad development and primary sex determination, leaving a significant knowledge gap on how differentially expressed metalloproteases exert effects on the ECM, cell migration, development, and survival of germ cells during the development and differentiation of ovaries or testes. We will review gonad development with focus on the evidence of metalloprotease involvements, and with an emphasis on zebrafish as a model for studying gonadal sex differentiation and metalloprotease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Carver
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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Rocca MS, Minervini G, Vinanzi C, Bottacin A, Lia F, Foresta C, Pennuto M, Ferlin A. Mutational screening of androgen receptor gene in 8224 men of infertile couples. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:1181-1191. [PMID: 36394509 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Mutations in Androgen receptor (AR) gene might be associated with infertility mainly because they cause various degree of androgen insensitivity. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency and type of AR variants in a large cohort of infertile males. PATIENTS AND SETTING 8224 males of Italian idiopathic infertile couples referred University Hospital of Padova. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mutational screening of AR, computational and functional analyses. RESULTS We found 131 patients (1.6%) harboring 45 variants in AR gene, of which 18 were novel missense AR variants. Patients with AR gene variants had lower sperm count (p = 0.048), higher testosterone concentration (p < 0.0001) and higher androgen sensitivity index (ASI) [LH x testosterone (T), p < 0.001] compared to patients without variants. Statistical analyses found T ≥ 15.38 nmol/l and ASI ≥180 IU × nmol/l2 as threshold values to discriminate with good accuracy patients with AR variants. Patients with oligozoospermia and T ≥ 15.38 nmol/l have a 9-fold increased risk of harboring mutations compared to patients with normal sperm count and T < 15.38 nmol/l (OR 9.29, 95% CI 5.07-17.02). Using computational and functional approaches, we identified two novel variants, L595P and L791I, as potentially pathogenic. CONCLUSION This is the largest study screening AR gene variants in men of idiopathic infertile couples. We found that the prevalence of variants increased to 3.4% in oligozoospermic subjects with T ≥ 15.38 nmol/l. Conversely, more than 80% of men with AR gene variants had low sperm count and high T levels. Based on our findings, we suggest AR sequencing as a routine genetic test in cases of idiopathic oligozoospermia with T ≥ 15.38 nmol/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Bottacin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Lia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Petrusová J, Manning J, Kubovčiak J, Kolář M, Filipp D. Two complementary approaches for efficient isolation of Sertoli cells for transcriptomic analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:972017. [PMID: 36158203 PMCID: PMC9495933 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.972017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are the only somatic cells that reside in seminiferous tubules of testis. They directly interact with and support the development of germ cells, thus have an indispensable role in the process of spermatogenesis. SCs first appear in a proliferative state and then, with the initiation of the first wave of spermatogenesis, progress to a mature “nurturing” state which supports lifelong continuous sperm production. During this development, the SC transcriptome must adapt rapidly as obstacles in SC maturation often result in deficiencies in male fertility. Due to its importance in spermatogenesis, a reliable, rapid, and precise method for the isolation of high purity, viable and unadulterated SC has been largely missing. We have developed an improved method for the preparation of a testicular single cell suspension comprised of two alternative protocols to separate SCs from the rest of the testicular cells by FACS. The first sorting scheme is based on their co-expression of surface specific markers, FSHr and Occludin-1, while the second focuses on the co-staining of SCs with FSHr-specific antibody and Hoechst 33342, which discriminates DNA content of testicular cells. The entire procedure can be completed in less than 3 h which permits the analysis of the development-related transcriptional profile of these cells. Notably, our comparative study showed that this method resulted in a SC transcriptome that is largely comparable to SCs which were briskly isolated due to their cell-specific expression of fluorescent protein. Interestingly, we also show that SCs sorted as FSHr+Occludin+ cells contained a tangible portion of transcripts from all types of testicular germ cells. Sorting of SCs according to their 2C DNA content significantly reduced the presence of these transcripts, thus seems to be the most suitable approach for accurate determination of the SC transcriptome. We believe that these novel approaches for the isolation of SCs will assist researchers in the elucidation of their function as well as their role in spermatogenesis and disorders related to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Petrusová
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jasper Manning
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Kubovčiak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Dominik Filipp
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Dominik Filipp,
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Wieland J, Buchan S, Sen Gupta S, Mantzouratou A. Genomic instability and the link to infertility: A focus on microsatellites and genomic instability syndromes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 274:229-237. [PMID: 35671666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is associated to multiple types of different genomic instabilities and is a genetic feature of genomic instability syndromes. While the mismatch repair machinery contributes to the maintenance of genome integrity, surprisingly its potential role in infertility is overlooked. Defects in mismatch repair mechanisms contribute to microsatellite instability and genomic instability syndromes, due to the inability to repair newly replicated DNA. This article reviews the literature to date to elucidate the contribution of microsatellite instability to genomic instability syndromes and infertility. The key findings presented reveal microsatellite instability is poorly researched in genomic instability syndromes and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wieland
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Sarah Buchan
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Sioban Sen Gupta
- Institute for Women's Health, 86-96 Chenies Mews, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK.
| | - Anna Mantzouratou
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
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Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome: the current landscape. Endocr Pract 2022; 28:911-917. [PMID: 35660466 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mild Androgen Insensitivity (MAIS) belongs to the Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) spectrum, an X-linked genetic disease that is the most common cause of differences in sex development (DSD). Unfortunately, AIS studies mainly focus on the partial and the complete phenotype, and the mild phenotype (MAIS) has been barely reported. Our purpose is to explore the MAIS facets, clinical features, and molecular aspects. METHODS We collected all reported MAIS cases in the medical literature and presented them based on the phenotype and the molecular diagnosis. RESULTS We identified 49 different AR mutations in 69 individuals in the literature. We compared the AR mutations presented in MAIS individuals with AR mutations previously reported in other AIS phenotypes (CAIS and PAIS) regarding the type, location, genotype-phenotype correlation, and functional studies. CONCLUSION This review provides a landscape of the mild phenotype of AIS. Most MAIS patients present with male infertility. Therefore, AR gene sequencing should be considered during male infertility investigation, even in males with typically male external genitalia. In addition, MAIS can be part of other medical conditions, such as X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease).
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Nordenström A, Ahmed SF, van den Akker E, Blair J, Bonomi M, Brachet C, Broersen LHA, Claahsen-van der Grinten HL, Dessens AB, Gawlik A, Gravholt CH, Juul A, Krausz C, Raivio T, Smyth A, Touraine P, Vitali D, Dekkers OM. Pubertal induction and transition to adult sex hormone replacement in patients with congenital pituitary or gonadal reproductive hormone deficiency: an Endo-ERN clinical practice guideline. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:G9-G49. [PMID: 35353710 PMCID: PMC9066594 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An Endo-European Reference Network guideline initiative was launched including 16 clinicians experienced in endocrinology, pediatric and adult and 2 patient representatives. The guideline was endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society for Endocrinology and the European Academy of Andrology. The aim was to create practice guidelines for clinical assessment and puberty induction in individuals with congenital pituitary or gonadal hormone deficiency. A systematic literature search was conducted, and the evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. If the evidence was insufficient or lacking, then the conclusions were based on expert opinion. The guideline includes recommendations for puberty induction with oestrogen or testosterone. Publications on the induction of puberty with follicle-stimulation hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are reviewed. Specific issues in individuals with Klinefelter syndrome or androgen insensitivity syndrome are considered. The expert panel recommends that pubertal induction or sex hormone replacement to sustain puberty should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team. Children with a known condition should be followed from the age of 8 years for girls and 9 years for boys. Puberty induction should be individualised but considered at 11 years in girls and 12 years in boys. Psychological aspects of puberty and fertility issues are especially important to address in individuals with sex development disorders or congenital pituitary deficiencies. The transition of these young adults highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, to discuss both medical issues and social and psychological issues that arise in the context of these chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nordenström
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence should be addressed to A Nordenström;
| | - S F Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - E van den Akker
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Obesity Center CGG, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Blair
- Department of Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - C Brachet
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants HUDERF, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - L H A Broersen
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H L Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Childrens Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A B Dessens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Sophia Children’s Hospital Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Gawlik
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - C H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Research and Research Training Centre for Endocrine Disruption in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC) and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Krausz
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences ‘Mario Serio’, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - T Raivio
- New Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, and Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Smyth
- Turner Syndrome Support Society in the UK, ePAG ENDO-ERN, UK
| | - P Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Pitié Salpêtriere Hospital, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université Médecine and Center for Endocrine Rare Disorders of Growth and Development and Center for Rare Gynecological Disorders, Paris, France
| | - D Vitali
- SOD ITALIA APS – Italian Patient Organization for Septo Optic Dysplasia and Other Neuroendocrine Disorders – ePAG ENDO-ERN, Rome, Italy
| | - O M Dekkers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, LUMC Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Ruthig VA, Lamb DJ. Updates in Sertoli Cell-Mediated Signaling During Spermatogenesis and Advances in Restoring Sertoli Cell Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897196. [PMID: 35600584 PMCID: PMC9114725 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their initial description by Enrico Sertoli in 1865, Sertoli cells have continued to enchant testis biologists. Testis size and germ cell carrying capacity are intimately tied to Sertoli cell number and function. One critical Sertoli cell function is signaling from Sertoli cells to germ cells as part of regulation of the spermatogenic cycle. Sertoli cell signals can be endocrine or paracrine in nature. Here we review recent advances in understanding the interplay of Sertoli cell endocrine and paracrine signals that regulate germ cell state. Although these findings have long-term implications for treating male infertility, recent breakthroughs in Sertoli cell transplantation have more immediate implications. We summarize the surge of advances in Sertoli cell ablation and transplantation, both of which are wedded to a growing understanding of the unique Sertoli cell niche in the transitional zone of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Ruthig
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Sexual Medicine Lab, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dolores J. Lamb
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Dolores J. Lamb,
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12
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Kumar A, Sharma R, Faruq M, Kumar M, Sharma S, Werner R, Hiort O, Vandana J. Clinical, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of Indian Children with Clinically Suspected Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. Sex Dev 2021; 16:34-45. [PMID: 34689141 DOI: 10.1159/000519047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the clinical, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of Indian children with 46,XY DSD and suspected androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Fifty children (median age 3.0 years, range 0-16.5 years) with 46,XY DSD and a suspected diagnosis of AIS were enrolled. Sanger sequencing was performed to identify pathogenic variants in the androgen receptor (AR) gene and to study genotype-phenotype correlations. All 5 (100%) patients with CAIS and 14/45 (31%) patients with PAIS had pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the AR gene (overall, 14 different variants in 19 patients; 38.8%). There was no significant difference in clinical (cryptorchidism, hypospadias, or external masculinizing score) or biochemical parameters (gonadotropins and testosterone) between patients with or without pathogenic variants. However, patients with AIS were more likely to have a positive family history, be assigned female gender at birth, and present with gynaecomastia at puberty. Three novel pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, including one splice donor site variant c.2318+1G>A, one frameshift variant p.H790Lfs*40, and one missense variant p.G821E, were identified in 3 patients with CAIS. The missense variant p.G821E was predicted as deleterious, damaging, disease-causing, and likely functionally inactive by in silico analysis and protein modelling study. Two previously not reported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, including p.R386H and p.G396R, were identified in patients with PAIS. This study contributes in expanding the spectrum of pathogenic variants in the AR gene in patients with AIS. Only 31% patients with a provisional diagnosis of PAIS had pathogenic variants in the AR gene, suggesting other possible mechanisms or candidate genes may be responsible for such a phenotypic presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India,
| | - Rajni Sharma
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jain Vandana
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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13
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Barbagallo F, Cannarella R, Bertelli M, Crafa A, La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE. Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: From the Relevance of an Accurate Genetic Diagnosis to the Challenge of Clinical Management. A Case Report. Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 57:medicina57111142. [PMID: 34833359 PMCID: PMC8624150 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), an X-linked recessive disorder of sex development (DSD), is caused by variants of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, mapping in the long arm of the X chromosome, which cause a complete loss of function of the receptor. Case presentation: We report a patient diagnosed with complete AIS (CAIS) at birth due to swelling in the bilateral inguinal region. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed the absence of the uterus and ovaries and the presence of bilateral testes in the inguinal region. The karyotype was 46,XY. She underwent bilateral orchiectomy at 9 months and was given estrogen substitutive therapy at the age of 11 years. Genetic analysis of the AR gene variants was requested when, at the age of 20, the patient came to our observation. Methods: The genetic testing was performed by next-generation sequence (NGS) analysis. Results: The genetic analysis showed the presence of the c.2242T>A, p.(Phe748Ile) variant in the AR gene. To the best of our knowledge, this variant has not been published so far. Furthermore, the patient has a heterozygous c.317A>G, p.(Gln106Arg) variation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GNRHR) gene, a heterozygous c.2273G>A, p.Arg758His variation of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene, and compound heterozygous c.875A>G, p.Tyr292Cys, and c.8023A>G, p.Ile2675Val variations of the Dynein Axonemal Heavy Chain 11 (DNAH11) gene. Conclusions: The case herein reported underlines the importance of an accurate genetic analysis that has to include karyotype and AR gene variant analysis. This is useful to confirm a clinical diagnosis and establish the proper management of patients with CAIS. Numerous variants of the AR gene have not yet been identified. Moreover, several pitfalls are still present in the management of these patients. More studies are needed to answer unresolved questions, and common protocols are required for the clinical follow-up of patients with CAIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (A.C.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (A.C.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (A.C.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (A.C.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (A.C.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (A.C.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
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14
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Bai X, Tang Y, Li Q, Liu D, Liu G, Fan X, Liu Z, Yu S, Tang T, Wang S, Li L, Zhou K, Zheng Y, Liu Z. An Integrated Analysis of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experiment Validation to Explore the New Candidate Active Component and Mechanism of Cuscutae Semen-Mori Fructus Coupled-Herbs in Treating Oligoasthenozoospermia. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:2059-2089. [PMID: 34040346 PMCID: PMC8139735 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s307015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the most common types of male infertility is recognized as oligoasthenozoospermia (OA), characterized by low sperm count and quality in males. As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Cuscutae Semen-Mori Fructus coupled-herbs (CSMFCH) has been known to act a curative effect on OA for thousands of years. Nevertheless, the substantial basis and molecular mechanism of CSMFCH in treating OA remain elusive. METHODS Herein, an integrated approach, including network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experiment validation, was utilized to reveal the new candidate active component and mechanism of CSMFCH in treating OA. RESULTS The results show that kaempferol is the most significant bioactive component of CSMFCH on OA. The mechanism and targets of CSMFCH against OA are relevant to hormone regulation, oxidant stress, and reproductive promotion. In order to validate network pharmacology results, molecular docking and experiment validation were conducted. In detail, molecular docking was employed to verify the strong binding interactions between kaempferol and the core targets. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify kaempferol in the CSMFCH extract. In vitro and in vivo experiments further proved CSMFCH and kaempferol could enhance the mouse Leydig (TM3) and mouse Sertoli (TM4) cell viability, improve the male reproductive organ weights, sperm quality, and decrease testis tissue damage in the OA mouse model induced by CP. CONCLUSION Our results not only identify the new candidate active component of CSMFCH in treating OA but also provide new insights into the mechanisms of CSMFCH against OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yibo Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guimin Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhejun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shujun Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Tang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuyan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kailin Zhou
- School of Humanities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenquan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Fiorini A, Sepich M, Pontrelli M, Sangriso G, Cosci O Di Coscio M, Lauletta M, Baldinotti F, Peroni D, Ambrosio MR, Bertelloni S. Adolescent Gynecomastia due to Minimal Androgen Resistance Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review. Sex Dev 2021; 14:21-26. [PMID: 33691326 DOI: 10.1159/000514067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A 14-year-old boy with a 46,XY karyotype and persistent breast-3-stage gynecomastia is reported. The reproductive axis was investigated by standard laboratory methods and the androgen receptor (AR) gene was sequenced. Also, a literature review of phenotypes associated with the AR genetic variant p.Pro392Ser was performed. The boy presented with height in the upper normal range (+1.9 SDS) and normal body mass index (-0,3 SDS); pubertal development was PH5/G4 (mean testicular volume 15 mL; 0 SDS). Laboratory findings were normal for age and sex, except aromatization index (0.09; reference range 0.03-0.07). Analysis of the AR gene showed the single nucleotide variant c.1174C>T (p.Pro392Ser) in exon 1, leading to the diagnosis of minimal androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). This genetic variant is reported in other 8 patients with AIS and is associated with variable clinical phenotypes ranging from complete to partial and minimal AIS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first adolescent in whom the p.Pro392Ser mutation is associated with isolated persistent gynecomastia. The underlying reason of phenotypic variability due to this AR mutation remains unknown. Persistent gynecomastia due to minimal AIS has been reported in few additional males with variable AR mutations. Since fertility troubles may occur in adult men with minimal AIS, early diagnosis can allow optimizing the clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aureliano Fiorini
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Sepich
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Pontrelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sangriso
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mirna Cosci O Di Coscio
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marcella Lauletta
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- Section of Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ambrosio
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvano Bertelloni
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy,
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16
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Bai X, Tang Y, Li Q, Chen Y, Liu D, Liu G, Fan X, Ma R, Wang S, Li L, Zhou K, Zheng Y, Liu Z. Network pharmacology integrated molecular docking reveals the bioactive components and potential targets of Morinda officinalis-Lycium barbarum coupled-herbs against oligoasthenozoospermia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2220. [PMID: 33500463 PMCID: PMC7838196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80780-6] [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: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligoasthenozoospermia (OA) is one of the most common types of male infertility affecting sperm count and sperm motility. Unfortunately, it is difficult for existing drugs to fundamentally improve the sperm quality of OA patients, because the pathological mechanism of OA has not been fully elucidated yet. Morinda officinalis-Lycium barbarum coupled-herbs (MOLBCH), as traditional Chinese Medicines, has been widely used for treating OA over thousands of years, but its molecular mechanism is still unclear. For this purpose, we adopted a comprehensive approach integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking to reveal the bioactive components and potential targets of MOLBCH against OA. The results showed that MOLBCH alleviated apoptosis, promoted male reproductive function, and reduced oxidant stress in the treatment of OA. Ohioensin-A, quercetin, beta-sitosterol and sitosterol were the key bioactive components. Androgen receptor (AR), Estrogen receptor (ESR1), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were the core potential targets. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, prostate cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications were the most representative pathways. Moreover, molecular docking was performed to validate the strong binding interactions between the obtained core components and targets. These observations provide deeper insight into the pathogenesis of OA and can be used to design new drugs and develop new therapeutic instructions to treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Yibo Tang
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Qiang Li
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Yafei Chen
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Dan Liu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Guimin Liu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Xiaolei Fan
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Ru Ma
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Shuyan Wang
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Lingru Li
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Kailin Zhou
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Humanities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Zhenquan Liu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China ,grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
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17
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Xavier MJ, Salas-Huetos A, Oud MS, Aston KI, Veltman JA. Disease gene discovery in male infertility: past, present and future. Hum Genet 2021; 140:7-19. [PMID: 32638125 PMCID: PMC7864819 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the genes causing male infertility is important to increase our biological understanding as well as the diagnostic yield and clinical relevance of genetic testing in this disorder. While significant progress has been made in some areas, mainly in our knowledge of the genes underlying rare qualitative sperm defects, the same cannot be said for the genetics of quantitative sperm defects. Technological advances and approaches in genomics are critical for the process of disease gene identification. In this review we highlight the impact of various technological developments on male infertility gene discovery as well as functional validation, going from the past to the present and the future. In particular, we draw attention to the use of unbiased genomics approaches, the development of increasingly relevant functional assays and the importance of large-scale international collaboration to advance disease gene identification in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Xavier
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - A Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - M S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - K I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - J A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
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18
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Liu Q, Yin X, Li P. Clinical, hormonal and genetic characteristics of androgen insensitivity syndrome in 39 Chinese patients. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:34. [PMID: 32345305 PMCID: PMC7187512 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal androgen receptor (AR) genes can cause androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), and AIS can be classified into complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) and mild AIS. We investigated the characteristics of clinical manifestations, serum sex hormone levels and AR gene mutations of 39 AIS patients, which provided deeper insight into this disease. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 39 patients with 46, XY disorders of sex development (46, XY DSD) who were diagnosed with AIS at the Department of Endocrinology of Shanghai Children's Hospital from 2014 to 2019. We analysed clinical data from the patients including hormone levels and AR gene sequences. Furthermore, we screened the AR gene sequences of the 39 AIS patients to identify probable mutations. RESULTS The 39 AIS patients came from 37 different families; 19 of the patients presented CAIS, and 20 of them presented PAIS. The CAIS patients exhibited a higher cryptorchidism rate than the PAIS (100 and 55%, P = 0.001). There were no significant difference between the CAIS and PAIS groups regarding the levels of inhibin B (INHB), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), basal luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), or basal dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the T:DHT ratio, DHT levels after human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulation or T levels after HCG stimulation. However, the hormone levels of AMH (P = 0.010), peak LH (P = 0.033), basal FSH (P = 0.009) and peak FSH (P = 0.033) showed significant differences between the CAIS group and the PAIS group. Twenty-one reported pathogenic and 9 novel AR mutations were identified. Spontaneous AR mutations were found in 5 AIS patients, and 21 patients inherited mutations from their mothers, who carried heterozygous mutations. CONCLUSIONS Forty-six XY DSD patients with cryptorchidism and female phenotypes were highly suspected of having AIS. We demonstrated that CAIS patients could not be distinguished by their hormone levels alone. Compared with PAIS patients, CAIS patients exhibited higher basal FSH, peak FSH, and peak LH hormone levels but lower AMH expression. We identified 21 reported pathogenic AR mutations and 9 novel AR mutations that led to different types of AIS. Missense mutations were the major cause of AIS and mostly occurred in exon 7 of the AR gene. These findings provided deeper insight into the diagnosis and classification of AIS and will even contributed to its clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Yin
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Pin Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Rocca MS, Msaki A, Ghezzi M, Cosci I, Pilichou K, Celeghin R, Foresta C, Ferlin A. Development of a novel next-generation sequencing panel for diagnosis of quantitative spermatogenic impairment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:753-762. [PMID: 32242295 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01747-0] [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: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and assess a novel custom next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel for male infertility genetic diagnosis. METHODS A total of 241 subjects with diagnosis of idiopathic infertility ranging from azoospermia to normozoospermia were sequenced by a custom NGS panel including AR, FSHB, FSHR, KLHL10, NR5A1, NANOS1, SEPT12, SYCP3, TEX11 genes. Variants with minor allele frequency < 1% were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Nineteen missense variants were detected in 23 subjects with abnormal sperm count, whilst no variants were identified in normozoospermic men. Of identified variants, we prioritized variants classified as pathogenic and of uncertain significance (VUS) (63.1%, 12/19). No missense variants were found in males with normal seminal parameters (0/67). Therefore, the prevalence of variants was significantly higher in patients with spermatogenic impairment (16/174 vs 0/67, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION This study confirms the utility to apply NGS panel for infertility diagnosis in order to find new genetic variants potentially linked to male infertility with much higher accuracy than standard tests suggested by guidelines. Indeed, based on biological significance, prevalence in the general population and clinical data of patients, it is plausible that identified variants in this study might be linked to quantitative spermatogenic impairment, although further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Aichi Msaki
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Ghezzi
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cosci
- Familial Cancer Clinic, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV-IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rudy Celeghin
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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20
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Yokonishi T, McKey J, Ide S, Capel B. Sertoli cell ablation and replacement of the spermatogonial niche in mouse. Nat Commun 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 31896751 PMCID: PMC6940386 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13879-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonia, which produce sperm throughout the male lifetime, are regulated inside a niche composed of Sertoli cells, and other testis cell types. Defects in Sertoli cells often lead to infertility, but replacement of defective cells has been limited by the inability to deplete the existing population. Here, we use an FDA-approved non-toxic drug, benzalkonium chloride (BC), to deplete testis cell types in vivo. Four days after BC administration, Sertoli cells are preferentially depleted, and can be replaced to promote spermatogenesis from surviving (host) spermatogonia. Seven days after BC treatment, multiple cell types can be engrafted from fresh or cryopreserved testicular cells, leading to complete spermatogenesis from donor cells. These methods will be valuable for investigation of niche-supporting cell interactions, have the potential to lead to a therapy for idiopathic male infertility in the clinic, and could open the door to production of sperm from other species in the mouse. Sertoli cells and other somatic cells of the testis comprise the germ cell niche and are critical to regulate spermatogenesis. Here the authors present a method in which Sertoli cells are selectively targeted for ablation by the compound benzalkonium chloride (BC) in mice, and the spermatogenic niche is subsequently repopulated in regions that have been affected by BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Yokonishi
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Department of Urology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Jennifer McKey
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Shintaro Ide
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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21
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Aitken RJ, Baker MA. The Role of Genetics and Oxidative Stress in the Etiology of Male Infertility-A Unifying Hypothesis? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:581838. [PMID: 33101214 PMCID: PMC7554587 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.581838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of male infertility, very little is known about its etiology. In recent years however, advances in gene sequencing technology have enabled us to identify a large number of rare single point mutations responsible for impeding all aspects of male reproduction from its embryonic origins, through the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis to germ cell differentiation and sperm function. Such monogenic mutations aside, the most common genetic causes of male infertility are aneuploidies such as Klinefelter syndrome and Y-chromosome mutations which together account for around 20-25% of all cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. Oxidative stress has also emerged as a major cause of male fertility with at least 40% of patients exhibiting some evidence of redox attack, resulting in high levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in the form of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG). The latter is highly mutagenic and may contribute to de novo mutations in our species, 75% of which are known to occur in the male germ line. An examination of 8OHdG lesions in the human sperm genome has revealed ~9,000 genomic regions vulnerable to oxidative attack in spermatozoa. While these oxidized bases are generally spread widely across the genome, a particular region on chromosome 15 appears to be a hot spot for oxidative attack. This locus maps to a genetic location which has linkages to male infertility, cancer, imprinting disorders and a variety of behavioral conditions (autism, bipolar disease, spontaneous schizophrenia) which have been linked to the age of the father at the moment of conception. We present a hypothesis whereby a number of environmental, lifestyle and clinical factors conspire to induce oxidative DNA damage in the male germ line which then triggers the formation de novo mutations which can have a major impact on the health of the offspring including their subsequent fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Aitken
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Robert John Aitken
| | - Mark A. Baker
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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22
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Vockel M, Riera-Escamilla A, Tüttelmann F, Krausz C. The X chromosome and male infertility. Hum Genet 2019; 140:203-215. [PMID: 31875237 PMCID: PMC7864851 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The X chromosome is a key player in germ cell development, as has been highlighted for males in previous studies revealing that the mammalian X chromosome is enriched in genes expressed in early spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the X chromosome’s unique biology as associated with human male infertility. Male infertility is most commonly caused by spermatogenic defects to which X chromosome dosage is closely linked; for example, any supernumerary X chromosome as in Klinefelter syndrome will lead to male infertility. Furthermore, because males normally only have a single X chromosome and because X-linked genetic anomalies are generally only present in a single copy in males, any loss-of-function mutations in single-copy X-chromosomal genes cannot be compensated by a normal allele. These features make X-linked genes particularly attractive for studying male spermatogenic failure. However, to date, only very few genetic causes have been identified as being definitively responsible for male infertility in humans. Although genetic studies of germ cell-enriched X-chromosomal genes in mice suggest a role of certain human orthologs in infertile men, these genes in mice and humans have striking evolutionary differences. Furthermore, the complexity and highly repetitive structure of the X chromosome hinder the mutational analysis of X-linked genes in humans. Therefore, we conclude that additional methodological approaches are urgently warranted to advance our understanding of the genetics of X-linked male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Vockel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB- Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB- Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Viale PIeraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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23
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Kharrat M, Tajouri A, Nacef IB, Hizem C, Trabelsi M, Maazoul F, M'rad R, Chaabouni HB. Identification of two additional novel mutations in the AR gene associated with severe forms of androgen insensitivity syndrome. Steroids 2019; 152:108489. [PMID: 31499074 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) in its complete form (CAIS) is a disorder in abnormal male development characterized by a complete female phenotype in a 46,XY individual. The most frequent cause of this disorder is a hemizygous mutation in androgen receptor (AR) gene located in X chromosome. The first aim of this study was to confirm the clinical diagnosis in a series of Tunisian patients with a typical phenotype of CAIS by molecular genetic analysis. The second aim was to determine the AR mutational profile in the local population. The entire coding region and the exon-intron junctions of the AR gene were sequenced in a series of ten patients. AR defects were found in nine patients. Despite the small number of cases, two of the nine identified mutations were novel. The first novel mutation was an 8-bp deletion in exon 1 (c.862_869del) resulting in a frameshift (p.A288Qfs*14). The second was a splice site mutation c.1885 + 1G > T (IVS3 + 1G > T). In this study, genetic testing has confirmed the diagnosis of most CAIS patients and has revealed two novel mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of AIS, as well as seven other reported mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Kharrat
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES10 Human Genetics Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Asma Tajouri
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES10 Human Genetics Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ben Nacef
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES10 Human Genetics Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Cyrine Hizem
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES10 Human Genetics Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mediha Trabelsi
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Faouzi Maazoul
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha M'rad
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES10 Human Genetics Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES10 Human Genetics Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia
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24
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Guerri G, Maniscalchi T, Barati S, Busetto GM, Del Giudice F, De Berardinis E, Cannarella R, Calogero AE, Bertelli M. Non-syndromic monogenic male infertility. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2019; 90:62-67. [PMID: 31577257 PMCID: PMC7233647 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i10-s.8762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a widespread clinical problem affecting 8-12% of couples worldwide. Of these, about 30% are diagnosed with idiopathic infertility since no causative factor is found. Overall 40-50% of cases are due to male reproductive defects. Numerical or structural chromosome abnormalities have long been associated with male infertility. Monogenic mutations have only recently been addressed in the pathogenesis of this condition. Mutations of specific genes involved in meiosis, mitosis or spermiohistogenesis result in spermatogenic failure, leading to the following anomalies: insufficient (oligozoospermia) or no (azoospermia) sperm production, limited progressive and/or total sperm motility (asthenozoospermia), altered sperm morphology (teratozoospermia), or combinations thereof. Androgen insensitivity, causing hormonal and sexual impairment in males with normal karyotype, also affects male fertility. The genetic causes of non-syndromic monogenic of male infertility are summarized in this article and a gene panel is proposed. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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25
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Hasani N, Mohseni Meybodi A, Rafaee A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Mohammadzadeh R, Sabbaghian M. Spermatogenesis disorder is associated with mutations in the ligand-binding domain of an androgen receptor. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13376. [PMID: 31373714 DOI: 10.1111/and.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens play a key role in spermatogenesis, and their functions are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Some mutations in the AR gene have the potential to alter the primary structure and function of the protein. The aim of this study was to investigate the AR gene mutations in a cohort of males with idiopathic azoospermia referred to Royan Institute. Fifty-one biopsy samples were obtained for routine clinical purposes from 15 men with hypospermatogenesis (HS), 17 patients with maturation arrest (MA) and 19 patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). The AR cDNAs were prepared from tissue mRNAs and were sequenced. One synonymous variant and three nonsynonymous protein coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) were detected. Protein structure prediction demonstrated that the S815I and M746T nonsynonymous variants would affect protein structure and its normal function. Our study suggests that mutations in the AR gene would change or disturb the receptor's normal activity. Although these variations may influence spermatogenesis, it is difficult to say that they lead to a lack of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Hasani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Anahita Mohseni Meybodi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alemeh Rafaee
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Urology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Biological insights into multiple birth: genetic findings from UK Biobank. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:970-979. [PMID: 30760885 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The tendency to conceive spontaneous dizygotic (DZ) twins is a complex trait with important contributions from both environmental factors and genetic disposition. In earlier work, we identified the first two genes as maternal susceptibility loci for DZ twinning. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants influencing multiple births and to genetically correlate the findings across a broad range of traits. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 8962 participants with Caucasian ancestry from UK Biobank who reported being part of a multiple birth, and 409,591 singleton controls. We replicated the association between FSHB, SMAD3 and twinning in the gene-based (but not SNP-based) test, which had been established in previous genome-wide association analyses in mothers with dizygotic twin offspring. Additionally, we report a novel genetic variant associated with multiple birth, rs428022 at 15q23 (p = 2.84 × 10-8) close to two genes: PIAS1 and SKOR1. Finally, we identified meaningful genetic correlations between being part of a multiple birth and other phenotypes (anthropometric traits, health-related traits, and fertility-related measures). The outcomes of this study provide important new insights into the genetic aetiology of multiple births and fertility, and open up novel directions for fertility and reproduction research.
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27
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Impaired Nuclear Export of Polyglutamine-Expanded Androgen Receptor in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:119. [PMID: 30644418 PMCID: PMC6333819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36784-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the androgen receptor (AR). Prior studies have highlighted the importance of AR nuclear localization in SBMA pathogenesis; therefore, in this study, we sought to determine the role of AR nuclear export in the pathological manifestations of SBMA. We demonstrate here that the nuclear export of polyQ-expanded AR is impaired, even prior to the formation of intranuclear inclusions of aggregated AR. Additionally, we find that promoting AR export with an exogenous nuclear export signal substantially reduces its aggregation and blocks hormone-induced toxicity. Moreover, we show that these protective effects are conferred by destabilization of the mutant protein due to an increase in proteasomal degradation of the cytoplasmic AR. Despite a growing body of evidence that global disruption of nucleo/cytoplasmic transport occurs in ALS and HD, our data suggest that no such global disruption occurs in models of SBMA; rather, AR-specific mechanisms, including reduced phosphorylation at Serine 650, are likely responsible for the impaired nuclear export of polyQ-expanded AR.
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28
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Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial and heterogeneous pathological condition affecting 7% of the general male population. The genetic landscape of male infertility is highly complex as semen and testis histological phenotypes are extremely heterogeneous, and at least 2000 genes are predicted to be involved in spermatogenesis. Genetic factors have been described in each etiological category of male reproductive impairment: (1) hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction; (2) quantitative and qualitative alterations of spermatogenesis; (3) ductal obstruction/dysfunction. In 25% of azoospermic and in 10% of oligozoospermic men, a genetic anomaly can be diagnosed with the current genetic testing. However, up to now, only a relatively low number of monogenic factors have a clear-cut cause-effect relationship with impaired reproductive function. Thanks to the widespread diffusion of Next-Generation Sequencing, a continuously increasing number of monogenic causes of male infertility are being discovered and their validation is currently ongoing. The identification of genetic factors is of outmost clinical importance since there is a risk of transmission of genetic defects through natural or assisted reproductive techniques. The benefit of the genetic diagnosis of infertility has an obvious clinical significance for the patient itself with implications not only for his reproductive health but in many instances also for his general health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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29
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DNA Damage and Repair in Human Reproductive Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010031. [PMID: 30577615 PMCID: PMC6337641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental underlying paradigm of sexual reproduction is the production of male and female gametes of sufficient genetic difference and quality that, following syngamy, they result in embryos with genomic potential to allow for future adaptive change and the ability to respond to selective pressure. The fusion of dissimilar gametes resulting in the formation of a normal and viable embryo is known as anisogamy, and is concomitant with precise structural, physiological, and molecular control of gamete function for species survival. However, along the reproductive life cycle of all organisms, both male and female gametes can be exposed to an array of “stressors” that may adversely affect the composition and biological integrity of their proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, that may consequently compromise their capacity to produce normal embryos. The aim of this review is to highlight gamete genome organization, differences in the chronology of gamete production between the male and female, the inherent DNA protective mechanisms in these reproductive cells, the aetiology of DNA damage in germ cells, and the remarkable DNA repair mechanisms, pre- and post-syngamy, that function to maintain genome integrity.
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30
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Li L, Yang X, Wang R, Liu X, Yu Y, Feng T, Liu R, Zhang G. Androgen receptor gene mutations are associated with male infertility in Northeast China: Clinical features and identification of two novel mutations. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13195. [PMID: 30411392 DOI: 10.1111/and.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Li
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis; First Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis; First Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Ruixue Wang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis; First Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Peking Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction; Peking China
| | - Yang Yu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis; First Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Tao Feng
- Peking Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction; Peking China
| | - Ruizhi Liu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis; First Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Guirong Zhang
- Peking Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction; Peking China
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31
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Kalfa N, Gaspari L, Ollivier M, Philibert P, Bergougnoux A, Paris F, Sultan C. Molecular genetics of hypospadias and cryptorchidism recent developments. Clin Genet 2018; 95:122-131. [PMID: 30084162 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, a tremendous amount of work has been devoted to the study of the molecular genetics of isolated hypospadias and cryptorchidism, two minor forms of disorders of sex development (DSD). Beyond the genes involved in gonadal determination and sex differentiation, including those underlying androgen biosynthesis and signaling, new genes have been identified through genome-wide association study and familial clustering. Even if no single genetic defect can explain the whole spectrum of DSD, these recent studies reinforce the strong role of the genetic background in the occurrence of these defects. The timing of signaling disruption may explain the different phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Kalfa
- Département de Chirurgie et Urologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Gaspari
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Margot Ollivier
- Département de Chirurgie et Urologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Philibert
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Bergougnoux
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francoise Paris
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Sultan
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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32
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Jedidi I, Ouchari M, Yin Q. Sex chromosomes-linked single-gene disorders involved in human infertility. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 62:103560. [PMID: 31402110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Human infertility is a healthcare problem that has a worldwide impact. Genetic causes of human infertility include chromosomal aneuploidies and rearrangements and single-gene defects. The sex chromosomes (X and Y) are critical players in human fertility since they contain several genes essential for sex determination and reproductive traits for both men and women. This paper provides a review of the most common sex chromosomes-linked single-gene disorders involved in human infertility and their corresponding phenotypes. In addition to the Y-linked SRY gene, which mutations may cause XY gonadal dysgenesis and sex reversal, the deletions of genes present in AZF regions of the Y chromosome (DAZ, RBMY, DBY and USP9Y genes) are implicated in varying degrees of spermatogenic dysfunction. Furthermore, a list of X-linked genes (KAL1, NR0B1, AR, TEX11, FMR1, PGRMC1, BMP15 and POF1 and 2 regions genes (XPNPEP2, POF1B, DACH2, CHM and DIAPH2)) were reported to have critical roles in pubertal and reproductive deficiencies in humans, affecting only men, only women or both sexes. Mutations in these genes may be transmitted to the offspring by a dominant or a recessive inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Jedidi
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia.
| | - Mouna Ouchari
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qinan Yin
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Meitan General Hospital, Beijing, China
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33
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Krausz C, Cioppi F, Riera-Escamilla A. Testing for genetic contributions to infertility: potential clinical impact. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018. [PMID: 29540081 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1453358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility affects about 7% of the general male population, and it is a multifactorial, polygenic pathological condition. Known genetic factors, accounting for about 20-25% of male factor infertility, are present in each etiological category: i) hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction; ii) quantitative and qualitative alterations of spermatogenesis; iii) ductal obstruction/dysfunction. Areas covered: All routinely available genetic tests are described. Indication for testing for chromosomal anomalies and Y chromosome microdeletions is based on sperm count (severe oligozoospermia/azoospermia). Mutation screening in candidate genes is indicated in specific semen/testis phenotypes. In about 40% of infertile patients, the aetiology remains unknown ('idiopathic cases') and whole exome sequencing may reveal novel genetic causes. Expert commentary: Genetic testing is essential for its relevance in clinical decision-making. For instance, it helps to avoid unnecessary surgical or medical treatments and it may provide prediction for testicular sperm retrieval. The highest frequency of genetic anomalies is observed in severe spermatogenic impairment, which can be treated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Given the risk of transmitting genetic disorders to the future offspring through IVF, the diagnosis of known and the discovery of novel genetic factors in idiopathic infertility is of outmost clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Krausz
- a Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Francesca Cioppi
- a Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- b Andrology Department , Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau) , Barcelona , Spain
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Röpke A, Tüttelmann F. MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Aberrations of the X chromosome as cause of male infertility. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:R249-R259. [PMID: 28611019 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is most commonly caused by spermatogenetic failure, clinically noted as oligo- or a-zoospermia. Today, in approximately 20% of azoospermic patients, a causal genetic defect can be identified. The most frequent genetic causes of azoospermia (or severe oligozoospermia) are Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), structural chromosomal abnormalities and Y-chromosomal microdeletions. Consistent with Ohno's law, the human X chromosome is the most stable of all the chromosomes, but contrary to Ohno's law, the X chromosome is loaded with regions of acquired, rapidly evolving genes, which are of special interest because they are predominantly expressed in the testis. Therefore, it is not surprising that the X chromosome, considered as the female counterpart of the male-associated Y chromosome, may actually play an essential role in male infertility and sperm production. This is supported by the recent description of a significantly increased copy number variation (CNV) burden on both sex chromosomes in infertile men and point mutations in X-chromosomal genes responsible for male infertility. Thus, the X chromosome seems to be frequently affected in infertile male patients. Four principal X-chromosomal aberrations have been identified so far: (1) aneuploidy of the X chromosome as found in Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY or mosaicism for additional X chromosomes). (2) Translocations involving the X chromosome, e.g. nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development (XX-male syndrome) or X-autosome translocations. (3) CNVs affecting the X chromosome. (4) Point mutations disrupting X-chromosomal genes. All these are reviewed herein and assessed concerning their importance for the clinical routine diagnostic workup of the infertile male as well as their potential to shape research on spermatogenic failure in the next years.
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Clinical and genetic characterization of six cases with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome in China. J Genet 2017; 96:695-700. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-017-0809-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tsitlakidis D, Katopodi T, Goulis DG, Papadimas I, Kritis A. Association of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms with fertility in Greek men. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:721-726. [PMID: 28224403 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0637-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although several epidemiological studies have been conducted, the impact of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) polymorphisms on male infertility remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of specific FSHR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Greek population and associate the latter with the clinical phenotype. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 96 subjects: men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (n = 78) were compared with a control group of fertile men (n = 18) for SNPs in FSHR positions c.-29, c.566, c.919, and c.2039. The SNP in position 566 (c.566C > T) was assessed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and the other three SNPs (c.-29G > A, c.919A > G, c.2039A > G) with single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP); all of them were validated with DNA sequence. RESULTS No polymorphisms were detected in positions c.-29 and c.919 (c.-29G > A, c.919A > G). The heterozygous SNP (AG) at position 2039 was associated with different size of the right testis (p = 0.008). There was no association between the c.566C > T SNPs polymorphism and hormonal or semen parameters. The combination SNP 2039 AA with 566 CT revealed significant association with FSH and LH concentrations. CONCLUSIONS FSHR SNPs at positions c.-29, c.566, c.919, and c.2039 (c.-29G > A, c.566C > T, c.919A > G, c.2039A > G) do not appear to play specific roles in male infertility. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tsitlakidis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Diabetologie/Endokrinologie, III Medizinische Klinik, University Klinikum, Jena, Germany.
| | - T Katopodi
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - I Papadimas
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Kritis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abou Alchamat G, Madania A, Alhalabi M. Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS): the identification of c.1783C>T mutation in two unrelated infertile men. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2017-220361. [PMID: 28659371 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Two unrelated men complaining of primary male infertility presented to Orient Hospital in Damascus city. Physical examination showed moderate hypoandrogenic features. Both men were azoospermic. Hormone profiles revealed an elevation of follicle-stimulating hormone in one patient, but all the other hormones tested were within normal limits for both patients. Further genetic analyses, including karyotype and microdeletions in the AZF region of the Y chromosome, were normal in both patients. Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome was expected in the two patients. Sequencing analysis of the first exon in the androgen receptor (AR) gene have shown c.1783C>T mutation in the two patients with azoospermia. This paper sheds light on the need to screen for mutations in the AR gene, causing male infertility whenever mild hypoandrogenic features are present with unexplained male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalia Abou Alchamat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Ammar Madania
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Atomic Energy Commission, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Marwan Alhalabi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Genetics and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, Orient Hospital, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
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Is there any clinical relevant difference between non mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome patients with or without Androgen Receptor variations? Sci Rep 2017; 7:3358. [PMID: 28611373 PMCID: PMC5469740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common chromosomal disorder in men leading to non-obstructive azoospermia. Spermatozoa can be found by TESE in about 50% of adults with KS despite severe testicular degeneration. We evaluated AR variations and polymorphism length in 135 non-mosaic KS patients, aimed to find possible correlation with clinical features, sex hormones and sperm retrieval. Among 135 KS patients we found AR variations in eight subjects (5.9%). All variations but one caused a single amino acid substitution. Four variations P392S, Q58L, L548F, A475V found in six patients had been previously described to be associated with different degrees of androgen insensitivity. Moreover we observed in two patients Y359F and D732D novel variations representing respectively a missense variation and a synonymous variation not leading to amino acid substitution. All the Klinefelter patients with AR gene variations were azoospermic. Spermatozoa were retrieved with TESE for two men (40%), sperm retrieval was unsuccessful in other 3 patients. This is the only study reporting AR variations in KS patients. Relevant clinical differences not emerged between AR mutated and not AR mutated KS patients, but does each variation play an important role in the trasmission to the offspring obtained by ART in this patients?
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Achermann JC, Schwabe J, Fairall L, Chatterjee K. Genetic disorders of nuclear receptors. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:1181-1192. [PMID: 28368288 DOI: 10.1172/jci88892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the first isolation of nuclear receptor (NR) genes, genetic disorders caused by NR gene mutations were initially discovered by a candidate gene approach based on their known roles in endocrine pathways and physiologic processes. Subsequently, the identification of disorders has been informed by phenotypes associated with gene disruption in animal models or by genetic linkage studies. More recently, whole exome sequencing has associated pathogenic genetic variants with unexpected, often multisystem, human phenotypes. To date, defects in 20 of 48 human NR genes have been associated with human disorders, with different mutations mediating phenotypes of varying severity or several distinct conditions being associated with different changes in the same gene. Studies of individuals with deleterious genetic variants can elucidate novel roles of human NRs, validating them as targets for drug development or providing new insights into structure-function relationships. Importantly, human genetic discoveries enable definitive disease diagnosis and can provide opportunities to therapeutically manage affected individuals. Here we review germline changes in human NR genes associated with "monogenic" conditions, including a discussion of the structural basis of mutations that cause distinctive changes in NR function and the molecular mechanisms mediating pathogenesis.
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Effects of androgen receptor mutation on testicular histopathology of patient having complete androgen insensitivity. J Mol Histol 2017; 48:159-167. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-017-9714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Su L, Cheng J, Yin X, Liu G, Lu Z, Sheng H, Cai Y, Shi Q, Liu L. Clinical and molecular characteristics in 15 patients with androgen receptor gene mutations from South China. Andrologia 2017; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L. Su
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - J. Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - X. Yin
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - G. Liu
- Department of Pediatric Urology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Z. Lu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - H. Sheng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Y. Cai
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Q. Shi
- Department of Pathology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - L. Liu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
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He T, Zhang X, Deng H, Zhou W, Zhao X, Zhao H, Lu J, Zheng Y, Zhang C, Zhang L, Yin A. A novel Y chromosome microdeletion potentially associated with defective spermatogenesis identified by custom array comparative genome hybridization. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:75-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Subfertility is defined as the condition of being less than normally fertile though still capable of effecting fertilization. When these subfertile couples seek assistance for conception, a thorough evaluation of male endocrine function is often overlooked. Spermatogenesis is a complex process where even subtle alterations in this process can lead to subfertility or infertility. Male endocrine abnormalities may suggest a specific diagnosis contributing to subfertility; however, in many patients, the underlying etiology is still unknown. Optimizing underlying endocrine abnormalities may improve spermatogenesis and fertility. This manuscript reviews reproductive endocrine abnormalities and hormone-based treatments.
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Altered micro-ribonucleic acid expression profiles of extracellular microvesicles in the seminal plasma of patients with oligoasthenozoospermia. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1061-1069.e3. [PMID: 27424049 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether microRNA (miRNA) expression profile is different in extracellular microvesicles collected from seminal plasma of men with oligoasthenozoospermia, to gain further insight into molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. DESIGN Microarray with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validation and Western blot analysis confirmation. SETTING University research and clinical institutes. PATIENT(S) A total of 24 men, including 12 oligoasthenozoospermic subfertile men and 12 normozoospermic men. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Statistically significant altered miRNA expression profiles in oligoasthenozoospermic subfertile men compared with normozoospermic fertile men. RESULT(S) Extracellular microvesicles including exosomes were isolated from seminal plasma by ultracentrifugation. Presence of exosome-specific proteins was confirmed by Western blotting. In the extracellular microvesicles, we analyzed 1,205 miRNAs by microarray and identified 36 miRNAs with altered expression levels in oligoasthenozoospermic compared with normozoospermic fertile men. Seven miRNAs were overexpressed and 29 miRNAs were underexpressed in oligoasthenozoospermic men. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as an independent method, we confirmed the significantly higher expression levels of miR-765 and miR-1275 and the significantly lower expression level of miR-15a in oligoasthenozoospermic subfertile men as compared with the normozoospermic men. CONCLUSION(S) We identified altered expression levels of miRNAs in extracellular microvesicles from seminal plasma as part of the molecular events in the male genital tract. These miRNAs may help to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility.
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Chen YH, Xu HY, Wang ZY, Zhu ZH, Li CD, Wu ZG, Chen BC. An insertion mutation in the androgen receptor gene in a patient with azoospermia. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:857-8. [PMID: 25677139 PMCID: PMC4577606 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.148724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhi-Gang Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Paris F, Gaspari L, Mbou F, Philibert P, Audran F, Morel Y, Biason-Lauber A, Sultan C. Endocrine and molecular investigations in a cohort of 25 adolescent males with prominent/persistent pubertal gynecomastia. Andrology 2016; 4:263-9. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Paris
- Unité d'Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatriques; Département de Pédiatrie; Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
- Département d'Hormonologie (Développement et Reproduction); Hôpital Lapeyronie; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
| | - L. Gaspari
- Unité d'Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatriques; Département de Pédiatrie; Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
- Département de Pédiatrie; Hôpital Caremeau; CHU Nîmes; Nîmes France
| | - F. Mbou
- Département de Pédiatrie; CHU de Fort de France; Martinique
| | - P. Philibert
- Département d'Hormonologie (Développement et Reproduction); Hôpital Lapeyronie; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
| | - F. Audran
- Département d'Hormonologie (Développement et Reproduction); Hôpital Lapeyronie; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
| | - Y. Morel
- Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est; Bron France
| | - A. Biason-Lauber
- Department of Medicine; University of Fribourg; Fribourg Switzerland
| | - C. Sultan
- Unité d'Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatriques; Département de Pédiatrie; Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
- Département d'Hormonologie (Développement et Reproduction); Hôpital Lapeyronie; CHU Montpellier et Université Montpellier 1 Montpellier France
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Chiba K, Enatsu N, Fujisawa M. Management of non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Med Biol 2016; 15:165-173. [PMID: 29259433 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-016-0234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is defined as no sperm in the ejaculate due to failure of spermatogenesis and is the most severe form of male infertility. The etiology of NOA is either intrinsic testicular impairment or inadequate gonadotropin production. Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities should be evaluated because there is a relatively high incidence compared with the normal population. Although rare, NOA due to inadequate gonadotropin production is a condition in which fertility can be improved by medical treatment. In contrast, there is no treatment that can restore spermatogenesis in the majority of NOA patients. Consequently, testicular extraction of sperm under an operating microscope (micro-TESE) has been the first-line treatment for these patients. Other treatment options include varicocelectomy for NOA patients with a palpable varicocele and orchidopexy if undescended testes are diagnosed after adulthood, although management of these patients remains controversial. Advances in retrieving spermatozoa more efficiently by micro-TESE have been made during the past decade. In addition, recent advances in biotechnology have raised the possibility of using germ cells produced from stem cells in the future. This review presents current knowledge about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Chiba
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Related, Faculty of Medicine Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku 650-0017 Kobe Japan
| | - Noritoshi Enatsu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Related, Faculty of Medicine Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku 650-0017 Kobe Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Related, Faculty of Medicine Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku 650-0017 Kobe Japan
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 6. Male Undermasculinization. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2015; 18:279-96. [PMID: 25105706 DOI: 10.2350/14-04-1465-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Normal male development requires three conditions: (1) adequate differentiation of the fetal testis; (2) synthesis and secretion of testicular hormones; and (3) effective action of these hormones on target organs. This requires the combined action of the inhibitory anti-müllerian hormone (AMH, secreted by Sertoli cells) to block the development of the uterus and fallopian tubes from the müllerian duct, together with the trophic stimulus of testosterone (a Leydig cell product), which leads to virilization of the wolffian ducts. Additionally, the development of external genitalia depends on the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme 5-α-reductase. Failure of any of these mechanisms leads to deficient virilization or the so-called "male pseudohermaphroditism" syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- 2 Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- 3 Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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Banuelos J, Shin SC, Lu NZ. A hotspot in the glucocorticoid receptor DNA-binding domain susceptible to loss of function mutation. Steroids 2015; 96:115-20. [PMID: 25676786 PMCID: PMC4355178 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to treat a variety of inflammatory disorders and certain cancers. However, GC resistance occurs in subsets of patients. We found that EL4 cells, a GC-resistant mouse thymoma cell line, harbored a point mutation in their GC receptor (GR) gene, resulting in the substitution of arginine 493 by a cysteine in the second zinc finger of the DNA-binding domain. Allelic discrimination analyses revealed that the R493C mutation occurred on both alleles. In the absence of GCs, the GR in EL4 cells localized predominantly in the cytoplasm and upon dexamethasone treatment underwent nuclear translocation, suggesting that the ligand binding ability of the GR in EL4 cells was intact. In transient transfection assays, the R493C mutant could not transactivate the MMTV-luciferase reporter. Site-directed mutagenesis to revert the R493C mutation restored the transactivation activity. Cotransfection experiments showed that the R493C mutant did not inhibit the transcriptional activities of the wild-type GR. In addition, the R493C mutant did not repress either the AP-1 or NF-κB reporters as effectively as WT GR. Furthermore, stable expression of the WT GR in the EL4 cells enabled GC-mediated gene regulation, specifically upregulation of IκBα and downregulation of interferon γ and interleukin 17A. Arginine 493 is conserved among multiple species and all human nuclear receptors and its mutation has also been found in the human GR, androgen receptor, and mineralocorticoid receptor. Thus, R493 is necessary for the transcriptional activity of the GR and a hotspot for mutations that result in GC resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Banuelos
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Soon Cheon Shin
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Nick Z Lu
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
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Chehab M, Madala A, Trussell J. On-label and off-label drugs used in the treatment of male infertility. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:595-604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.12.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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