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Muñoz E, Fuentes F, Felmer R, Arias ME, Yeste M. Effects of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species on Male Fertility. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:802-836. [PMID: 38019089 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0163] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Significance: In recent decades, male fertility has been severely reduced worldwide. The causes underlying this decline are multifactorial, and include, among others, genetic alterations, changes in the microbiome, and the impact of environmental pollutants. Such factors can dysregulate the physiological levels of reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) in the patient, generating oxidative and nitrosative stress that impairs fertility. Recent Advances: Recent studies have delved into other factors involved in the dysregulation of ROS and RNS levels, such as diet, obesity, persistent infections, environmental pollutants, and gut microbiota, thus leading to new strategies to solve male fertility problems, such as consuming prebiotics to regulate gut flora or treating psychological conditions. Critical Issues: The pathways where ROS or RNS may be involved as modulators are still under investigation. Moreover, the extent to which treatments can rescue male infertility as well as whether they may have side effects remains, in most cases, to be elucidated. For example, it is known that prescription of antioxidants to treat nitrosative stress can alter sperm chromatin condensation, which makes DNA more exposed to ROS and RNS, and may thus affect fertilization and early embryo development. Future Directions: The involvement of extracellular vesicles, which might play a crucial role in cell communication during spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, and the relevance of other factors such as sperm epigenetic signatures should be envisaged in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Muñoz
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Doctoral Program in Sciences, Major in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernanda Fuentes
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Doctoral Program in Sciences, Major in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Cornejo-Guerra C, Salazar-Ardiles C, Morales P, Andrade DC. Consequences of Exposure to Hypobaric Hypoxia Associated with High Altitude on Spermatogenesis and Seminal Parameters: A Literature Review. Cells 2024; 13:592. [PMID: 38607031 PMCID: PMC11011536 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical research has provided compelling evidence indicating that exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) results in a deterioration of spermatogenesis. This adverse effect extends to the underlying molecular mechanisms, progressively leading to impairments in the seminiferous epithelium and germ cells and alterations in semen parameters. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated that animals exposed to HH, whether in natural high-altitude environments or under simulated hypoxic conditions, exhibit damage to the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogenesis, an increase in germline cell apoptosis, and structural alterations in the seminiferous tubules. One of the primary mechanisms associated with the inhibition of differentiation and an increase in apoptosis among germ cells is an elevated level of oxidative stress, which has been closely associated with HH exposure. Human studies have shown that individuals exposed to HH, such as mountaineers and alpinists, exhibit decreased sperm count, reduced motility, diminished viability, and increased sperm with abnormal morphology in their semen. This evidence strongly suggests that exposure to HH may be considered a significant risk factor that could elevate the prevalence of male infertility. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive description and propose potential mechanisms that could elucidate the infertility processes induced by HH. By doing so, it contributes to expanding our understanding of the challenges posed by extreme environments on human physiology, opening new avenues for research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cornejo-Guerra
- Exercise Applied Physiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile; (C.C.-G.); (C.S.-A.)
| | - Camila Salazar-Ardiles
- Exercise Applied Physiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile; (C.C.-G.); (C.S.-A.)
| | - Patricio Morales
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile;
| | - David C. Andrade
- Exercise Applied Physiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile; (C.C.-G.); (C.S.-A.)
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Cojocaru C, Cojocaru E, Pohaci-Antonesei LS, Pohaci-Antonesei CA, Dumitrache-Rujinski S. Sleep apnea syndrome associated with gonadal hormone imbalance (Review). Biomed Rep 2023; 19:101. [PMID: 38025832 PMCID: PMC10646762 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea exhibit an increased risk of developing gonadal disorders. Because a notable number of people worldwide have sleep respiratory and reproductive disorders, it is essential to recognize the association between local upper airway dysfunction and its gonadal effects. Repeated breathing pauses cause sleep fragmentation, disorganization of sleep cycles and stages, sympathetic activation, intermittent hypoxemia and systemic inflammation. Nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia has a direct central effect on neurotransmitters, with disturbances in the normal production of hypothalamic-pituitary hormones. Awakenings and micro-awakenings at the end of apneic episodes produce a central stress responsible for hormonal changes and subsequent endocrine imbalances. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on gonadal hormonal homeostasis and its consequences. Recognizing and understanding how local upper airway dysfunction causes gonadal imbalance may facilitate better care for patients with OSAS. Although there may be a direct relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and gonadal function mediated by hormones via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, to date, current therapies have not been effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Cojocaru
- Department of Medical III, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Cojocaru
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luiza-Simona Pohaci-Antonesei
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Stefan Dumitrache-Rujinski
- Department of Cardiothoracic Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050471 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pneumology, Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumophtisiology, 050159 Bucharest, Romania
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Chang D, Kong F, Jiang W, Li F, Zhang C, Ding H, Kang Y, Li W, Huang C, Zhou X, Zhang X, Jiao H, Kang Y, Shang X, Zhang B. Effects of L-carnitine Administration on Sperm and Sex Hormone Levels in a Male Wistar Rat Reproductive System Injury Model in a High-Altitude Hypobaric Hypoxic Environment. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2231-2247. [PMID: 36633830 PMCID: PMC10310634 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00948-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The plateau environment impacts male reproductive function, causing decreased sperm quality and testosterone levels. L-carnitine can improve the semen microenvironment. However, the role of L-carnitine in a high-altitude environment remains unclear. In our study, we investigated the effects of L-carnitine administration in a male Wistar rat reproductive system injury model in the context of a simulated high-altitude environment. Rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (group A1, A2-low dose and A3-high dose) and high-altitude model groups (group B, C-low dose and D-high dose) with 20 rats in each group. With the exception of the normal control group exposed to normoxic conditions, the other groups were maintained in a hypobaric oxygen chamber that simulated an altitude of 6000 m for 28 days. In the experimental period, the low-dose groups (A2 and C) were administered 50 mg/kg L-carnitine via intraperitoneal injection once a day, and the high-dose groups (A3 and D) were given 100 mg/kg. After the feeding period, blood samples were collected to assess blood gas, serum hormone levels and oxidative stress. Sperm from the epididymis were collected to analyse various sperm parameters. After obtaining the testicular tissue, the morphological and pathological changes were observed under a light microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The impact of the simulated high-altitude environment on the rat testis tissue is obvious. Specifically, a decreased testicular organ index and altered indices of arterial blood gas and serum sex hormone levels caused testicular tissue morphological damage, reduced sperm quality, increased sperm deformity rate and altered malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations. The results demonstrate that L-carnitine can be administered as a preventive intervention to reduce the reproductive damage caused by high-altitude hypobaric and hypoxic environments and improve semen quality in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehui Chang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Feiyan Kong
- Second Department of Surgery, Beijing Fengtai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Air Force Hangzhou Secret Service Rehabilitation Center, Convalescent Section First of Convalescent Zone Second, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fudong Li
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haoshuai Ding
- The First Affiliated Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yindong Kang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chuang Huang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- The First Affiliated Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongmei Jiao
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yafen Kang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuejun Shang
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Urology, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Coimbra JLP, Dantas GDPF, de Andrade LM, Brener MRG, Viana PIM, Lopes RA, O G Gontijo D, Ervilha LOG, Assis MQ, Barcelos LS, E Szawka R, Damasceno DC, Machado-Neves M, Mota AP, Costa GMJ. Gold nanoparticle intratesticular injections as a potential animal sterilization tool: Long-term reproductive and toxicological implications. Toxicology 2023; 492:153543. [PMID: 37150288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) animal sterilizing potential after intratesticular injections and long-term adverse reproductive and systemic effects. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) groups. The rats received 200µL of saline or AuNPs solution (16µg/mL) on experimental days 1 and 7 (ED1 and ED7). After 150 days, the testicular blood flow was measured, and the rats were mated with females. After mating, male animals were euthanized for histological, cellular, and molecular evaluations. The female fertility indices and fetal development were also recorded. The results indicated increased blood flow in the testes of treated animals. Testes from treated rats had histological abnormalities, shorter seminiferous epithelia, and oxidative stress. Although the sperm concentration was lower in the AuNP-treated rats, there were no alterations in sperm morphology. Animals exposed to AuNPs had decreased male fertility indices, and their offspring had lighter and less efficient placentas. Additionally, the anogenital distance was longer in female fetuses. There were no changes in the histology of the kidney and liver, the lipid profile, and the serum levels of LH, testosterone, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and creatinine. The primary systemic effect was an increase in MDA levels in the liver and kidney, with only the liver experiencing an increase in CAT activity. In conclusion, AuNPs have a long-term impact on reproduction with very slight alterations in animal health. The development of reproductive biotechnologies that eliminate germ cells or treat local cancers can benefit from using AuNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L P Coimbra
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Graziela de P F Dantas
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lídia M de Andrade
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, ICEX/UFMG, Nanobiomedical Research Group, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos R G Brener
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro I M Viana
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberta A Lopes
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniele O G Gontijo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz O G Ervilha
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Mirian Q Assis
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciola S Barcelos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raphael E Szawka
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora C Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course of Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, Unesp
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana P Mota
- Clinical Hematology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Li X, Duan X, Tan D, Zhang B, Xu A, Qiu N, Chen Z. Iron deficiency and iron overload in men and woman of reproductive age, and pregnant women. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 118:108381. [PMID: 37023911 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient for human biology and health, but high iron levels can be dangerous. Both iron deficiency and iron overload have been linked to reproductive health. This review summarizes the effects of iron deficiency and iron overload on men of reproductive age, women of reproductive age, and pregnant women. In addition, appropriate iron levels and the need for iron and nutritional supplements at different stages of life and pregnancy are discussed. In general, men should be aware of the risk of iron overload at any stage of life; women should take appropriate iron supplements before menopause; postmenopausal women should pay attention to the risk of iron overload; and pregnant women should receive reasonable iron supplementation in middle and late pregnancy. By summarizing evidence on the relationship between iron and reproductive health, this review aims to promote the development of strategies to optimize reproductive capacity from the perspective of nutrition. However, additional detailed experimental investigations and clinical studies are needed to assess the underlying causes and mechanisms of the observed associations between iron and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Li
- Maternal and Child Health Development Research Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuexia Duan
- Physical Examination Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongmei Tan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Anran Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Ningning Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China.
| | - Zhaowen Chen
- Obstetrics Department, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China.
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Oyedokun PA, Akhigbe RE, Ajayi LO, Ajayi AF. Impact of hypoxia on male reproductive functions. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:875-885. [PMID: 36107286 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04559-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Male reproductive functions, which include testicular steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and sexual/erectile functions are key in male fertility, but may be adversely altered by several factors, including hypoxia. This review demonstrates the impact of hypoxia on male reproductive functions. Acute exposure to hypoxia promotes testosterone production via stimulation of autophagy and upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes and voltage-gated L-type calcium channel, nonetheless, chronic exposure to hypoxia impairs steroidogenesis via suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Also, hypoxia distorts spermatogenesis and reduces sperm count, motility, and normal forms via upregulation of VEGF and oxidative stress-sensitive signaling. Furthermore, hypoxia induces sexual and erectile dysfunction via a testosterone-dependent downregulation of NO/cGMP signaling and upregulation of PGE1/TGFβ1-driven penile endothelial dysfunction. Notably, hypoxia programs male sexual function and spermatogenesis/sperm quality via feminization and demasculinization of males and oxidative stress-mediated alteration in sperm DNA methylation. Since oxidative stress plays a central role in hypoxia-induced male reproductive dysfunction, studies exploring the effects of antioxidants and upregulation of transcription of antioxidants on hypoxia-induced male reproductive dysfunction are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Oyedokun
- Anchor Reproductive Physiology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - R E Akhigbe
- Anchor Reproductive Physiology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria.
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria.
| | - L O Ajayi
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - A F Ajayi
- Anchor Reproductive Physiology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
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Fertility Impairment after Trekking at High Altitude: A Proof of Mechanisms on Redox and Metabolic Seminal Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169066. [PMID: 36012330 PMCID: PMC9409093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many authors described negative but reversible effects of high-altitude hypoxic exposure on animal and human fertility in terms of sperm concentration, function, and biochemical alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of high-altitude exposure on classical sperm parameters, redox status, and membrane composition in a group of travellers. Five healthy Italian males, all lowlanders not accustomed to the altitude, were evaluated after 19 days-trekking through low, moderate, and high altitudes in the Himalayas. Sperm samples were collected before (Pre), 10 days after (Post), and 70 days after the end of the expedition (Follow-up). Sperm concentration, cholesterol and oxysterol membrane content, and redox status were measured. Hypoxic trek led to a significant reduction in sperm concentration (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.91), with a reduction from Pre to Post (71.33 ± 38.81 to 60.65 ± 34.63 × 106/mL) and a further reduction at Follow-up (to 37.13 ± 39.17 × 106/mL). The seminal volume was significantly affected by the hypoxic trek (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.75) with a significant reduction from Pre to Post (2.86 ± 0.75 to 1.68 ± 0.49 mL) and with partial recovery at Follow-up (to 2.46 ± 0.45 mL). Moreover, subjects had an increase in ROS production (+86%), and a decrease in antioxidant capacity (−37%) in the Post period with partial recovery at Follow-up. These results integrated the hormonal response on thyroid function, hypothalamus−pituitary−gonadal axis, and the prolactin/cortisol pathways previously reported. An uncontrolled ROS production, rather than a compromised antioxidant activity, was likely the cause of impaired sperm quality. The reduction in fertility status observed in this study may lie in an evolutionary Darwinian explanation, i.e., limiting reproduction due to the “adaptive disadvantage” offered by the combined stressors of high-altitude hypoxia and daily physical exercise.
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Hypobaric hypoxia exposure alters transcriptome in mouse testis and impairs spermatogenesis in offspring. Gene X 2022; 823:146390. [PMID: 35248658 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146390] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility relies on continual and robust spermatogenesis. Environmental hypoxia adversely affects reproductive health in humans and animal studies provide compelling evidences that hypoxia impairs spermatogenesis in directly exposed individuals. However, a detail examination of hypoxia induced changes in testicular gene expression is still lacking and spermatogenesis in offspring of hypoxia exposed animals of awaits investigation. In this study, a hypobaric hypoxic chamber was used to simulate hypoxic conditions in mice and effects of hypoxia on spermatogenesis, fertility and testicular gene expression were evaluated. The results showed that hypoxia exposure reduced the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia but did not change the regenerative capacity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) after transplantation. Hypoxia significantly increased the percent of abnormal sperm and these defects were recovered 2 months after returning to the normoxia. Transcriptome analysis of testicular tissues from control and hypoxia treated animals revealed that 766 genes were up-regulated and 965 genes were down-regulated. Surprisingly, expressions of genes that regulate epigenetic modifications were altered, indicating hypoxia-induced damage to spermatogenesis may be intergenerational. Indeed, animals that were sired by hypoxia exposed males exhibited impaired spermatogenesis. Together, these findings suggest that hypoxia exposure alters testicular gene expression and causes long-lasting damage to spermatogenesis.
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Akin AT, Kaymak E, Ceylan T, Ozturk E, Basaran KE, Karabulut D, Ozdamar S, Yakan B. Chloroquine attenuates chronic hypoxia-induced testicular damage via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in experimental rat model. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:813-823. [PMID: 35579513 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hypoxia negatively affects male fertility by causing pathological changes in male reproductive system. However, underlying mechanisms of this damage are unknown. Chloroquine (CLQ) is an anti-inflammatory agent which is widely used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases such as malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of CLQ in the hypoxia-induced testicular damage via assessment of hypoxic response, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. For this purpose, 32 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups as Control (given %20-21 O2 , no treatment), CLQ (given 50 mg/kg and %20-21 O2 for 28 days), HX (given %10 O2 for 28 days) and HX + CLQ (given 50 mg/kg and %10 O2 for 28 days). After experiment, blood samples and testicular tissues were taken. Histopathological evaluation was performed on testicular tissues and HIF1-α, HSP70, HSP90 and GADD153 expression levels were detected via immunohistochemistry. Moreover, apoptotic cells were detected via TUNEL staining and serum testosterone levels were determined by ELISA assay. Histopathological changes, apoptotic cell numbers and HIF1-α, HSP70, HSP90 and GADD153 expressions significantly increased in HX group (p < 0.05). Moreover, serum testosterone levels decreased in this group (p > 0.05). However, CLQ exerted a strong ameliorative effect on all parameters in HX + CLQ group. According to our results, we suggested that CLQ can be considered as an alternative protective agent for eliminating the negative effects of hypoxic conditions on male fertility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Tugrul Akin
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Emin Kaymak
- Histology-Embriology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Ceylan
- Program of Pathology Laboratory Techniques, Kapadokya Vocational High School, Kapadokya University, Nevsehir, Turkey
| | - Emel Ozturk
- Histology-Embriology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Kemal Erdem Basaran
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Derya Karabulut
- Histology-Embriology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Saim Ozdamar
- Histology-Embriology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Birkan Yakan
- Histology-Embriology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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11
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Feng J, Tang Y, Yang Z, Bao B, Liu Y, Deng S, Li H, Li J, Wang J. Explore the Effect of Asthma Regulating HIF-1 Pathway on Sperm Quality Based on Rat Model. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4194685. [PMID: 35620222 PMCID: PMC9129962 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4194685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study is to verify the effect of asthma on sperm quality and explore its potential underlying mechanism. We randomly categorized the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats into control (Group C) and asthma model (Group M) groups. Rats in the asthma model group were induced allergic asthma by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin solution. We evaluated the sperm motility and sperm concentration. The expression of the Interleukin-6 (IL6), phosphorylation-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-Stat3), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) proteins and mRNAs in the testicular tissue was detected by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Compared with group C, sperm concentration and sperm motility in group M rats were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared with group C, the expression levels of IL6, Stat3, and HIF-1α proteins and mRNAs in group M rats were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Asthma can regulate the HIF-1 signaling pathway, promoting the expression of IL6, Stat3, and HIF-1α protein and mRNAs, so as to promote sperm apoptosis and ultimately causing male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Feng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Urology Andrology Center of Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Andrology, Shunyi Hospital of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Binghao Bao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yichen Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Sheng Deng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Haisong Li
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jiangbin Li
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jisheng Wang
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
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12
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Exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone counteracts the adverse effect of scrotal insulation on testicular functions in bucks. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7869. [PMID: 35551262 PMCID: PMC9098548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined the effects of scrotal insulation on testicular functions in bucks and evaluated the impact of exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration before scrotal insulation on sperm production and testicular vascular dynamics. Twelve bucks were randomly divided into three groups: scrotal-insulated animals without GnRH treatment (INS), scrotal-insulated animals treated previously with GnRH (GnRH + INS), and animals without insulation as controls (CON). Doppler ultrasonography was used to evaluate testicular vascular changes, and semen samples were collected to assess seminal parameters. Testicular samples were collected from slaughtered bucks at the end of the experiment for histological investigations and immunohistochemical analysis for caspase 3 (apoptotic marker), and a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; hypoxic marker) evaluation. Sperm motility drastically decreased (33%) in the INS group on day 8 compared with those in the GnRH + INS and CON groups (58% and 85%, respectively). Testicular blood flow significantly decreased for 3 and 2 weeks in the INS and GnRH + INS groups, respectively. The pulsatility index (PI) reached pretreatment values at 5 and 4 weeks after insulation in the INS and GnRH + INS groups, respectively. The resistance index (RI) values increased in both insulated groups for the first 2 weeks and decreased to control values 4 weeks after insulation. However, the maximum velocity (VP) started to increase reaching pretreatment values by the 5th and 3rd weeks after insulation in the INS and GnRH + INS groups, respectively. Histological investigations showed a marked reduction in lipid inclusions in Sertoli cells in the GnRH + INS group compared with those in the INS group. The distributions of both caspase 3 and VEGF decreased in the GnRH + INS group compared with those in the INS group. This study showed that the administration of a single dose of GnRH delayed the negative effects of scrotal insulation on different seminal traits and revealed the pivotal role of GnRH in compensating testicular insulation in bucks.
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13
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Gu B, Wang S, Liu F, Song Y, Li J, Ni Y, Chen M, Hu J, Ouzhu L, Li Z, Liu L, Li X, Liu X. Same total normal forms sperm counts of males from Lhasa and Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18820-18831. [PMID: 34704224 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility may be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors that impair spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. High-altitude (HA) hypoxic environments represent one of the most serious challenges faced by humans that reside in these areas. To assess the influence of the plateau environment on semen parameters, 2,798 males, including 1,111 native Tibetans and 1,687 Han Chinese individuals living in the plains (HCILP) who underwent pre-pregnancy checkups, were enrolled in this study. The semen samples of males were evaluated to determine conventional sperm parameters, sperm morphology, and sperm movement. Reproductive endocrine hormones (REHs) were detected in 474 males, including 221 Tibetans and 253 HCILP. Due to recurrent abortions in partners, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of 133 native Tibetans and 393 HCILP individuals was further compared. Luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.94 ± 2.12 vs. 3.29 ± 1.43 U/L), prolactin (11.34 ± 3.87 vs. 8.97 ± 3.48 nmol/L), E2/T (0.22 ± 0.11 vs 0.11 ± 0.05), median total sperm motility (61.20% vs. 51.56%), and DFI (23.11% vs. 7.22%) were higher in males from plateau areas while median progressive motility (PR) (35.60% vs. 41.12%), total number of PR sperms (51.61 vs. 59.63 mil/ejaculate), percentage of normal form sperms (3.70% vs. 6.00%), curvilinear velocity (36.10 vs. 48.97 μm/s), straight-line (rectilinear) velocity (14.70 vs. 31.52 μm/s), estradiol (103.82 ± 45.92 vs. 146.01 ± 39.73 pmol/L), progesterone (0.29 ± 0.27 vs. 2.22 ± 0.84 nmol/L), testosterone (4.90 ± 1.96 vs. 14.36 ± 5.24 nmol/L), and testosterone secretion index (ratio of testosterone to LH) (33.45 ± 22.86 vs 145.78 ± 73.41) were lower than those in males from the plains. There was no difference in median total sperm number (157.76 vs. 151.65 mil/mL), sperm concentration (52.40 vs. 51.79 mil/mL), volume (3.10 vs. 3.10 mL), total normal form sperms (5.91 vs. 6.58 mil/ejaculate, p50), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (4.13 ± 2.55 U/L vs 3.82 ± 2.35 U/L) between the two groups of males. The REH and sperm parameters of males from HA hypoxic environments were adaptively altered. Although the total number of PR sperm decreased and DFI increased, the Tibetan population that lives at HAs has been found to grown continuously and rapidly. These results supplement prior findings regarding the impact of HA on male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benhong Gu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Shangren Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Center of Urologic Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jun Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Yongtao Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Min Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Jianlin Hu
- Department of Andrology, Center of Urologic Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Luobu Ouzhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center of Urologic Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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14
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Dobler R, Charette M, Kaplan K, Turnell BR, Reinhardt K. Divergent natural selection alters male sperm competition success in
Drosophila melanogaster. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8567. [PMID: 35222953 PMCID: PMC8848461 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually selected traits may also be subject to non‐sexual selection. If optimal trait values depend on environmental conditions, then “narrow sense” (i.e., non‐sexual) natural selection can lead to local adaptation, with fitness in a certain environment being highest among individuals selected under that environment. Such adaptation can, in turn, drive ecological speciation via sexual selection. To date, most research on the effect of narrow‐sense natural selection on sexually selected traits has focused on precopulatory measures like mating success. However, postcopulatory traits, such as sperm function, can also be under non‐sexual selection, and have the potential to contribute to population divergence between different environments. Here, we investigate the effects of narrow‐sense natural selection on male postcopulatory success in Drosophila melanogaster. We chose two extreme environments, low oxygen (10%, hypoxic) or high CO2 (5%, hypercapnic) to detect small effects. We measured the sperm defensive (P1) and offensive (P2) capabilities of selected and control males in the corresponding selection environment and under control conditions. Overall, selection under hypoxia decreased both P1 and P2, while selection under hypercapnia had no effect. Surprisingly, P1 for both selected and control males was higher under both ambient hypoxia and ambient hypercapnia, compared to control conditions, while P2 was lower under hypoxia. We found limited evidence for local adaptation: the positive environmental effect of hypoxia on P1 was greater in hypoxia‐selected males than in controls. We discuss the implications of our findings for the evolution of postcopulatory traits in response to non‐sexual and sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Dobler
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Institute of Evolution and Ecology Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen Tübingen Germany
- Applied Zoology Institute of Zoology Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Marc Charette
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Katrin Kaplan
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Institute of Evolution and Ecology Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Biz R. Turnell
- Applied Zoology Institute of Zoology Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Klaus Reinhardt
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Institute of Evolution and Ecology Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen Tübingen Germany
- Applied Zoology Institute of Zoology Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
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15
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Li Z, Wang S, Gong C, Hu Y, Liu J, Wang W, Chen Y, Liao Q, He B, Huang Y, Luo Q, Zhao Y, Xiao Y. Effects of Environmental and Pathological Hypoxia on Male Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:725933. [PMID: 34589489 PMCID: PMC8473802 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widespread health problem affecting approximately 6%-8% of the male population, and hypoxia may be a causative factor. In mammals, two types of hypoxia are known, including environmental and pathological hypoxia. Studies looking at the effects of hypoxia on male infertility have linked both types of hypoxia to poor sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes. Hypoxia damages testicular seminiferous tubule directly, leading to the disorder of seminiferous epithelium and shedding of spermatogenic cells. Hypoxia can also disrupt the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis of spermatogenic cells, resulting in impaired self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia, and failure of meiosis. In addition, hypoxia disrupts the secretion of reproductive hormones, causing spermatogenic arrest and erectile dysfunction. The possible mechanisms involved in hypoxia on male reproductive toxicity mainly include excessive ROS mediated oxidative stress, HIF-1α mediated germ cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition, systematic inflammation and epigenetic changes. In this review, we discuss the correlations between hypoxia and male infertility based on epidemiological, clinical and animal studies and enumerate the hypoxic factors causing male infertility in detail. Demonstration of the causal association between hypoxia and male infertility will provide more options for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Endoscope, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiushi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongbing Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Alcantara-Zapata DE, Bangdiwala SI, Jiménez D, Kogevinas M, Marchetti N, Nazzal C. Effects of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in Chilean miners. Occup Environ Med 2021; 78:753-760. [PMID: 33980699 PMCID: PMC8448907 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-107232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to determine the effects of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in Chilean miners who work at different altitudes. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2019. Miners from five mines (N=338) at different altitudes were evaluated. We recorded sociodemographic, working and altitude information. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2) and haemoglobin (Hb) were measured in situ, while PSA and testosterone were analysed at a low level. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the association between PSA level and two CIHH exposures: composite CIHH (with four descriptors) and ChileStd-CIHH (CIHH Chilean standard; based on the Chilean technical guide for occupational exposure to CIHH). All models were adjusted by age, body mass index and day of the work the samples were taken. RESULTS Highest and lowest PSA levels were found in mines ≥3000 m above sea level (mine 3: median=0.75, IQR=-0.45; mine 4: median=0.46, IQR=-0.35). In the multilevel models, the wider altitude difference between mining operation and camp showed lower PSA levels (model D: βPSA=-0.93 ng/mL, βlogPSA=-0.07, p<0001), adjusted for other CIHH descriptors, SaO2, Hb and testosterone. The descriptors of composite CIHH explained better PSA variations than ChileStd-CIHH (model D: marginal R2=0.090 vs model A: marginal R2=0.016). CONCLUSIONS Occupational health regulations and high altitude medicine should consider these results as initial evidence on the inclusion of new descriptors for CIHH and the possible effect of this exposure on PSA levels in this male-dominated occupational sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Elizabeth Alcantara-Zapata
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, and Laboratory of Investigation and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Shrikant I Bangdiwala
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Jiménez
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health - Campus MAR, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nella Marchetti
- Occupational Health Department, School of Public Health. University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Nazzal
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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17
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COVID-19 and male reproductive system: pathogenic features and possible mechanisms. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:869-878. [PMID: 34232425 PMCID: PMC8260577 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-10003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Multiorgan dysfunction is the main characteristic of severe COVID-19 patients and the involvement of male reproductive system may occur among these patients. Although there is a limited evidence to confirm the orchitis and virus presence in the semen of patients, there are concerns about the transmission of virus through the semen. In addition, reduced fertility or infertility can be seen as consequences of severe COVID-19 in recovered subjects. In this study, we aimed to review articles related to COVID-19 and male reproductive system to find the possible underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting male fertility. The following keywords of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, testis, orchitis, semen, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, Hypothalamus, etc., were defined to find the related publications from standard search engines, e.g., PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar. According to studies, COVID-19 occurs in severe patients as respiratory disease, along with multi-organ failure. The most important mechanisms are classified as direct and indirect pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. The presence of ACE2 on the cell surface of various cells in testis increases the risk of direct infection by this virus. SARS-CoV-2 also affects the testis through the cytokine storm. In addition, the important role of HPT axis dysregulation through impaired Leydig cells and hypothalamus should be considered. Using antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy can be harmful for testis function. Further investigations are required to investigate potential mechanisms of male infertility in survivals of COVID-19. Since involvement of testis is essential for fertility, increasing the knowledge of health system may improve the outcomes.
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18
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Wang JS, Gong XF, Feng JL, Li HS, Li X, Deng S, Ren PZ, Wang JM, Lv MS, Jin RF, Chen QY, Wang B, Cui HS. Study on the Mechanism of Jiawei Shengjiang Powder in Improving Male Asthma-Induced Asthenospermia Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:1245-1259. [PMID: 33776422 PMCID: PMC7989703 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s296901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Jiawei Shengjiang Powder (JWSJP) is a classical Chinese medicinal formula, which has been widely applied in the treatment of asthma and complications for many years due to its curative effect. Aim To verify the effect of JWSJP in improving abnormal sperm motility caused by asthma and to explore its potential mechanism. Materials and Methods The active compounds of JWSJP were obtained from high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology. The key active components and targets of JWSJP were predicted based on network pharmacological analysis and bioinformatics research. Rats were randomly divided into normal, model and treatment groups. The rat model of allergic asthma was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin solution. The experiment judged improvement of semen quality by evaluating sperm motility, and detected the expression of related proteins in testicular tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats by RT-qPCR and Western blot methods. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the changes in testicular tissue structure in rats. Results Through the analysis of network pharmacology and bioinformatics, it was found that beta-sitosterol, quercetin, gallic acid, pelargonidin and kaempferol were the key active components of Jiawei Shengjiang Powder. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin (INS) genes are crucial targets of JWSJP in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction caused by acute asthma. After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the model group, the treatment group had significantly improved sperm motility (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in TNF, IL6, and INS proteins in the treatment group, and the HE staining of testicular tissue structure in the treatment group was significantly improved. Conclusion JWSJP can improve the abnormal sperm motility induced by asthma, and its mechanism may be related to the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TNF, IL6, and INS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sheng Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Feng Gong
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Long Feng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Song Li
- Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Deng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Zhong Ren
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Mei Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Sheng Lv
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Feng Jin
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yi Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Sheng Cui
- Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
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19
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Sun S, Chen Y, Hu R. Aquatic hypoxia disturbs oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) testicular development: A cross-generational study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115093. [PMID: 32622004 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we reported that hypoxia disrupts the endocrine system and causes metabolic abnormalities in prawns. Although transgenerational impairment effects of hypoxia have become a hot topic in vertebrate, it is unknown whether hypoxia could exert cross-generational effects on testicular function crustaceans. The present study aimed to investigate hypoxia's toxic effects on the testicular function of oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense) and offspring development. Hypoxia disrupted testicular germ cells quality, caused sex hormone imbalance (testosterone and estradiol), and delayed testicular development. The F1 generation derived from male prawns exposed to hypoxia showed retarded embryonic development, and reduced hatching success and larval development, despite not being exposed to hypoxia. Analysis of the transcriptome the F0 generation (exposed to hypoxia) showed that the impaired testicular functions were associated with changes to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, and steroid biosynthesis. Interestingly, quantitative real-time PCR confirmed that hypoxia could significantly suppress the expression of antioxidant and gonad development-related genes in the testis of the F1 generations, with and without continued hypoxia exposures. In addition, paternal exposure to hypoxia could result in a higher production of reactive oxygen species in offspring testis tissue compared with those without hypoxia exposure. The cross-generational effects of testicular function implied that the sustainability of natural freshwater prawn populations would be threatened by chronic hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengming Sun
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yinxiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Ran Hu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
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20
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Liu X, Liu S, Xu C. Effects of leptin on HPG axis and reproductive function in male rat in simulated altitude of 5500 m hypoxia environment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:104-111. [PMID: 32560810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
High altitude hypobaric hypoxia environment impairs male's reproductive function. Leptin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone which regulates body weight homeostasis. Its receptor (LepR) has been found in all levels of male reproductive axis, indicating that it can affect male reproductive system in a direct or (and) indirect way. However, the role of leptin signaling in hypobaric hypoxia induced male reproductive dysfunction remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the changes of leptin levels in male SD rats in stimulated altitude of 5500 m hypobaric hypoxia environment and their effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG axis). A hypoxia animal model was established using a hypobaric hypoxia chamber. Rats were divided randomly into 1, 7, 14, 28-day hypoxia group, recovery group (14 days hypoxia+14 days normoxia) and their control groups. Hypoxia groups displayed obvious changes of testicular and epididymis index compared to control groups. The total number of sperm and sperm motility rate decreased dramatically, while sperm deformity rate increased in hypoxia groups. The flow cytometry analysis showed that the percentage of haploid in 1-day, 7-day and 28-day hypoxia groups increased while the proportion of diploid decreased in 14-day and 28-day hypoxia group. TUNEL staining showed that the testis cells apoptosis index (AI) of hypoxia groups increased significantly, and the apoptosis of cells mainly focus on spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The expression of GnRH in hypothalamus decreased dramatically under hypoxia condition, accompanied with the reduction of serum testosterone (T) level in 1-day and 28-day hypoxia groups and free-testosterone level (FT) in 1-day and 14-day hypoxia groups. Importantly, ELISA analysis showed that serum leptin level decreased in 7-day hypoxia groups and acylated-ghrelin, gastrin also changed, accompanying with reduction of LepR in hypothalamus in hypoxia groups. Immunohistochemical staining exhibited increased leptin and LepR in testis under hypobaric hypoxia conditions. Our results suggested that simulated high altitude hypobaric hypoxia environment decreased male reproductive function, depressed HPG axis activity and altered the serum concentration of hormones related to food intake in adult male rats. Additionally, hypobaric hypoxia induced the leptin-LepR expression in adult male rats' testis, suggesting leptin-LepR signaling may mediate hypoxia-induced impairment in male rats' reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Shiying Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Chengli Xu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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21
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Baert Y, Dvorakova-Hortova K, Margaryan H, Goossens E. Mouse in vitro spermatogenesis on alginate-based 3D bioprinted scaffolds. Biofabrication 2019; 11:035011. [PMID: 30921781 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab1452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) has already been successfully achieved in rodents by organotypic and soft matrix culture systems. However, the former does not allow single cell input, and the latter presents as a simple thick layer in which all cells are embedded. We explored a new culture system using a mouse model by employing an alginate-based hydrogel and 3D bioprinting, to control scaffold design and cell deposition. We produced testicular constructs consisting of printed cell-free scaffolds (CFS) with prepubertal testicular cells (TC) in their easy-to-access macropores. Here, the pores represented the only cell compartment (TC/CFS). Double-cell compartment testicular constructs were achieved by culturing magnetic-activated cell sorting-enriched epithelial cells in the pores of interstitial cell-laden scaffolds (CD49f+/CLS). Cell spheres formed in the pores in the weeks following cell seeding on both CFS and CLS. Although restoration of the tubular architecture was not observed, patches of post-meiotic cells including elongated spermatids were found in 66% of TC/CFS. Differentiation up to the level of round spermatids and elongated spermatids was observed in all and 33% of CD49f+/CLS constructs, respectively. Organ culture served as the reference method for IVS, with complete spermatogenesis identified in 80% of cultivated prepubertal tissue fragments. So far, this is the first report applying a 3D bioprinting approach for IVS. Further optimization of the scaffold design and seeding parameters might be permissive for tubular architecture recreation and thereby increase the efficiency of IVS in printed testicular constructs. While it remains to be tested whether the gametes generated on the alginate-based scaffolds can support embryogenesis following IVF, this IVS approach might be useful for (patho)physiological studies and drug-screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoni Baert
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4 Bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Palnitkar G, Phillips CL, Hoyos CM, Marren AJ, Bowman MC, Yee BJ. Linking sleep disturbance to idiopathic male infertility. Sleep Med Rev 2018; 42:149-159. [PMID: 30377037 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently published data suggests that male fertility has declined over the past four decades. The reasons for the decline are unclear with up to 50% of cases of male infertility remaining unexplained (idiopathic male infertility). Whilst environmental factors and rising rates of obesity have been implicated, there is now growing evidence that sleep disturbance may be an independent causative factor. Indeed, the prevalence of sleep disturbance appears to be increasing in parallel with deterioration in population sperm quality, a commonly used surrogate marker of male fertility. Although there is some understanding of the relationship between sleep, gonadal hormone secretion and sexual function, it remains to be seen whether sleep disturbance is implicated in idiopathic male infertility. This review will detail the current evidence supporting a link between sleep disturbance and male infertility. Potential mechanistic pathways will be proposed and evidence supporting these pathways will be discussed. Further research is needed in clarifying links between sleep disturbance and idiopathic male infertility. At present the only available treatment option for men with idiopathic infertility is assisted reproductive technology. Demonstration of a causative link between sleep disturbance and idiopathic male infertility may in the future lead to additional treatment options in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurie Palnitkar
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Sleep Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Craig L Phillips
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Sleep Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Camilla M Hoyos
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony J Marren
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for Women and Babies, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Genea Fertility, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Queen Elizabeth II Research Institute for Mothers and Infants, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark C Bowman
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for Women and Babies, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Genea Fertility, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brendon J Yee
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Sleep Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Verratti V, Ietta F, Paulesu L, Romagnoli R, Ceccarelli I, Doria C, Fanò Illic G, Di Giulio C, Aloisi AM. Physiological effects of high-altitude trekking on gonadal, thyroid hormones and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) responses in young lowlander women. Physiol Rep 2018; 5:5/20/e13400. [PMID: 29066595 PMCID: PMC5661227 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Altitude hypoxia is often associated with impairment of human reproduction. In this study, hormones and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF, a proinflammatory cytokine with key roles in human reproduction) were determined in seven regularly menstruating, lowlander native women living at sea level participating in 14 days of trekking at moderate and high altitude. Blood and saliva samples were collected from each subject at high altitude (5050 m a.s.l. [above sea level]), and at sea level before and after the expedition. Testosterone level was lowered by high altitude and was restored after the end of the expedition, while progesterone decreased significantly in all participants at the end of the expedition, although most of the participants were in the luteal phase. The salivary concentration of MIF decreased greatly at altitude, but its levels were completely restored after the return to sea level. Our findings showed high sensitivity and rapid changes in the determined parameters in response to the high‐altitude hypoxic environment, particularly MIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittore Verratti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Ietta
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Paulesu
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Ceccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Christian Doria
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Camillo Di Giulio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna M Aloisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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24
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Hazrati A, Salimnejad R, Alipour MR, Mirzaei Bavil F, Alihemmati A. Protective effect of ghrelin on testicular damages caused by chronic hypoxia in rats: A histopathological study. Andrologia 2018; 50:e12989. [PMID: 29460339 DOI: 10.1111/and.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia can lead to changes in the blood flow, nutrition and oxygenation of male germ cells and results in fertility reduction through the increase in oxidative stress. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ghrelin on testicular damage induced by hypoxia in rats. In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, hypoxia, hypoxia + ghrelin and ghrelin. Animals in the control and ghrelin groups were kept in room air with 21% oxygen. The animals in the groups of hypoxia and hypoxia + ghrelin were subjected to 11% oxygen for 14 consecutive days in the hypoxia chamber. At the end of the study, the testes were removed and histological changes, as well as the apoptotic index, were investigated. Morphometrical analysis showed that hypoxia caused a significant decrease in the seminiferous tubules diameter, the germinal epithelium thickness and main Johnson's score compared to the control group (p < .05). In addition, statistical comparisons revealed a significant increase in the apoptotic index in the hypoxia group (p < .05). Administration of ghrelin + hypoxia improved the parameters mentioned above (p < .05). The results of this study indicated that ghrelin decreases the testicular damages caused by hypoxia in the rats by antioxidative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hazrati
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - R Salimnejad
- Research laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomical Sciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - M R Alipour
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - F Mirzaei Bavil
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - A Alihemmati
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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25
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Abstract
Endocrine is an important and tightly regulated system for maintaining body homeostasis. Endocrine glands produce hormones, which are released into blood stream to guide the target cells responding to all sorts of stimulations. For maintaining body homeostasis, the secretion and activity of a particular hormone needs to be adjusted in responding to environmental challenges such as changes in nutritional status or chronic stress. Hypoxia, a status caused by reduced oxygen availability or imbalance of oxygen consumption/supply in an organ or within a cell, is a stress that affects many physiological and pathological processes. Hypoxic stress in endocrine organs is especially critical because endocrine glands control body homeostasis. Local hypoxia affects not only the particular gland but also the downstream cells/organs regulated by hormones secreted from this gland. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that function as master regulators of oxygen homeostasis. Recent studies report that aberrant expression of HIFs in endocrine organs may result in the development and/or progression of diseases including diabetes, endometriosis, infertility and cancers. In this article, we will review recent findings in HIF-mediated endocrine organ dysfunction and the systemic syndromes caused by these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Chi Lee
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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26
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Ali EHA, Ahmed-Farid OA, Osman AAE. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate sodium nitrite-induced hypoxic brain injury in a rat model. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:1990-1999. [PMID: 29323037 PMCID: PMC5784346 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.221155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is an inorganic salt used broadly in chemical industry. NaNO2 is highly reactive with hemoglobin causing hypoxia. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into a variety of tissue specific cells and MSC therapy is a potential method for improving brain functions. This work aims to investigate the possible therapeutic role of bone marrow-derived MSCs against NaNO2 induced hypoxic brain injury. Rats were divided into control group (treated for 3 or 6 weeks), hypoxic (HP) group (subcutaneous injection of 35 mg/kg NaNO2 for 3 weeks to induce hypoxic brain injury), HP recovery groups N-2wR and N-3wR (treated with the same dose of NaNO2 for 2 and 3 weeks respectively, followed by 4-week or 3-week self-recovery respectively), and MSCs treated groups N-2wSC and N-3wSC (treated with the same dose of NaNO2 for 2 and 3 weeks respectively, followed by one injection of 2 × 106 MSCs via the tail vein in combination with 4 week self-recovery or intravenous injection of NaNO2 for 1 week in combination with 3 week self-recovery). The levels of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin), energy substances (adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine triphosphate), and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, glutathione reduced form, and oxidized glutathione) in the frontal cortex and midbrain were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. At the same time, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological change of the injured brain tissue. Compared with HP group, pathological change of brain tissue was milder, the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, oxidized glutathione, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glutathione reduced form, and adenosine triphosphate in the frontal cortex and midbrain were significantly decreased, and glutathione reduced form/oxidized glutathione and adenosine monophosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio were significantly increased in the MSCs treated groups. These findings suggest that bone marrow-derived MSCs exhibit neuroprotective effects against NaNO2-induced hypoxic brain injury through exerting anti-oxidative effects and providing energy to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham H A Ali
- Faculty of Women for Art, Sciences and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar A Ahmed-Farid
- National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
| | - Amany A E Osman
- Faculty of Women for Art, Sciences and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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27
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Protection of Pentoxifylline against Testis Injury Induced by Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:3406802. [PMID: 27642493 PMCID: PMC5015030 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3406802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on spermatogenesis dysfunction induced by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) and unveil the underlying mechanism, experimental animals were assigned to Control, IHH+Vehicle, and IHH+PTX groups and exposed to 4 cycles of 96 h of hypobaric hypoxia followed by 96 h of normobaric normoxia for 32 days. PTX was administered for 32 days. Blood and tissue samples were collected 7 days thereafter. Serum malondialdehyde levels were used to assess lipid peroxidation; ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide dismutase, and catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were assessed to determine antioxidant capacity in various samples. Testis histopathology was assessed after hematoxylin-eosin staining by Johnsen's testicular scoring system. Meanwhile, testosterone synthase and vimentin amounts were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Sperm count, motility, and density were assessed to determine epididymal sperm quality. IHH treatment induced significant pathological changes in testicular tissue and enhanced serum lipid peroxide levels, while reducing serum FRAP, antioxidant enzyme activities, and testosterone synthase expression. Moreover, IHH impaired epididymal sperm quality and vimentin structure in Sertoli cells. Oral administration of PTX improved the pathological changes in the testis. IHH may impair spermatogenesis function of testicular tissues by inducing oxidative stress, but this impairment could be attenuated by administration of PTX.
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28
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Verratti V, Di Giulio C, D'Angeli A, Tafuri A, Francavilla S, Pelliccione F. Sperm forward motility is negatively affected by short-term exposure to altitude hypoxia. Andrologia 2016; 48:800-6. [PMID: 26762696 DOI: 10.1111/and.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to altitude is a model to study the role of oxygen in different areas of physiology and pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a short exposure to hypoxia (5 days) combined with exercise, at altitude ranging from 900 m above sea level to 5895 m above sea level (Kilimanjaro Expedition) can modify seminal and reproductive hormonal parameter levels in human beings. During the ascent, blood oxygen saturation at 3.848 m above sea level was found to be decreased when compared to sea level (P < 0.02). The sperm forward motility at sea level after the expedition showed a significant reduction (P < 0.02). There were no changes in other seminal parameters among those compared. Determination of the hormonal plasma concentrations showed that baseline values of follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone, prolactin and oestradiol were unchanged at sea level after the hypoxic experience, with respect to baseline values at sea level. On the other hand, luteinising hormone levels after altitudes trekking significantly increased compared to levels before the expedition (P < 0.05). Because of the short-term exposure, we can assume that the reduced forward motility described here may result from the effects of the acute altitude hypoxia on spermatozoa during the epididymal transit where they mature acquiring their motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Verratti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.,Laboratory of Functional Evaluation, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - C Di Giulio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - A D'Angeli
- Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, Andrology Section, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Tafuri
- Urology Clinic, Ospedale Civile Maggiore Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, Andrology Section, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Pelliccione
- Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, Andrology Section, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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29
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Farías JG, Herrera EA, Carrasco-Pozo C, Sotomayor-Zárate R, Cruz G, Morales P, Castillo RL. Pharmacological models and approaches for pathophysiological conditions associated with hypoxia and oxidative stress. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 158:1-23. [PMID: 26617218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is the failure of oxygenation at the tissue level, where the reduced oxygen delivered is not enough to satisfy tissue demands. Metabolic depression is the physiological adaptation associated with reduced oxygen consumption, which evidently does not cause any harm to organs that are exposed to acute and short hypoxic insults. Oxidative stress (OS) refers to the imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of endogenous antioxidant systems to scavenge ROS, where ROS overwhelms the antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diseases related to hypoxia during intrauterine development and postnatal life. Thus, excessive ROS are implicated in the irreversible damage to cell membranes, DNA, and other cellular structures by oxidizing lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Here, we describe several pathophysiological conditions and in vivo and ex vivo models developed for the study of hypoxic and oxidative stress injury. We reviewed existing literature on the responses to hypoxia and oxidative stress of the cardiovascular, renal, reproductive, and central nervous systems, and discussed paradigms of chronic and intermittent hypobaric hypoxia. This systematic review is a critical analysis of the advantages in the application of some experimental strategies and their contributions leading to novel pharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge G Farías
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de la Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile; International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | | | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Cruz
- Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paola Morales
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Rodrigo L Castillo
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile.
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30
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Cook MS, Gooding J, Newgard C, Capel B. Left-Biased Spermatogenic Failure in 129/SvJ Dnd1Ter/+ Mice Correlates with Differences in Vascular Architecture, Oxygen Availability, and Metabolites. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:78. [PMID: 26224005 PMCID: PMC6322448 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Homozygosity for the Ter mutation in the RNA-binding protein Dead end 1 (Dnd1(Ter/Ter)) sensitizes germ cells to degeneration in all mouse strains. In 129/SvJ mice, approximately 10% of Dnd1(Ter/+) heterozygotes develop spermatogenic failure, and 95% of unilateral cases occur in the left testis. The first differences between right and left testes were detected at Postnatal Day 15 when many more spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were undergoing apoptosis in the left testis compared to the right. As we detected no significant left/right differences in the molecular pathway associated with body axis asymmetry or in the expression of signals known to promote proliferation, differentiation, and survival of germ cells, we investigated whether physiological differences might account for asymmetry of the degeneration phenotype. We show that left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with a decrease in hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of HIF-1alpha in the left testis compared to the right. In Dnd1 heterozygotes, lower oxygen availability was associated with metabolic differences, including lower levels of ATP and NADH in the left testis. These experiments suggest a dependence on oxygen availability and metabolic substrates for SSC survival and suggest that Dnd1(Ter/+) SSCs may act as efficient sensors to detect subtle environmental changes that alter SSC fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Departmento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Matthew S Cook
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jessica Gooding
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Departments of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology & Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Departments of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology & Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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31
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Ferreira AF, Garcia PV, Camarinho R, Rodrigues ADS. Volcanogenic pollution and testicular damage in wild mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 132:135-141. [PMID: 25828918 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Many evidences have surfaced the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on male reproduction. Volcanogenic pollution is understudied, although it is a well-known source of hazardous contaminants. This study aims to assess the effects of chronic exposure to volcanogenic pollution on wild mice testes by studying: (i) diameter of seminiferous tubules; (ii) relative volumetric density of different spermatogenic cells and interstitial space; (iii) damage in the seminiferous tubules and (iv) apoptotic level in the germinal epithelium. The mice from the polluted site showed higher levels of the selected heavy metals than those from the reference site. The mean diameter of seminiferous tubules and the relative volume occupied by spermatozoa and lumen in exposed mice were significantly lower than in the unexposed group. Contrarily, exposed mice showed a significantly higher relative volume occupied by interstitium, as well as, a higher degree of damage and a significantly higher number of apoptotic cells in the germinal epithelium. Results show that secondary manifestations of volcanic activity can pose a serious risk of testicular injury and therefore for male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Ferreira
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CIBIO Azores, Center for Research on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associated Laboratory, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Ventura Garcia
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CE3C, Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, and Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Camarinho
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CVARG, Center for Volcanology and Evaluation of Geological Risks, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Armindo dos Santos Rodrigues
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CVARG, Center for Volcanology and Evaluation of Geological Risks, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Abstract
Hypoxia induces several responses at cardiovascular, pulmonary and reproductive levels, which may lead to chronic diseases. This is relevant in human populations exposed to high altitude (HA), in either chronic continuous (permanent inhabitants) or intermittent fashion (HA workers, tourists and mountaineers). In Chile, it is estimated that 1.000.000 people live at highlands and more than 55.000 work in HA shifts. Initial responses to hypoxia are compensatory and induce activation of cardioprotective mechanisms, such as those seen under intermittent hypobaric (IH) hypoxia, events that could mediate preconditioning. However, whenever hypoxia is prolonged, the chronic activation of cellular responses induces long-lasting modifications that may result in acclimatization or produce maladaptive changes with increase in cardiovascular risk. HA exposure during pregnancy induces hypoxia and oxidative stress, which in turn may promote cellular responses and epigenetic modifications resulting in severe impairment in growth and development. Sadly, this condition is accompanied with an increased fetal and neonatal morbi-mortality. Further, developmental hypoxia may program cardio-pulmonary circulations later in postnatal life, ending in vascular structural and functional alterations with augmented risk on pulmonary and cardiovascular failure. Additionally, permanent HA inhabitants have augmented risk and prevalence of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy and cardiopulmonary remodeling. Similar responses are seen in adults that are intermittently exposed to chronic hypoxia (CH) such as shift workers in HA areas. The mechanisms involved determining the immediate, short and long-lasting effects are still unclear. For several years, the study of the responses to hypoxic insults and pharmacological targets has been the motivation of our group. This review describes some of the mechanisms underlying hypoxic responses and potential therapeutic approaches with antioxidants such as melatonin, ascorbate, omega 3 (Ω3) or compounds that increase the nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability.
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Crocin prevention of anemia-induced changes in structural and functional parameters of mice testes. J Appl Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jab.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Sato T, Katagiri K, Kojima K, Komeya M, Yao M, Ogawa T. In Vitro Spermatogenesis in Explanted Adult Mouse Testis Tissues. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130171. [PMID: 26065832 PMCID: PMC4467084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on in vitro spermatogenesis is important for elucidating the spermatogenic mechanism. We previously developed an organ culture method which can support spermatogenesis from spermatogonial stem cells up to sperm formation using immature mouse testis tissues. In this study, we examined whether it is also applicable to mature testis tissues of adult mice. We used two lines of transgenic mice, Acrosin-GFP and Gsg2-GFP, which carry the marker GFP gene specific for meiotic and haploid cells, respectively. Testis tissue fragments of adult GFP mice, aged from 4 to 29 weeks old, which express GFP at full extension, were cultured in medium supplemented with 10% KSR or AlbuMAX. GFP expression decreased rapidly and became the lowest at 7 to 14 days of culture, but then slightly increased during the following culture period. This increase reflected de novo spermatogenesis, confirmed by BrdU labeling in spermatocytes and spermatids. We also used vitamin A-deficient mice, whose testes contain only spermatogonia. The testes of those mice at 13-21 weeks old, showing no GFP expression at explantation, gained GFP expression during culturing, and spermatogenesis was confirmed histologically. In addition, the adult testis tissues of Sl/Sld mutant mice, which lack spermatogenesis due to Kit ligand mutation, were cultured with recombinant Kit ligand to induce spermatogenesis up to haploid formation. Although the efficiency of spermatogenesis was lower than that of pup, present results showed that the organ culture method is effective for the culturing of mature adult mouse testis tissue, demonstrated by the induction of spermatogenesis from spermatogonia to haploid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Sato
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kumiko Katagiri
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Kojima
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Komeya
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yao
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Castillo RL, Zepeda AB, Short SE, Figueroa E, Bustos-Obregon E, Farías JG. Protective effects of polyunsatutared fatty acids supplementation against testicular damage induced by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in rats. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:8. [PMID: 25613908 PMCID: PMC4307138 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) induces changes in the redox status and structure in rat testis. These effects may be present in people at high altitudes, such as athletes and miners. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can be effective in counteracting these oxidative modifications due to their antioxidants properties. The aim of the work was to test whether PUFA supplementation attenuates oxidative damage in testis by reinforcing the antioxidant defense system. The animals were divided into four groups (7 rats per group): normobaric normoxia (~750 tor; pO2 156 mmHg; Nx); Nx + PUFA, supplemented with PUFA (DHA: EPA = 3:1; 0.3 g kg(-1) of body weight per day); hypoxic hypoxia (~428 tor; pO2 90 mmHg; Hx) and, Hx + PUFA. The hypoxic groups were exposed in 4 cycles to 96 h of HH followed by 96 h of normobaric normoxia for 32 days. Total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) in plasma and reduced (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, tissue lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and antioxidant enzymes activity were assessed at the end of the study in testis. Also, SIRTUIN 1 and HIF-1 protein expression in testis were determined. RESULTS IHH increased lipid peroxidation in plasma and HIF-1 protein levels in testis. In addition, IHH reduced FRAP levels in plasma, antioxidant enzymes activities and SIRTUIN 1 protein levels in testis. PUFA supplementation attenuated these effects, inducing the increases in FRAP, in the antioxidant enzymes activity and HIF-1 levels. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the IHH model induces a prooxidant status in plasma and testis. The molecular protective effect of PUFA may involve the induction of an antioxidant mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo L Castillo
- Pathophysiology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrea B Zepeda
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile. .,Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580 - Bloco 16, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Stefania E Short
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile.
| | - Elías Figueroa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile. .,School of Aquaculture, Catholic University of Temuco, Faculty of Natural Resources, Temuco, Chile.
| | - Eduardo Bustos-Obregon
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Jorge G Farías
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile.
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Torres M, Laguna-Barraza R, Dalmases M, Calle A, Pericuesta E, Montserrat JM, Navajas D, Gutierrez-Adan A, Farré R. Male fertility is reduced by chronic intermittent hypoxia mimicking sleep apnea in mice. Sleep 2014; 37:1757-65. [PMID: 25364071 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.4166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent hypoxia and oxidative stress. However, it is unknown whether intermittent hypoxia mimicking OSA modifies male fertility. We tested the hypothesis that male fertility is reduced by chronic intermittent hypoxia mimicking OSA in a mouse model. DESIGN Case-control comparison in a murine model. SETTING University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen F1 (C57BL/6xCBA) male mice. INTERVENTIONS Mice were subjected to a pattern of periodic hypoxia (20 sec at 5% O2 followed by 40 sec of room air) 6 h/day for 60 days or normoxia. After this period, mice performed a mating trial to determine effective fertility by assessing the number of pregnant females and fetuses. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS After euthanasia, oxidative stress in testes was assessed by measuring the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) and superoxide dismutase-1 (Sod1) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sperm motility was determined by Integrated Semen Analysis System (ISAS). Intermittent hypoxia significantly increased testicular oxidative stress, showing a reduction in the expression of Gpx1 and Sod1 by 38.9% and 34.4%, respectively, as compared with normoxia (P < 0.05). Progressive sperm motility was significantly reduced from 27.0 ± 6.4% in normoxia to 12.8 ± 1.8% in the intermittent hypoxia group (P = 0.04). The proportion of pregnant females and number of fetuses per mating was significantly lower in the intermittent hypoxia group (0.33 ± 0.10 and 2.45 ± 0.73, respectively) than in normoxic controls (0.72 ± 0.16 and 5.80 ± 1.24, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the intermittent hypoxia associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could induce fertility reduction in male patients with this sleep breathing disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Torres
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Bunyola, Spain ; Laboratori de la Son, Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- INIA, Departamento de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, Madrid
| | - Mireia Dalmases
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Bunyola, Spain ; Laboratori de la Son, Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Calle
- INIA, Departamento de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, Madrid
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- INIA, Departamento de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, Madrid
| | - Josep M Montserrat
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Bunyola, Spain ; Laboratori de la Son, Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ; Institut Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Navajas
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Bunyola, Spain ; Unitat Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain ; Institut Bioenginyeria Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- INIA, Departamento de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, Madrid
| | - Ramon Farré
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Bunyola, Spain ; Institut Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain ; Unitat Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
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DeBaun MR. Hydroxyurea therapy contributes to infertility in adult men with sickle cell disease: a review. Expert Rev Hematol 2014; 7:767-73. [PMID: 25242414 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2014.959922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea therapy, a chemotherapeutic agent, is the only US FDA approved therapy for the prevention of vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease (SCD). The National Institutes of Health has sponsored two Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trials, initially in adults, and subsequently in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Despite the overwhelming evidence that hydroxyurea therapy is beneficial to children and adults with SCA, individuals with SCA and their families express reservations about its use, in part because of the concerns about fertility, particularly in men. As adolescent boys with SCD are now expected to reach their reproductive years, a new concern is emerging about the role of hydroxyurea therapy as a barrier to their progeny. This review will systemically evaluate compromised fertility in men with SCD, and the evidence that hydroxyurea therapy is associated with further decreasing fertility in men with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R DeBaun
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt-Meharry-Matthew Walker Center for Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center 2200 Children's Way, Room 11206 DOT, Nashville, TN 37232-9000, USA
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Soliman A, Yassin M, De Sanctis V. Intravenous iron replacement therapy in eugonadal males with iron-deficiency anemia: Effects on pituitary gonadal axis and sperm parameters; A pilot study. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2014; 18:310-316. [PMID: 24944924 PMCID: PMC4056128 DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.131158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate semen parameters and to assess serum FSH, LH, Testosterone (T) concentrations before and 12 weeks after intravenous iron therapy (800-1200 mg elemental iron therapy - IVI) in adults with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 11 eugonadal adults with IDA, aged 40 ± 5 years, due to defective intake of iron. Anemia was diagnosed when hemoglobin (Hb) was equal or below 10 g/dl. Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin concentrations confirmed the diagnosis of IDA. Basal serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and T were measured. Semen parameters were evaluated before and 6-7 weeks after IVI therapy. RESULTS After IVI therapy and correction of anemia, a significant increase of Hb from 8.1 ± 1.17 g/dL to 13.1 ± 0.7 g/dL was observed and was associated with an increase of T (from 12.22 ± 1.4 nmol/L to 15.9 ± 0.96 nmol/L; P < 0.001), FSH (from 2.82 ± 0.87 to 3.82 ± 1.08 IU/L; P = 0.007), and LH (from 2.27 ± 0.9 to 3.82 ± 1.5 IU/L; P = 0.0002). Total sperm count (TSC) increased significantly from 72 ± 17.5 million/ml to 158 ± 49 million/mL (P < 0.001), rapid progressive sperm motility (RPM) increased from 22 ± 9.4 to 69 ± 30 million/ml (P < 0.001), and sperms with normal morphology (NM) increased from 33 ± 5 to 56 ± 7 million/ml (P < 0.001). Increment in Hb concentration was correlated significantly with LH, FSH, and T concentrations after IVI (r = 0.69 and r = 0.44, r = 0.75, respectively; P < 0.01). The increment in serum T was correlated significantly with increments in the TSC and total sperm motility and RPM (r = 0.66, 0.43, and 0.55, respectively; P < 0.001) but not with gonadotrophin levels. CONCLUSION Our study proved for the first time, to our knowledge, that correction of IDA with IVI is associated with significant enhancement of sperm parameters and increased concentrations of serum LH, FSH, and T. These effects on spermatogenesis are reached by an unknown mechanism and suggest a number of pathways that need further human and/or experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Soliman
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hamad Medical Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Yassin
- Department of Hematology, Hamad Medical Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vincenzo De Sanctis
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
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Jankovic Velickovic L, Stefanovic V. Hypoxia and spermatogenesis. Int Urol Nephrol 2013; 46:887-94. [PMID: 24265038 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-013-0601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review mainly focuses on our understanding of spermatogenesis in physiological and pathological hypoxic condition. Real hypoxia is closely related to vascular changes and an increase in testicular temperature. Both induce a reduction in sperm count and can be related to the increase in germ cell apoptosis. On the other hand, change in the temperature, and oxygen levels in the microenvironment have influence on spermatogonial stem cell function and differentiation. The initial connection between hypoxia and a factor critical for stem cell maintenance is alteration in Oct-4 expression, and these data may be a useful strategy for modulating stem cell function. Unilateral testicular ischemia-induced cell death can be accompanied by an increase in germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis. The injury of contralateral testis following unilateral testicular damage is controversial, and it can contribute to the reduction in fertility.
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40
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Zepeda AB, Calaf GM, Figueroa CA, Farías JG. Blueberries prevent the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in rat epididymis. Andrologia 2013; 46:766-9. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. B. Zepeda
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Facultad de Ingeniería; Ciencias y Administración; Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - G. M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación; Universidad de Tarapacá; Arica Chile
- Center for Radiological Research; Columbia University Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - C. A. Figueroa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Facultad de Ingeniería; Ciencias y Administración; Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - J. G. Farías
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Facultad de Ingeniería; Ciencias y Administración; Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
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Zhang GL, Dai DZ, Zhang C, Dai Y. Apocynin and raisanberine alleviate intermittent hypoxia induced abnormal StAR and 3β-HSD and low testosterone by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and activated p66Shc in rat testes. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 36:60-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Bomhard EM, Gelbke HP. Hypoxaemia affects male reproduction: a case study of how to differentiate between primary and secondary hypoxic testicular toxicity due to chemical exposure. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:1201-18. [PMID: 23430139 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Classification for fertility is based on two conditions, namely on evidence of an adverse effect on sexual function and fertility and that the effect is not secondary to other toxic effects. To decide on an adverse effect is a relatively simple day-to-day decision in toxicology but whether this effect is secondary often leads to serious controversy. As the seminiferous epithelium operates on the verge of hypoxia, oxygen deficit can lead to secondary impairment of testicular function. This is well known from healthy mountaineers exposing themselves to high altitude. They have reduced blood oxygen content that goes in parallel with impairment of testicular function and this effect remains for some time in spite of a compensatory polycythaemia. Similar findings are described for experimental animals exposed to hypobaric oxygen/high altitude. In addition, testicular function is affected in severe diseases in humans associated with systemic oxygen deficit like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sickle cell disease or beta-thalassaemia as well as in transgenic animals simulating haemolytic anaemia or sickle cell disease. The problem of insufficient oxygen supply as the underlying cause for testicular impairment has received relatively little attention in toxicology, mainly because blood oxygen content is generally not measured in these animal experiments. The difficulties associated with the decision whether testicular toxicity is primary or secondary to hypoxia are exemplified by the results of inhalation studies with nickel subsulphide and gallium arsenide (GaAs). Both of these particulate substances lead to severe lung toxicity that might impair oxygen uptake, but testicular toxicity is only observed with GaAs. This may first be explained by different effects on the blood: nickel subsulphide inhalation leads to a compensatory erythropoiesis that may mitigate pulmonary lack of oxygen uptake. In contrast, GaAs exposure is associated with microcytic haemolytic anaemia thereby aggravating any possible oxygen undersupply. Furthermore, the predominant pulmonary effect caused by GaAs (but not by nickel subsulphide) is alveolar proteinosis. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is also known as a severe disease in humans associated with hypoxaemia. Therefore, we conclude that the testicular effects observed after GaAs are secondary to hypoxaemia caused by the combination of pulmonary proteinosis and haemolytic anaemia. This publication tries to raise awareness to the severe consequences of hypoxaemia on testicular function that may already be caused by reduced oxygen pressure at high altitude without any chemical exposure.
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Guven A, Ickin M, Uzun O, Bakar C, Gulec Balbay E, Balbay O. Erdosteine protects rat testis tissue from hypoxic injury by reducing apoptotic cell death. Andrologia 2012; 46:50-58. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Guven
- Department of Histology and Embryology; School of Medicine; Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University; Canakkale Turkey
| | - M. Ickin
- Department of Histology and Embryology; School of Medicine; Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University; Canakkale Turkey
| | - O. Uzun
- Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Abant Izzet Baysal; Bolu Turkey
| | - C. Bakar
- Department of Public Health; Faculty of Medicine; Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University; Canakkale Turkey
| | - E. Gulec Balbay
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; University of Duzce; Duzce Turkey
| | - O. Balbay
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Duzce; Duzce Turkey
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Zepeda AB, Figueroa CA, Calaf GM, Farías JG. Male reproductive system and antioxidants in oxidative stress induced by hypobaric hypoxia. Andrologia 2012; 46:1-8. [PMID: 23127143 DOI: 10.1111/and.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Chile, due to the intensive activity developed in confining areas of the Andes Mountains ranging in altitude over 4000 asl, there has been an increasing intermittent movement of human resources to high altitude conditions. This unusual condition, defined as hypobaric hypoxia, affects notoriously in any living organism and there shows a series of physiological responses. Studies performed in rats under chronic hypobaric hypoxia and intermittent hypobaric hypoxia have registered changes in testicular morphology together with loss of spermatogenic cells in all stages of spermatogenic cycle. Furthermore, recent tests reinforced the existence of an oxidative metabolism in epididymis of rats subjected to hypobaric hypoxia due to the increase in the regulator enzyme expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), This increase in the production of ROS induced a rise in apoptosis at germinal cell level, leading to a state of hypo-spermatogenesis that may jeopardise masculine fertility. Therefore, the eventual development of oxidative stress in spermatogenic cells and consequently the spermatozoids of workers subjected to high altitude, either chronic or intermittent, turns out to be critical when it poses as an imminent risk to the viability and quality of the reproductive cells of workers subjected to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Zepeda
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Ciencias y Administración, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - C A Figueroa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Ciencias y Administración, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - G M Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile.,Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - J G Farías
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Ciencias y Administración, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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Blueberry extracts protect testis from hypobaric hypoxia induced oxidative stress in rats. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2012; 2012:975870. [PMID: 23213351 PMCID: PMC3503460 DOI: 10.1155/2012/975870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia causes oxidative damage to male rat reproductive function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of a blueberry extract (BB-4) in testis of rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Morphometric analysis, cellular DNA fragmentation, glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated. Our results showed that supplementation of BB-4 reduced lipid peroxidation, decreased apoptosis, and increased GR and SOD activities in rat testis under hypobaric hypoxia conditions (P < 0.05). Therefore, this study demonstrates that blueberry extract significantly reduced the harmful effects of oxidative stress caused by hypobaric hypoxia in rat testis by affecting glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities.
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46
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Bomhard EM, Cohen SM, Gelbke HP, Williams GM. Evaluation of the male reproductive toxicity of gallium arsenide. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2012; 64:77-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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47
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The hypoxic testicle: physiology and pathophysiology. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2012; 2012:929285. [PMID: 23056665 PMCID: PMC3465913 DOI: 10.1155/2012/929285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex biological process occurring in the seminiferous tubules in the testis. This process represents a delicate balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In most mammals, the testicles are kept in the scrotum 2 to 7°C below body core temperature, and the spermatogenic process proceeds with a blood and oxygen supply that is fairly independent of changes in other vascular beds in the body. Despite this apparently well-controlled local environment, pathologies such as varicocele or testicular torsion and environmental exposure to low oxygen (hypoxia) can result in changes in blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen supply along with an increased local temperature that may induce adverse effects on Leydig cell function and spermatogenesis. These conditions may lead to male subfertility or infertility. Our literature analyses and our own results suggest that conditions such as germ cell apoptosis and DNA damage are common features in hypoxia and varicocele and testicular torsion. Furthermore, oxidative damage seems to be present in these conditions during the initiation stages of germ cell damage and apoptosis. Other mechanisms like membrane-bound metalloproteinases and phospholipase A2 activation could also be part of the pathophysiological consequences of testicular hypoxia.
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Madrid E, Reyes JG, Hernández B, García JM, San Martín S, Olivero P, Crespo PV, Párraga M. Effect of normobaric hypoxia on the testis in a murine model. Andrologia 2012; 45:332-8. [PMID: 22967372 DOI: 10.1111/and.12019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
High-altitude hypoxia generates spermiogram impairment due to germinal epithelium, Leydig cells, sperm and seminal plasma alterations, but precise mechanisms involved are unknown. The objective of this work was to analyse the effect of normobaric hypoxia on the morphology of testicular interstitium and some associated molecular and hormonal factors. Twenty-four mice were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (8.1% inspired oxygen fraction) during 20 days. The effects on body weight, testicular weight, vascularisation, testosterone, HIF1-α and VEGF were analysed at different periods of exposure and compared to controls. Hypoxic mice had lower body weight than mice kept in normoxia. Testicular weight raised significantly the 1st day, but remained normal during the rest of experiment. Number of blood vessels per field and mean diameter of vessels were higher in hypoxic mice. Plasmatic and testicular testosterone raised during first 24 h of hypoxia, but decreased on the 5th day. Vascular/interstitial ratio (proportion of interstice occupied by blood vessels) duplicated at the end of the experiment. Most substantial early effects of hypoxia were testicular oedema, increase in number and diameter of blood vessels and elevation of plasmatic and testicular testosterone. Normobaric hypoxia generates similar effects to those induced by hypobaric hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Madrid
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Liao W, Cai M, Chen J, Huang J, Liu F, Jiang C, Gao Y. Hypobaric hypoxia causes deleterious effects on spermatogenesis in rats. Reproduction 2010; 139:1031-8. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted to explore the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on spermatogenesis in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: three hypoxia-exposed groups and one normoxic control group. Rats in the normoxic control group were raised at an altitude of 300 m, while rats in the 5-, 15-, and 30-day hypoxic groups were raised in a hypobaric chamber simulating a high altitude of 5000 m for 5, 15, and 30 days respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the DNA content of testicular spermatogenic cells in rats. The apoptosis of germ cells in testis was analyzed by using TUNEL assay. Spermatogenesis was also evaluated by morphology. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 5–30 days of hypobaric hypoxia exposure significantly reduced the percentage of tetraploid cell population in rat testis. After rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 30 days, the ratio of haploid and diploid cell populations in testis reduced significantly. Seminiferous tubules with apoptotic germ cell increased after exposure to hypoxia. Most apoptotic germ cells were spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Hypoxia also caused decrease of cellularity of seminiferous epithelium, degeneration and sloughing of seminiferous epithelial cells occasionally. The data suggest that hypobaric hypoxia inhibits the spermatogenesis in rats. Decrease of tetraploid spermatogenic cells (primary spermatocytes) induced by hypoxia is an important approach to suppress spermatogenesis. The apoptosis of primary spermatocytes and spermatogonia may contribute to the loss of tetraploid cell populations.
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Cikutovic M, Fuentes N, Bustos-Obregón E. Effect of Intermittent Hypoxia on the Reproduction of Rats Exposed to High Altitude in the Chilean Altiplano. High Alt Med Biol 2009; 10:357-63. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2009.1035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Cikutovic
- Biomedical Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Nelson Fuentes
- Biomedical Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Eduardo Bustos-Obregón
- Anatomy & Development Biology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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