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Song Y, Mao C, Zhong Q, Zhang R, Jiang D, Sun X. Role of hydrogen sulfide in the male reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1377090. [PMID: 38883604 PMCID: PMC11177757 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1377090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As an important gas signaling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects multiple organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and genitourinary, reproductive systems. In particular, H2S not only regulates female reproductive function but also holds great promise in the treatment of male reproductive diseases and disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, varicocele, and infertility. In this review, we summarize the relationship between H2S and male reproductive organs, including the penis, testis, prostate, vas deferens, and epididymis. As lower urinary tract symptoms have a significant impact on penile erection disorders, we also address the potential ameliorative effects of H2S in erectile dysfunction resulting from bladder disease. Additionally, we discuss the regulatory role of H2S in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, which involves the NO/cGMP pathway, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, and K+ channel activation. Recently, various compounds that can alleviate erectile dysfunction have been reported to be at least partly dependent on H2S. Therefore, understanding the role of H2S in the male reproductive system may help develop novel strategies for the clinical treatment of male reproductive system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Caiyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Deyou Jiang
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xutao Sun
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Sun X, Mao C, Xie Y, Zhong Q, Zhang R, Jiang D, Song Y. Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen Sulfide in Reproductive System Disorders. Biomolecules 2024; 14:540. [PMID: 38785947 PMCID: PMC11117696 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050540] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), previously regarded as a toxic exhaust and atmospheric pollutant, has emerged as the third gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Recent research has revealed significant biological effects of H2S in a variety of systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Additionally, H2S has been found to impact reproductive system function and may have therapeutic implications for reproductive disorders. This paper explores the relationship between H2S and male reproductive disorders, specifically erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, male infertility, and testicular damage. Additionally, it examines the impact of H2S regulation on the pathophysiology of the female reproductive system, including improvements in preterm birth, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, placental oxidative damage, embryo implantation, recovery of myometrium post-delivery, and ovulation. The study delves into the regulatory functions of H2S within the reproductive systems of both genders, including its impact on the NO/cGMP pathway, the activation of K+ channels, and the relaxation mechanism of the spongy smooth muscle through the ROCK pathway, aiming to broaden the scope of potential therapeutic strategies for treating reproductive system disorders in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Sun
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Caiyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Deyou Jiang
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
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Liu LL, Yue JZ, Lu ZY, Deng RY, Li CC, Yu YN, Zhou WJ, Lin M, Gao HT, Liu J, Xia LZ. Long-term exposure to the mixture of phthalates induced male reproductive toxicity in rats and the alleviative effects of quercetin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116816. [PMID: 38218207 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116816] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates (PEs), such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) could cause reproductive and developmental toxicities, while human beings are increasingly exposed to them at low-doses. Phytochemical quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid that has estrogenic effect, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. This study was conducted to assess the alleviative effect of Que. on male reproductive toxicity induced by the mixture of three commonly used PEs (MPEs) at low-dose in rats, and explore the underlying mechanism. Male rats were treated with MPEs (16 mg/kg/day) and/or Que. (50 mg/kg/d) for 91 days. The results showed that MPEs exposure caused male reproductive injuries, such as decreased serum sex hormones levels, abnormal testicular pathological structure, increased abnormal sperm rate and changed expressions of PIWIL1 and PIWIL2. Furthermore, MPEs also changed the expression of steroidogenic proteins in steroid hormone metabolism, including StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 17β-HSD, CYP19A1. However, the alterations of these parameters were reversed by Que. MPEs caused male reproductive injuries in rats; Que. inhibited MPEs' male reproductive toxicity, which might relate to the improvement of testosterone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lan Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jun-Zhe Yue
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ru-Ya Deng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Can-Can Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ye-Na Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wen-Jin Zhou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hai-Tao Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Ling-Zi Xia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Jamshidian-Ghalehsefidi N, Rabiee F, Tavalaee M, Kiani S, Pouriayevali F, Razi M, Dattilo M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. The role of the transsulfuration pathway in spermatogenesis of vitamin D deficient mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19173. [PMID: 37932339 PMCID: PMC10628119 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45986-4] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem and has been linked to defective spermatogenesis and male infertility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the main enzymes involved in the transsulfuration pathway of 1-carbon metabolism, and spermatogenesis function. Therefore, sixteen male C57 mice were addressed to a control (standard diet) or vitamin D deficient (VDD) diet for 14 weeks. The results show that compared to the standard diet, VDD increased final body weight and reduced sperm quality, caused damage to the testicular structure, and decreased the serum levels of testosterone. In addition, serum concentrations of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and sperm oxidative stress markers increased. In testicular tissues, the CBS and CSE protein levels were down-regulated whereas HO-1 was up-regulated at both mRNA and protein expression levels. Within a mice deprivation model, VDD deeply suppressed testosterone and impaired spermatogenesis with oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms. The effects of the deprivation appeared to be at least in part independent of genomic and receptor-mediated vitamin D actions and suggest a specific impairment of the alternative transsulfuration pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Jamshidian-Ghalehsefidi
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rabiee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran.
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Kiani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farnaz Pouriayevali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran.
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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Shafie A, Kianian F, Ashabi G, Kadkhodaee M, Ranjbaran M, Hajiaqaei M, Lorian K, Abdi A, Seifi B. Beneficial effects of combination therapy with testosterone and hydrogen sulfide by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis: Rat experimental varicocele model. Int J Reprod Biomed 2022; 20:941-954. [PMID: 36618833 PMCID: PMC9806247 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v20i11.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the effectiveness of testosterone therapy in conditions associated with testosterone deficiency, including varicocele, several dose-dependent side effects limit the clinical use of testosterone therapy. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas in high concentrations but a beneficial molecule in low concentrations, acts as both a major effector and an important inducer of testosterone. Objective This study investigated whether a subeffective dose of testosterone combined with a subeffective dose of hydrogen sulfide donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) can be effective in an experimental varicocele model through a possible additive effect. Materials and Methods Thirty Wistar rats weighing 200-250 gr were divided into 5 groups as (n = 6/each): sham, varicocele, testosterone (200 µg/kg, 5 times per wk for 4 consecutive weeks), NaHS (15 μmol/L, daily for 4 consecutive wk) and testosterone + NaHS (200 µg/kg, 5 times per wk + 15 μmol/L, daily, both for 4 consecutive wk). All animals, except in the sham group, underwent varicocele induction. Results The coadministration of testosterone and NaHS significantly increased serum testosterone (10.23 ± 0.95, p = 0.01), testicular H2S levels (608.94 ± 21.09, p < 0.001), and testicular superoxide dismutase activity (66.14 ± 1.56, p < 0.001), decreased malondialdehyde levels (0.77 ± 0.52, p < 0.001), and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein to B-cell lymphoma 2 (0.16 ± 0.01, p < 0.001) protein expression ratio in the testicular tissues and improved sperm parameters and testicular histopathology compared to the varicocele group. Conclusion The combination therapy of subeffective doses of testosterone and NaHS can attenuate the varicocele-induced damages by reducing testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis and thus can be considered an effective approach with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahid Shafie
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Kianian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorbangol Ashabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehri Kadkhodaee
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Ranjbaran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hajiaqaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keivan Lorian
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Arash Abdi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behjat Seifi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Chen HJ, Qian L, Li K, Qin YZ, Zhou JJ, Ji XY, Wu DD. Hydrogen sulfide-induced post-translational modification as a potential drug target. Genes Dis 2022. [PMID: 37492730 PMCID: PMC10363594 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the three known gas signal transducers, and since its potential physiological role was reported, the literature on H2S has been increasing. H2S is involved in processes such as vasodilation, neurotransmission, angiogenesis, inflammation, and the prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism remains to be further studied. At present, the role of post-translational processing of proteins has been considered as a possible mechanism for the involvement of H2S in a variety of physiological processes. Current studies have shown that H2S is involved in S-sulfhydration, phosphorylation, and S-nitrosylation of proteins, etc. This paper focuses on the effects of protein modification involving H2S on physiological and pathological processes, looking forward to providing guidance for subsequent research.
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Wang J, Wang J, Shen T, Hong R, Tang S, Zhao X. H 2 S catalysed by CBS regulates testosterone synthesis through affecting the sulfhydrylation of PDE. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:3460-3468. [PMID: 33713531 PMCID: PMC8034449 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone deficiency resulted in increased mortality in men. Our previous work found that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) significantly alleviated the spermatogenesis disorder. To investigate whether H2S could regulate testosterone synthesis and the relative signalling pathways. Disorder model of testosterone synthesis was constructed in vitro and in vivo. The cell viability was detected using CCK‐8 method. The concentration of H2S and testosterone were examined using ELISA kits. The relative mRNA and protein expression of CBS, PDE4A, PDE8A and proteins related to testosterone synthesis were detected by RT‐qPCR and western blotting. PAS staining was used to detect the inflammatory status of testis. The sulfhydryl level of PDE4A and PDE8A was determined by Biotin Switch Technique. CBS overexpression inhibited while knockdown promoted LPS + H2O2 induced injury in testosterone synthesis of MLTC‐1 cells, though regulating the level of H2S. The LPS + H2O2 induced inhibition on cAMP and p‐PKA was recovered by CBS overexpression, while addition of the specific inhibitor of PKA had opposite effects. CBS overexpression alleviated the inflammation status in testis and promoted the expression of StAR, P450scc, P450c17 and 3β‐HSD. CBS could also exhibit its protective role through promoting sulfhydrylation of PDE4A and PDE8A. H2S catalysed by CBS could recover testosterone synthesis in vitro and in vivo through inhibiting PDE expression via sulfhydryl modification and activating cAMP/PKA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Shen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Renyun Hong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Tang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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