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Hu Y, Cai TT, Yan RN, Liu BL, Ding B, Ma JH. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis Impairment in the Testis of db/db Mice. Int J Endocrinol 2024; 2024:8797972. [PMID: 38817616 PMCID: PMC11139535 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8797972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The mechanism of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis impairment in men with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. We aimed to explore the local changes of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis of db/db mice. Research Design and Methods. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis in the testis of db/db and C57BL/6J mice. The differentially expressed genes were then confirmed by real-time PCR. The histopathological characteristics of testis in db/db mice and C57BL/6J control were also performed. Results The 20-week-old db/db mice had significantly higher blood glucose and body weight (both p < 0.001). The serum testosterone levels (4.4 ± 0.8 vs. 9.8 ± 0.7 ng/ml, p=0.001) and weight of the testis (0.16 ± 0.01 vs. 0.24 ± 0.01 g, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in db/db mice than that in C57BL/6J controls. db/db mice had a lower cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules and thickness of the cell layer (both p < 0.05). The numbers of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells decreased in db/db mice (both p < 0.01). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that compared with the control group, the percentage of spermatogonia was significantly higher in the db/db mouse (p < 0.001), while the proportions of spermatocytes, round and elongating spermatids, and sperms were all lower in the db/db mouse (p all < 0.001). The most differentially expressed genes were found in round spermatids (n = 86), which were not found in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and sperm. Igfbp5 was the most significantly decreased gene in Leydig cells of the db/db mouse, while the expression of Cd74, H2-Aa, and H2-Eb1 was elevated. Ccl7 and Ptgds were the most significantly increased and decreased genes in Sertoli cells of the db/db mouse. Conclusions The present study indicates spermiogenesis and steroidogenesis defects in db/db mice. The mechanism of steroidogenesis impairment in the testis of db/db mice deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Reng-Na Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing-Li Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Hua Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Huang R, Chen J, Guo B, Jiang C, Sun W. Diabetes-induced male infertility: potential mechanisms and treatment options. Mol Med 2024; 30:11. [PMID: 38225568 PMCID: PMC10790413 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00771-x] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a physiological phenomenon in which a man is unable to impregnate a fertile woman during a 12-month period of continuous, unprotected sexual intercourse. A growing body of clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that the increasing incidence of male reproductive problems, especially infertility, shows a very similar trend to the incidence of diabetes within the same age range. In addition, a large number of previous in vivo and in vitro experiments have also suggested that the complex pathophysiological changes caused by diabetes may induce male infertility in multiple aspects, including hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction, spermatogenesis and maturation disorders, testicular interstitial cell damage erectile dysfunction. Based on the above related mechanisms, a large number of studies have focused on the potential therapeutic association between diabetes progression and infertility in patients with diabetes and infertility, providing important clues for the treatment of this population. In this paper, we summarized the research results of the effects of diabetes on male reproductive function in recent 5 years, elaborated the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of male infertility induced by diabetes, and reviewed and prospected the therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runchun Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Jiawang Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Buyu Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Chenjun Jiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000
| | - Weiming Sun
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, 730000.
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Dong F, Ping P, Wang SQ, Ma Y, Chen XF. Identification and validation of CCL2 as a potential biomarker relevant to mast cell infiltration in the testicular immune microenvironment of spermatogenic dysfunction. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:94. [PMID: 37221631 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenic dysfunction is an important cause of azoospermia. Numerous studies have focused on germ-cell-related genes that lead to spermatogenic impairment. However, based on the immune-privileged characteristics of the testis, the relationship of immune genes, immune cells or immune microenvironment with spermatogenic dysfunction has rarely been reported. RESULTS Using integrated methods including single-cell RNA-seq, microarray data, clinical data analyses and histological/pathological staining, we found that testicular mast cell infiltration levels were significantly negatively related to spermatogenic function. We next identified a functional testicular immune biomarker, CCL2, and externally validated that testicular CCL2 was significantly upregulated in spermatogenic dysfunctional testes and was negatively correlated with Johnsen scores (JS) and testicular volumes. We also demonstrated that CCL2 levels showed a significant positive correlation with testicular mast cell infiltration levels. Moreover, we showed myoid cells and Leydig cells were two of the important sources of testicular CCL2 in spermatogenic dysfunction. Mechanistically, we drew a potential "myoid/Leydig cells-CCL2-ACKR1-endothelial cells-SELE-CD44-mast cells" network of somatic cell-cell communications in the testicular microenvironment, which might play roles in spermatogenic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed CCL2-relevant changes in the testicular immune microenvironment in spermatogenic dysfunction, providing new evidence for the role of immunological factors in azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Qi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiang-Feng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China.
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Elango K, Karuthadurai T, Kumaresan A, Sinha MK, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Nag P, Sharma A, Raval K, Paul N, Talluri TR. High-throughput proteomic characterization of seminal plasma from bulls with contrasting semen quality. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:60. [PMID: 36714547 PMCID: PMC9877259 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteins are the major extrinsic factors that can modulate the sperm quality and functions. The present study was carried out to compare the proteomic profiles of seminal plasma from breeding bulls producing good and poor quality semen in an effort to understand the possible proteins associated with semen quality. A total of 910 and 715 proteins were detected in the seminal plasma of poor and good quality semen producing bulls, respectively. A total of 705 proteins were common to both the groups, in which 380 proteins were upregulated and 89 proteins were downregulated in the seminal plasma of poor quality semen, while 236 proteins were co-expressed. The proteins negatively influencing sperm functions such as CCL2, UQCRC2, and SAA1 were among the top ten upregulated proteins in the seminal plasma of poor quality semen. Proteins having a positive role in sperm functions (NGF, EEF1A2, COL1A2, IZUMO4, PRSS1, COL1A1, WFDC2) were among the top ten downregulated proteins in the seminal plasma of poor quality semen. The upregulation of oxidation-reduction process-related proteins, histone proteins (HIST3H2A, H2AFJ, H2AFZ, H2AFX, HIST2H2AB, H2AFV, HIST1H2AC, HIST2H2AC, LOC104975684, LOC524236, LOC614970, LOC529277), and ubiquinol-cytochrome-c reductase proteins (UQCRB, UQCRFS1, UQCRQ, UQCRC1, UQCRC2) indicate deranged oxidation-reduction equilibrium, chromatin condensation and spermatogenesis in poor quality semen producing bulls. The expression of proteins essential for motile cilium (CCDC114, CFAP206, TEKT4), chromatin integrity (PRM2), gamete fusion (IZUMO4, EQTN), hyperactivation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and capacitation [PI3K-Akt signalling pathway-related proteins (COL1A1, COL2A1, COL1A2, SPP1, PDGFA, NGF)] were down regulated in poor quality semen producing bulls. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03474-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Thirumalaisamy Karuthadurai
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Kathan Raval
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
| | - Thirumala Rao Talluri
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka India
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Hao X, Wang H, Cui F, Yang Z, Ye L, Huang R, Meng J. Reduction of SLC7A11 and GPX4 Contributing to Ferroptosis in Sperm from Asthenozoospermia Individuals. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:247-257. [PMID: 35729458 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly defined form of regulated cell death, which is involved in various pathophysiological conditions. However, the role of ferroptosis in male infertility remains unclear. In this study, 42 asthenozoospermic and 45 normozoospermic individuals participated. To investigate the ferroptosis level in the two groups, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron were measured, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected as an indicator of mitochondrial injuries. Compared with the normozoospermic group, ROS (p < 0.05), MDA (p < 0.001), and iron (p < 0.001) of the asthenozoospermic group were significantly increased. However, the asthenozoospermia group had a decreased MMP level (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression levels of GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (p < 0.001) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) (p < 0.05) were also reduced in asthenozoospermic individuals. In asthenozoospermic samples, a significantly high positive correlation was observed between GPX4 mRNA levels and progressive motility (r = 0.397, p = 0.009) and total motility (r = 0.389, p = 0.011), while a negative correlation was observed between GPX4 and iron concentration (r = - 0.276, p = 0.077). The function of ferroptosis in asthenozoospermic males has never been studied before. In our study, we concluded that GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression levels in asthenozoospermia patients were related to increased ferroptosis and impaired sperm function, revealing novel molecular insights into the complex systems involved in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated By the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated By the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated By the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 290, Shayan West Second Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Liu Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Run Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangping Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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6
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Ceyhan Y, Zhang M, Sandoval CG, Agoulnik AI, Agoulnik IU. Expression pattern and the roles of phosphatidylinositol phosphatases in testis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:902-915. [PMID: 35766372 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides (PIs) are relatively rare lipid components of the cellular membranes. Their homeostasis is tightly controlled by specific PI kinases and phosphatases. PIs play essential roles in cellular signaling, cytoskeletal organization, and secretory processes in various diseases and normal physiology. Gene targeting experiments strongly suggest that in mice with deficiency of several PI phosphatases such as Pten, Mtmrs, Inpp4b, and Inpp5b, spermatogenesis is affected, resulting in partial or complete infertility. Similarly, in men, loss of several of the PIP phosphatases is observed in infertility characterized by the lack of mature sperm. Using available gene expression databases, we compare expression of known PI phosphatases in various testicular cell types, infertility patients, and mouse age-dependent testicular gene expression, and discuss their potential roles in testis physiology and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Ceyhan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manqi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carlos G Sandoval
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Meyerholz DK, Leidinger MR, Goeken JA, Businga TR, Akers A, Vizuett S, Kaemmer CA, Kohlmeyer JL, Dodd RD, Quelle DE. Utility of CD138/syndecan-1 immunohistochemistry for localization of plasmacytes is tissue-dependent in B6 mice. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:219. [PMID: 35752869 PMCID: PMC9233769 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06100-5] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Inflammation is present in many diseases and identification of immune cell infiltration is a common assessment. CD138 (syndecan-1) is a recommended immunohistochemical marker for human plasmacytes although it is also expressed in various epithelia and tumors. Similarly, CD138 is a marker for murine plasmacytes, but its tissue immunostaining is not well-defined. Endogenous CD138 expression is an important confounding factor when evaluating plasmacyte infiltration. We studied two plasmacyte markers (CD138 and Kappa light chains) for endogenous immunostaining in five organs and one tumor from B6 mice. Results Plasmacytes in Peyer’s patches were positive for CD138 and Kappa markers without endogenous immunostaining. Endogenous CD138 immunostaining was widespread in liver, kidney, lung and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) versus regionalized immunostaining in skin and small intestine wall. Endogenous Kappa immunostaining was absent in all tissues except for plasmacytes. Tissues with widespread endogenous CD138 immunostaining were contrasted by absence of endogenous Kappa immunostaining. Here, plasmacytes would not be distinguished by CD138, but would be obvious by Kappa immunostaining. Our study suggests that utility of immunostaining for plasmacytes by CD138 is tissue dependent in mice. Additionally, Kappa immunostaining may be a useful alternative in mouse tissues with confounding endogenous CD138 immunostaining.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Adam Goeken
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Allison Akers
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Courtney A Kaemmer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Sano M, Komiyama H, Shinoda R, Ozawa R, Watanabe H, Karasawa T, Takahashi M, Torii Y, Iwata H, Kuwayama T, Shirasuna K. NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in testicular inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13527. [PMID: 35148014 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Systemic inflammation induced by infection, which is associated with testicular inflammation, predisposes males to subfertility. Recently, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was identified as a key mediator of inflammation, and excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying infectious inflammation in the testis remain unclear. We investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation on the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in murine testes. METHOD OF STUDY We performed in vivo and in vitro studies using an LPS-induced model of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and testicular inflammation. RESULTS Intraperitoneal administration of LPS significantly impaired sperm motility in the epididymis of wild type (WT) and NLRP3-knockout (KO) mice. LPS administration stimulated interleukin (IL)-1β production and secretion in the testes of WT mice, and these adverse effects were improved in the testes of NLRP3-KO mice. LPS administration also stimulated neutrophil infiltration as well as its chemoattractant C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in WT testes, which were suppressed in NLRP3-KO testes. In in vitro cell culture, treatment with LPS and NLRP3 inflammasome activation significantly induced IL-1β and CCL2 secretion from WT but not NLRP3-KO testicular cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results suggest that testicular cells have the potential to secrete IL-1β and CCL2 in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner and that these cytokines from the testis may further exacerbate testicular function, resulting in subfertility during infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Sano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiromu Komiyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Riina Shinoda
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ren Ozawa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Life and Food Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Karasawa
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Takahashi
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yasushi Torii
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
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Barone B, Napolitano L, Abate M, Cirillo L, Reccia P, Passaro F, Turco C, Morra S, Mastrangelo F, Scarpato A, Amicuzi U, Morgera V, Romano L, Calace FP, Pandolfo SD, De Luca L, Aveta A, Sicignano E, Trivellato M, Spena G, D’Alterio C, Fusco GM, Vitale R, Arcaniolo D, Crocetto F. The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3535. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.
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10
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The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073535. [PMID: PMID: 35408895 PMCID: PMC8998588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.
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11
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Jiang Q, Linn T, Drlica K, Shi L. Diabetes as a potential compounding factor in COVID-19-mediated male subfertility. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:35. [PMID: 35307018 PMCID: PMC8934536 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00766-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent work indicates that male fertility is compromised by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Direct effects derive from the presence of viral entry receptors (ACE2 and/or CD147) on the surface of testicular cells, such as spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. Indirect effects on testis and concentrations of male reproductive hormones derive from (1) virus-stimulated inflammation; (2) viral-induced diabetes, and (3) an interaction between diabetes and inflammation that exacerbates the deleterious effect of each perturbation. Reproductive hormones affected include testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Reduction of male fertility is also observed with other viral infections, but the global pandemic of COVID-19 makes demographic and public health implications of reduced male fertility of major concern, especially if it occurs in the absence of serious symptoms that would otherwise encourage vaccination. Clinical documentation of COVID-19-associated male subfertility is now warranted to obtain quantitative relationships between infection severity and subfertility; mechanistic studies using animal models may reveal ways to mitigate the problem. In the meantime, the possibility of subfertility due to COVID-19 should enter considerations of vaccine hesitancy by reproductive-age males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingkui Jiang
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ USA
| | - Thomas Linn
- grid.8664.c0000 0001 2165 8627Clinical Research Unit, Centre of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University (JLU), Giessen, Germany
| | - Karl Drlica
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Public Health Research Institute and Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ USA
| | - Lanbo Shi
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ USA
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Biniwale S, Wijayarathna R, Pleuger C, Bhushan S, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, Hedger MP. Regulation of macrophage number and gene transcript levels by activin A and its binding protein, follistatin, in the testes of adult mice. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Hasan H, Bhushan S, Fijak M, Meinhardt A. Mechanism of Inflammatory Associated Impairment of Sperm Function, Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897029. [PMID: 35574022 PMCID: PMC9096214 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection and inflammation are relevant entities of male reproductive disorders that can lead to sub-/infertility. Associated damage of the testis of affected men and in rodent models include leukocytic infiltration, edema formation, fibrosis, germ cell loss and reduced androgen levels. Negative effects on spermatogenesis are thought to be elicited by oxidative stress sustained mostly by increased levels of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Under normal conditions these cytokines have physiological functions. However, increased levels as seen in inflammation and infection, but also in obesity and cancer are harmful for germ cells and impair steroidogenesis. As a summary, there is mounting evidence that the activation of inflammatory pathways is a rather common feature in various forms of male testicular disorders that extends beyond established infectious/inflammatory cues. This mini review will focus on relevant entities and the mechanisms of how a dysbalance of local testicular factors contributes to disturbances of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Monika Fijak
- *Correspondence: Andreas Meinhardt, ; Monika Fijak,
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Jeremy M, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK, Kharwar RK. Co-treatment of testosterone and estrogen mitigates heat-induced testicular dysfunctions in a rat model. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 214:106011. [PMID: 34688845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The two gonadal steroid hormones, testosterone and estrogen, regulate spermatogenesis by proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of testicular cells. It has been reported that heat stress or increased scrotal temperature impairs spermatogenesis in many mammals. Moreover, testicular heat stress has also been shown to suppress testosterone and estrogen biosynthesis. Furthermore, it is well known that testosterone and estrogen are important for testicular activity. Therefore, we hypothesised that exogenous testosterone and estrogen, alone or in combination, might alleviate the testicular activity in a heat-stressed rat model. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first report of the exogenous treatment of both testosterone and estrogen in the heat-stressed rat. Our results showed that a combined testosterone and estrogen treatment significantly increased sperm concentration. The histopathological analysis also exhibited a normal histoarchitecture in the combined treatment group along with decreased oxidative stress. The improved spermatogenesis in the combined treatment group was also supported by the increase in PCNA, GCNA, tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and Johnsen score in the combined treatment group. Furthermore, the combined treatment also increased the expression of Bcl2, pStat3, and active caspase-3 and decreased expression of Bax. Thus, increased proliferation, apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers, along with improved histology in the combined treatment group suggest that estrogen and testosterone synergistically act to stimulate spermatogenesis by increasing proliferation and differentiation of germ cells and may also remove the heat-induced damaged germ cells by apoptosis. Overall, the final mechanism of testosterone- and estrogen-mediated improvement of testicular activity could be attributed to amelioration of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India.
| | - Rajesh Kumar Kharwar
- Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur, 222 146, India.
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