1
|
Yang HW, Lee S, Berry BC, Yang D, Zheng S, Carroll RS, Park PJ, Johnson MD. A role for mutations in AK9 and other genes affecting ependymal cells in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300681120. [PMID: 38100419 PMCID: PMC10743366 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300681120] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is an enigmatic neurological disorder that develops after age 60 and is characterized by gait difficulty, dementia, and incontinence. Recently, we reported that heterozygous CWH43 deletions may cause iNPH. Here, we identify mutations affecting nine additional genes (AK9, RXFP2, PRKD1, HAVCR1, OTOG, MYO7A, NOTCH1, SPG11, and MYH13) that are statistically enriched among iNPH patients. The encoded proteins are all highly expressed in choroid plexus and ependymal cells, and most have been associated with cilia. Damaging mutations in AK9, which encodes an adenylate kinase, were detected in 9.6% of iNPH patients. Mice homozygous for an iNPH-associated AK9 mutation displayed normal cilia structure and number, but decreased cilia motility and beat frequency, communicating hydrocephalus, and balance impairment. AK9+/- mice displayed normal brain development and behavior until early adulthood, but subsequently developed communicating hydrocephalus. Together, our findings suggest that heterozygous mutations that impair ventricular epithelial function may contribute to iNPH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wei Yang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Semin Lee
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Bethany C. Berry
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Dejun Yang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Shaokuan Zheng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Rona S. Carroll
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Peter J. Park
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Mark D. Johnson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, Worcester, MA01655
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmed H, Jahan S, Ijaz MU, Riaz M, Ullah F. Relaxin (a regulatory-peptide) enhances cryotolerance, fertility potential and plasma reproductive hormones of Nili Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during low breeding season. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:104996. [PMID: 37688902 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.104996] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the beneficial effects of relaxin on cryotolerance of buffalo spermatozoa and reproductive hormones during low breeding season. Collected semen was diluted in five aliquots with relaxin addition (0.25 mg/mL, 0.50 mg/mL, 0.75 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and control). After gentle dilution (37°C), cooling (4°C, 2 h), equilibration (4°C, 4 h), and packaging (straws, polyvinyl French, 0.5 mL), frozen (cell freezer), and thawed (37°C, 30 s) for analysis. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals i.e., -60, -30 and 0 min (pre-dose) and 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min (post-dose) from a jugular vein. This study manifest that adding relaxin (1 mg/ mL) in freezing medium ameliorates sperm motility, functionality (%), and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC, μM/L) than control during low breeding season. Furthermore, we found that relaxin supplementation at 1 mg/mL significantly improves seminal plasma ATP concentrations (nmol/million) than control, 0.25 mg/mL, and 0.50 mg/mL, and fertility (control, and 0.75 mg/mL). Further, relaxin injection significantly improves plasma T, LH and IGF-1 levels (150 and 120 min vs. -60, and - 30), and FSH, KP, and GnRH concentrations (150 min vs. -60), during low breeding season. Taken together, this study revealed that relaxin ameliorates motility, functionality, and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa. Moreover, relaxin injection (1 mg/mL) improves essential reproductive hormones levels in buffalo signifying its importance in the field of reproductive physiology. Further studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of action of relaxin in enhancing semen quality, fertility and reproductive hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Ahmed
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Zoology, University of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Zoology, University of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehreen Riaz
- Department of Zoology, Women University Swabi, KP, Pakistan
| | - Farhad Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Islamia College University Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hatcher KM, Costanza L, Kauffman AS, Stephens SBZ. The molecular phenotype of kisspeptin neurons in the medial amygdala of female mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1093592. [PMID: 36843592 PMCID: PMC9951589 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1093592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is regulated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, largely via the action of kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus. Importantly, Kiss1 neurons have been identified in other brain regions, including the medial amygdala (MeA). Though the MeA is implicated in regulating aspects of both reproductive physiology and behavior, as well as non-reproductive processes, the functional roles of MeA Kiss1 neurons are largely unknown. Additionally, besides their stimulation by estrogen, little is known about how MeA Kiss1 neurons are regulated. Using a RiboTag mouse model in conjunction with RNA-seq, we examined the molecular profile of MeA Kiss1 neurons to identify transcripts that are co-expressed in MeA Kiss1 neurons of female mice and whether these transcripts are modulated by estradiol (E2) treatment. RNA-seq identified >13,800 gene transcripts co-expressed in female MeA Kiss1 neurons, including genes for neuropeptides and receptors implicated in reproduction, metabolism, and other neuroendocrine functions. Of the >13,800 genes co-expressed in MeA Kiss1 neurons, only 45 genes demonstrated significantly different expression levels due to E2 treatment. Gene transcripts such as Kiss1, Gal, and Oxtr increased in response to E2 treatment, while fewer transcripts, such as Esr1 and Cyp26b1, were downregulated by E2. Dual RNAscope and immunohistochemistry was performed to validate co-expression of MeA Kiss1 with Cck and Cartpt. These results are the first to establish a profile of genes actively expressed by MeA Kiss1 neurons, including a subset of genes regulated by E2, which provides a useful foundation for future investigations into the regulation and function of MeA Kiss1 neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Hatcher
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Leah Costanza
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Alexander S. Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shannon B. Z. Stephens
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Shannon B. Z. Stephens,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He Y, Li D, Zhang W, Tian X, Pang W, Du R, Yang G, Yu T. Boar sperm quality and oxidative status as affected by rosmarinic acid at 17 °C. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:2169-2177. [PMID: 32124183 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02246-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Peroxidation damage induces sublethal injury to boar sperm during preservation. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has already been verified to efficiently protect cells from oxidant-induced injury and to produce significant effect on cryopreservation of semen. Through our experiments, we aim at investigating whether RA has a positive effect on the preservation of pig semen at room temperature. The semen collected from sexually mature Large White boars were preserved at 17 °C in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) supplied. The boar sperm were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 μM RA in vitro and the sperm functions were examined. The sperm motility, the acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, the catalase activity (CAT), the total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) activity and the malondialdehyde content (MDA) were examined at 0, 1, 3 and 5 days. The BTS diluent containing RA improved the sperm quality during the process of liquid preservation compared with the control treatment. After 5 days of liquid preservation, the addition of RA at 100 μM produced an optimal effect on the survival time as well as on the maintenance of motility, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity; T-AOC activity; CAT activity; and the MDA content. Besides, our results in the reproductive experiments showed that the addition of RA at 100 μM to the BTS diluent increased the pregnancy rate. These results suggest that the proper concentration of RA in boar semen extenders possibly improves the artificial insemination efficiency by reducing the sperm damage and the subsequent dysfunction during liquid preservation in swine production systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulin He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Dong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xuekai Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Weijun Pang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Renrang Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Gongshe Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Taiyong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Elkhawagah AR, Martino NA, Ricci A, Storti V, Rumbolo F, Lange-Consiglio A, Vincenti L. Effect of relaxin on cryopreserved beef bull semen characteristics. Cryobiology 2020; 95:51-59. [PMID: 32561273 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to improve the quality of cryopreserved beef bull (Piedmontese) semen by incorporation of relaxin in diluted semen before cryopreservation procedures. Semen samples were collected from 4 proven fertile bulls, using artificial vagina, once per week for 8 consecutive weeks and pooled together then diluted with Bullxcell® extender, and supplemented with different concentrations of relaxin (0 (control), 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml) before cooling, equilibration and freezing procedures. Frozen semen was thawed and assessed for motility by Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis and vitality parameters such as acrosome, plasma membrane and DNA integrities, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, mucus penetration and SOD activity. The developmental potential of bovine embryos produced in vitro by using relaxin-treated was also investigated. In the present study, 50 and 100 ng/ml relaxin incorporation in extended bull semen before cryopreservation induced a reduction of sperm motility immediately after thawing (0h), whereas, during long incubation periods (1-2 h), relaxin showed a significant positive effect on sperm quality by improving the sperm motility and velocity parameters. Interestingly, sperm vitality was improved by 25 and 100 ng/ml relaxin and the blastocyst developmental rate was significantly increased in the 25 ng/ml relaxin group compared with controls (52/118, 44.0% vs. 32/116, 27.6%, respectively). These findings suggest a potential use of relaxin at the doses tested in the present study as an additive in the cryopreservation media of bull semen to improve sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed R Elkhawagah
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Nicola A Martino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Ricci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Valentina Storti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Francesca Rumbolo
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism. Division of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Leila Vincenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Elkhawagah AR, Nervo T, Poletto M, Martino NA, Gallo D, Bertero A, Vincenti L. Effect of relaxin on semen quality variables of cryopreserved stallion semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 216:106351. [PMID: 32414467 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to ascertain effects of different concentrations of relaxin added to extender medium during the pre-freezing incubation periods on quality variables of stallion frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Semen samples collected from three stallions were filtered, diluted with skim milk, and centrifuged at 600g for 10 min. Sperm pellets were suspended in BotuCrio freezing medium to a final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm/mL. The diluted semen was divided into five experimental groups supplemented with 0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 ng/mL of relaxin. The semen samples were transferred into 0.5 mL straws, equilibrated at 5 °C for 30 min, and placed in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour for 15 min before being plunged into LN2. After thawing, sperm samples were evaluated for motility and velocity variables, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, and plasma membrane and DNA integrities. For sperm motility variables, there were dose- and time-dependent effects, with the largest values recorded when 12.5 and 25 ng/mL relaxin were used for 0-120 min of incubation. Furthermore, at all of the concentrations at which there were evaluations, relaxin additions to semen diluent led to a marked improvement in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and a lesser percentage of apoptotic cells compared to the control group. Plasma membranes and DNA integrities were not affected by relaxin supplementations to the diluent. In conclusion, supplementation of relaxin in extender before semen cryopreservation, especially at 12.5 and 25 ng/mL, had a positive effect on the sperm quality variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed R Elkhawagah
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Tiziana Nervo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | - Nicola A Martino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Davide Gallo
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Division of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertero
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Leila Vincenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Durfey CL, Swistek SE, Liao SF, Crenshaw MA, Clemente HJ, Thirumalai RVKG, Steadman CS, Ryan PL, Willard ST, Feugang JM. Nanotechnology-based approach for safer enrichment of semen with best spermatozoa. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2019; 10:14. [PMID: 30774950 PMCID: PMC6368687 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-018-0307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in nanotechnology have permitted molecular-based targeting of cells through safe and biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNP). Their use to detect and remove damaged spermatozoa from semen doses could be of great interest. Here, MNP were synthesized and tested for their ability to target apoptotic (annexin V) and acrosome-reacted (lectin) boar spermatozoa, for high-throughout retrieval in a magnetic field (nanoselection). The potential impacts of nanoselection on sperm functions and performance of offspring sired by sperm subjected to nanoselection were determined. Fresh harvested and extended boar semen was mixed with various amounts (0, 87.5, and 175 μg) of MNP-conjugates (Annexin V-MNP or Lectin-MNP) and incubated (10 to 15 min) for 37 °C in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, extended semen was mixed with optimal concentrations of MNP-conjugates and incubated (0, 30, 90, or 120 min). In Exp. 3, the synergistic effects of both MNP-conjugates (87.5 μg - 30 min) on spermatozoa was evaluated, followed by sperm fertility assessments through pregnancy of inseminated gilts and performance of neonatal offspring. Sperm motion, viability, and morphology characteristics were evaluated in all experiments. RESULTS Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and hyperspectral imaging techniques were used to confirm attachment of MNP-conjugates to damaged spermatozoa. The motility of nanoselected spermatozoa was improved (P < 0.05). The viability of boar sperm, as assessed by the abundance of reactive oxygen species and the integrity of the acrosome, plasma membrane, and mitochondrial membrane was not different between nanoselected and control spermatozoa. The fertility of gilts inseminated with control or nanoselected spermatozoa, as well as growth and health of their offspring were not different between (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed the benefit of magnetic nanoselection for high-throughput targeting of damaged sperm, for removal and rapid and effortless enrichment of semen doses with highly motile, viable, and fertile spermatozoa. Therefore, magnetic nanoselection for removal of abnormal spermatozoa from semen is a promising tool for improving fertility of males, particularly during periods, such as heat stress during the summer months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey L. Durfey
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Sabrina E. Swistek
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Shengfa F. Liao
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Mark A. Crenshaw
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | | | - Rooban V. K. G. Thirumalai
- Institute of Imaging and Analytic Technology (I2AT), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Christy S. Steadman
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Peter L. Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine Biochemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Scott T. Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State, MS USA
| | - Jean M. Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schiffner R, Nistor M, Bischoff SJ, Matziolis G, Schmidt M, Lehmann T. Effects of human relaxin-2 (serelaxin) on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction during acute hypoxia in a sheep model. HYPOXIA (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2018; 6:11-22. [PMID: 29862306 PMCID: PMC5968803 DOI: 10.2147/hp.s165092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Hypoxia induces pulmonary vasoconstriction with a subsequent increase of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), which can result in pulmonary hypertension. Serelaxin has shown an increase of pulmonary hemodynamic parameters after serelaxin injection. We therefore investigated the response of pulmonary hemodynamic parameters after serelaxin administration in a clinically relevant model. Methods Six controls and six sheep that received 30 μg/kg serelaxin underwent right heart catheterization during a 12-minute hypoxia period (inhalation of 5% oxygen and 95% nitrogen) and subsequent reoxygenation. Systolic, diastolic, and mean values of both PAP (respectively, PAPs, PAPd, and PAPm) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (respectively, PCWPs, PCWPd, and PCWPm), blood gases, heart rate (HR), and both peripheral and pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation were obtained. Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary arterial compliance (PAcompl), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were calculated. Results The key findings of the current study are that serelaxin prevents the rise of PAPs (p≤0.001), PAPm, PCWPm, PCWPs (p≤0.03), and PAPd (p≤0.05) during hypoxia, while it simultaneously increases CO and SV (p≤0.001). Similar courses of decreases of PAPm, PAPd, PAPs, CO, SVR (p≤0.001), and PCWPd (p≤0.03) as compared to hypoxic values were observed during reoxygenation. In direct comparison, the experimental groups differed during hypoxia in regard to HR, PAPm, PVR, and SVR (p≤0.03), and during reoxygenation in regard to HR (p≤0.001), PAPm, PAPs, PAPd, PVR, SVR (p≤0.03), and PCWPd (p≤0.05). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that serelaxin treatment improves pulmonary hemodynamic parameters during acute hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Lehmann
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Computer Sciences and Documentation Science, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Basioura A, Boscos CM, Parrilla I, Tsousis G, Tsakmakidis IA. Effect of astaxanthin on the quality of boar sperm stored at 17°C, incubated at 37°C or under in vitro conditions. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:463-471. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Basioura
- Faculty of Health Sciences; Farm Animals Clinic; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - CM Boscos
- Faculty of Health Sciences; Farm Animals Clinic; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - I Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - G Tsousis
- Faculty of Health Sciences; Farm Animals Clinic; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - IA Tsakmakidis
- Faculty of Health Sciences; Farm Animals Clinic; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Miyazaki T, Ishizaki M, Dohra H, Park S, Terzic A, Kato T, Kohsaka T, Park EY. Insulin-like peptide 3 expressed in the silkworm possesses intrinsic disulfide bonds and full biological activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17339. [PMID: 29229959 PMCID: PMC5725452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17707-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a member of the relaxin/insulin superfamily and is expressed in testicular Leydig cells. Essential for fetal testis descent, INSL3 has been implicated in testicular and sperm function in adult males via interaction with relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2). The INSL3 is typically prepared using chemical synthesis or overexpression in Escherichia coli followed by oxidative refolding and proteolysis. Here, we expressed and purified full-length porcine INSL3 (pINSL3) using a silkworm-based Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus bacmid expression system. Biophysical measurements and proteomic analysis revealed that this recombinant pINSL3 exhibited the correct conformation, with the three critical disulfide bonds observed in native pINSL3, although partial cleavage occurred. In cAMP stimulation assays using RXFP2-expressing HEK293 cells, the recombinant pINSL3 possessed full biological activity. This is the first report concerning the production of fully active pINSL3 without post-expression treatments and provides an efficient production platform for expressing relaxin/insulin superfamily peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takatsugu Miyazaki
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ishizaki
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hideo Dohra
- Instrumental Research Support Office, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Sungjo Park
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Andre Terzic
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Tatsuya Kato
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Enoch Y Park
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan. .,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brohi RD, Wang L, Hassine NB, Cao J, Talpur HS, Wu D, Huang CJ, Rehman ZU, Bhattarai D, Huo LJ. Expression, Localization of SUMO-1, and Analyses of Potential SUMOylated Proteins in Bubalus bubalis Spermatozoa. Front Physiol 2017; 8:354. [PMID: 28659810 PMCID: PMC5468435 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature spermatozoa have highly condensed DNA that is essentially silent both transcriptionally and translationally. Therefore, post translational modifications are very important for regulating sperm motility, morphology, and for male fertility in general. Protein sumoylation was recently demonstrated in human and rodent spermatozoa, with potential consequences for sperm motility and DNA integrity. We examined the expression and localization of small ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (SUMO-1) in the sperm of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using immunofluorescence analysis. We confirmed the expression of SUMO-1 in the acrosome. We further found that SUMO-1 was lost if the acrosome reaction was induced by calcium ionophore A23187. Proteins modified or conjugated by SUMO-1 in water buffalo sperm were pulled down and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Sixty proteins were identified, including proteins important for sperm morphology and motility, such as relaxin receptors and cytoskeletal proteins, including tubulin chains, actins, and dyneins. Forty-six proteins were predicted as potential sumoylation targets. The expression of SUMO-1 in the acrosome region of water buffalo sperm and the identification of potentially SUMOylated proteins important for sperm function implicates sumoylation as a crucial PTM related to sperm function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Dad Brohi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | | | - Jing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Hira Sajjad Talpur
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Zia-Ur Rehman
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Dinesh Bhattarai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Department of Hubei Province's Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and ProductsWuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ivell R, Agoulnik AI, Anand‐Ivell R. Relaxin-like peptides in male reproduction - a human perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:990-1001. [PMID: 27933606 PMCID: PMC5406299 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxin family of peptide hormones and their cognate GPCRs are becoming physiologically well-characterized in the cardiovascular system and particularly in female reproductive processes. Much less is known about the physiology and pharmacology of these peptides in male reproduction, particularly as regards humans. H2-relaxin is involved in prostate function and growth, while insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major product of the testicular Leydig cells and, in the adult, appears to modulate steroidogenesis and germ cell survival. In the fetus, INSL3 is a key hormone expressed shortly after sex determination and is responsible for the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. Importantly, INSL3 is becoming a very useful constitutive biomarker reflecting both fetal and post-natal development. Nothing is known about roles for INSL4 in male reproduction and only very little about relaxin-3, which is mostly considered as a brain peptide, or INSL5. The former is expressed at very low levels in the testes, but has no known physiology there, whereas the INSL5 knockout mouse does exhibit a testicular phenotype with mild effects on spermatogenesis, probably due to a disruption of glucose homeostasis. INSL6 is a major product of male germ cells, although it is relatively unexplored with regard to its physiology or pharmacology, except that in mice disruption of the INSL6 gene leads to a disruption of spermatogenesis. Clinically, relaxin analogues may be useful in the control of prostate cancer, and both relaxin and INSL3 have been considered as sperm adjuvants for in vitro fertilization. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamLE12 5RDUK
- School of Veterinary and Medical SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamLE12 5RDUK
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of MedicineFlorida International UniversityMiamiFLUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pitia AM, Uchiyama K, Sano H, Kinukawa M, Minato Y, Sasada H, Kohsaka T. Functional insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor system in the testes and spermatozoa of domestic ruminants and its potential as a predictor of sire fertility. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:678-690. [PMID: 27592693 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is essential for fetal testis descent, and has been implicated in the testicular and sperm functions in adult males; however, similar functions in domestic ruminants remain largely unknown. This study investigated the functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system in adult ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and explored its potential to diagnose the fertility of sires. Testes and spermatozoa were obtained from fertile bulls, rams and he-goats, whereas subfertile testes and spermatozoa were obtained only from bulls. As expected, INSL3 was visualized in Leydig cells, while we clearly demonstrated that the functional receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), enabling INSL3 to bind was identified in testicular germ cells and in the sperm equatorial segment of bulls, rams and he-goats. In comparison to fertile bulls, the percentage of INSL3- and RXFP2-expressing cells and their expression levels per cell were significantly reduced in the testes of subfertile bulls. In addition, the population of INSL3-binding spermatozoa was also significantly reduced in the semen of subfertile bulls. These results provide evidence for a functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system operating in ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and its potential to predict subfertility in sires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Pitia
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Uchiyama
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sano
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Masashi Kinukawa
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Minato
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Feugang JM, Youngblood RC, Greene JM, Willard ST, Ryan PL. Self-illuminating quantum dots for non-invasive bioluminescence imaging of mammalian gametes. J Nanobiotechnology 2015; 13:38. [PMID: 26040273 PMCID: PMC4455054 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-015-0097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The fertility performance of animals is still a mystery and the full comprehension of mammalian gametes maturation and early embryonic development remains to be elucidated. The recent development in nanotechnology offers a new opportunity for real-time study of reproductive cells in their physiological environments. As a first step toward that goal, we evaluated the effectiveness of a fluorescent and luminescent nanoparticle for in vitro and ex vivo imaging of porcine gametes. Methods Freshly harvested boar sperm were labeled with red-shifted (655 nm) quantum dot nanoparticles conjugated (QD+) or not (QD−) with plasminogen antibody and evaluated. Subsets of labeled spermatozoa were loaded into straws and placed within the lumen of gilt reproductive tracts for ex vivo intra-uterine imaging. Porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in the presence of QD− or QD+. Ovarian follicles were microinjected with QD− or QD+ and placed in culture for up to 4 days. After labeling, all samples were supplemented with coelenterazine, the luciferase substrate, and immediately submitted to bioluminescence analysis, followed by fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and P < 0.05 indicated significant differences. Results All labeled-samples revealed bioluminescence emission that was confirmed by fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging of the QD localization within the cells and tissues. Over 76% of spermatozoa and both immature and mature COCs were successfully labeled with QD− or QD+. The QD− fluorescence appeared homogenously distributed in the oocytes, while found in the entire sperm length with a higher accumulation within the mid-piece. Labeled-follicles exhibited a progressive migration of QD nanoparticles within the follicle wall during culture. In contrast, QD+ fluorescence signals appeared condensed and stronger in the follicle cells, sperm head, and sub-plasma membrane area of mature oocytes. Weaker QD+ signals were detected in the cumulus cells. Fluorescence and hyperspectral microscope imaging showed comparable intracellular QD localization. Ex-vivo intra-uterine bioluminescence imaging of labeled spermatozoa revealed stronger signals captured over the oviducts, with uterine body allowing the lowest signal detection. Conclusion Findings indicate that conjugated and non-conjugated fluorescent nanoparticles can be used for effective labeling of mammalian gametes for in vitro monitoring and potential in vivo targeted-imaging. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-015-0097-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Ramey C Youngblood
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Greene
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| |
Collapse
|