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Hao Y, Tian X, Yan F, Wang X, Huang J, Li L. Effect of MEHP on testosterone synthesis via Sirt1/Foxo1/Rab7 signaling pathway inhibition of lipophagy in TM3 cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116394. [PMID: 38663197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalic acid (MEHP) is the most toxic metabolite of the plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalic acid (DEHP), and studies have shown that MEHP causes serious reproductive effects. However, its exact mechanisms of action remain elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reproductive effects of MEHP and preliminarily explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that TM3 cells gradually secreted less testosterone and intracellular free cholesterol with increasing MEHP exposure. MEHP exposure inhibited lipophagy and the Sirt1/Foxo1/Rab7 signaling pathway in TM3 cells, causing aberrant accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets. Addition of the Sirt1 agonist SRT1720 and Rab7 agonist ML-098 alleviated the inhibition of lipophagy and increased free cholesterol and testosterone contents in TM3 cells. SRT1720 alleviated the inhibitory effect of MEHP on the Sirt1/Foxo1/Rab7 signaling pathway, whereas ML-098 only alleviated the inhibition of Rab7 protein expression by MEHP and had no effect on Sirt1 and Foxo1 protein expression. This suggests that MEHP inhibits lipophagy in TM3 cells by suppressing the Sirt1/Foxo1/Rab7 signaling pathway, ultimately leading to a further decrease in cellular testosterone secretion. This study improves our current understanding of the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of action of MEHP and provides new insights into the reproductive effects of phthalic acid esters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Xuan'en Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Fengmei Yan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Xiuqin Wang
- Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
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Yang X, He L, Li X, Wang L, Bu T, Yun D, Lu X, Gao S, Huang Q, Li J, Zheng B, Yu J, Sun F. Triptolide exposure triggers testicular vacuolization injury by disrupting the Sertoli cell junction and cytoskeletal organization via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116502. [PMID: 38788563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the known reproductive toxicity induced by triptolide (TP) exposure, the regulatory mechanism underlying testicular vacuolization injury caused by TP remains largely obscure. METHODS Male mice were subjected to TP at doses of 15, 30, and 60 μg/kg for 35 consecutive days. Primary Sertoli cells were isolated from 20-day-old rat testes and exposed to TP at concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 nM. A Biotin tracer assay was conducted to assess the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) assays were employed to investigate BTB function in primary Sertoli cells. Histological structures of the testes and epididymides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The expression and localization of relevant proteins or pathways were assessed through Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS TP exposure led to dose-dependent testicular injuries, characterized by a decreased organ coefficient, reduced sperm concentration, and the formation of vacuolization damage. Furthermore, TP exposure disrupted BTB integrity by reducing the expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the testes without affecting basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES) proteins. Through the TER assay, we identified that a TP concentration of 160 nM was optimal for elucidating BTB function in primary Sertoli cells, correlating with reductions in TJ protein expression. Moreover, TP exposure induced changes in the distribution of the BTB and cytoskeleton-associated proteins in primary Sertoli cells. By activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, TP exposure disturbed the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2, ultimately compromising BTB integrity in Sertoli cells. CONCLUSION This investigation sheds light on the impacts of TP exposure on testes, elucidating the mechanism by which TP exposure leads to testicular vacuolization injury and offering valuable insights into comprehending the toxic effects of TP exposure on testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwen Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lei He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinran Lu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Graziani A, Rocca MS, Vinanzi C, Masi G, Grande G, De Toni L, Ferlin A. Genetic Causes of Qualitative Sperm Defects: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:600. [PMID: 38790229 PMCID: PMC11120687 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050600] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Several genes are implicated in spermatogenesis and fertility regulation, and these genes are presently being analysed in clinical practice due to their involvement in male factor infertility (MFI). However, there are still few genetic analyses that are currently recommended for use in clinical practice. In this manuscript, we reviewed the genetic causes of qualitative sperm defects. We distinguished between alterations causing reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and alterations causing changes in the typical morphology of sperm (teratozoospermia). In detail, the genetic causes of reduced sperm motility may be found in the alteration of genes associated with sperm mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial proteins, ion transport and channels, and flagellar proteins. On the other hand, the genetic causes of changes in typical sperm morphology are related to conditions with a strong genetic basis, such as macrozoospermia, globozoospermia, and acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. We tried to distinguish alterations approved for routine clinical application from those still unsupported by adequate clinical studies. The most important aspect of the study was related to the correct identification of subjects to be tested and the correct application of genetic tests based on clear clinical data. The correct application of available genetic tests in a scenario where reduced sperm motility and changes in sperm morphology have been observed enables the delivery of a defined diagnosis and plays an important role in clinical decision-making. Finally, clarifying the genetic causes of MFI might, in future, contribute to reducing the proportion of so-called idiopathic MFI, which might indeed be defined as a subtype of MFI whose cause has not yet been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graziani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
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Yang Q, Xie Y, Pan B, Cheng Y, Zhu Y, Fei X, Li X, Yu J, Chen Z, Li J, Xiong X. The Expression and Epigenetic Characteristics of the HSF2 Gene in Cattle-Yak and the Correlation with Its Male Sterility. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1410. [PMID: 38791628 PMCID: PMC11117389 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101410] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the heat shock proteins and factors was revealed to be closely associated with male reproduction. Heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) is a transcription factor that is involved in the regulation of diverse developmental pathways. However, the role and the corresponding molecular mechanism of HSF2 in male cattle-yak sterility are still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to obtain the sequence and the biological information of the cattle-yak HSF2 gene and to investigate the spatiotemporal expression profiles of the locus during the development of cattle-yak testes. Additionally, the differential expression was analyzed between the cattle-yak and the yak, and the methylation of corresponding promoter regions was compared. Our results showed an additional 54 bp fragment and a missense mutation (lysine to glutamic acid) were presented in the cattle-yak HSF2 gene, which correlated with enriched expression in testicular tissue. In addition, the expression of the HSF2 gene showed dynamic changes during the growth of the testes, reaching a peak in adulthood. The IHC indicated that HSF2 protein was primarily located in spermatocytes (PS), spermatogonia (SP), and Sertoli cells (SC) in cattle-yak testes, compared with the corresponding cells of cattle and the yak. Furthermore, bisulfite-sequencing PCR (BSP) revealed that the methylated CpG sites in the promoter region of the cattle-yak HSF2 were more numerous than in the yak counterpart, which suggests hypermethylation of this region in the cattle-yak. Taken together, the low expression abundance and hypermethylation of HSF2 may underpin the obstruction of spermatogenesis, which leads to male cattle-yak infertility. Our study provided a basic guideline for the HSF2 gene in male reproduction and a new insight into the mechanisms of male cattle-yak sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinhui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (B.P.); (X.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yumian Xie
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (B.P.); (X.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yuying Cheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (B.P.); (X.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xupeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (B.P.); (X.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (B.P.); (X.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.Y.); (Y.X.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.C.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (B.P.); (X.F.); (J.Y.)
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Gizer M, Önen S, Korkusuz P. The Evolutionary Route of in vitro Human Spermatogenesis: What is the Next Destination? Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2. [PMID: 38684571 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2] [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] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Malfunction in spermatogenesis due to genetic diseases, trauma, congenital disorders or gonadotoxic treatments results in infertility in approximately 7% of males. The behavior of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) within three-dimensional, multifactorial, and dynamic microenvironment implicates a niche that serves as a repository for fertility, since can serve as a source of mature and functional male germ cells. Current protocols enable reprogramming of mature somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their limited differentiation to SSCs within the range of 0-5%. However, the resulting human iPSC-derived haploid spermatogenic germ cell yield in terms of number and functionality is currently insufficient for transfer to infertility clinic as a therapeutic tool. In this article, we reviewed the evolution of experimental culture platforms and introduced a novel iPSCs-based approach for in vitro spermatogenesis based on a niche perspective bearing cellular, chemical, and physical factors that provide the complex arrangement of testicular seminiferous tubules embedded within a vascularized stroma. We believe that bioengineered organoids supported by smart bio-printed tubules and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems offer efficient, precise, personalized platforms for autologous pluripotent stem cell sources to undergo the spermatogenetic cycle, presenting a promising tool for infertile male patients with complete testicular aplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Gizer
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Petek Korkusuz
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Chen A, Ji C, Li C, Brand-Saberi B, Zhang S. Multiple transcriptome analyses reveal mouse testis developmental dynamics. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:395. [PMID: 38649810 PMCID: PMC11036721 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10298-y] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The testes are the organs of gamete production and testosterone synthesis. Up to date, no model system is available for mammalian testicular development, and only few studies have characterized the mouse testis transcriptome from no more than three postnatal ages. To describe the transcriptome landscape of the developing mouse testis and identify the potential molecular mechanisms underlying testis maturation, we examined multiple RNA-seq data of mouse testes from 3-week-old (puberty) to 11-week-old (adult). Sperm cells appeared as expected in 5-week-old mouse testis, suggesting the proper sample collection. The principal components analysis revealed the genes from 3w to 4w clustered away from other timepoints, indicating they may be the important nodes for testicular development. The pairwise comparisons at two adjacent timepoints identified 7,612 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), resulting in 58 unique mRNA expression patterns. Enrichment analysis identified functions in tissue morphogenesis (3-4w), regulation of peptidase activity (4-5w), spermatogenesis (7-8w), and antigen processing (10-11w), suggesting distinct functions in different developmental periods. 50 hub genes and 10 gene cluster modules were identified in the testis maturation process by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and the miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA, miRNA-circRNA-mRNA and miRNA-circRNA-lncRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. The results suggest that testis maturation is a complex developmental process modulated by various molecules, and that some potential RNA-RNA interactions may be involved in specific developmental stages. In summary, this study provides an update on the molecular basis of testis development, which may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse testis development and provide guidance for mouse reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Chen
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoneng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengtao Li
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Ministry of Justice, Academy of Forensic Science, 200063, Shanghai, China
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Suhua Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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Krizanac M, Mass Sanchez PB, Weiskirchen R, Schröder SK. Overview of the expression patterns and roles of Lipocalin 2 in the reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1365602. [PMID: 38645429 PMCID: PMC11026566 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1365602] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The 25 kDa-sized protein Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was originally isolated from human neutrophil granulocytes more than 30 years ago. LCN2 is an emerging player in innate immune defense, as it reduces bacterial growth due to its ability to sequester iron-containing bacterial siderophores. On the other hand, LCN2 also serves as a transporter for various hydrophobic substances due to its β-barrel shaped structure. Over the years, LCN2 has been detected in many other cell types including epithelial cells, astrocytes, and hepatocytes. Studies have clearly shown that aberrant expression of LCN2 is associated with a variety of disorders and malignancies, including several diseases of the reproductive system. Furthermore, LCN2 was proposed as a non-invasive prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarker in this context. Although several studies have shed light on the role of LCN2 in various disorders of the female and male reproductive systems, including tumorigenesis, a comprehensive understanding of the physiological function of LCN2 in the reproductive tract is still lacking. However, there is evidence that LCN2 is directly related to fertility, as global depletion of Lcn2 in mice has a negative effect on their pregnancy rate. Since LCN2 expression can be regulated by steroid hormones, it is not surprising that its expression fluctuates greatly during remodeling processes in the female reproductive tract, especially in the uterus. Well-founded details about the expression and regulation of LCN2 in a healthy reproductive state and also about possible changes during reproductive aging could contribute to a better understanding of LCN2 as a target in various diseases. Therefore, the present review summarizes current knowledge about LCN2 in the reproductive system, including studies in rodents and humans, and discusses changes in LCN2 expression during pathological events. The limited data suggest that LCN2 is expressed and regulated differently in healthy male and female reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Kawamura S, Chiba K, Yamashita Y, Sato K, Kaku Y, Hara T, Okada K, Miyake H. Premature Chromatid Separation Trait Found During the Diagnosis of Male Infertility: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e58558. [PMID: 38770464 PMCID: PMC11102876 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58558] [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] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Premature chromatid separation (PCS)/mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA) syndrome is a rare chromosome instability syndrome. This syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Although heterozygous carriers of a monoallelic mutation reportedly have a normal phenotype, PCS-positive cells are found at a higher rate in such carriers than in the general population. We herein report a case in which a PCS carrier was incidentally diagnosed during investigation of male infertility. A diagnosis of nonobstructive azoospermia was made, and chromosome analysis revealed the PCS trait in 81 of 200 cells (40.5%), indicating that the patient was a PCS carrier. PCS carriers are not uncommon, and if both members of a couple are carriers, there would be a 25% likelihood of the child presenting with PCS syndrome. Therefore, a clinical psychological approach that includes genetic counseling should be considered before proceeding to microsurgical testicular sperm extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Kawamura
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Koji Chiba
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Yosuke Yamashita
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Katsuya Sato
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Yasuhiro Kaku
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Takuto Hara
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Keisuke Okada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
| | - Hideaki Miyake
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, JPN
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Tabatabaee F, Darabi S, Soltani R, Aghajanpour F, Afshar A, Abbaszadeh HA, Rajabi-Maham H. Therapeutic Effects of Exosome Therapy and Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Spermatogenesis Arrest in Male Mice After Scrotum Hyperthermia. J Lasers Med Sci 2024; 15:e3. [PMID: 38655046 PMCID: PMC11033855 DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2024.03] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: In men, several factors cause infertility, among which we can mention damage to sperm due to high temperature. So far, various treatments have been proposed for it, but they have not been highly effective. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of exosome therapy (EXO) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on spermatogenesis arrest in male mice after scrotum hyperthermia. Methods: In this experimental study, the animals were divided into four groups: control, scrotal hyperthermia, scrotal hyperthermia+EXO (100 μL/d) (mice were treated for 30 days), scrotal hyperthermia+PBMT (laser of 0.03 J/cm2 for 30 seconds/for 30 days). Hyperthermia was induced by exposure to the temperature of 43 °C for 20 minute every day for 5 times. After 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. Results: The treated groups showed a significant increase in sperm parameters, as compared to the hyperthermic groups. Moreover, these favorable effects were observed in relation to the volume of testicular tissue, the number of germ cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and the level of testosterone. Research on antioxidants showed a significant reduction in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the treatment groups in comparison to the hyperthermia group (P<0.001). Also, there has been a significant increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide enzyme observed in the hyperthermia group as opposed to the treatment group (P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings show that EXO and PBMT can improve spermatogenesis caused by hyperthermia, reduce ROS and GSSG, and increase glutathione (GSH) and sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahram Darabi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Reza Soltani
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakhroddin Aghajanpour
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azar Afshar
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjat Allah Abbaszadeh
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rajabi-Maham
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Graziani A, Merico M, Grande G, Di Mambro A, Vinanzi C, Rocca MS, Selice R, Ferlin A. A cryptozoospermic infertile male with Y chromosome AZFc microdeletion and low FSH levels due to a simultaneous polymorphism in the FSHB gene: a case report. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:504-508. [PMID: 38224259 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead277] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic causes account for 10-15% of male factor infertility, making the genetic investigation an essential and useful tool, mainly in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic men. In these patients, the most frequent findings are chromosomal abnormalities and Y chromosome long arm microdeletions, which cause a primary severe spermatogenic impairment with classically increased levels of FSH. On the other hand, polymorphisms in the FSH receptor (FSHR) and FSH beta chain (FSHB) genes have been associated with different FSH plasma levels, due to variations in the receptor sensitivity (FSHR) or in the production of FSH from the pituitary gland (FSHB). Here, we describe an unusual patient with a combined genetic alteration (classic AZFc deletion of the Y chromosome and TT homozygosity for the -211G>T polymorphism in the FSHB gene (rs10835638)), presenting with cryptozoospermia, severe hypospermatogenesis, and normal LH and testosterone plasma concentrations, but low FSH levels. The patient partially benefitted from treatment with FSH (150 IU three times/week for 6 months) which allowed him to cryopreserve enough motile spermatozoa to be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of an infertile man with AZFc microdeletion with low FSH plasma concentrations related to homozygosity for the -211G>T polymorphism in the FSHB gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Merico
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Di Mambro
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Selice
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Sadek KM, AbdEllatief HY, Mahmoud SFE, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Al‐Hajeili M, Saad HM, Batiha GE. New insights on testicular cancer prevalence with novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2052. [PMID: 38507271 PMCID: PMC10953835 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2052] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular cancer (TC), comprising merely 1% of male neoplasms, holds the distinction of being the most commonly encountered neoplasm among young males. RECENT FINDINGS Most cases of testicular neoplasms can be classified into two main groups, namely germ cell tumors representing approximately 95% of the cases, and sex cord-stromal tumors accounting for about 5% of the cases. Moreover, its prevalence is on the rise across the globe. TC is a neoplastic condition characterized by a favorable prognosis. The advent of cisplatin-based chemotherapeutic agents in the latter part of the 1970s has led to a significant enhancement in the 5-year survival rate, which presently surpasses 95%. Given that TC is commonly detected before reaching the age of 40, it can be anticipated that these individuals will enjoy an additional 40-50 years of life following successful treatment. The potential causes of TC are multifactorial and related to different pathologies. Accurate identification is imperative to guarantee the utmost efficacious and suitable therapy. To a certain degree, this can be accomplished through the utilization of blood examinations for neoplastic indicators; nonetheless, an unequivocal diagnosis necessitates an evaluation of the histological composition of a specimen via a pathologist. CONCLUSION TC is multifactorial and has various pathologies, therefore this review aimed to revise the prenatal and postnatal causes as well as novel diagnostic biomarkers and the therapeutic strategies of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadry M. Sadek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityAbadiyyat DamanhurEgypt
| | - Hazem Y. AbdEllatief
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityAbadiyyat DamanhurEgypt
| | - Sahar F. E. Mahmoud
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityAbadiyyat DamanhurEgypt
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research and DevelopmentChandigarh UniversityMohaliPunjabIndia
- Department of Research and Development, FunogenAthensGreece
- Department of Research and DevelopmentAFNP MedWienAustria
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery IIUniversity Hospital Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Marwan Al‐Hajeili
- Department of MedicineKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahKingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMarsa MatruhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityDamanhourEgypt
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12
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Zheng X, Guo C, Lv Z, Li J, Jiang H, Li S, Yu L, Zhang Z. Novel findings from arsenic‑lead combined exposure in mouse testicular TM4 Sertoli cells based on transcriptomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169611. [PMID: 38157908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) exist widespread in daily life, and they are common harmful substances in the environment. As and Pb pollute the environment more often in combination than in isolation. The TM4 Sertoli cell line is one of the most common normal mouse testicular Sertoli cell lines. In vitro, we found that the type of combined action of As and Pb on TM4 Sertoli cells was additive action by using the isobologram analysis. To further investigate the combined toxicity of As and Pb, we performed mRNA and miRNA sequencing on TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to As alone (4 μM NaAsO2) and AsPb combined (4 μM NaAsO2 and 150 μM PbAc), respectively. Compared with the control group, 1391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 6 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the As group. Compared with the control group, 2384 DEGs and 44 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Compared with the As group, 387 DEGs and 4 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Through data analysis, we discovered for the first time that As caused the dysfunction of cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, and disrupted cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway in TM4 Sertoli cells. In addition to affecting cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, AsPb combined exposure also up-regulated the antioxidant reaction level of TM4 Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, the Wnt signaling pathway of TM4 Sertoli cells was relatively normal when exposed to AsPb. In conclusion, at the transcription level, the combined action of AsPb is not merely additive effect, but involves synergistic and antagonistic effects. The new discovery of the joint toxic mechanism of As and Pb breaks the stereotype of the combined action and provides a good theoretical basis and research clue for future study of the combined-exposure of harmful materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Changming Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zhanjun Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Huijie Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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13
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Jiang X, Zhu W, Sun Y, Wang S, Sun M, Tang R, Tang Z, Ma T. Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics analyses of the spermatogenesis-ameliorating effect of Youjing granule on rats. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9679. [PMID: 38211349 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Male infertility is a common reproductive system disease manifested as aberrant spermatogenesis and identified as "kidney deficiency and dampness" in Chinese traditional medicine. Youjing granule (YG) is a Chinese material medica based on tonifying kidneys and removing dampness. It has proven to be able to regulate semen quality in clinical application, but the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. METHODS Using serum containing YG to treat primarily cultured spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the apoptotic rate and mitosis phase ratio of SSCs were measured. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with tandem mass tags method was applied for analyzing the serum of rats treated with YG/distilled water, and proteomic analyses were performed to clarify the mechanisms of YG. RESULTS Totally, 111 proteins in YG-treated serum samples were differentially expressed compared with control groups, and 43 of them were identified as potential target proteins, which were further annotated based on their enrichment in Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Proteomic analyses showed that the mechanisms of YG may involve regulation of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling pathway. In addition, RhoA and Lamp2 were found to be possible responders of YG through reviewing the literature. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that our serum proteomics platform is clinically useful in understanding the mechanisms of YG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Wenjiao Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Yaoxiang Sun
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Miaomiao Sun
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
| | - Ruijie Tang
- School of Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhian Tang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Tieliang Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
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14
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Dalmiglio C, Bombardieri A, Mattii E, Sestini F, Fioravanti C, Castagna MG, Fiorini M, Dotta F, Cantara S. Analytical performance of free testosterone calculated by direct immunoluminometric method compared with the Vermeulen equation: results from a clinical series. Hormones (Athens) 2024:10.1007/s42000-023-00522-x. [PMID: 38177558 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00522-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testosterone (T) is a hormone that is crucial for primary and secondary sexual development in both males and females. Free testosterone (FT) represents the biologically active form of T, and its measurement is of great importance in clinical practice. While application of either equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration is considered to be the gold standard for FT assessment, these methods are expensive and not widely accessible. As an alternative, the Vermeulen formula is a commonly utilized calculated method. METHODS This clinical study, including 190 consecutive patients, was carried out to compare FT levels obtained through direct immunoluminometric assay and the Vermeulen formula. The comparison was performed using Passing-Bablok and Deming regression as well as the Bland-Altman plot. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were assessed. RESULTS The calculated method employing the Vermeulen formula was considered the gold standard. Passing-Bablok regression indicated a good agreement between the two methods, with slopes close to 1 for the whole series. Although the Bland-Altman plot demonstrated overall agreement, a potential proportional bias was observed in females. Deming regression confirmed excellent agreement and reliable estimates. Sensitivity and specificity analysis revealed that the direct method had a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 93.4% in all patients. However, sensitivity improved to 81.0% in males and dropped to 18.2% in females likely due to the low number of true positive cases. CONCLUSION The direct method exhibited comparable performance to the calculated method, but caution should be exercised when interpreting results, particularly in females. Further studies are necessary to validate its sensitivity and specificity in larger series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Dalmiglio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessio Bombardieri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mattii
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fausta Sestini
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Research, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Fioravanti
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Research, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Castagna
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marcello Fiorini
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Research, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Dotta
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Cantara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy.
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Research, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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15
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Gaml-Sørensen A, Thomsen AH, Tøttenborg SS, Brix N, Hougaard KS, Toft G, Håberg SE, Myrskylä M, Bonde JP, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and reproductive health in adult sons: a study in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:219-231. [PMID: 37935951 PMCID: PMC10767916 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead230] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is maternal pre-pregnancy BMI associated with semen quality, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels in sons? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with an altered reproductive hormone profile in young adult sons, characterized by higher levels of oestradiol, LH, and free androgen index (FAI) and lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in sons born of mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Evidence suggests that maternal pre-pregnancy BMI may influence reproductive health later in life. Only one pilot study has investigated the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and reproductive health outcomes in sons, suggesting that a high BMI was associated with impaired reproductive function in the adult sons. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A population-based follow-up study of 1058 young men from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC), 1998-2019, was carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In total, 1058 adult sons (median age 19 years, 2 months), born 1998-2000 by mothers included in the DNBC, participated in FEPOS. At a clinical examination, they provided a semen and blood sample, measured their testes volume, and had height and weight measured. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was obtained by self-report in early pregnancy. Semen characteristics, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels were analysed according to maternal pre-pregnancy BMI categories and as restricted cubic splines using negative binomial and ordinary least square regression models. Mediation analyses examined potential mediation by the sons' birthweight, pubertal timing, fat mass, and BMI. Additional analyses investigated the role of paternal BMI in the potential associations between maternal BMI and reproductive health outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found no consistent associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and semen characteristics or testes volume. Sons of mothers with higher pre-pregnancy BMI had higher oestradiol and lower SHBG levels, both in a dose-dependent manner. Sons of mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity (≥30 kg/m2) had higher LH levels and a higher FAI than sons born by mothers with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2). The mediation analyses suggested that the effect of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on higher levels of oestrogen, LH, and FAI was partly mediated by the sons' birthweight, in addition to adult fat mass and BMI measured at the clinical examination, whereas most of the effect on lower levels of SHBG was primarily mediated by the sons' own fat mass and BMI. Paternal BMI was not a strong confounder of the associations in this study. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was based in a population-based cohort with a low prevalence of overweight and obesity in both mothers and adult sons. Some men (10%) had blood for reproductive hormone assessment drawn in the evening. While several potential confounding factors were accounted for, this study's inherent risk of residual and unmeasured confounding precludes provision of causal estimates. Therefore, caution should be given when interpreting the causal effect of maternal BMI on sons' reproductive health. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given the widespread occurrence of overweight and obesity among pregnant women, it is imperative to thoroughly examine the potential consequences for reproductive hormone levels in adult sons. The potential effects of maternal pre-pregnancy obesity on sons' reproductive hormone profile may potentially be partly avoided by the prevention of overweight and obesity in the sons. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was funded by the Lundbeck Foundation (R170-2014-855), the Capital Region of Denmark, Medical doctor Sofus Carl Emil Friis and spouse Olga Doris Friis's Grant, Axel Muusfeldt's Foundation (2016-491), AP Møller Foundation (16-37), the Health Foundation, Dagmar Marshall's Fond, Aarhus University, Independent Research Fund Denmark (9039-00128B), and the European Union (ERC, BIOSFER, 101071773). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Hjorth Thomsen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Research Centre for Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Siri Eldevik Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mikko Myrskylä
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Social Data Science and Population Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Max Planck—University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Crafa A, Leanza C, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE, Cannarella R. Relationship between degree of methylation of sperm long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) gene and alteration of sperm parameters and age: a meta-regression analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:87-97. [PMID: 37921972 PMCID: PMC10789695 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02980-z] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE1) gene is a retrotransposon whose methylation status appears to play a role in spermatogenesis, the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and even in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Advanced paternal age appears associated with altered sperm parameters, RPL, poor ART outcomes, and compromised offspring health. The methylation status of LINE1 has been reported to be affected by age. The latest meta-analysis on the LINE1 methylation pattern in spermatozoa found no significant differences in methylation levels between infertile patients and fertile controls. However, to the best of our knowledge, no updated meta-analysis on this topic has been published recently. Furthermore, no comprehensive meta-regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between sperm LINE1 methylation pattern and age. OBJECTIVES To provide an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on sperm LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with abnormal sperm parameters compared to men with normal sperm parameters and to probe the association between sperm LINE1 methylation status and age and/or sperm concentration. METHODS This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration n. CRD42023397056). It was performed according to the MOOSE guidelines for Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Only original articles evaluating LINE1 gene methylation in spermatozoa from patients with infertility or abnormalities in one or more sperm parameters compared to fertile or normozoospermic men were included. RESULTS Of 192 abstracts evaluated for eligibility, only 5 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, involving a total of 340 patients and 150 controls. Our analysis showed no significant difference in LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with infertility and/or abnormal sperm parameters compared to fertile controls and/or men with normal sperm parameters, although there was significant heterogeneity across studies. No significant evidence of publication bias was found, and no study was sensitive enough to alter the results. In meta-regression analysis, we found that the results were independent of both ages and sperm concentration. A sub-analysis examining patients and controls separately was also conducted and we found a trend for a positive correlation between LINE1 methylation and sperm concentration in the control group only. CONCLUSIONS The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis do not suggest a determining role of sperm LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with infertility and/or abnormal sperm parameters. Therefore, we do not suggest including LINE1 in the genetic panel of prospective studies aimed at identifying the most representative and cost-effective genes to be analyzed in couples undergoing ART cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Leanza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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17
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Xu H, Zhang S, Duan Q, Lou M, Ling Y. Comprehensive analyses of 435 goat transcriptomes provides insight into male reproduction. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:127942. [PMID: 37979751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127942] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
A systematic analysis of genes related to reproduction is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie male reproductive traits in mammals. Here, we utilized 435 goat transcriptome datasets to unveil the testicular tissue-specific genes (TSGs), allele-specific expression (ASE) genes and their uncharacterized transcriptional features related to male goat reproduction. Results showed a total of 1790 TSGs were identified in goat testis, which was the most among all tissues. GO enrichment analyses suggested that testicular TSGs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis, multicellular organism development, spermatid development, and flagellated sperm motility. Subsequently, a total of 95 highly conserved TSGs (HCTSGs), 508 middle conserved TSGs (MCTSGs) and 42 no conserved TSGs (NCTSGs) were identified in goat testis. GO enrichment analyses suggested that the HCTSGs and MCTSGs has a more important association with male reproduction than NCTSGs. Additionally, we identified 644 ASE genes, including 88 tissue-specific ASE (TS-ASE) genes (e.g., FSIP2, TDRD9). GO enrichment analyses indicated that both ASE genes and TS-ASE genes were associated with goat male reproduction. Overall, this study revealed an extensive gene set involved in the regulation of male goat reproduction and their dynamic transcription patterns. Data reported here provide valuable insights for a further improvement of the economic benefits of goats as well as future treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Sihuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Qin Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Mengyu Lou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China.
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18
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Sun Y. Articles in the field of infertility (2013-2022): a bibliometric analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2871-2877. [PMID: 37796421 PMCID: PMC10656397 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02960-3] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To carry out an in-depth analysis of the scientific research on infertility, we performed the first bibliometric analysis focusing on studies involving global literature on infertility during the period 2013-2022. Analysis of 33239 articles in the field of infertility showed a significant increasing trend in the number of publications over the period 2013-2022, with authors mainly from the USA and China. Shanghai Jiao Tong University published the most articles. This study is the first to analyze the global field of infertility (2013-2022) from multiple indicators by bibliometrics, thus providing new insights into the research hotspots and development trends in the field of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Zhengzhou KingMed Center for Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Henan Province, Zhengzhou City, People's Republic of China.
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Xin B, Wang Q, Wang X, Li F, Bai M, Fu H, Yan Z, Zhu Y, Huang X. Reduction of excessive unfolded protein response by 4-phenylbutyric acid may mitigate procymidone-induced testicular damage in mice by changing the levels of circRNA Scar and circZc3h4. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 197:105689. [PMID: 38072544 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Procymidone (PCM) exposure below the no-observed-effect level triggers changes in circRNA Scar and circZc3h4 and overactivation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in mice, culminating in testicular injury. The 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) is known to stabilize proteins and reduce the UPR. This study employed an in vitro system in which mouse testes were cultured with 1 × 10-5 M PCM and varying concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 80 mM) of 4-PBA; 4-week-old male mice were subsequently treated with 100 mg/kg/d PCM (suspended in corn oil) and/or 100 mg/kg/d 4-PBA for 21 d, consecutively. The treatments were as follows: the negative control (NC) group was orally administered corn oil; the positive control (PC) group was orally administered PCM; the 4-PBA group was intraperitoneally injected with 4-PBA; the 4-PBA-I group was orally administered PCM and 4-PBA simultaneously; the 4-PBA-II group received daily administration of 4-PBA 24 h prior to PCM; and the 4-PBA-III group was intraperitoneally injected with 4-PBA for 7 d after 21 d of PCM administration. However, the 4-PBA intervention groups showed no considerable changes in the overall or testicular appearance of mice. In vitro, 4-PBA inhibited the PCM-induced testicular injury, with the most significant effect observed at 80 mM. In vivo, the 4-PBA-III group exhibited the best in vivo effects. Our findings indicate that 4-PBA conferred testicular protection by decreasing PCM-induced circRNA Scar, elevating circZc3h4, and suppressing UPR both in vitro and in vivo. It has been hypothesized that 4-PBA mitigates testicular damage by reducing excessive UPR levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyan Xin
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xuning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Fan Li
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Mingxin Bai
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hu Fu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhengli Yan
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yongfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China.
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20
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Zhu W, Mao J, Qin J, Chen X. CFAP61 knockdown aggravates male infertility by inhibiting testosterone secretion by Leydig cells via the MAPK/COX-2 pathway. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:340. [PMID: 37982895 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01271-1] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the roles of cilia- and flagella-associated protein 61 (CFAP61) in male infertility and its underlying mechanisms. CFAP61 expression levels in the testicular tissues of male patients with infertility were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical assay, and western blotting. Moreover, the specific roles of CFAP61 in male infertility were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Here, CFAP61 was expressed at low levels in the testicular tissues of male patients with infertility. Functionally, CFAP61 knockdown reduced the Leydig cell viability and testosterone secretion and enhanced apoptosis. A mechanistic study further revealed that silencing CFAP61 promoted the expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) signaling pathway-related proteins (p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p-P38, and COX-2). In conclusion, CFAP61 knockdown facilitated male infertility by suppressing Leydig cell viability and testosterone secretion and enhanced cell apoptosis by activating the MAPK/COX-2 pathway. Our data suggest CFAP61 as a potential therapeutic target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qixiu Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Mao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qixiu Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianxin Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qixiu Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qixiu Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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21
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Díaz Rojas E, Carrillo Moreno DI, Contreras Villarreal V, Arellano Rodríguez F, Alvarado Espino AS, Ángel García O. Effect of nutraceutical supplementation on semen quality in stallions. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2600-2605. [PMID: 37817488 PMCID: PMC10650371 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1289] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of reproductive biotechnologies in equine practice has shown that some stallions are subfertile, so ways to improve fertility have been sought. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutraceutical supplementation on improving semen quality in Quarter Horse stallions. METHODS Semen from six Quarter Horse stallions was assessed for 4 months every 20 days using the computer-assisted semen analysis system. They were evaluated for 60 days before supplementation; then, the same stallions were re-evaluated for 60 days with nutraceutical supplementation (30 g/day). RESULTS Volume showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) with nutraceuticals. Sperm concentration (10x6 ) was significantly higher with supplementation (339.4 ± 17.5 sperm/mL) than without supplementation (224.6 ± 19.9). Sperm abnormalities (%) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower with supplementation (14.3 ± 0.6) than without supplementation (19.1 ± 0.4). Sperm kinematic parameters, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), rectilinear velocity (VSL), the velocity of the trajectory (VAP) and curvilinear velocity (VCL), were significantly better with supplementation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Based on the results, it is concluded that nutraceutical supplementation improved semen parameters in Quarter Horse stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Díaz Rojas
- Ciencias en Producción AgropecuariaUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio NarroTorreónCoahuilaMexico
| | - Dalia I. Carrillo Moreno
- Departamento de Producción AnimalUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio NarroTorreónCoahuilaMexico
| | | | | | - Alan S. Alvarado Espino
- Departamento de Producción AnimalUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio NarroTorreónCoahuilaMexico
| | - Oscar Ángel García
- Departamento de Ciencias Médico VeterinariasUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio NarroTorreónCoahuilaMexico
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22
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Rossi SP, Matzkin ME, Riviere E, Martinez G, Ponzio R, Levalle O, Terradas C, Calandra RS, Frungieri MB. Melatonin improves oxidative state and lactate metabolism in rodent Sertoli cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112034. [PMID: 37516434 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Antioxidant actions of melatonin and its impact on testicular function and fertility have already been described. Considering that Sertoli cells contribute to provide structural support and nutrition to germ cells, we evaluated the effect of melatonin on oxidative state and lactate metabolism in the immature murine TM4 cell line and in immature hamster Sertoli cells. A prooxidant stimulus applied to rodent Sertoli cells expressing MT1/MT2 receptors, increased lipid peroxidation whereas decreased antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, peroxiredoxin 1) expression and catalase activity. These changes were prevented by melatonin. Furthermore, melatonin stimulated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expression/activity via melatonin receptors, and increased intracellular lactate production in rodent Sertoli cells. Interestingly, oral melatonin supplementation in infertile men positively regulated LDHA testicular mRNA expression. Overall, our work provides insights into the potential benefits of melatonin on Sertoli cells contributing to testicular development and the future establishment of a sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Cátedra 1, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Cátedra 1, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Martinez
- Fertilis, Av. Fondo de la Legua 277, B1609JEC, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Ponzio
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oscar Levalle
- División Endocrinología, Hospital Durand, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Díaz Vélez 5044, 1405, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Terradas
- División Endocrinología, Hospital Durand, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Díaz Vélez 5044, 1405, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina
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23
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Cannarella R, Leanza C, Crafa A, Barbagallo F, La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE. Sperm Mesoderm Specific Transcript Gene Methylation Status in Infertile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:41.e77. [PMID: 37853535 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The mesoderm specific transcription (MEST) gene is a paternally expressed imprinted gene that appears to play a role in embryo survival. The latest meta-analysis on MEST methylation pattern in spermatozoa of infertile patients found higher methylation in spermatozoa from infertile patients than fertile controls. To provide an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on the MEST gene methylation pattern in patients with abnormal sperm parameters compared to men with normal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023397056) and performed following the MOOSE guidelines for Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Only original articles evaluating MEST gene methylation in spermatozoa from patients with infertility or abnormalities in one or more sperm parameters compared to fertile or normozoospermic men were included. RESULTS Of 354 abstracts evaluated for eligibility, only 6 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, involving a total of 301 patients and 163 controls. Our analysis showed significantly higher levels of MEST gene methylation in patients compared with controls (standard mean difference [SMD] 2.150, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.377, 3.922; p=0.017), although there was significant heterogeneity between studies (Q-value=239.90, p<0.001; I²=97.91%). No significant evidence of publication bias was found, although one study was sensitive enough to skew the results, leading to a loss of significance (SMD 1.543, 95% CI -0.300, 3.387; p=0.101). In meta-regression analysis, we found that the results were independent of both ages (p=0.6519) and sperm concentration (p=0.2360). CONCLUSIONS Sperm DNA methylation may be associated with epigenetic risk in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The MEST gene could be included in the genetic panel of prospective studies aimed at identifying the most representative and cost-effective genes to be analyzed in couples undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Claudia Leanza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Eugenio Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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24
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Čegar B, Šipetić Grujičić S, Bjekić J, Vuksanović A, Bojanić N, Bartolović D, Jovanović D, Zeković M. Understanding the Male Perspective: Evaluating Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in Serbian Men Undergoing Infertility Treatment. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1894. [PMID: 37763298 PMCID: PMC10532577 DOI: 10.3390/life13091894] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The experience of an infertility diagnosis and treatment imposes a profound burden on affected individuals, encompassing not only physical and medical aspects but also a plethora of psychological, social, and emotional factors. By employing a multimodal assessment featuring validated self-report questionnaires, physical measurements, and clinical records, the present study aimed to explore the quality of life and psycho-emotional distress of men undergoing infertility treatment in Serbia, thereby addressing the dearth of research on the underrepresented male perspective in this domain. Findings revealed diverse semen abnormalities among participants (n = 96, average age 37.69 ± 5.72), with significant associations between longer treatment durations and reduced sperm motility. The observed rates of men surpassing predetermined DASS-42 questionnaire thresholds for depression, anxiety, and stress in the analyzed cohort were 13.54%, 11.46%, and 22.92%, respectively. Summary scores in conceptual areas comprised in the SF-36 questionnaire ranged from 49.00 ± 6.25 for the mental health dimension to 90.16 ± 17.75 obtained in the physical functioning subscale. Patients with a longer treatment duration demonstrated lower scores in the role emotional domain, indicative of a less favorable emotional state. Expectedly, inverse correlations were found between the SF-36 mental health score and DASS-42 subscales. By addressing the existing knowledge gap and highlighting the unique needs of infertile men, the finding of this study may contribute to a more inclusive and holistic approach to infertility research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Čegar
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.Č.); (A.V.); (N.B.); (D.J.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sandra Šipetić Grujičić
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jovana Bjekić
- Human Neuroscience Group, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Vuksanović
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.Č.); (A.V.); (N.B.); (D.J.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nebojša Bojanić
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.Č.); (A.V.); (N.B.); (D.J.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Daniela Bartolović
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Darko Jovanović
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.Č.); (A.V.); (N.B.); (D.J.)
| | - Milica Zeković
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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25
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Mateus FG, Moreira S, Martins AD, Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Pereira MDL. L-Carnitine and Male Fertility: Is Supplementation Beneficial? J Clin Med 2023; 12:5796. [PMID: 37762736 PMCID: PMC10531648 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185796] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Carnitine, a natural antioxidant found in mammals, plays a crucial role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is used as a nutritional supplement by professional athletes, improving performance and post-exercise recovery. Additionally, its therapeutic applications, including those in male infertility, have been investigated, as it may act as a defense mechanism against the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testis, a process that can lead to sperm damage. This effect is achieved by enhancing the expression and activity of enzymes with antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the benefits of L-Carnitine remain unknown. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge about the potential benefits of L-Carnitine and its role in male (in)fertility. Considering in vitro studies with Sertoli cells, pre-clinical studies, and investigations involving infertile men, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of L-Carnitine has been established. In vitro studies suggest that L-Carnitine has a direct influence on somatic Sertoli cells, improving the development of germ cells. Overall, evidence supports that L-Carnitine can positively impact male fertility, even at a relatively low dose of 2 g/day. This supplementation enhances sperm parameters, regulates hormone levels, reduces ROS levels, and subsequently improves fertility rates. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish optimal doses. In conclusion, the role of L-Carnitine in the field of male reproductive health is highlighted, with the potential to improve sperm quality and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa G. Mateus
- Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (F.G.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Moreira
- Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (F.G.M.); (S.M.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.D.M.); (P.F.O.)
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana D. Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.D.M.); (P.F.O.)
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.D.M.); (P.F.O.)
| | - Marco G. Alves
- Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (F.G.M.); (S.M.)
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (F.G.M.); (S.M.)
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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26
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Tang X, Ma J, Wang X, Long S, Wan L, Yu H, Yang J, Huang G, Lin T. A novel variant in CFAP69 causes asthenoteratozoospermia with treatable ART outcomes and a literature review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2175-2184. [PMID: 37392306 PMCID: PMC10440328 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02873-1] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are a severe form of sperm defect causing male infertility. Previous studies identified the variants in the CFAP69 gene as a MMAF-associated factor, but few cases have been reported. This study was performed to identify additional variants in CFAP69 and describe the semen characteristics and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in CFAP69-affected couples. METHODS Genetic testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 22 MMAF-associated genes and Sanger sequencing was performed in a cohort of 35 infertile males with MMAF to identify pathogenic variants. Morphological, ultrastructural, and immunostaining analyses were performed to investigate the characteristics of probands' spermatozoa. ART with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was carried out for the affected couples to get their own progenies. RESULTS We identified a novel frameshift variant in CFAP69 (c.2061dup, p. Pro688Thrfs*5) from a MMAF-affected infertile male with low sperm motility and malformed morphology of sperm. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed that the variant induced the aberrant ultrastructure and reduction of CFAP69 expression in the proband's spermatozoa. Moreover, the partner of the proband birthed a healthy girl through ICSI. CONCLUSIONS This study expanded the variant spectrum of CFAP69 and described the good outcome of ART treatment with ICSI, which is beneficial to the molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling, and treatment of infertile males with MMAF in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Xinglin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Shunhua Long
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Ling Wan
- Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Haibing Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Jigao Yang
- Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China.
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China.
| | - Tingting Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China.
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China.
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27
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Ali W, Deng K, Sun J, Ma Y, Liu Z, Zou H. A new insight of cadmium-induced cellular evidence of autophagic-associated spermiophagy during spermatogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:101064-101074. [PMID: 37646926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a dynamic role in spermatozoa development during spermatogenesis. However, the disruption of autophagic flux induces cell death under metal toxicity and severe oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that cadmium-induced autophagy might be involved in this mechanism. To verify this hypothesis, we studied cadmium-induced cellular evidence of autophagic-associated spermiophagy within the testis. In the present study, treatment with cadmium caused nuclear depressive disorders and vacuolated mitochondrial damage of Sertoli cells. In addition, spermiophagy through the cellular evidence of spermatozoa phagocytosis, the high lysosomal activity (lysosome engulfment and phagolysosome), and autophagy activity (autolysosome and autophagosome) were observed in the Sertoli cells. The immunohistochemistry of lysosomal membrane protein (LAMP2) to target the phagocytosis of spermatozoa revealed that the immunoreactivity of LAMP2 was overstimulated in the luminal compartment of testis's seminiferous tubules. In addition, the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of autophagy-related protein and microtubule-associated light chain (LC3) results showed the strong immunoreactivity and immunosignaling of LC3 in the Sertoli cells of the testis. Moreover, cadmium caused the overactivation of the expression level of autophagy-related proteins, autophagy-related gene (ATG7), (ATG5), beclin1, LC3, sequestosome 1 (P62), and LAMP2 which were confirmed by western blotting. In summary, this study demonstrated that hazards related to cadmium-induced autophagic-associated spermiophagy with the disruption of autophagic flux, providing new insights into the toxicity of cadmium in mammals and representing a high risk to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Graziani A, Grande G, Martin M, Ferraioli G, Colonnello E, Iafrate M, Dal Moro F, Ferlin A. Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pain Pelvic Syndrome and Male Infertility. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1700. [PMID: 37629557 PMCID: PMC10455764 DOI: 10.3390/life13081700] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is defined as urologic pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, associated with urinary symptoms and/or sexual dysfunction, lasting for at least 3 of the previous 6 months. The rate of symptoms related to prostatitis has a mean prevalence of 8-8.2%. CP/CPPS is most frequent in men younger than 50 years, among whom it is the most common urologic diagnosis. In the last decades, many studies have been published on CP/CPPS and its association with male infertility. The pathophysiologic relation between CP/CPPS and male infertility involves several aspects, which are not well studied yet. A reduction in semen parameters has been demonstrated in patients with CP/CPPS, and several mechanisms have been proposed to represent putative pathophysiological links between CP/CPPS and infertility, including male accessory gland inflammation, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, HPV co-infection and autoimmunity. In light of this evidence, a multidisciplinary approach is advocated for patients with known CP/CPPS, and particular attention is needed for male patients of infertile couples in order to evaluate male accessory glands correctly. In addition, it is advisable that future studies dealing with the treatment of CP/CPPS take into consideration all the different pathophysiological aspects implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graziani
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Michel Martin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Giordana Ferraioli
- Urology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Colonnello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Iafrate
- Urology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dal Moro
- Urology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
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Hong Y, Zhou X, Li Q, Chen J, Wei Y, Shen L, Long C, Wu S, Wei G. Epigallocatechin gallate alleviates mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate-induced male germ cell pyroptosis by inhibiting the ROS/mTOR/NLRP3 pathway. Toxicol In Vitro 2023:105626. [PMID: 37286014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105626] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) exposure is known to induce severe testicular injury via reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, few effective treatments are available for the precise treatment of MEHP-induced germ cell damage. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the major polyphenols in green tea, has potential antioxidant activity and can alleviate many diseases induced by oxidative stress. This study explored whether EGCG protects germ cells from MEHP-induced oxidative stress damage. Cells were treated with 400 μM MEHP and 60 μM EGCG for 24 h. EGCG reduced MEHP-induced ROS overgeneration in the spermatogonial cell line GC-1 and spermatocyte cell line GC-2. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that the MEHP+EGCG group exhibited lower nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression than the MEHP group. Moreover, activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was decreased. The expression of key factors of pyroptosis was downregulated, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression was reduced. Additionally, apoptosis was inhibited by EGCG. The findings indicate that EGCG protects against MEHP-induced germ cell pyroptosis by scavenging ROS, suppressing the mTOR pathway, and inhibiting pyroptosis. EGCG may thus be a potential treatment for MEHP-related spermatogenic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Xiazhu Zhou
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yuexin Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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Li XY, Sun J, Ma LY, Xie YX, Zhang N, Zhao J, Yang HF. The Role of G3BP1 Gene Mediates P38 MAPK/JNK Pathway in Testicular Spermatogenic Dysfunction Caused by Cyfluthrin. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050451. [PMID: 37235265 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, male infertility has received global attention and seriously affected the quality of human fertility, and pyrethroids (type II pyrethroids), as recognized environmental endocrine disruptors, may threaten male reproductive health. Therefore, in this study, we established an in vivo model for the development of testicular and germ cell toxicity induced by cyfluthrin and explored the role and mechanism of the G3BP1 gene-mediated P38 MAPK/JNK pathway in testicular and germ cell damage caused by cyfluthrin to find early and sensitive indicators and new therapeutic targets for the development of testicular damage. Firstly, 40 male Wistar rats (about 260 g) were divided into a control group (corn oil), low dose group (6.25 mg/kg), middle dose group (12.5 mg/kg) and high dose group (25 mg/kg). The rats were anesthetized and executed after 28 days of poisoning on alternate days. Then, HE staining, transmission electron microscopy, ELISA, q-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, double-immunofluorescence and TUNEL were used to observe the pathology, androgen levels, oxidative damage and altered expression of the key factors of the G3BP1 and MAPK pathways in rat testes. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the testicular tissue and spermatocytes were superficially damaged with an increasing dose of cyfluthrin; furthermore, it could interfere with the normal secretion of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (serum GnRH, FSH, T and LH levels) and cause hypergonadal dysfunction. A dose-dependent increase in MDA and a dose-dependent decrease in T-AOC indicated that the oxidative-antioxidative homeostatic balance was disrupted. The Western blot and qPCR analysis revealed that G3BP1, p-JNK1/2/3, P38 MAPK, p-ERK, COX1 and COX4 proteins and mRNA expression were decreased, and p-JNK1/2/3, p-P38MAPK, caspase 3/8/9 proteins and mRNA expression were significantly increased. The double-immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry results showed that the protein expression of G3BP1 decreased with an increasing dose of staining, while the expression of JNK1/2/3 and P38 MAPK were increased significantly. The positive expressions of G3BP1 were mainly located in the testicular germinal epithelium and germ cell layer, and the positive expressions of JNK1/2/3 were mainly located in the testicular germinal epithelium and sperm cells, while the positive expressions of P38 MAPK were located in all levels of the germ cells and spermatozoa. Our results demonstrated that exposure to cyfluthrin caused testicular and spermatocyte damage in rats, which could cause pathomorphology, altered androgen levels and a decreased antioxidant capacity. When the intracellular antioxidant capacity was impaired, G3BP1 expression and activity were inhibited, causing activation of the P38 MAPK/JNK pathway and activation of the intracellular apoptotic pathway, which, in turn, led to germ cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Li
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jian Sun
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Li-Ya Ma
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yong-Xin Xie
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Na Zhang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ji Zhao
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hui-Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750004, China
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Wu J, Wu Y, Fan H, Yang C, Yang M, Kong X, Ning C, Wang S, Xiao W, Wang N, Yi J, Yuan Z. Citrinin Exposure Induced Testicular Damage and Spermatogenesis Disorder by Triggering Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress. Foods 2023; 12:foods12081616. [PMID: 37107412 PMCID: PMC10137750 DOI: 10.3390/foods12081616] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to the reproductive system is the key factor leading to male infertility. Citrinin (CTN) is produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus in nature, and is definitely found in food and animal feed. Studies have revealed that CTN can cause damage to male reproductive organs and reduce fertility, but the mechanism of toxicity has not been revealed. In the present study, male Kunming mice were given different doses of CTN (0, 1.25, 5 or 20 mg/kg BW) by intragastric administration. The results demonstrated that CTN exposure caused disorder of androgen, a decline in sperm quality, and histopathological damage of testis. The inhibition of the expression of ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin suggests that the blood-testis barrier (BTB) was damaged. Simultaneously, CTN inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as CAT and SOD, and promoted the production of MDA and ROS, resulting in oxidative damage of testis. Additionally, apoptotic cells were detected and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased. Not only that, CTN activated the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins IRE1, ATF6, CHOP, and GRP78. Interestingly, 4-Phenylbutyric Acid (4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor) treatment blocked the adverse effects of CTN exposure on male reproduction. In short, the findings suggested that CTN exposure can cause damage to mouse testis tissue, in which ERS exhibited an important regulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - You Wu
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Chenglin Yang
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Mengran Yang
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Can Ning
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Wenguang Xiao
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Naidong Wang
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, Laboratory of Functional Proteomics, Research Center of Reverse Vaccinology, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jine Yi
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhihang Yuan
- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Errico A, Vinco S, Ambrosini G, Dalla Pozza E, Marroncelli N, Zampieri N, Dando I. Mitochondrial Dynamics as Potential Modulators of Hormonal Therapy Effectiveness in Males. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040547. [PMID: 37106748 PMCID: PMC10135745 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide the incidence of andrological diseases is rising every year and, together with it, also the interest in them is increasing due to their strict association with disorders of the reproductive system, including impairment of male fertility, alterations of male hormones production, and/or sexual function. Prevention and early diagnosis of andrological dysfunctions have long been neglected, with the consequent increase in the incidence and prevalence of diseases otherwise easy to prevent and treat if diagnosed early. In this review, we report the latest evidence of the effect of andrological alterations on fertility potential in both young and adult patients, with a focus on the link between gonadotropins' mechanism of action and mitochondria. Indeed, mitochondria are highly dynamic cellular organelles that undergo rapid morphological adaptations, conditioning a multitude of aspects, including their size, shape, number, transport, cellular distribution, and, consequently, their function. Since the first step of steroidogenesis takes place in these organelles, we consider that mitochondria dynamics might have a possible role in a plethora of signaling cascades, including testosterone production. In addition, we also hypothesize a central role of mitochondria fission boost on the decreased response to the commonly administrated hormonal therapy used to treat urological disease in pediatric and adolescent patients as well as infertile adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Errico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Vinco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Nunzio Marroncelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Zampieri
- Department of Engineering and Innovation Medicine, Paediatric Fertility Lab, Woman and Child Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
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Harmak H, Redouane S, Charoute H, Aniq Filali O, Barakat A, Rouba H. In silico exploration and molecular dynamics of deleterious SNPs on the human TERF1 protein triggering male infertility. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14665-14688. [PMID: 36995171 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
By limiting chromosome erosion and end-to-end fusions, telomere integrity is critical for chromosome stability and cell survival. During mitotic cycles or due to environmental stresses, telomeres become progressively shorter and dysfunctional, thus triggering cellular senescence, genomic instability and cell death. To avoid such consequences, the telomerase action, as well as the Shelterin and CST complexes, assure the telomere's protection. Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TERF1), which is one of the primary components of the Shelterin complex, binds directly to the telomere and controls its length and function by regulating the telomerase activity. Several reports about TERF1 gene variations have been associated with different diseases, and some of them have linked these variations to male infertility. Hence, this paper can be advantageous to investigate the association between the missense variants of the TERF1 gene and the susceptibility to male infertility. The stepwise prediction of SNPs pathogenicity followed in this study was based on stability and conservation analysis, post-translational modification, secondary structure, functional interaction prediction, binding energy evaluation and finally molecular dynamic simulation. Prediction matching among the tools revealed that out of 18 SNPs, only four (rs1486407144, rs1259659354, rs1257022048 and rs1320180267) were predicted as the most damaging and highly deleterious SNPs affecting the TERF1 protein and its molecular dynamics when interacting with the TERB1 protein by influencing the function, structural stability, flexibility and compaction of the overall complex. Interestingly, these polymorphisms should be considered during genetic screening so they can be used effectively as genetic biomarkers for male infertility diagnosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Harmak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Salaheddine Redouane
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Research Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ouafaa Aniq Filali
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rouba
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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Chen Y, Yuan P, Gu L, Bai J, Ouyang S, Sun T, Liu K, Wang Z, Liu C. Constructing a seventeen-gene signature model for non-obstructive azoospermia based on integrated transcriptome analyses and WGCNA. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:30. [PMID: 36945018 PMCID: PMC10029246 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects approximately 1% of the male population worldwide. The underlying mechanism and gene transcription remain unclear. This study aims to explore the potential pathogenesis for the detection and management of NOA. METHODS Based on four microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, integrated analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to obtain the intersected common differentially expressed genes (DESs). Differential signaling pathways were identified via GO and GSVA-KEGG analyses. We constructed a seventeen-gene signature model using least absolute shrinkage and selection operation (LASSO) regression, and validated its efficacy in another two GEO datasets. Three patients with NOA and three patients with obstructive azoospermia were recruited. The mRNA levels of seven key genes were measured in testicular samples, and the gene expression profile was evaluated in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. RESULTS In total, 388 upregulated and 795 downregulated common DEGs were identified between the NOA and control groups. ATPase activity, tubulin binding, microtubule binding, and metabolism- and immune-associated signaling pathways were significantly enriched. A seventeen-gene signature predictive model was constructed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values were 1.000 (training group), 0.901 (testing group), and 0.940 (validation set). The AUCs of seven key genes (REC8, CPS1, DHX57, RRS1, GSTA4, SI, and COX7B) were all > 0.8 in both the testing group and the validation set. The qRT-PCR results showed that consistent with the sequencing data, the mRNA levels of RRS1, GSTA4, and COX7B were upregulated, while CPS1, DHX57, and SI were downregulated in NOA. Four genes (CPS1, DHX57, RRS1, and SI) showed significant differences. Expression data from the HPA database showed the localization characteristics and trajectories of seven key genes in spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a novel seventeen-gene signature model with a favorable predictive power, and identify seven key genes with potential as NOA-associated marker genes. Our study provides a new perspective for exploring the underlying pathological mechanism in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinwei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Longjie Gu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Song Ouyang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832008, Xinjiang, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
| | - Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
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Li Y, Zhan M, Li J, Zhang W, Shang X. Lycopene alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced testicular injury in rats by activating the PPAR signaling pathway to integrate lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:271-285. [PMID: 36915878 PMCID: PMC10006007 DOI: 10.21037/tau-22-864] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Male fertility can be hampered by systemic and testicular infections and inflammation, which can lead to impaired spermatogenesis that often cannot be reversed by antibiotic treatment. There has been some suggestion that lycopene (LYC) may be useful in the preservation of fertility, although its mechanisms are complex. This current study examined the therapeutic efficacy of LYC on testicular damage and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce inflammation of the testes in mature male rats. The rats in the experimental group were administered 5 mg/kg LYC intragastrically for 4 weeks. The testes were harvested from the euthanized rats for lipidomics, RNA sequencing, and related experimental tests. Results Laboratory data suggested that LPS-induced systemic inflammation induced cytokine excess and oxidative stress in the testes. Administration of oral LYC inhibited the excess cytokine production and oxidative stress, mitigating damage to the testes. Lipidomic studies identified significant changes to 258 lipids and 5 metabolism pathways. Coupled with RNA sequencing analysis, 1,116 genes were found to be significantly regulated and many lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways were identified. The expression of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR) in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was significantly upregulated after LYC treatment, which activated the RXR/PPAR easy dimer. The expression of downstream genes such as fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) was increased. These genes are involved in the control of fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid chain elongation, and lipid metabolism, which partially explains the changes in the content and composition of lipids. Conclusions LYC regulates the lipid metabolism of testes and lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, such as the PPAR signaling pathway. Furthermore, LYC ameliorated the LPS-induced dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the testes, as well as the LPS-induced inflammatory response. This study offers a new perspective for the investigation of the mechanisms in inflammatory testicular damage and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingwei Zhan
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jindong Li
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejun Shang
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Geng X, Wei Y, Geng W, Zhang T, Ding T, Xu J, He H, Gao X, Zhai J. BDE-209 disrupted the blood-testis barrier integrity by inhibiting estrogen receptor α signaling pathway in Sprague-Dawley rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:47349-47365. [PMID: 36737566 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25476-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Deca brominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a widely used flame retardant with endocrine-disrupting activity which reportedly caused sperm quality decline and damaged blood-testis barrier (BTB). However, whether BDE-209 exposure led to BTB integrity dysfunction through affecting microtubule cytoskeletal organization and junctions was not well-elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the role of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in BDE-209-mediated perturbation of BTB integrity. Male rats and primary culture Sertoli cells were co-treated with BDE-209 and propylpyrazoletriol (PPT). The data demonstrated that BDE-209 impaired BTB integrity by reducing crucial tight junction-related proteins with ZO-1 and Occludin. Furthermore, the data suggested that BDE-209 diminished the apical ectoplasmic specialization markers with Eps8 and Formin1. In addition, BDE-209 damaged BTB ultrastructure including tight junctions and ectoplasmic specialization structures with broken tight junctions and the absence of actin microfilaments. Further experiments revealed that ERα was triggered in BDE-209-treated Sertoli cells. Unexpectedly, we found that PPT rescued BDE-209-mediated disruption of BTB integrity including tight junction and apical ectoplasmic specialization by activating ERα in Sertoli cells. Taken together, these findings indicated that intratesticular BDE-209 exposure perturbed BTB integrity and destroyed BTB structure by blocking ERα pathway. Our findings provide a new therapeutic target for male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Rd 218, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenfeng Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Taifa Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jixiang Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Impact of Fetal Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Mixtures on FOXA3 Gene and Protein Expression in Adult Rat Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021211. [PMID: 36674726 PMCID: PMC9863867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been shown to affect male reproductive functions. However, the effects on male reproduction of exposure to EDC mixtures at doses relevant to humans have not been fully characterized. In previous studies, we found that in utero exposure to mixtures of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and the soy-based phytoestrogen genistein (Gen) induced abnormal testis development in rats. In the present study, we investigated the molecular basis of these effects in adult testes from the offspring of pregnant SD rats gavaged with corn oil or Gen + DEHP mixtures at 0.1 or 10 mg/kg/day. Testicular transcriptomes were determined by microarray and RNA-seq analyses. A protein analysis was performed on paraffin and frozen testis sections, mainly by immunofluorescence. The transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (FOXA3), a key regulator of Leydig cell function, was identified as the most significantly downregulated gene in testes from rats exposed in utero to Gen + DEHP mixtures. FOXA3 protein levels were decreased in testicular interstitium at a dose previously found to reduce testosterone levels, suggesting a primary effect of fetal exposure to Gen + DEHP on adult Leydig cells, rather than on spermatids and Sertoli cells, also expressing FOXA3. Thus, FOXA3 downregulation in adult testes following fetal exposure to Gen + DEHP may contribute to adverse male reproductive outcomes.
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Guzmán-Jiménez A, González-Muñoz S, Cerván-Martín M, Rivera-Egea R, Garrido N, Luján S, Santos-Ribeiro S, Castilla JA, Gonzalvo MC, Clavero A, Vicente FJ, Maldonado V, Villegas-Salmerón J, Burgos M, Jiménez R, Pinto MG, Pereira I, Nunes J, Sánchez-Curbelo J, López-Rodrigo O, Pereira-Caetano I, Marques PI, Carvalho F, Barros A, Bassas L, Seixas S, Gonçalves J, Lopes AM, Larriba S, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD, Bossini-Castillo L. Contribution of TEX15 genetic variants to the risk of developing severe non-obstructive oligozoospermia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1089782. [PMID: 36589743 PMCID: PMC9797780 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089782] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe spermatogenic failure (SPGF) represents one of the most relevant causes of male infertility. This pathological condition can lead to extreme abnormalities in the seminal sperm count, such as severe oligozoospermia (SO) or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Most cases of SPGF have an unknown aetiology, and it is known that this idiopathic form of male infertility represents a complex condition. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether common genetic variation in TEX15, which encodes a key player in spermatogenesis, is involved in the susceptibility to idiopathic SPGF. Materials and Methods: We designed a genetic association study comprising a total of 727 SPGF cases (including 527 NOA and 200 SO) and 1,058 unaffected men from the Iberian Peninsula. Following a tagging strategy, three tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TEX15 (rs1362912, rs323342, and rs323346) were selected for genotyping using TaqMan probes. Case-control association tests were then performed by logistic regression models. In silico analyses were also carried out to shed light into the putative functional implications of the studied variants. Results: A significant increase in TEX15-rs1362912 minor allele frequency (MAF) was observed in the group of SO patients (MAF = 0.0842) compared to either the control cohort (MAF = 0.0468, OR = 1.90, p = 7.47E-03) or the NOA group (MAF = 0.0472, OR = 1.83, p = 1.23E-02). The genotype distribution of the SO population was also different from those of both control (p = 1.14E-02) and NOA groups (p = 4.33-02). The analysis of functional annotations of the human genome suggested that the effect of the SO-associated TEX15 variants is likely exerted by alteration of the binding affinity of crucial transcription factors for spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that common variation in TEX15 is involved in the genetic predisposition to SO, thus supporting the notion of idiopathic SPGF as a complex trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Guzmán-Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Sara González-Muñoz
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Rivera-Egea
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain,IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain,Servicio de Urología. Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Saturnino Luján
- Servicio de Urología. Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- IVI-RMA Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain,CEIFER Biobanco—GAMETIA, Granada, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Gonzalvo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Clavero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - F. Javier Vicente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,UGC de Urología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente Maldonado
- UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Javier Villegas-Salmerón
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Graça Pinto
- Centro de Medicina Reprodutiva, Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira
- Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Nunes
- Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Josvany Sánchez-Curbelo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga López-Rodrigo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Pereira-Caetano
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia Isabel Marques
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Seixas
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,ToxOmics—Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Lopes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,CGPP-IBMC—Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Larriba
- Human Molecular Genetics Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: F. David Carmona, ; Lara Bossini-Castillo,
| | - Lara Bossini-Castillo
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: F. David Carmona, ; Lara Bossini-Castillo,
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Cordero-Martínez J, Jimenez-Gutierrez GE, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Alacántara-Farfán V, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO, Rodríguez-Páez L. Participation of signaling proteins in sperm hyperactivation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:315-330. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2122761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Alacántara-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica Departamento de Farmacia Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana L. Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique O. Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Prokineticin 2/PROK2 and Male Infertility. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102389. [PMID: 36289651 PMCID: PMC9598863 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility represents about 50% of the causes of infertility in couples. The diagnosis process represents an important procedure for defining, when possible, the causes and approaching treatments (pharmacological, surgical) aimed at overcoming the problem. Several scientific studies have set out to discover early and indicative markers capable of providing information on the biological origin of infertility and increase current knowledge in the context of new potential therapeutic approaches. The prokineticin system (PROK) consists of the prokineticin 1 (PROK1) and prokineticin 2 (PROK2) proteins. Through the activation of two G-protein receptors (PROKR1 and PROKR2) regulate a wide range of biological functions, including gastrointestinal motility, circadian rhythm regulation, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, pain perception, and mood regulation. Several studies have highlighted the crucial role of the PROK system in the development and maturation of both male and female human reproductive organs. Particularly in men, the PROK system represents a new system useful to clarify some aspects of testicular pathophysiology and provide new potential hypotheses for therapeutic intervention. This narrative review aims to illustrate the state of the art regarding, in particular, the role of PROK2 in male infertility.
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The Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology by European Childhood Cancer Survivors. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5748-5762. [PMID: 36005191 PMCID: PMC9406562 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CCS often wish to have biological children yet harbour concerns about fertility impairment, pregnancy risks and the general health risks of prospective offspring. To clarify these concerns, health outcomes in survivor offspring born following ART (n = 74, 4.5%) or after spontaneous conception (n = 1585) were assessed in our European offspring study by descriptive and bivariate analysis. Outcomes were compared to a sibling offspring cohort (n = 387) in a 4:1 matched-pair analysis (n = 1681). (i) Survivors were more likely to employ ART than their siblings (4.5% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.501). Successful pregnancies were achieved after a median of one cycle with, most commonly, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using non-cryopreserved oocytes/sperm. (ii) Multiple-sibling births (p < 0.001, 29.7% vs. 2.5%), low birth weight (p < 0.001; OR = 3.035, 95%-CI = 1.615−5.706), and preterm birth (p < 0.001; OR = 2.499, 95%-CI = 1.401−4.459) occurred significantly more often in survivor offspring following ART utilisation than in spontaneously conceived children. ART did not increase the prevalence of childhood cancer, congenital malformations or heart defects. (iii) These outcomes had similar prevalences in the sibling population. In our explorative study, we could not detect an influence on health outcomes when known confounders, such as multiple births, were taken into account.
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Gupta N, Sarkar S, Mehta P, Sankhwar SN, Rajender S. Polymorphisms in the HSF2, LRRC6, MEIG1 and PTIP genes correlate with sperm motility in idiopathic infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14517. [PMID: 35768906 DOI: 10.1111/and.14517] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with male infertility. In this cross-sectional study, we genotyped 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms in 24 infertility candidate genes in 500 oligo-/astheno-/oligoastheno-/normo-zoospermic infertile men with idiopathic infertility. Sequenom iPlex gold assay was used for genotyping. Sperm count and motility were compared between prevalent genotypes at each test locus. We did not observe any significant difference in the average sperm count between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the KLK3, LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2, ESR2 and PTIP genes. However, we observed a significant difference in sperm motility between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2 and PTIP genes. Polymorphisms in the LRRC6 (rs200321595), MEIG1 (rs150031795), HSF2 (rs143986686) and PTIP (rs61752013) genes show association with sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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43
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Horta F, Fernando D, Lantsberg D, Holden S, Katz DJ, Green MP, McLachlan R, Zander-Fox D, Rombauts L. Are Clinical Outcomes of Micro-TESE in Non-obstructive Azoospermic Men Affected by the Use of Fresh or Frozen Gametes? FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318222500086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The combination of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a common management option, with sperm motility being positively associated with successful outcomes. However, few studies have investigated whether the use of fresh or thawed gamete combinations affect clinical outcomes. Objectives: To determine whether the clinical outcomes of ICSI cycles using mTESE recovered testicular sperm of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients are affected by using fresh or thawed gametes. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of NOA patients who underwent mTESE between 2017 and 2020 at Monash IVF assisted reproductive clinics in Melbourne, Australia. The impact of gamete fresh/frozen status and sperm motility was investigated on clinical outcomes such as fertilization, blastocyst formation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates (LBRs). Results:A total of 103 NOA patients underwent mTESE, with a 65.1% successful surgical-sperm-retrieval. In total 56 patients contributed to 68 ICSI cycles, with a 35.1% fertilization rate and 25% LBR per embryo transfer. Compared with fresh testicular sperm, thawed testicular sperm did not affect clinical outcomes, including LBRs [16.7% vs 12.0%; odds ratio (OR) 0.68 (0.18–2.70)]. However, the use of thawed oocytes had a negative effect on fertilization rates [fresh-oocytes, 37.8%; vitrified-oocytes, 34.5%; OR 0.86 (0.02–0.48)]. Cycles using only motile sperm had a greater fertilization rate than those using a combination of motile and non-motile sperm (49.6% vs 37.2%, p ¡ 0.05). Importantly, when exclusively non-motile sperm were available (n = 26 cycles) their injection resulted in a very low fertilization rate (2.7%) and no live births were recorded. Conclusion: Micro-TESE is an effective treatment for NOA patients, with no clear advantage of using fresh over thawed sperm, however, the use of vitrified compared with fresh oocytes requires further investigation. Importantly, patients should be informed of the poor outcomes with the use of non-motile sperm in mTESE ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizzio Horta
- Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Dhanushi Fernando
- Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Daniel Lantsberg
- Men’s Heath Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | | | - Darren J. Katz
- Men’s Heath Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Department of Urology, Western Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P. Green
- Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Robert McLachlan
- Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Deirdre Zander-Fox
- Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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44
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Espinosa-Ahedo BA, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Sánchez-Gutiérrez M, Izquierdo-Vega JA, Morales-González JA, Madrigal-Santillán EO, Álvarez-González I. Potential protective effect of beta-caryophyllene against cadmium chloride-induced damage to the male reproductive system in mouse. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:19-30. [PMID: 35318111 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a metal that can affect the male reproductive process, possibly leading to infertility. In contrast, beta-caryophyllene (BC) is a sesquiterpene that has shown antigenotoxic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the protective effect of BC against the deleterious effects of cadmium chloride (CC) on various mouse testicular and sperm parameters. We tested three doses of BC (20, 200, and 400 mg/kg) given before and during exposure to 3 mg/kg CC (six days after a single administration). Our results show significant alleviation of the damage induced by CC after the three doses of BC. Regarding the sperm concentration and morphology, the protection with the high dose was complete, and regarding sperm mobility and viability, the protection was more than 74%. In the comet assay, the highest dose showed a reduction of 92.5% in the damage induced by CC, and regarding the number of micronuclei in the spermatids, the reduction was 83.3%. In the oxidative evaluation, regarding sperm lipoperoxidation, the improvement was complete with the high dose, and in the ABTS.+ test, the improvement in the response to the BC high dose was 26.3%. Regarding testicular lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation, the protective effects of the high BC dose were 87.6% and 89.9%, respectively. We also found that BC protected against the histological and morphometric alterations induced by CC. Therefore, our study clearly demonstrates the beneficial, chemopreventive effect of BC against the mouse sperm and testicular alterations induced by CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz A Espinosa-Ahedo
- Laboratorio de Genética, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Madrigal-Bujaidar
- Laboratorio de Genética, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuatla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Jeannett A Izquierdo-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuatla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - José A Morales-González
- Laboratorio de Medicina de la Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Eduardo O Madrigal-Santillán
- Laboratorio de Medicina de la Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Isela Álvarez-González
- Laboratorio de Genética, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico.
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45
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Wang W, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Jia L. Mycelium polysaccharides of Macrolepiota procera alleviate reproductive impairments induced by nonylphenol. Food Funct 2022; 13:5794-5806. [PMID: 35543179 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo00680d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) exposure has become a crucial inducement of male reproductive disorders in the world. Therefore, it is urgent to seek solutions to alleviate the toxicity of NP. This study was oriented toward studying the protective effects of Macrolepiota procera mycelium polysaccharides (MMP) on NP-induced reproductive impairments. After NP administration, declined sperm amounts and testis index, increased the deformity rate of sperms, aberrant hormone secretion and testicular pathological injury were observed, corporately leading to reproductive capacity attenuation. Importantly, MMP significantly reversed the foregoing changes in NP-treated mice. Notably, it has been observed that the MMP therapy remarkably improved oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and inflammatory responses, and suppressed the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in testicular tissues. These results manifested that MMP might be a promising treatment strategy for ameliorating the biotoxicity of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuai Wang
- College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, No. 61, Daizong Street, Taian, Shandong, 271018, PR China.
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, No. 61, Daizong Street, Taian, Shandong, 271018, PR China.
| | - Yaohan Zhang
- College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, No. 61, Daizong Street, Taian, Shandong, 271018, PR China.
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, No. 61, Daizong Street, Taian, Shandong, 271018, PR China.
| | - Le Jia
- College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, No. 61, Daizong Street, Taian, Shandong, 271018, PR China.
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46
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Tang XJ, Xiao QH, Wang XL, He Y, Tian YN, Xia BT, Guo Y, Huang JL, Duan P, Tan Y. Single-Cell Transcriptomics-Based Study of Transcriptional Regulatory Features in the Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Testis. Front Genet 2022; 13:875762. [PMID: 35669193 PMCID: PMC9163961 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.875762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most important causes of male infertility. Although many congenital factors have been identified, the aetiology in the majority of idiopathic NOA (iNOA) cases remains unknown. Herein, using single-cell RNA-Seq data sets (GSE149512) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we constructed transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) to explain the mutual regulatory relationship and the causal relationship between transcription factors (TFs). We defined 10 testicular cell types by their marker genes and found that the proportion of Leydig cells (LCs) and macrophages (tMΦ) was significantly increased in iNOA testis. We identified specific TFs including LHX9, KLF8, KLF4, ARID5B and RXRG in iNOA LCs. In addition, we found specific TFs in iNOA tMΦ such as POU2F2, SPIB IRF5, CEBPA, ELK4 and KLF6. All these identified TFs are strongly engaged in cellular fate, function and homeostasis of the microenvironment. Changes in the activity of the above-mentioned TFs might affect the function of LCs and tMΦ and ultimately cause spermatogenesis failure. This study illustrate that these TFs play important regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-juan Tang
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Qiao-hong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xue-lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yan He
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
- Postgraduate Training Basement of Jinzhou Medicical University, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Ya-nan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
- Postgraduate Training Basement of Jinzhou Medicical University, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Bin-tong Xia
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jiao-long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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47
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Holtermann Entwistle O, Sharma A, Jayasena CN. What must be considered when prescribing hormonal pharmacotherapy for male infertility? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1003-1008. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2043272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Channa N. Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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48
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Shen P, Ji S, Li X, Yang Q, Xu B, Wong CKC, Wang L, Li L. LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation Caused mPOA-FSH/LH Disturbance and Impaired Testicular Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:886085. [PMID: 35813649 PMCID: PMC9259990 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.886085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive function is key to the continuation of species and is under sophisticated regulation, challenged by various stressors including inflammation. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection-induced acute systemic inflammation, male fecundity was compromised with decreased testosterone level, damaged spermatogenesis, and downregulations of testicular gene expression levels involved in steroidogenesis regulation and blood-testis barrier. It is also noteworthy that the testis is more sensitive to acute stress caused by LPS-induced systemic inflammation. LPS treatment resulted in lower testicular gene expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily B member 1 after LPS treatment, while no such decrease was found in the adrenal gland. In parallel to the significant decreases in testicular intercellular adhesion molecule 1, tight junction protein 1, and gap junction alpha-1 protein gene expression with LPS treatment, no decrease was found in the epididymis. In the brain, LPS treatment caused higher medial preoptic area (mPOA) activation in the hypothalamus, which is accompanied by elevated blood follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, suggesting a disturbed hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis function. Besides mPOA, brain c-fos mapping and quantitative analysis demonstrated a broad activation of brain nuclei by LPS, including the anterior cingulate cortex, lateral septum, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, basolateral amygdala, ventral tegmental area, lateral habenular nucleus, locus coeruleus, Barrington's nucleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract, accompanied by abnormal animal behavior. Our data showed that LPS-induced inflammation caused not only local testicular damage but also a systemic disturbance at the brain-testis axis level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilei Shen
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqin Ji
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xulin Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingning Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingxian Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Chris Kong Chu Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Chris Kong Chu Wong, ; Liping Wang, ; Lei Li,
| | - Liping Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science–Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chris Kong Chu Wong, ; Liping Wang, ; Lei Li,
| | - Lei Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science–Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chris Kong Chu Wong, ; Liping Wang, ; Lei Li,
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49
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OUP accepted manuscript. Clin Chem 2022; 68:489-490. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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50
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Kruglova K, Gelgoot EN, Chan P, Lo K, Rosberger Z, Bélanger E, Kazdan J, Robins S, Zelkowitz P. Risky Business: Increasing Fertility Knowledge of Men in the General Public Using the Mobile Health Application Infotility XY. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211049027. [PMID: 34697968 PMCID: PMC8552396 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211049027] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility presents a public health concern. As most men wish to become fathers, it is important to increase men’s awareness of infertility risk factors. We developed a mobile health application (mHealth app), Infotility XY, to promote men’s reproductive health. This study evaluates whether use of the app led to increased knowledge of infertility risk factors, and whether knowledge change was associated with participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and/or app usage. Participants were recruited between August and October 2020. Eligibility criteria included: identified as male; 18–45 years old; childless; no infertility history; able to read and write in English/French; had internet access. We assessed participants’ fertility knowledge before and after app use. App usage data were captured during the 2-week intervention period. Our sample included 49 men aged 18–45. Seventy-eight percent of participants had not previously sought fertility information. Participants viewed on average 75% of the app’s articles, and 96% of participants said the app increased their fertility knowledge. Before app use, 55% of men said they were aware of infertility risk factors, compared to 96% after app use. Men correctly identified more risk factors after app use compared to before, t(48) = 8.28, p < .001. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and amount of app usage were not associated with knowledge change. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of an mHealth app to improve men’s awareness of infertility risk factors. Given the positive relationship between male reproductive health and overall health, increased awareness of infertility risk factors may lead to men’s improved overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Kruglova
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Eden Noah Gelgoot
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Chan
- McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kirk Lo
- Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zeev Rosberger
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Emilie Bélanger
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jordana Kazdan
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Robins
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Phyllis Zelkowitz
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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