1
|
Taoto C, Tangsrisakda N, Thukhammee W, Phetcharaburanin J, Iamsaard S, Tanphaichitr N. Rats Orally Administered with Ethyl Alcohol for a Prolonged Time Show Histopathology of the Epididymis and Seminal Vesicle Together with Changes in the Luminal Metabolite Composition. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1010. [PMID: 38790972 PMCID: PMC11117629 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051010] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Prolonged ethanol (EtOH) consumption is associated with male infertility, with a decreased spermatogenesis rate as one cause. The defective maturation and development of sperm during their storage in the cauda epididymis and transit in the seminal vesicle can be another cause, possibly occurring before the drastic spermatogenesis disruption. Herein, we demonstrated that the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle of rats, orally administered with EtOH under a regimen in which spermatogenesis was still ongoing, showed histological damage, including lesions, a decreased height of the epithelial cells and increased collagen fibers in the muscle layer, which implicated fibrosis. Lipid peroxidation (shown by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels) was observed, indicating that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced along with acetaldehyde during EtOH metabolism by CYP2E1. MDA, acetaldehyde and other lipid peroxidation products could further damage cellular components of the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle, and this was supported by increased apoptosis (shown by a TUNEL assay and caspase 9/caspase 3 expression) in these two tissues of EtOH-treated rats. Consequently, the functionality of the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle in EtOH-treated rats was impaired, as demonstrated by a decreases in 1H NMR-analyzed metabolites (e.g., carnitine, fructose), which were important for sperm development, metabolism and survival in their lumen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chayakorn Taoto
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.T.); (N.T.)
| | - Nareelak Tangsrisakda
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.T.); (N.T.)
| | - Wipawee Thukhammee
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Jutarop Phetcharaburanin
- Department of Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Khon Kaen University Phenome Centre, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.T.); (N.T.)
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1Y 8L6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilbourne J, Jia S, Fogarty A, Takaku M, Zhao F. Crucial Roles of the Mesenchymal Androgen Receptor in Wolffian Duct Development. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad193. [PMID: 38146640 PMCID: PMC10763607 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian duct (WD) maintenance and differentiation is predominantly driven by the androgen action, which is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). It is well established that the mesenchyme indicates the fate and differentiation of epithelial cells. However, in vivo developmental requirement of mesenchymal AR in WD development is still undefined. By designing a mesenchyme-specific Ar knockout (ARcKO), we discovered that the loss of mesenchymal Ar led to the bilateral or unilateral degeneration of caudal WDs and cystic formation at the cranial WDs. Ex vivo culture of ARcKO WDs invariably resulted in bilateral defects, suggesting that some factor(s) originating from surrounding tissues in vivo might promote WD survival and growth even in the absence of mesenchymal Ar. Mechanistically, we found cell proliferation was significantly reduced in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments; but cell apoptosis was not affected. Transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing of E14.5 mesonephroi revealed 131 differentially expressed genes. Multiple downregulated genes (Top2a, Wnt9b, Lama2, and Lamc2) were associated with morphological and cellular changes in ARcKO male embryos (ie, reduced cell proliferation and decreased number of epithelial cells). Mesenchymal differentiation into smooth muscle cells that are critical for morphogenesis was also impaired in ARcKO male embryos. Taken together, our results demonstrate the crucial roles of the mesenchymal AR in WD maintenance and morphogenesis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Motoki Takaku
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iamsaard S, Kietinun S, Sattayasai J, Bunluepuech K, Wu ATH, Choowong-In P. Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:89-99. [PMID: 36565036 PMCID: PMC9793912 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2157018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. RESULTS T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. CONCLUSION T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somboon Kietinun
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Jintana Sattayasai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kingkan Bunluepuech
- Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Alexander Tsang-Hsien Wu
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The PhD Program of Translational Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pannawat Choowong-In
- Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Marijuana, Hemp, and Kratom, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Functions of Steroid Hormones in the Male Reproductive Tract as Revealed by Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032748. [PMID: 36769069 PMCID: PMC9917565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are capable of diffusing through cell membranes to bind with intracellular receptors to regulate numerous physiological processes. Three classes of steroid hormones, namely androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids, contribute to the development of the reproductive system and the maintenance of fertility. During the past 30 years, mouse models have been produced in which the expression of genes encoding steroid hormone receptors has been enhanced, partially compromised or eliminated. These mouse models have revealed many of the physiological processes regulated by androgens, estrogens and to a more limited extent glucocorticoids in the testis and male accessory organs. In this review, advances provided by mouse models that have facilitated a better understanding of the molecular regulation of testis and reproductive tract processes by steroid hormones are discussed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Bromfield EG, Breen J, Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Schjenken JE. Transcriptomic analysis of the seminal vesicle response to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:728. [PMID: 34625024 PMCID: PMC8499523 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seminal vesicles synthesise bioactive factors that support gamete function, modulate the female reproductive tract to promote implantation, and influence developmental programming of offspring phenotype. Despite the significance of the seminal vesicles in reproduction, their biology remains poorly defined. Here, to advance understanding of seminal vesicle biology, we analyse the mouse seminal vesicle transcriptome under normal physiological conditions and in response to acute exposure to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or vehicle control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue 72 h following the final injection. RESULTS A total of 15,304 genes were identified in the seminal vesicles with those encoding secreted proteins amongst the most abundant. In addition to reproductive hormone pathways, functional annotation of the seminal vesicle transcriptome identified cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and cellular death and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Administration of acrylamide elicited 70 differentially regulated (fold-change ≥1.5 or ≤ 0.67) genes, several of which were orthogonally validated using quantitative PCR. Pathways that initiate gene and protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent amongst the dysregulated pathways. Inflammation was also a key transcriptomic response to acrylamide, with the cytokine, Colony stimulating factor 2 (Csf2) identified as a top-ranked upstream driver and inflammatory mediator associated with recovery of homeostasis. Early growth response (Egr1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (Ccl8), and Collagen, type V, alpha 1 (Col5a1) were also identified amongst the dysregulated genes. Additionally, acrylamide treatment led to subtle changes in the expression of genes that encode proteins secreted by the seminal vesicle, including the complement regulator, Complement factor b (Cfb). CONCLUSIONS These data add to emerging evidence demonstrating that the seminal vesicles, like other male reproductive tract tissues, are sensitive to environmental insults, and respond in a manner with potential to exert impact on fetal development and later offspring health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC), South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Computational & Systems Biology Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Trigg NA, Bromfield EG, Dun MD, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, MacDougall LA, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Nixon B, Schjenken JE. Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100107. [PMID: 34089863 PMCID: PMC8250459 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Lily A MacDougall
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A framework for high-resolution phenotyping of candidate male infertility mutants: from human to mouse. Hum Genet 2020; 140:155-182. [PMID: 32248361 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a heterogeneous condition of largely unknown etiology that affects at least 7% of men worldwide. Classical genetic approaches and emerging next-generation sequencing studies support genetic variants as a frequent cause of male infertility. Meanwhile, the barriers to transmission of this disease mean that most individual genetic cases will be rare, but because of the large percentage of the genome required for spermatogenesis, the number of distinct causal mutations is potentially large. Identifying bona fide causes of male infertility thus requires advanced filtering techniques to select for high-probability candidates, including the ability to test causality in animal models. The mouse remains the gold standard for defining the genotype-phenotype connection in male fertility. Here, we present a best practice guide consisting of (a) major points to consider when interpreting next-generation sequencing data performed on infertile men, and, (b) a systematic strategy to categorize infertility types and how they relate to human male infertility. Phenotyping infertility in mice can involve investigating the function of multiple cell types across the testis and epididymis, as well as sperm function. These findings will feed into the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility as well as male health broadly.
Collapse
|
8
|
Baharin A, Hashim NE, Sonsudin F, Hashim NH. Morphine and Phoenix dactylifera (dates) effects on the histological features of male rat reproductive organs. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 25:20. [PMID: 32174992 PMCID: PMC7053161 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_681_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that morphine negatively effects male fertility while Phoenix dactylifera (dates) could cure male infertility by the exhibition of antagonist effects. This study was conducted to assess the possible ameliorating effects of dates on the histological features of morphine-induced male rat reproductive organs. Materials and Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats age 7–9 weeks old, 200–250 g body weight (BW) were divided into six rats per each group: Group 1, force-fed with distilled water, 1 ml/kg BW for 35 days (control); Group 2, intramuscularly (IM) injected with morphine, 20 mg/kg BW for 7 days followed by force-fed with distilled water for 28 days; Group 3, force-fed with distilled water for 7 days followed by crude P. dactylifera extract, 200 mg/kg for 28 days; Group 4, injected (IM) with morphine, 20 mg/kg BW for 7 days followed by force-fed of crude P. dactylifera extract, 200 mg/kg for 28 days. Rats were sacrificed on day 36. The seminal vesicle (SV) and prostate gland (PG) were removed and fixed before histological processes. Results: In morphine-treated rats, the SV showed the absence of honeycomb-like appearance with flattened columnar cells while in the PG, eosinophilic secretion was noted to be absent from glandular lumina as compared to the control group. Administration of P. dactylifera extract in Group 4 showed improvement in histoarchitecture of the SV and PG with complex mucosal infoldings and glands luminal filled with secretion. Conclusion: P. dactylifera extract has a protective effect against the adverse effects of morphine on the male rat reproductive organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirah Baharin
- Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Eliza Hashim
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Sonsudin
- Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Hashida Hashim
- Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The regulation of male fertility by the PTPN11 tyrosine phosphatase. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:27-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
10
|
Cruceño AAM, Aguilera-Merlo CI, Chaves EM, Mohamed FH. Epididymis of Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus): A Morphological Comparative Study in Relation to Sexual Maturity. Anat Histol Embryol 2016; 46:73-84. [PMID: 27457370 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The morphological variations and the androgen receptor (AR) expression were studied in viscacha epididymis in relation to sexual maturity. The animals were divided into immature, pre-pubertal and adult, according to their corporal weight and testicular histology. The epididymides were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry for AR and morphometric analysis. In pre-pubertal and adult animals, four well-differentiated segments (initial, caput, corpus and cauda) were observed, while in immature animals, three segments were identified (initial-caput segment, corpus and cauda). In each segment, the structural parameters and the relative cell distribution were different between the groups. The serum testosterone levels of pre-pubertal and adults showed a very significant increase related to sexual maturity. The AR expression in epithelial and fibromuscular stromal cells was different between the groups. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates that the morphological characteristics of the viscacha epididymis vary while sexual maturity is reached, the development of initial and caput is subsequent to corpus and cauda development and the androgens might play an important role during this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A M Cruceño
- Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - C I Aguilera-Merlo
- Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - E M Chaves
- Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - F H Mohamed
- Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morphology and MMP-9, AR and IGFR-1 responses of the seminal vesicle in TRAMP mice model. Tissue Cell 2016; 48:217-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
12
|
Ablation of the androgen receptor from vascular smooth muscle cells demonstrates a role for testosterone in vascular calcification. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24807. [PMID: 27095121 PMCID: PMC4837411 DOI: 10.1038/srep24807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification powerfully predicts mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease. Men have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, compared to women of a similar age. These gender disparities suggest an influence of sex hormones. Testosterone is the primary and most well-recognised androgen in men. Therefore, we addressed the hypothesis that exogenous androgen treatment induces vascular calcification. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of androgen receptor (AR) in the calcified media of human femoral artery tissue and calcified human valves. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed increased phosphate (Pi)-induced mouse vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification following either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment for 9 days. Testosterone and DHT treatment increased tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (Alpl) mRNA expression. Testosterone-induced calcification was blunted in VSMC-specific AR-ablated (SM-ARKO) VSMCs compared to WT. Consistent with these data, SM-ARKO VSMCs showed a reduction in Osterix mRNA expression. However, intriguingly, a counter-intuitive increase in Alpl was observed. These novel data demonstrate that androgens play a role in inducing vascular calcification through the AR. Androgen signalling may represent a novel potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention.
Collapse
|
13
|
O'Hara L, Smith LB. Development and Characterization of Cell-Specific Androgen Receptor Knockout Mice. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1443:219-248. [PMID: 27246343 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3724-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Conditional gene targeting has revolutionized molecular genetic analysis of nuclear receptor proteins, however development and analysis of such conditional knockouts is far from simple, with many caveats and pitfalls waiting to snare the novice or unprepared. In this chapter, we describe our experience of generating and analyzing mouse models with conditional ablation of the androgen receptor (AR) from tissues of the reproductive system and other organs. The guidance, suggestions, and protocols outlined in the chapter provide the key starting point for analyses of conditional-ARKO mice, completing them as described provides an excellent framework for further focussed project-specific analyses, and applies equally well to analysis of reproductive tissues from any mouse model generated through conditional gene targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dubois V, Simitsidellis I, Laurent MR, Jardi F, Saunders PTK, Vanderschueren D, Claessens F. Enobosarm (GTx-024) Modulates Adult Skeletal Muscle Mass Independently of the Androgen Receptor in the Satellite Cell Lineage. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4522-33. [PMID: 26393303 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgens increase skeletal muscle mass, but their clinical use is hampered by a lack of tissue selectivity and subsequent side effects. Selective androgen receptor modulators elicit muscle-anabolic effects while only sparingly affecting reproductive tissues. The selective androgen receptor modulator, GTx-024 (enobosarm), is being investigated for cancer cachexia, sarcopenia, and muscle wasting diseases. Here we investigate the role of muscle androgen receptor (AR) in the anabolic effect of GTx-024. In mice lacking AR in the satellite cell lineage (satARKO), the weight of the androgen-sensitive levator ani muscle was lower but was decreased further upon orchidectomy. GTx-024 was as effective as DHT in restoring levator ani weights to sham levels. Expression of the muscle-specific, androgen-responsive genes S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and myostatin was decreased by orchidectomy and restored by GTx-024 and DHT in control mice, whereas the expression was low and unaffected by androgen status in satARKO. In contrast, insulin-like growth factor 1Ea expression was not different between satARKO and control muscle, decreased upon castration, and was restored by DHT and GTx-024 in both genotypes. These data indicate that GTx-024 does not selectively modulate AR in the satellite cell lineage and that cells outside this lineage remain androgen responsive in satARKO muscle. Indeed, residual AR-positive cells were present in satARKO muscle, coexpressing the fibroblast-lineage marker vimentin. AR positive, muscle-resident fibroblasts could therefore be involved in the indirect effects of androgens on muscle. In conclusion, both DHT and GTx-024 target AR pathways in the satellite cell lineage, but cells outside this lineage also contribute to the anabolic effects of androgens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dubois
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Michaël R Laurent
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Ferran Jardi
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Claessens
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (V.D., M.R.L., F.C.), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics (M.R.L.), and Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (F.J., D.V.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research (I.S., P.T.K.S.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Androgens such as testosterone are steroid hormones essential for normal male reproductive development and function. Mutations of androgen receptors (AR) are often found in patients with disorders of male reproductive development, and milder mutations may be responsible for some cases of male infertility. Androgens exert their action through AR and its signalling in the testis is essential for spermatogenesis. AR is not expressed in the developing germ cell lineage so is thought to exert its effects through testicular Sertoli and peri-tubular myoid (PTM) cells. AR signalling in spermatogenesis has been investigated in rodent models where testosterone levels are chemically supressed or models with transgenic disruption of AR. These models have pinpointed the steps of spermatogenesis that require AR signalling, specifically maintenance of spermatogonial numbers, blood-testis barrier integrity, completion of meiosis, adhesion of spermatids and spermiation, together these studies detail the essential nature of androgens in the promotion of male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen LY, Brown PR, Willis WB, Eddy EM. Peritubular myoid cells participate in male mouse spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4964-74. [PMID: 25181385 PMCID: PMC4239431 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Peritubular myoid (PM) cells surround the seminiferous tubule and together with Sertoli cells form the cellular boundary of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche. However, it remains unclear what role PM cells have in determining the microenvironment in the niche required for maintenance of the ability of SSCs to undergo self-renewal and differentiation into spermatogonia. Mice with a targeted disruption of the androgen receptor gene (Ar) in PM cells experienced a progressive loss of spermatogonia, suggesting that PM cells require testosterone (T) action to produce factors influencing SSC maintenance in the niche. Other studies showed that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is required for SSC self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs in vitro and in vivo. This led us to hypothesize that T-regulated GDNF expression by PM cells contributes to the maintenance of SSCs. This hypothesis was tested using an adult mouse PM cell primary culture system and germ cell transplantation. We found that T induced GDNF expression at the mRNA and protein levels in PM cells. Furthermore, when thymus cell antigen 1-positive spermatogonia isolated from neonatal mice were cocultured with PM cells with or without T and transplanted to the testes of germ cell-depleted mice, the number and length of transplant-derived colonies was increased considerably by in vitro T treatment. These results support the novel hypothesis that T-dependent regulation of GDNF expression in PM cells has a significant influence on the microenvironment of the niche and SSC maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Yu Chen
- Gamete Biology Group (L.-Y.C., W.B.W., E.M.E.) and Reproductive Developmental Biology Group (P.R.B.), Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
O'Hara L, McInnes K, Simitsidellis I, Morgan S, Atanassova N, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Kula K, Szarras-Czapnik M, Milne L, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Autocrine androgen action is essential for Leydig cell maturation and function, and protects against late-onset Leydig cell apoptosis in both mice and men. FASEB J 2014; 29:894-910. [PMID: 25404712 PMCID: PMC4422361 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-255729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cell number and function decline as men age, and low testosterone is associated with all “Western” cardio-metabolic disorders. However, whether perturbed androgen action within the adult Leydig cell lineage predisposes individuals to this late-onset degeneration remains unknown. To address this, we generated a novel mouse model in which androgen receptor (AR) is ablated from ∼75% of adult Leydig stem cell/cell progenitors, from fetal life onward (Leydig cell AR knockout mice), permitting interrogation of the specific roles of autocrine Leydig cell AR signaling through comparison to adjacent AR-retaining Leydig cells, testes from littermate controls, and to human testes, including from patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). This revealed that autocrine AR signaling is dispensable for the attainment of final Leydig cell number but is essential for Leydig cell maturation and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes in adulthood. Furthermore, these studies reveal that autocrine AR signaling in Leydig cells protects against late-onset degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium in mice and inhibits Leydig cell apoptosis in both adult mice and patients with CAIS, possibly via opposing aberrant estrogen signaling. We conclude that autocrine androgen action within Leydig cells is essential for the lifelong support of spermatogenesis and the development and lifelong health of Leydig cells.—O’Hara, L., McInnes, K., Simitsidellis, I., Morgan, S., Atanassova, N., Slowikowska-Hilczer, J., Kula, K., Szarras-Czapnik, M., Milne, L., Mitchell, R. T., Smith, L. B. Autocrine androgen action is essential for Leydig cell maturation and function, and protects against late-onset Leydig cell apoptosis in both mice and men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Hara
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kerry McInnes
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stephanie Morgan
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nina Atanassova
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Slowikowska-Hilczer
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kula
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Szarras-Czapnik
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laura Milne
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lee B Smith
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Murashima A, Kishigami S, Thomson A, Yamada G. Androgens and mammalian male reproductive tract development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:163-70. [PMID: 24875095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the main functions of androgen is in the sexually dimorphic development of the male reproductive tissues. During embryogenesis, androgen determines the morphogenesis of male specific organs, such as the epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate and penis. Despite the critical function of androgens in masculinization, the downstream molecular mechanisms of androgen signaling are poorly understood. Tissue recombination experiments and tissue specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout mouse studies have revealed epithelial or mesenchymal specific androgen-AR signaling functions. These findings also indicate that epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are a key feature of AR specific activity, and paracrine growth factor action may mediate some of the effects of androgens. This review focuses on mouse models showing the interactions of androgen and growth factor pathways that promote the sexual differentiation of reproductive organs. Recent studies investigating context dependent AR target genes are also discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aki Murashima
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Axel Thomson
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Av, Montreal, Québec, H3A 1A4, Canada
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
da Silva BF, Souza GHMF, Turco EGL, Del Giudice PT, Soler TB, Spaine DM, Borrelli M, Gozzo FC, Pilau EJ, Garcia JS, Ferreira CR, Eberlin MN, Bertolla RP. Differential seminal plasma proteome according to semen retrieval in men with spinal cord injury. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:959-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
20
|
Chang C, Lee SO, Wang RS, Yeh S, Chang TM. Androgen receptor (AR) physiological roles in male and female reproductive systems: lessons learned from AR-knockout mice lacking AR in selective cells. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:21. [PMID: 23782840 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.109132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens/androgen receptor (AR) signaling is involved primarily in the development of male-specific phenotypes during embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, sexual behavior, and fertility during adult life. However, this signaling has also been shown to play an important role in development of female reproductive organs and their functions, such as ovarian folliculogenesis, embryonic implantation, and uterine and breast development. The establishment of the testicular feminization (Tfm) mouse model exploiting the X-linked Tfm mutation in mice has been a good in vivo tool for studying the human complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, but this mouse may not be the perfect in vivo model. Mouse models with various cell-specific AR knockout (ARKO) might allow us to study AR roles in individual types of cells in these male and female reproductive systems, although discrepancies are found in results between labs, probably due to using various Cre mice and/or knocking out AR in different AR domains. Nevertheless, no doubt exists that the continuous development of these ARKO mouse models and careful studies will provide information useful for understanding AR roles in reproductive systems of humans and may help us to develop more effective and more specific therapeutic approaches for reproductive system-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chawnshang Chang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, and Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang YC, Meimetis LG, Tien AH, Mawji NR, Carr G, Wang J, Andersen RJ, Sadar MD. Spongian diterpenoids inhibit androgen receptor activity. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:621-31. [PMID: 23443807 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a validated drug target for all stages of prostate cancer. Antiandrogens compete with physiologic ligands for androgen receptor ligand-binding domain (LBD). High-throughput screening of a marine natural product library for small molecules that inhibit androgen receptor transcriptional activity yielded the furanoditerpenoid spongia-13(16),-14-dien-19-oic acid, designated terpene 1 (T1). Characterization of T1 and the structurally related semisynthetic analogues (T2 and T3) revealed that these diterpenoids have antiandrogen properties that include inhibition of both androgen-dependent proliferation and androgen receptor transcriptional activity by a mechanism that involved competing with androgen for androgen receptor LBD and blocking essential N/C interactions required for androgen-induced androgen receptor transcriptional activity. Structure-activity relationship analyses revealed some chemical features of T1 that are associated with activity and yielded T3 as the most potent analogue. In vivo, T3 significantly reduced the weight of seminal vesicles, which are an androgen-dependent tissue, thereby confirming the on-target activity of T3. The ability to create analogues of diterpenoids that have varying antiandrogen activity represents a novel class of chemical compounds for the analysis of androgen receptor ligand-binding properties and therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chi Yang
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
De Gendt K, Verhoeven G. Tissue- and cell-specific functions of the androgen receptor revealed through conditional knockout models in mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 352:13-25. [PMID: 21871526 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to evaluate the contribution of individual cell-selective knockout models to our current understanding of androgen action. Cre/loxP technology has allowed the generation of cell-selective knockout models targeting the androgen receptor (AR) in distinct putative target cells in a wide variety of organs and tissues including: testis, ovary, accessory sex tissues, muscle, bone, fat, liver, skin and myeloid tissue. In some androgen-regulated processes such as spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis this approach has lead to the identification of a key cellular mediator of androgen action (Sertoli and granulosa cells, respectively). In many target tissues, however, the final response to androgens appears to be more complex. Here, cell-selective knockout technology offers a platform upon which we can begin to unravel the more complex interplay and signaling pathways of androgens. A prototypic example is the analysis of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in many accessory sex glands. Furthermore, for some actions of testosterone, in which part of the effect is mediated by the active metabolite 17β-estradiol, conditional knockout technology offers a novel strategy to study the relative contribution of AR and estrogen receptor-mediated signaling. The latter approach has already resulted in a better understanding of androgen action in brain and bone. Finally, cell-selective knockout technology has generated valuable models to search for AR-controlled molecular mediators of androgen action, a strategy that has successfully been applied to the study of androgen action in the testis and in the epididymis. Although some conditional knockout models have provided clear answers to physiologic questions, it should be noted that others have pointed to unexpected complexities or technical limitations confounding interpretation of the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karel De Gendt
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Welsh M, Moffat L, McNeilly A, Brownstein D, Saunders PTK, Sharpe RM, Smith LB. Smooth muscle cell-specific knockout of androgen receptor: a new model for prostatic disease. Endocrinology 2011; 152:3541-51. [PMID: 21733831 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgen-driven stromal-epithelial interactions play a key role in normal prostate development and function as well as in the progression of common prostatic diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. However, exactly how, and via which cell type, androgens mediate their effects in the adult prostate remains unclear. This study investigated the role for smooth muscle (SM) androgen signaling in normal adult prostate homeostasis and function using mice in which androgen receptor was selectively ablated from prostatic SM cells. In adulthood the knockout (KO) mice displayed a 44% reduction in prostate weight and exhibited histological abnormalities such as hyperplasia, inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced expression of epithelial, SM, and stem cell identify markers (e.g. p63 reduced by 27% and Pten by 31%). These changes emerged beyond puberty and were not explained by changes in serum hormones. Furthermore, in response to exogenous estradiol, adult KO mice displayed an 8.5-fold greater increase in prostate weight than controls and developed urinary retention. KO mice also demonstrated a reduced response to castration compared with controls. Together these results demonstrate that prostate SM cells are vital in mediating androgen-driven stromal-epithelial interactions in adult mouse prostates, determining cell identity and function and limiting hormone-dependent epithelial cell proliferation. This novel mouse model provides new insight into the possible role for SM androgen action in prostate disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Welsh
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
O'Hara L, Welsh M, Saunders PTK, Smith LB. Androgen receptor expression in the caput epididymal epithelium is essential for development of the initial segment and epididymal spermatozoa transit. Endocrinology 2011; 152:718-29. [PMID: 21177831 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis plays an essential role in male fertility, and disruption of epididymal function can lead to obstructive azoospermia. Formation and function of the epididymis is androgen-dependent. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in both the stromal and epithelial compartments of the epididymis, and androgen action mediated via stromal cells is vital for its normal development and function. However the impact of epithelial specific AR-dependent signaling in the epididymis remains underexplored. To address this, we used conditional gene-targeting in mice to selectively ablate AR from the caput epididymal epithelium, and characterized the resulting phenotype at multiple postnatal ages. Caput epithelium androgen receptor knock-out mice have normal serum testosterone concentrations at day (d) 21 and d100, but do not develop an epididymal initial segment. The remaining caput epithelium displays a significant decrease in epithelial cell height from d11 and lumen diameter from d21 and disruption of the smooth muscle layer of the caput epididymis at d100. From d21, caput epithelium androgen receptor knock-out mice accumulate cell debris, proteinaceous material, and, at later ages, spermatozoa in their efferent ducts, which prevents normal passage of spermatozoa from the testis into the cauda epididymis resulting in infertility when tested at d100. This efferent duct obstruction leads to fluid back-pressure and disruption of the seminiferous epithelium of the adult testis. We conclude that epithelial AR signaling is essential for postnatal development and function of the epididymal epithelium and that disruption of this signaling can contribute to obstructive azoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Hara
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Smith L. Good planning and serendipity: exploiting the Cre/Lox system in the testis. Reproduction 2010; 141:151-61. [PMID: 21084571 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, genetic manipulation has revolutionised our understanding of male reproductive development and function. The advent of transgenic mouse lines has permitted elegant dissection of previously intractable issues. The development of the Cre/Lox system, which has permitted spatial and temporal localisation of genetic manipulation, has expanded upon this, and now makes up one of the primary approaches underpinning our increasing understanding of testis development and function. The success of conditional gene targeting is largely reliant upon the choice of Cre recombinase expressing mouse line, which is required to specifically target the correct cell type at the correct time. Presupposition that Cre lines will behave as expected has been one of the main oversights in the design of Cre/Lox experiments, as in practice, many Cre lines are prone to ectopic expression (both temporal and spatial), transgene silencing or genetic background effects. Empirical validation of the spatiotemporal profile of Cre expression prior to undertaking conditional gene targeting studies is essential and can be achieved through a combination of molecular and immunohistochemical approaches, along with in vivo examination of reporter gene expression in targeted tissues. This paper details the key considerations associated with exploitation of the Cre/Lox system and highlights a variety of validated Cre lines that have utility for conditional gene targeting within the testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee Smith
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chaves EM, Aguilera-Merlo C, Filippa V, Mohamed F, Dominguez S, Scardapane L. Anatomical, Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Reproductive System Accessory Glands in Male Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus). Anat Histol Embryol 2010; 40:11-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|