Immunohistochemical localization of thromboxane receptor and thromboxane synthase in rat testis

Do Seminal Isoprostanes Have a Role in Assisted Reproduction Outcome?

F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs), stereoisomers of prostaglandin F2α generated by the free radical-induced oxidation of arachidonic acid, have been associated with different male infertility conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the role of seminal isoprostane levels and sperm characteristics in the reproductive outcome and embryo quality of 49 infertile couples. Semen analysis was performed following WHO guidelines. Sperm chromatin maturity was detected using an aniline blue (AB) assay, and DNA integrity was assessed using the acridine orange (AO) test. Seminal F₂-IsoP levels were quantified by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC/NICI–MS/MS) analysis. Correlations among variables and their impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome were investigated. F₂-IsoP levels are positively correlated with double-stranded DNA sperm (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with mature sperm chromatin (p < 0.001). Patients with positive outcomes had an increased percentage of sperm with double-stranded DNA, as did patients producing high-quality embryo, who showed higher F₂-IsoP levels compared to those detected in the low-quality embryo group. An intriguing relationship between a mild increase in F₂-IsoP levels, DNA integrity, and embryo quality seems to indicate that the non-enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid can be also a marker of metabolic activity in human semen.

Immunology of the Testis and Male Reproductive Tract

A large body of evidence points to the existence of a close, dynamic relationship between the immune system and the male reproductive tract, which has important implications for our understanding of both systems. The testis and the male reproductive tract provide an environment that protects the otherwise highly immunogenic spermatogenic cells and sperm from immunological attack. At the same time, secretions of the testis, including androgens, influence the development and mature functions of the immune system. Activation of the immune system has negative effects on both androgen and sperm production, so that systemic or local infection and inflammation compromise male fertility. The mechanisms underlying these interactions have begun to receive the attention from reproductive biologists and immunologists that they deserve, but many crucial details remain to be uncovered. A complete picture of male reproductive tract function and its response to toxic agents is contingent upon continued exploration of these interactions and the mechanisms involved.

Expression and hormonal modulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor gene in mammalian testicular arteries

OBJECTIVE

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a biologically potent arachidonate metabolite which causes vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of TXA2 receptors in mammalian testicular arteries and the influence of exogenous gonadotropin administration on their expression.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SETTING

Experimental animals in an academic research environment.

ANIMAL(S)

Seven rams aged 4-6 years, weighing 60-90 kg.

INTERVENTION(S)

Both testicular arteries of seven rams were extracted before (from one testis) and after (from the opposite testis) IV administration of 5,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The expression of the TXA2 receptor gene was investigated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed by means of Student t test. Results were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. A P value of <.01 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT(S)

Polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of TXA2 messenger RNA receptor in all the basal samples, but the expression of TXA2 receptor gene was undetectable in all the arteries obtained 24 h after the administration of hCG.

CONCLUSION(S)

These preliminary results demonstrated for the first time the presence of TXA2 receptors in mammalian testicular arteries. Results also showed that their expression was down-regulated after hCG administration.

Transcription suppression of thromboxane receptor gene by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma via an interaction with Sp1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

Thromboxane (TX) A(2) exerts contraction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via its specific membrane TX receptor (TXR), possibly leading to the progression of atherosclerosis. A nuclear hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, has recently been reported to be expressed in VSMCs. Here we examined a role of PPAR-gamma in TXR gene expression in VSMCs. PPAR-gamma ligands 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) and troglitazone reduced TXR mRNA expression levels as well as cell growth as assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Transcriptional activity of the TXR gene promoter was suppressed with PPAR-gamma ligands, and the suppression was augmented further by PPAR-gamma overexpression. By deletion and mutation analyses, the transcription suppression was shown to be the result of a -22/-7 GC box-related sequence (upstream of transcription start site). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays also showed that the sequence was bound by Sp1 but not by PPAR-gamma, and the formation of a Sp1 small middle dotDNA complex was inhibited either by coincubation with PPAR-gamma or PPAR-gamma ligand treatment of VSMCs. Moreover, glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays demonstrated a direct interaction between PPAR-gamma and Sp1. In conclusion, PPAR-gamma suppresses TXR gene transcription via an interaction with Sp1. PPAR-gamma may possibly have an antiatherosclerotic action by inhibiting TXR gene expression in VSMCs.

Thromboxanes: synthase and receptors

Thromboxane A2 is a biologically potent arachidonate metabolite through the cyclooxygenase pathway. It induces platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction and may promote mitogenesis and apoptosis of other cells. Its roles in physiological and pathological conditions have been widely documented. The enzyme that catalyzes its synthesis, thromboxane A2 synthase, and the receptors that mediate its actions, thromboxane A2 receptors, are the two key components critical for the functioning of this potent autacoid. Recent molecular biological studies have revealed the structure-function relationship and gene organizations of these proteins as well as genetic and epigenetic factors modulating their gene expression. Future investigation should shed light on detailed molecular signaling events specifying thromboxane A2 actions, and the genetic underpinning of the enzyme and the receptors in health and disease.

Structure and transcriptional function of the 5'-flanking region of rat thromboxane receptor gene

We cloned a cDNA for rat TX receptor, and observed its expression in the kidney, including vascular smooth muscle. The aim of the present study was to clone the 5'-flanking region (5'-FL) of rat TX receptor gene, and to examine its transcriptional gene expression regulation. The 5'-FL was cloned by a PCR method, and the nucleic acid structure of 5'-FL (approximately 1 Kb) was disclosed. The transcription initiation site was shown to be 63 bases upstream of the 5' end of the cDNA by the primer extension. In the 5'-FL, putative AP-1 binding sites, glucocorticoid-responsive elements, NF-kappa B binding sites, GATA box, and shear stress-responsive elements were identified. The 5'-FL was then fused upstream of firefly luciferase cDNA in an expression vector, and we examined its transcriptional activity in transiently transfected cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Luciferase expression was dependent on the length of 5'-FL, and it was significantly stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), dexamethasone (Dex), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin (IL). By a semi-quantitative RT-PCR method, TX receptor mRNA was shown to be induced by Dex, IL-6, and PMA in cultured VSMC. In conclusion, we have revealed the structure of transcription regulatory region of TX receptor. Expression of TX receptor gene is possibly up-regulated by activation of protein kinase C, glucocorticoid excess, and IL-6, in vascular smooth muscle.

Rat kidney thromboxane synthase: cDNA cloning and gene expression regulation in hydronephrotic kidney

We isolated a rat homolog of thromboxane (TX) synthase cDNA (-1.8 kb) from the kidney with a fragment of human TX synthase cDNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction with placenta cDNA as a template. Northern blot analysis has shown that rat TX synthase gene is expressed abundantly in lung, liver, and uterus; moderately in kidney. TX synthase mRNA expression was up-regulated in hydronephrotic kidney made by ureter ligation. In conclusion, we have revealed the structure of rat kidney TX synthase. Up-regulation of renal TX synthase, which may cause stimulation of TX synthesis, is possibly implicated in the tissue injury in hydronephrotic kidney.