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Voigt AL, de Lima e Martins Lara N, Dobrinski I. Comparing the adult and pre-pubertal testis: Metabolic transitions and the change in the spermatogonial stem cell metabolic microenvironment. Andrology 2023; 11:1132-1146. [PMID: 36690000 PMCID: PMC10363251 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13397] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of childhood cancer often suffer from infertility. While sperm cryopreservation is not feasible before puberty, the patient's own spermatogonial stem cells could serve as a germ cell reservoir, enabling these patients to father their own children in adulthood through the isolation, in vitro expansion, and subsequent transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells. However, this approach requires large numbers of stem cells, and methods for successfully propagating spermatogonial stem cells in the laboratory are yet to be established for higher mammals and humans. The improvement of spermatogonial stem cell culture requires deeper understanding of their metabolic requirements and the mechanisms that regulate metabolic homeostasis. AIM This review gives a summary on our knowledge of spermatogonial stem cell metabolism during maintenance and differentiation and highlights the potential influence of Sertoli cell and stem cell niche maturation on spermatogonial stem cell metabolic requirements during development. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Fetal human spermatogonial stem cell precursors, or gonocytes, migrate into the seminiferous cords and supposedly mature to adult stem cells within the first year of human development. However, the spermatogonial stem cell niche does not fully differentiate until puberty, when Sertoli cells dramatically rearrange the architecture and microenvironment within the seminiferous epithelium. Consequently, pre-pubertal and adult spermatogonial stem cells experience two distinct niche environments potentially affecting spermatogonial stem cell metabolism and maturation. Indeed, the metabolic requirements of mouse primordial germ cells and pig gonocytes are distinct from their adult counterparts, and novel single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human and porcine spermatogonial stem cells during development confirms this metabolic transition. Knowledge of the metabolic requirements and their changes and regulation during spermatogonial stem cell maturation is necessary to implement laboratory-based techniques and enable clinical use of spermatogonial stem cells. Based on the advancement in our understanding of germline metabolism circuits and maturation events of niche cells within the testis, we propose a new definition of spermatogonial stem cell maturation and its amendment in the light of metabolic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
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2
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. A review on immunological aspects in male reproduction: An immune cells and cytokines. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103984. [PMID: 37390629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103984] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system, particularly the male gamete, offers a unique barrier to the immune system. The growing germ cells in the testis need to be shielded from autoimmune damage. Hence the testis has to establish and sustain an immune-privileged milieu. Sertoli cells create this safe space, protected by the blood-testis barrier. Cytokines are a type of immune reaction that can positively and negatively affect male reproductive health. Inflammation, disease, and obesity are just a few physiological conditions for which cytokines mediate signals. They interact with steroidogenesis, shaping the adrenals and testes to produce the hormones needed for survival. In particular pathological condition, including autoimmune disorders, contains high levels of the same cytokines in semen that play an essential role in the immunomodulation of the male gonad. This review focuses on understanding the immunological role of cytokines in the control and development of male reproduction. Also, in maintaining male reproductive health and diseases linked with their aberrant function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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3
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Khaleel B, Lunenfeld E, Kapelushnik J, Huleihel M. Effect of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on the Development of Spermatogenesis in the Adulthood of Juvenile AML Mice Model Treated with Cytarabine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12229. [PMID: 37569605 PMCID: PMC10419160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512229] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) generally occurs de novo. The treatment of AML includes cytarabine (CYT) and other medications. The granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is used in the clinic in cases of neutropenia after chemotherapies. We show that the administration of GCSF in combination with CYT in AML-diagnosed mice (AML+CYT+GCSF) extended the survival of mice for additional 20 days. However, including GCSF in all treatment modalities does not affect the testis' weight or the histology of the seminiferous tubules (STs). We show that GCSF does not affect normal ST histology from AML-, CYT-, or (AML+CYT)-treated groups compared to the relevant treated group without GCSF 2, 4, and 5 weeks post-injection. However, when comparing the percentages of normal STs between the AML+CYT+GCSF-treated groups and those without GCSF, we observe an increase of 17%-42% in STs at 4 weeks and 5.5 weeks post-injection. Additionally, we show that the injection of GCSF into the normal, AML-alone, or CYT-alone groups, or in combination with AML, significantly decreases the percentage of STs with apoptotic cells compared to the relevant groups without GCSF and to the CT (untreated mice) only 2 weeks post-injection. We also show that injection of GCSF into the CT group increases the examined spermatogonial marker PLZF within 2 weeks post-injection. However, GCSF does not affect the count of meiotic cells (CREM) but decreases the post-meiotic cells (ACROSIN) within 4 weeks post-injection. Furthermore, GCSF not only extends the survival of the AML+CYT-treated group, but it also leads to the generation of sperm (1.2 ± 0.04 × 106/mL) at 5.5 weeks post-injection. In addition, we demonstrate that the injection of GCSF into the CT group increases the RNA expression level of IL-10 but not IL-6 compared to CT 2 weeks post-treatment. However, the injection of GCSF into the AML-treated group reverses the expression levels of both IL-10 and IL-6 to normal levels compared to CT 2 weeks post-injection. Thus, we suggest that the addition of GCSF to the regimen of AML after CYT may assist in the development of future therapeutic strategies to preserve male fertility in AML prepubertal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bara’ah Khaleel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 4076414, Israel;
| | - Joseph Kapelushnik
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
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4
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Shakeel M, Yoon M. Functions of somatic cells for spermatogenesis in
stallions. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:654-670. [PMID: 35969700 PMCID: PMC9353347 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and testis development are highly structured physiological
processes responsible for post-pubertal fertility in stallions. Spermatogenesis
comprises spermatocytogenesis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Although germ cell
degeneration is a continuous process, its effects are more pronounced during
spermatocytogenesis and meiosis. The productivity and efficiency of
spermatogenesis are directly linked to pubertal development, degenerated germ
cell populations, aging, nutrition, and season of the year in stallions. The
multiplex interplay of germ cells with somatic cells, endocrine and paracrine
factors, growth factors, and signaling molecules contributes to the regulation
of spermatogenesis. A cell-to-cell communication within the testes of these
factors is a fundamental requirement of normal spermatogenesis. A noteworthy
development has been made recently on discovering the effects of different
somatic cells including Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular myoid cells on
manipulation the fate of spermatogonial stem cells. In this review, we discuss
the self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptotic roles of somatic cells and the
relationship between somatic and germ cells during normal spermatogenesis. We
also summarize the roles of different growth factors, their
paracrine/endocrine/autocrine pathways, and the different cytokines associated
with spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight important matters for further
studies on the regulation of spermatogenesis. This review presents an insight
into the mechanism of spermatogenesis, and helpful in developing better
understanding of the functions of somatic cells, particularly in stallions and
would offer new research goals for developing curative techniques to address
infertility/subfertility in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture
University, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild
Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Reseach Center for Horse Industry,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
- Corresponding author: Minjung Yoon,
Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea. Tel: +82-54-530-1233, E-mail:
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5
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Awang-Junaidi AH, Fayaz MA, Goldstein S, Honaramooz A. Using a testis regeneration model, FGF9, LIF, and SCF improve testis cord formation while RA enhances gonocyte survival. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:351-370. [PMID: 35596812 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03641-w] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Implantation of testis cell aggregates from various donors under the back skin of recipient mice results in de novo formation of testis tissue. We used this implantation model to study the putative in vivo effects of six different growth factors on testis cord development. Recipient mice (n = 7/group) were implanted with eight neonatal porcine testis cell aggregates that were first exposed to a designated growth factor: FGF2 at 1 µg/mL, FGF9 at 5 µg/mL, VEGF at 3.5 µg/mL, LIF at 5 µg/mL, SCF at 3.5 µg/mL, retinoic acid (RA) at 3.5 × 10-5 M, or no growth factors (control). The newly developed seminiferous cords (SC) were classified based on their morphology into regular, irregular, enlarged, or aberrant. Certain treatments enhanced implant weight (LIF), implant cross-sectional area (SCF) or the relative cross-sectional area covered by SC within implants (FGF2). RA promoted the formation of enlarged SC and FGF2 led to the highest ratio of regular SC and the lowest ratio of aberrant SC. Rete testis-like structures appeared earlier in implants treated with FGF2, FGF9, or LIF. These results show that even brief pre-implantation exposure of testis cells to these growth factors can have profound effects on morphogenesis of testis cords using this implantation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awang Hazmi Awang-Junaidi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.,Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Amin Fayaz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Savannah Goldstein
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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6
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Curley M, Darbey A, O'Donnell L, Kilcoyne KR, Wilson K, Mungall W, Rebourcet D, Guo J, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Leukemia inhibitory factor-receptor signalling negatively regulates gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone production in mouse Leydig Cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 544:111556. [PMID: 35031431 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111556] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the principal source of circulating testosterone in males. LC steroidogenesis maintains sexual function, fertility and general health, and is influenced by various paracrine factors. The leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is expressed in the testis and activated by different ligands, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), produced by peritubular myoid cells. LIF can modulate LC testosterone production in vitro under certain circumstances, but the role of consolidated signalling through LIFR in adult LC function in vivo has not been established. We used a conditional Lifr allele in combination with adenoviral vectors expressing Cre-recombinase to generate an acute model of LC Lifr-KO in the adult mouse testis, and showed that LC Lifr is not required for short term LC survival or basal steroidogenesis. However, LIFR-signalling negatively regulates steroidogenic enzyme expression and maximal gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone biosynthesis, expanding our understanding of the intricate regulation of LC steroidogenic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten Wilson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Will Mungall
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, University of Edinburgh, the Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, EH91LF, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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7
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Fayaz MA, Ibtisham F, Cham TC, Honaramooz A. Culture supplementation of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF alters in vitro proliferation, colony formation, and pluripotency of neonatal porcine germ cells. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 388:195-210. [PMID: 35102441 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03583-3] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonocytes in the neonatal testis have male germline stem cell properties and as such have important potential applications in fertility preservation and regenerative medicine. Such applications require further studies aimed at increasing gonocyte numbers and evaluating their pluripotency in vitro. The objective of the present study was to test the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on in vitro propagation, colony formation, and expression of pluripotency markers of neonatal porcine gonocytes. Testis cells from 1-week-old piglets were cultured in basic media (DMEM + 15% FBS), supplemented with various concentrations of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF, either individually or in combinations, in a stepwise experimental design. Gonocytes and/or their colonies were evaluated every 7 days and the gonocyte- (DBA) and pluripotency-specific markers (POU5F1, SSEA-1, E-cadherin, and NANOG) assessed on day 28. Greatest gonocyte numbers and largest colonies were found in media supplemented with 10 ng/mL bFGF and 10 ng/mL bFGF + 100 ng/mL GDNF + 1500 U/mL LIF, respectively. The resultant gonocytes and colonies expressed both germ cell- and pluripotency-specific markers. These results shed light on the growth hormone requirements of porcine gonocytes for in vitro proliferation and colony formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Fayaz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Fahar Ibtisham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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8
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Hofmann MC, McBeath E. Sertoli Cell-Germ Cell Interactions Within the Niche: Paracrine and Juxtacrine Molecular Communications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897062. [PMID: 35757413 PMCID: PMC9226676 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cell development depends on multiple biological events that combine epigenetic reprogramming, cell cycle regulation, and cell migration in a spatio-temporal manner. Sertoli cells are a crucial component of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and provide essential growth factors and chemokines to developing germ cells. This review focuses mainly on the activation of master regulators of the niche in Sertoli cells and their targets, as well as on novel molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of growth and differentiation factors such as GDNF and retinoic acid by NOTCH signaling and other pathways.
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Walker C, Ghazisaeidi S, Collet B, Boisvert A, Culty M. In utero exposure to low doses of genistein and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alters innate immune cells in neonatal and adult rat testes. Andrology 2020; 8:943-964. [PMID: 32533902 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although humans are exposed to mixtures of endocrine disruptor chemicals, few studies have examined their toxicity on male reproduction. We previously found that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) altered gene expression in adult rat testes. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to investigate the effects of fetal exposure to GEN-DEHP mixtures at two doses relevant to humans on testicular function and transcriptome in neonatal and adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant SD rats were gavaged with vehicle, GEN or DEHP, alone or mixed at 0.1 and 10 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 14 to birth. Fertility, steroid levels, and testis morphology were examined in neonatal and adult rats. Testicular transcriptomes were examined by gene array and functional pathway analyses. Cell-specific genes/proteins were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS GEN-DEHP mixtures increased the rates of infertility and abnormal testes in adult rats. Gene array analysis identified more genes exclusively altered by the mixtures than individual compounds. Altered top canonical pathways included urogenital/reproductive developmental and inflammatory processes. GEN-DEHP mixtures increased innate immune cells and macrophages markers at both doses and ages, more strongly and consistently than DEHP or GEN alone. Genes exclusively increased by the mixture in adult testis related to innate immune cells and macrophages included Kitlg, Rps6ka3 (Rsk2), Nr3c1, Nqo1, Lif, Fyn, Ptprj (Dep-1), Gpr116, Pfn2, and Ptgr1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that GEN-DEHP mixtures at doses relevant to human induce adverse testicular phenotypes, concurrent with age-dependent and non-monotonic changes in testicular transcriptomes. The involvement of innate immune cells such as macrophages suggests immediate and delayed inflammatory responses which may contribute to testicular dysfunction. Moreover, these effects are complex and likely involve multiple interactions between immune and non-immune testicular cell types that will entail further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casandra Walker
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahrzad Ghazisaeidi
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Berenice Collet
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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10
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Function of leukaemia inhibitory factor in spermatogenesis of a teleost fish, the medaka Oryzias latipes. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:423-431. [PMID: 31617472 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In response to gonadotropins and androgens, testicular cells produce various molecules that control proper proliferation and differentiation of spermatogenic cells through their paracrine and autocrine actions. However, molecules functioning downstream of the hormonal stimulation are poorly understood. Leukaemia inhibitory factor (Lif) is known to maintain the pluripotency of stem cells including embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cells at least in vitro, but its actual roles in vivo remain to be elucidated. To clarify the function of Lif in teleost (medaka) testes, we examined the effects of Lif on spermatogenesis in a newly established cell culture system using a cell line (named Mtp1) derived from medaka testicular somatic cells as feeder cells. We found that addition of baculovirus-produced recombinant medaka Lif to the culture medium or co-culture with Lif-overexpressing Mtp1 cells increased the number of spermatogonia. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses of the medaka testes showed that mRNAs and proteins of Lif are expressed in spermatogonia and the surrounding Sertoli cells, with higher expression levels in type A (undifferentiated) spermatogonia than in type B (differentiated) spermatogonia. Our findings suggest that Lif regulates spermatogonial cell proliferation in the medaka.
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11
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Zhou R, Wu J, Liu B, Jiang Y, Chen W, Li J, He Q, He Z. The roles and mechanisms of Leydig cells and myoid cells in regulating spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2681-2695. [PMID: 30980107 PMCID: PMC11105226 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is fundamental to the establishment and maintenance of male reproduction, whereas its abnormality results in male infertility. Somatic cells, including Leydig cells, myoid cells, and Sertoli cells, constitute the microenvironment or the niche of testis, which is essential for regulating normal spermatogenesis. Leydig cells are an important component of the testicular stroma, while peritubular myoid cells are one of the major cell types of seminiferous tubules. Here we addressed the roles and mechanisms of Leydig cells and myoid cells in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Specifically, we summarized the biological features of Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells, and we introduced the process of testosterone production and its major regulation. We also discussed other hormones, cytokines, growth factors, transcription factors and receptors associated with Leydig cells and myoid cells in mediating spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we highlighted the issues that are worthy of further studies in the regulation of spermatogenesis by Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells. This review would provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms of the somatic cells in controlling spermatogenesis, and it could offer new targets for developing therapeutic approaches of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jingrouzi Wu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Bang Liu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Quanyuan He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zuping He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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12
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Ghorbanlou M, Abdanipour A, Shirazi R, Malekmohammadi N, Shokri S, Nejatbakhsh R. Indirect Co-Culture of Testicular Cells with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Leads to Male Germ Cell-Specific Gene Expressions. CELL JOURNAL 2018; 20:505-512. [PMID: 30123996 PMCID: PMC6099144 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2019.5654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective Non-obstructive azoospermia is mostly irreversible. Efforts to cure this type of infertility have led to the application
of stem cells in the reproduction field. In the present study, testicular cell-mediated differentiation of male germ-like cells from
bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in an in vitro indirect co-culture system is investigated.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, mouse BM-MSCs were isolated and cultured up to passage three.
Identification of the cells was evaluated using specific surface markers by flow-cytometry technique. Four experimental groups
were investigated: control, treatment with retinoic acid (RA), indirect co-culture with testicular cells, and combination of RA
and indirect co-culture with testicular cells. Finally, following differentiation, the quantitative expression of germ cell-specific
markers including Dazl, Piwil2 and Stra8 were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results Molecular analysis revealed a significant increase in Dazl expression in the indirect co-culture with testicular
cells group in comparison to the control group. Quantitative expression level of Piwil2 was not significantly changed in
comparison to the control group. Stra8 expression was significantly higher in RA group in comparison to other groups.
Conclusion Indirect co-culture of BM-MSCs in the presence of testicular cells leads to expression of male germ cell-specific
gene, Dazl, in the induced cells. Combination of co-culture with testicular cells and RA did not show any positive effect on the
specific gene expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Ghorbanlou
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Alireza Abdanipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Reza Shirazi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Malekmohammadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saeed Shokri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Nejatbakhsh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Electronic Address:
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13
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Zheng W, Ge F, Wu K, Chen X, Li X, Chen Y, Lv Y, Lian Q, Ge RS. In utero exposure to hexavalent chromium disrupts rat fetal testis development. Toxicol Lett 2018; 299:201-209. [PMID: 30315952 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) acts as an endocrine disruptor. Herein, we investigated effects of Cr6+ on the development of rat fetal Leydig and Sertoli cells, which support differentiation of the male reproductive tract in late gestation. Female pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged with potassium dichromate (0, 3, 6, and 12 mg/kg) from gestational days (GD) 12 to GD 21. Leydig and Sertoli cell function was evaluated by investigating serum testosterone levels, cell number and distribution, and the expression levels of Leydig and Sertoli cell genes and proteins. Cr6+ increased serum testosterone level at dose of 3 mg/kg (1.170 ± 0.121 ng/ml vs. 0.720 ± 0.082 ng/ml in the control), while lowered it at dose of 12 mg/kg (0.400 ± 0.098 ng/ml). In addition, it showed that Cr6+ dose-dependently reduced Leydig cell size and cytoplasmic size and decreased the percentage of medium fetal Leydig cell cluster at dose of 12 mg/kg. Further study demonstrated that the expression of Leydig cell (Lhcgr, Scarb1, and Hsd3b1) and Sertoli cell (Fshr, Pdgfa, and Lif) genes in the testis was upregulated at dose of 3 mg/kg while the expression of Lhcgr, Hsd17b3 and Igf1 was downregulated by Cr6+ at dose of 12 mg/kg. In conclusion, Cr6+ had biphasic effects on fetal Leydig cell development with low dose to stimulate testosterone production and high dose to inhibit it, possibly via biphasically regulating growth factor gene expression in fetal Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xianwu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yao Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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14
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Curley M, Milne L, Smith S, Atanassova N, Rebourcet D, Darbey A, Hadoke PWF, Wells S, Smith LB. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor-Receptor is Dispensable for Prenatal Testis Development but is Required in Sertoli cells for Normal Spermatogenesis in Mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11532. [PMID: 30068994 PMCID: PMC6070476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 family, is most often noted for its role in maintaining the balance between stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In rodents, LIF is expressed in both the fetal and adult testis; with the peritubular myoid (PTM) cells thought to be the main site of production. Given their anatomical location, LIF produced by PTM cells may act both on intratubular and interstitial cells to influence spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis respectively. Indeed, the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is expressed in germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, PTM cells and testicular macrophages, suggesting that LIF signalling via LIFR may be a key paracrine regulator of testicular function. However, a precise role(s) for testicular LIFR-signalling in vivo has not been established. To this end, we generated and characterised the testicular phenotype of mice lacking LIFR either in germ cells, Sertoli cells or both, to identify a role for LIFR-signalling in testicular development/function. Our analyses reveal that LIFR is dispensable in germ cells for normal spermatogenesis. However, Sertoli cell LIFR ablation results in a degenerative phenotype, characterised by abnormal germ cell loss, sperm stasis, seminiferous tubule distention and subsequent atrophy of the seminiferous tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyons Centre, MRC Harwell, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 ORD, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom. .,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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15
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Lord T, Oatley JM. A revised A single model to explain stem cell dynamics in the mouse male germline. Reproduction 2018. [PMID: 28624768 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and progenitor spermatogonia encompass the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool in mammalian testes. In rodents, this population is comprised of Asingle, Apaired and chains of 4-16 Aaligned spermatogonia. Although traditional models propose that the entire Asingle pool represents SSCs, and formation of an Apaired syncytium symbolizes irreversible entry to a progenitor state destined for differentiation; recent models have emerged that suggest that the Asingle pool is heterogeneous, and Apaired/Aaligned can fragment to produce new SSCs. In this review, we explore evidence from the literature for these differing models representing SSC dynamics, including the traditional 'Asingle' and more recently formed 'fragmentation' models. Further, based on findings using a fluorescent reporter transgene (eGfp) that reflects expression of the SSC-specific transcription factor 'inhibitor of DNA binding 4' (Id4), we propose a revised version of the traditional model in which SSCs are a subset of the Asingle population; the ID4-eGFP bright cells (SSCultimate). From the SSCultimate pool, other Asingle and Apaired cohorts arise that are ID4-eGFP dim. Although the SSCultimate possess a transcriptome profile that reflects a self-renewing state, the transcriptome of the ID4-eGFP dim population resembles that of cells in transition (SSCtransitory) to a progenitor state. Accordingly, at the next mitotic division, these SSCtransitory are likely to join the progenitor pool and have lost stem cell capacity. This model supports the concept of a linear relationship between spermatogonial chain length and propensity for differentiation, while leaving open the possibility that the SSCtransitory (some Asingle and potentially some Apaired spermatogonia), may contribute to the self-renewing pool rather than transition to a progenitor state in response to perturbations of steady-state conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive BiologySchool of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive BiologySchool of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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16
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Ye L, Li X, Li L, Chen H, Ge RS. Insights into the Development of the Adult Leydig Cell Lineage from Stem Leydig Cells. Front Physiol 2017; 8:430. [PMID: 28701961 PMCID: PMC5487449 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult Leydig cells (ALCs) are the steroidogenic cells in the testes that produce testosterone. ALCs develop postnatally from a pool of stem cells, referred to as stem Leydig cells (SLCs). SLCs are spindle-shaped cells that lack steroidogenic cell markers, including luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The commitment of SLCs into the progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs), the first stage in the lineage, requires growth factors, including Dessert Hedgehog (DHH) and platelet-derived growth factor-AA. PLCs are still spindle-shaped, but become steroidogenic and produce mainly androsterone. The next transition in the lineage is from PLC to the immature Leydig cell (ILC). This transition requires LH, DHH, and androgen. ILCs are ovoid cells that are competent for producing a different form of androgen, androstanediol. The final stage in the developmental lineage is ALC. The transition to ALC involves the reduced expression of 5α-reductase 1, a step that is necessary to make the cells to produce testosterone as the final product. The transitions along the Leydig cell lineage are associated with the progressive down-regulation of the proliferative activity, and the up-regulation of steroidogenic capacity, with each step requiring unique regulatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
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17
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Wang Y, Yuan K, Li X, Su Z, Li X, Guan H, Su Y, Ge HS, Ge RS. Leukemia inhibitory factor stimulates steroidogenesis of rat immature Leydig cells via increasing the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Growth Factors 2016; 34:166-176. [PMID: 27760485 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2016.1183199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has many physiological roles. However, its effects on Leydig cell development are still unclear. Rat immature and adult Leydig cells were cultured with different concentrations of LIF alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone (LH) for 24 h. LIF (1 and 10 ng/ml) significantly increased androgen production in immature Leydig cells, but had no effects on testosterone production in adult Leydig cells. Further studies revealed that LIF dose-dependently increased Star and Hsd17b3 expression levels in immature Leydig cells. Gene microarray revealed that the upregulation of anti-oxidative genes and Star might contribute to LIF-induced androgen production. In conclusion, LIF has stimulatory effects on androgen production in rat immature Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Wang
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Kaiming Yuan
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Zhijian Su
- b Department of Cell Biology , College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Xingwang Li
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Hongguo Guan
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Ying Su
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Hong-Shan Ge
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
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18
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Tlapakova T, Nguyen TMX, Vegrichtova M, Sidova M, Strnadova K, Blahova M, Krylov V. Identification and characterization of Xenopus tropicalis common progenitors of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell lineages. Biol Open 2016; 5:1275-82. [PMID: 27464670 PMCID: PMC5051652 DOI: 10.1242/bio.019265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The origin of somatic cell lineages during testicular development is controversial in mammals. Employing basal amphibian tetrapod Xenopus tropicalis we established a cell culture derived from testes of juvenile male. Expression analysis showed transcription of some pluripotency genes and Sertoli cell, peritubular myoid cell and mesenchymal cell markers. Transcription of germline-specific genes was downregulated. Immunocytochemistry revealed that a majority of cells express vimentin and co-express Sox9 and smooth muscle α-actin (Sma), indicating the existence of a common progenitor of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell lineages. Microinjection of transgenic, red fluorescent protein (RFP)-positive somatic testicular cells into the peritoneal cavity of X. tropicalis tadpoles resulted in cell deposits in heart, pronephros and intestine, and later in a strong proliferation and formation of cell-to-cell net growing through the tadpole body. Immunohistochemistry analysis of transplanted tadpoles showed a strong expression of vimentin in RFP-positive cells. No co-localization of Sox9 and Sma signals was observed during the first three weeks indicating their dedifferentiation to migratory-active mesenchymal cells recently described in human testicular biopsies. Summary: We identified cells co-expressing differentiation markers of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell lineages in X. tropicalis through the establishment and characterization of cell culture derived from juvenile testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Tlapakova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Thi Minh Xuan Nguyen
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Vegrichtova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Sidova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, Prague 4 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Strnadova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Blahova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Krylov
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic
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19
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Martin LJ. Cell interactions and genetic regulation that contribute to testicular Leydig cell development and differentiation. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:470-87. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luc J. Martin
- Department of Biology; Université de Moncton; Moncton New-Brunswick Canada
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20
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França LR, Hess RA, Dufour JM, Hofmann MC, Griswold MD. The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity. Andrology 2016; 4:189-212. [PMID: 26846984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular 'nurse cell', not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - R A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J M Dufour
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - M C Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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21
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Hu Q, Huang C, Wang Y, Wu R. Expression of leukemia inhibitory factor in the rat retina following acute ocular hypertension. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:6577-83. [PMID: 26352383 PMCID: PMC4626123 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its downstream signaling pathways in the rat retina following acute ocular hypertension. The intraocular pressure of the rats was elevated to 110 mmHg for 1 h by infusing the anterior chamber with normal saline. The retinal tissues were obtained 12 h, 24 h, and 2, 3 and 7 days after termination of the ocular hypertension. Hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess the morphological changes and the apoptosis of retinal cells, respectively. Quantification of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was performed using fluorogold retrograde (FG) staining. The expression levels of LIF, LIF receptor (LIFR), signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 (P-STAT3), Akt, phosphorylated-Akt (P-Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK) were determined at different time-points following acute ocular hypertension using western blot analysis. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performned to detect the mRNA expression levels of LIF and LIFR. The results revealed that 12 h, 24 h, 2, 3 and 7 days after reperfusion, the thickness of the inner nuclear layer and the inner plexiform layer was decreased, with a significant reduction in the number of RGCs, as determined using TUNEL and FG staining. The expression levels of LIF and LIFR were increased following acute ocular hypertension. At 12 h post-retinal reperfusion, the expression levels of P-STAT3 and P-Akt were significantly upregulated, while the expression of P-ERK was decreased. The changes in the expression levels of LIF and LIFR suggested that LIF may be important in the process of degeneration/protection following retinal ischemia induced by acute ocular hypertension, via activation of the Janus kinase/STAT and Akt signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Hu
- Department of Glaucoma, Xiamen University Affiliated Eye Center, Xiamen, Fujian 361001, P.R. China
| | - Changquan Huang
- Department of Glaucoma, Xiamen University Affiliated Eye Center, Xiamen, Fujian 361001, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Glaucoma, Xiamen University Affiliated Eye Center, Xiamen, Fujian 361001, P.R. China
| | - Renyi Wu
- Department of Glaucoma, Xiamen University Affiliated Eye Center, Xiamen, Fujian 361001, P.R. China
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22
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Proliferated Leydig cells for engineered testis-like tissue regeneration with testosterone-secreting ability. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13770-014-0057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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23
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Shechter R, London A, Schwartz M. Orchestrated leukocyte recruitment to immune-privileged sites: absolute barriers versus educational gates. Nat Rev Immunol 2013; 13:206-18. [PMID: 23435332 DOI: 10.1038/nri3391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Complex barriers separate immune-privileged tissues from the circulation. Here, we propose that cell entry to immune-privileged sites through barriers composed of tight junction-interconnected endothelium is associated with destructive inflammation, whereas border structures comprised of fenestrated vasculature enveloped by tightly regulated epithelium serve as active and selective immune-skewing gates in the steady state. Based on emerging knowledge of the central nervous system and information from other immune-privileged sites, we propose that these sites are endowed either with absolute endothelial-based barriers and epithelial gates that enable selective and educative transfer of trafficking leukocytes or with selective epithelial gates only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravid Shechter
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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24
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 1: Background to spermatogenesis, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. Microsc Res Tech 2009; 73:241-78. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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25
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Lo L, Zhang Z, Hong N, Peng J, Hong Y. 3640 unique EST clusters from the medaka testis and their potential use for identifying conserved testicular gene expression in fish and mammals. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3915. [PMID: 19104663 PMCID: PMC2603314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The fish medaka is the first vertebrate capable of full spermatogenesis in vitro from self-renewing spermatogonial stem cells to motile test-tube sperm. Precise staging and molecular dissection of this process has been hampered by the lack of suitable molecular markers. Methodology and Principal Findings We have generated a normalized medaka testis cDNA library and obtained 7040 high quality sequences representing 3641 unique gene clusters. Among these, 1197 unique clusters are homologous to known genes, and 2444 appear to be novel genes. Ontology analysis shows that the 1197 gene products are implicated in diverse molecular and cellular processes. These genes include markers for all major types of testicular somatic and germ cells. Furthermore, markers were identified for major spermatogenic stages ranging from spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal to meiosis entry, progression and completion. Intriguingly, the medaka testis expresses at least 13 homologs of the 33 mouse X-chromosomal genes that are enriched in the testis. More importantly, we show that key components of several signaling pathways known to be important for testicular function in mammals are well represented in the medaka testicular EST collection. Conclusions/Significance Medaka exhibits a considerable similarity in testicular gene expression to mammals. The medaka testicular EST collection we obtained has wide range coverage and will not only consolidate our knowledge on the comparative analysis of known genes' functions in the testis but also provide a rich resource to dissect molecular events and mechanism of spermatogenesis in vivo and in vitro in medaka as an excellent vertebrate model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijan Lo
- Department of Biology Sciences, National University of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhenhai Zhang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, Singapore
| | - Ni Hong
- Department of Biology Sciences, National University of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinrong Peng
- Department of Biology Sciences, National University of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, Singapore
- * E-mail: (JP); (YH)
| | - Yunhan Hong
- Department of Biology Sciences, National University of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (JP); (YH)
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Involvement of testicular growth factors in fetal Leydig cell aggregation after exposure to phthalate in utero. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:7218-22. [PMID: 18469139 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0709260105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have been shown to be associated with decreased adult testosterone (T) levels and increased Leydig cell numbers. As yet, little is known about DEHP effects in utero on fetal Leydig cells (FLC). The present study investigated effects of DEHP on FLC function. Pregnant Long-Evans female rats received vehicle (corn oil) or DEHP at 10, 100, or 750 mg/kg by oral gavage from gestational day (GD)2-20. At GD21, T production, FLC numbers and distribution, and testicular gene expression were examined. The percentage of FLC clusters containing 6-30 cells increased in all treatment groups, with 29 +/- 2% in control vs. 37 +/- 3, 35 +/- 3, and 56 +/- 4% in rats receiving 10, 100, and 750 mg/kg DEHP, respectively. In contrast, FLC numbers were 33% and 39% lower than control after exposures to 100 and 750 mg/kg DEHP, respectively. At these doses, mRNA levels of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) increased. LIF was found to induce cell aggregation in FLCs in vitro, consistent with the hypothesis that DEHP induced FLC aggregation. Testicular T levels were doubled by the 10 mg/kg dose and halved at 750 mg/kg. The mRNA levels of IGF-1 and c-Kit ligand (KITL) were induced by 10 mg/kg DEHP. These results, taken together, indicate that fetal exposures to DEHP have effects on FLC number, distribution, and most importantly, steroidogenic capacity and suggest that abnormal expressions of IGF1, KITL, and LIF genes may contribute to the reproductive toxicity of phthalates.
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Schell C, Albrecht M, Mayer C, Schwarzer JU, Frungieri MB, Mayerhofer A. Exploring human testicular peritubular cells: identification of secretory products and regulation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Endocrinology 2008; 149:1678-86. [PMID: 18187550 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Testicular peritubular cells are myofibroblastic cells, which represent the major cellular components of the wall of the seminiferous tubules. In men their phenotypic characteristics, including possible secretory activity and regulation, are not well known, in neither normal nor pathologically altered testes. Especially in testes of men with impaired spermatogenesis, the cytoarchitecture of the tubular wall is frequently remodeled and presents fibrotic thickening, increased innervation, and infiltration by macrophages and mast cells. The latter are two sources of TNF-alpha. The purpose of our study was to explore human testicular peritubular cells and mechanisms of their regulation. To this end we primarily studied cultured human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), isolated from adult human testes. Having established that HTPCs express TNF-alpha receptors 1 and 2 and respond to recombinant human TNF-alpha by a rapid phosphorylation of ERK1/2, we used complementary approaches, including gene array/RT-PCR studies, Western blotting/immunocytochemistry, and ELISA techniques to study phenotypic characteristics of HTPCs and actions of TNFalpha. We found that HTPCs express the nerve growth factor gene and TNF-alpha-stimulated mRNA levels and secretion of nerve growth factor in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Similarly, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was identified as a product of HTPCs, which was regulated by TNF-alpha in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. TNF-alpha furthermore strongly enhanced expression and/or synthesis of other inflammatory molecules, namely IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2. Active cyclooxygenase-2 is indicated by increased prostaglandin D2 levels. In addition, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, which was not detected at protein level in the absence of TNF-alpha, was induced upon TNF-alpha stimulation. In conclusion, these results provide novel insights into the nature of human peritubular cells, which are able to secrete potent signaling molecules and are regulated by TNF-alpha. These results also hint to an as-yet-unknown role of peritubular cells in normal human testis and involvement in the pathomechanisms associated with impaired spermatogenesis in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schell
- Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Biedersteiner Strasse 29, Munich, Germany
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Huleihel M, Abuelhija M, Lunenfeld E. In vitro culture of testicular germ cells: regulatory factors and limitations. Growth Factors 2007; 25:236-52. [PMID: 18092232 DOI: 10.1080/08977190701783400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is regulated mainly by endocrine factors and also by testicular paracrine/autocrine growth factors. These factors are produced by Sertoli cells, germ cells, peritubular cells and interstitial cells, mainly Leydig cells and macrophages. The interactions and the ratio between Sertoli and germ cells in the seminiferous tubules ensure successful spermatogenesis. In order to culture spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro, researchers tried to overcome some of the obstacles -- such as the low number of stem cells in the testis, absence of specific markers to identify SSCs -- in addition to difficulties in keeping the SSCs alive in culture. Recently, some growth factors important for the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs were identified, such as glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), stem cell factor (SCF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF); also, markers for SSCs at different stages were reported. Therefore, some groups succeeded in culturing SSCs (under limitations), or more differentiated cells and even were able to produce in vitro germ cells from embryonic stem cells. Thus, success in culturing SSCs is dependent on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind self-renewal and differentiation. Culture of SSCs should be a good tool for discovering new therapeutic avenue for some infertile men or for patients undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy (pre-puberty or post-puberty).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Ge RS, Dong Q, Sottas CM, Papadopoulos V, Zirkin BR, Hardy MP. In search of rat stem Leydig cells: identification, isolation, and lineage-specific development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:2719-24. [PMID: 16467141 PMCID: PMC1413776 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0507692103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LCs) are thought to differentiate from spindle-shaped precursor cells that exhibit some aspects of differentiated function, including 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) activity. The precursor cells ultimately derive from undifferentiated stem LCs (SLCs), which are postulated to be present in testes before the onset of precursor cell differentiation. We searched for cells in the neonatal rat testis with the abilities to: (i) proliferate and expand indefinitely in vitro (self renew); (ii) differentiate (i.e., 3betaHSD and ultimately synthesize testosterone); and (iii) when transplanted into host rat testes, colonize the interstitium and subsequently differentiate in vivo. At 1 week postpartum, spindle-shaped cells were seen in the testicular interstitium that differed from the precursor cells in that they were 3betaHSD-negative, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (LHR)-negative, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR alpha)-positive. These cells were purified from the testes of 1-week-old rats. The cells contained proteins known to be involved in LC development, including GATA4, c-kit receptor, and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor. The putative SLCs expanded over the course of 6 months while remaining undifferentiated. When treated in media that contained thyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, and LH, 40% of the putative SLCs came to express 3betaHSD and to synthesize testosterone. When transplanted into host rat testes from which LCs had been eliminated, the putative SLCs colonized the interstitium and subsequently expressed 3betaHSD, demonstrating their ability to differentiate in vivo. We conclude that these cells are likely to be the sought-after SLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Shan Ge
- *Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Qiang Dong
- *Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057; and
| | - Barry R. Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
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Lacham-Kaplan O, Chy H, Trounson A. Testicular Cell Conditioned Medium Supports Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Ovarian Structures Containing Oocytes. Stem Cells 2006; 24:266-73. [PMID: 16109761 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2005-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports and the current study have found that germ cell precursor cells appear in embryoid bodies (EBs) formed from mouse embryonic stem cells as identified by positive expression of specific germ cell markers such as Oct-3/4, Mvh, c-kit, Stella, and DAZL. We hypothesized that if exposed to appropriate growth factors, the germ cell precursor cells within the EBs would differentiate into gametes. The source for growth factors used in the present study is conditioned medium collected from testicular cell cultures prepared from the testes of newborn males. Testes at this stage of development contain most growth factors required for the transformation of germ stem cells into differentiated gametes. When EBs were cultured in the conditioned medium, they developed into ovarian structures, which contained putative oocytes. The oocytes were surrounded by one to two layers of flattened cells and did not have a visible zona pellucida. However, oocyte-specific markers such as Fig-alpha and ZP3 were found expressed by the ovarian structures. The production of oocytes using this method is repeatable and reliable and may be applicable to other mammalian species, including the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Lacham-Kaplan
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Monash University, Wellington Rd., Clayton, Australia 3165.
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Dorval-Coiffec I, Delcros JG, Hakovirta H, Toppari J, Jégou B, Piquet-Pellorce C. Identification of the leukemia inhibitory factor cell targets within the rat testis. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:602-11. [PMID: 15537862 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.034892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a pleiotropic cytokine, is expressed in the rat testis and produced predominantly by peritubular myoid cells. The aims of this study were to characterize the testicular cell targets of LIF and to identify the role of LIF in the testis. The LIF receptor (LIF-R)/gp190 transcript was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the rat testis from Day 13.5 postcoitum until adulthood. Seven highly purified testicular cell populations, representative of the major testicular constituents, were studied at transcriptional and protein levels by, respectively, RT-PCR and flow cytometry with biotinylated-LIF. Spermatogonia and, to a lesser extent, the somatic cells, exhibited specific LIF-binding sites. These results were strengthened by in situ analysis, showing predominant LIF-R immunoreactivity in spermatogonia at all ages studied. In addition to the 190-kDa LIF-R, Western blot analysis revealed the presence of a 50- to 60-kDa C-terminal gp190 isoform. This truncated form, which is unable to bind LIF, was the only form expressed in meiotic germ cells, suggesting an original down-regulation process of LIF-R expression during spermatogenesis. Finally, we showed that LIF increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation in spermatogonia in microdissected, cultured seminiferous tubules. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that LIF has a role in the regulation of the spermatogonial cell compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Dorval-Coiffec
- INSERM U.625, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'homme et les mammifères, Université de Rennes I, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
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Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a polyfunctional glycoprotein cytokine whose inducible production can occur in many, perhaps all, tissues. LIF acts on responding cells by binding to a heterodimeric membrane receptor composed of a low-affinity LIF-specific receptor and the gp130 receptor chain also used as the receptor for interleukin-6, oncostatin M, cardiotrophin-1, and ciliary neurotrophic factor. LIF is essential for blastocyst implantation and the normal development of hippocampal and olfactory receptor neurons. LIF is used extensively in experimental biology because of its key ability to induce embryonic stem cells to retain their totipotentiality. LIF has a wide array of actions, including acting as a stimulus for platelet formation, proliferation of some hematopoietic cells, bone formation, adipocyte lipid transport, adrenocorticotropic hormone production, neuronal survival and formation, muscle satellite cell proliferation, and acute phase production by hepatocytes. Unwanted actions of LIF can be minimized by circulating soluble LIF receptors and by intracellular suppression by suppressors of cytokine-signaling family members. However, the outstanding problems remain of how the induction of LIF is mediated in response to demands from such a heterogeneity of target tissues and why it makes design sense to use LIF in the regulation of such a diverse and unrelated series of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Metcalf
- Division of Cancer and Haematology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Hirobe T. Role of leukemia inhibitory factor in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of neonatal mouse epidermal melanocytes in culture. J Cell Physiol 2002; 192:315-26. [PMID: 12124777 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.10137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mouse epidermal melanoblasts/melanocytes preferentially proliferated from disaggregated epidermal cell suspensions derived from newborn mouse skin in a serum-free melanoblast/melanocyte-proliferation medium supplemented with dibutyryl adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) and/or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) supplemented to the medium from initiation of primary culture increased the proliferation of melanoblasts or melanocytes as well as the differentiation of melanocytes. Pure cultured primary melanoblasts or melanocytes were further cultured with the medium supplemented with LIF from 14 days (keratinocyte depletion). LIF stimulated the proliferation of melanoblasts or melanocytes as well as the differentiation of melanocytes in the absence of keratinocytes. Moreover, anti-LIF antibody supplemented to the medium from initiation of primary culture inhibited the proliferation of melanoblasts or melanocytes as well as the differentiation of melanocytes. These results suggest that LIF is one of the keratinocyte-derived factors involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neonatal mouse epidermal melanocytes in culture in cooperation with cAMP elevator and bFGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Hirobe
- Radiation Hazards Research Group, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan.
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Vicari E, Calogero AE. Effects of treatment with carnitines in infertile patients with prostato-vesiculo-epididymitis. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:2338-42. [PMID: 11679516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.11.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently shown that patients with prostato-vesiculo-epididymitis (PVE) have a greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction than patients with prostatitis or prostato-vesiculitis. Since this biochemical stress persists even after treatment with antimicrobials, it may relate to an imbalance between pro- and anti-oxidant factors at the epididymal level. METHODS To evaluate the effects of antioxidant treatment of patients with PVE, whether in the presence or absence of pro-oxidant factors, abacterial PVE infertile patients with normal (<1x10(6)/ml, group A, n = 34) or abnormal (>1x10(6)/ml, group B, n = 20) seminal white blood cell (WBC) concentrations received carnitines (L-carnitine 1 g and acetyl-carnitine 0.5 g twice/day) for 3 months followed by a wash-out period of 3 months. Semen parameters, ROS production and pregnancy outcome were evaluated before, during and following carnitine treatment. RESULTS Carnitines increased sperm forward motility and viability in group A patients. This was associated with a significant reduction in ROS production which persisted during wash-out. Carnitines increased only the percentage of viable spermatozoa in group B patients. Within 3 months after the discontinuation of carnitines, the rate of spontaneous pregnancy in group A patients was significantly higher than that of group B patients, being 11.7% (4/34) compared with 0%. CONCLUSION These results indicate that carnitines are only an effective treatment in patients with abacterial PVE and elevated ROS production when seminal WBC concentration is normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vicari
- Section of Andrology, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
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Mauduit C, Goddard I, Besset V, Tabone E, Rey C, Gasnier F, Dacheux F, Benahmed M. Leukemia inhibitory factor antagonizes gonadotropin induced-testosterone synthesis in cultured porcine leydig cells: sites of action. Endocrinology 2001; 142:2509-20. [PMID: 11356700 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.6.8177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present report, the action of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on testicular steroid hormone formation was studied. For this purpose, the direct effects of LIF were evaluated on basal and human (h)CG-stimulated testosterone synthesis by cultured, purified Leydig cells isolated from porcine testes. LIF reduced (more than 60%) hCG-stimulated testosterone synthesis. This inhibitory effect was exerted in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The maximal and half-maximal effects were obtained with, respectively, 10 ng/ml (0.5 nM ) and 2.5 ng/ml (0.125 nM ) of LIF after a 48-h treatment of the Leydig cells. Such an effect of the cytokine was not a cytotoxic effect, because it was reversible and Leydig cells recovered most of their steroidogenic activity after the removal of LIF. Considering the sites of action of LIF in inhibiting gonadotropin-stimulated testosterone formation, it was shown that LIF significantly (P < 0.002) reduced, in a comparable range (about 60% decrease), testosterone synthesis stimulated with LH/hCG or with pharmacological agents that enhance cAMP levels (cholera toxin, forskolin, and PG E2), and testosterone synthesis stimulated with 8-bromo-cAMP. Such an observation indicates that the antigonadotropic action of the cytokine is exerted in a predominant manner at a step (or steps) located beyond cAMP formation. Furthermore, incubation of Leydig cells with 22R-hydroxycholesterol (5 microg/ml, 2 h), a cholesterol substrate derivative that does not need an assisted process to be delivered to the inner mitochondrial membrane, reversed most of the inhibitory effect of LIF on the steroid hormone formation. Such results indicate that LIF acts by reducing cholesterol substrate availability in the mitochondria. Consequently, LIF action was tested on steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and PBR (peripheral benzodiazepine receptor) shown to be potentially involved in such a cholesterol transfer. LIF reduced, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, LH/hCG-induced steroidogenic acute regulatory protein messenger RNA levels. The maximal inhibitory effect was obtained with 6.6 ng/ml of LIF after 48 h of treatment. In contrast, LIF had no effect on PBR messenger RNA expression or PBR binding. This inhibitory effect of LIF on Leydig cell steroidogenesis is probably exerted via an auto/paracrine action of the cytokine. Indeed, by immunohistochemistry, LIF and LIF receptor proteins were identified in Leydig and Sertoli cells but not in other testicular cell types, except for LIF receptor in spermatogonia. Furthermore, the presence of LIF and its receptor in Leydig cells at the neonatal and adult periods suggests that the inhibitory effect of LIF on androgen formation reported here probably occurs in both the fetal and the adult Leydig cell populations during testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mauduit
- INSERM U. 407, Communications Cellulaires en Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Sud, 69921 Oullins Cedex, France.
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Watanobe H, Yoneda M. A significant participation of leukemia inhibitory factor in regulating the reproductive function in rats: a novel action of the pleiotropic cytokine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 282:643-6. [PMID: 11401509 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.4614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine exhibiting diverse biological activities in various tissues and cell types. Accumulating evidence suggests a crucial role for LIF in regulating the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, but information is limited regarding whether the cytokine also exerts a significant influence on other endocrine systems. In this study, we examined a possible involvement of LIF in the generation of ovarian steroid-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) surges in the rat. Experiments were performed on both normally fed and 3-day-fasted rats, which were ovariectomized and primed with estradiol and progesterone. From 11:00 to 18:00 h, blood was collected every 30 min to measure LH and PRL. All the following substances were given intracerebroventricularly at 11:00 h. Compared to control serum, undiluted and 5-times diluted preparations of anti-rat LIF serum caused a partial but significant suppression of LH surge to a similar extent. The two different concentrations of antibody also delayed the onset of PRL surge to a comparable degree. Fasted rats were devoid of significant surges of the hormones, while 1.0 and 3.0 nmol, but not 0.3 nmol, of recombinant murine LIF given to these animals led to a partial but significant recovery of both LH and PRL surges. This stimulatory potency of LIF on both hormones was already maximal at its 1.0-nmol dose. These results demonstrate for the first time a significant participation of LIF in the generation of LH and PRL surges in the rat. A novel action of the pleiotropic cytokine is reported herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Watanobe
- Division of Internal Medicine, Center for Clinical Research, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan.
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