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Ghasemi Z, Alizadeh Mogadam Masouleh A, Rashki Ghaleno L, Akbarinejad V, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M, Shahverdi A. Maternal nutrition and fetal imprinting of the male progeny. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 265:107470. [PMID: 38657462 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107470] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The global population as well as the demand for human food is rapidly growing worldwide, which necessitates improvement of efficiency in livestock operations. In this context, environmental factors during fetal and/or neonatal life have been observed to influence normal physical and physiological function of an individual during adulthood, and this phenomenon is called fetal or developmental programming. While numerous studies have reported the impact of maternal factors on development of the female progeny, limited information is available on the potential effects of fetal programming on reproductive function of the male offspring. Therefore, the objective for this review article was to focus on available literature regarding the impact of maternal factors, particularly maternal nutrition, on reproductive system of the male offspring. To this end, we highlighted developmental programming of the male offspring in domestic species (i.e., pig, cow and sheep) as well as laboratory species (i.e., mice and rat) during pregnancy and lactation. In this sense, we pointed out the effects of maternal nutrition on various functions of the male offspring including hypothalamic-pituitary axis, hormonal levels, testicular tissue and semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahrasadat Ghasemi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Animal Core Facility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - AliReza Alizadeh Mogadam Masouleh
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Gyn-medicum, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Leila Rashki Ghaleno
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Yingping W, Lizhi L, Haiying L, Li C, Tiantian G, Xiaoyu Z, Yingying Y, Jiahui L. The effect of LINC9137 targeting miR-140-3p-NKAIN3 signal axis on the development of goose testis sertoli cells. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103724. [PMID: 38701630 PMCID: PMC11087709 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103724] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SC) are a type of important cells in the testes, which can provide transport proteins, regulatory proteins, growth factors, and other cytokines for the spermatogenic process. They participate in the regulation of the maturation and differentiation of spermatogenic cells and play an important supporting role in the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of germ cells at all levels in the testes. Previous studies found differential expression of LINC9137, miR-140-3p, and Sodium/Potassium Transporting ATPase Interacting 3 (NKAIN3) genesin high and low sperm motility goose testicular tissues. This study investigated the effects of the LINC9137-miR-140-3p-NKAIN3 signal axis on the proliferation and apoptosis of goose testicular sertoli cells at the cellular level, respectively. The results showed that through acridine orange staining, oil red O staining, Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) staining, and RT qPCR assay, it was comprehensively identified that the cultured testicular sertoli cells were purified in vitro. Through the dual luciferase activity detection test, it was found that LINC9137 has a targeted binding site with miR-140-3p and NKAIN3. In addition, this study found that overexpression of miR-140-3p significantly inhibited the expression of LINC9137 and NKAIN3 in sertoli cells, and their expression was significantly increased when miR-140-3p was interfered with. By measuring cell proliferation activity and apoptosis related gene expression, it was found that overexpression of LINC9137 decreased cell proliferation activity (P > 0.05), while the expression level of apoptosis factor Bcl2 Associated X Protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2) increased (P > 0.05). On the contrary, when interfering with LINC9137, the cell proliferation activity of sertoli cells was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of apoptosis factor Bax/Bcl2 was significantly reduced (P < 0.05); The effect of miR-140-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of sertoli cells is opposite to that of LINC9137. Meanwhile, this study co transfected overexpressed LINC9137 and miR-140-3p plasmids into sertoli cells, and found that the effect of LINC9137 overexpression on supporting cell proliferation was weakened by miR-140-3p. This study elucidates the role and function of the LINC9137 miR-140-3p-NKAIN3 signaling axis in the development of goose testes and spermatogenesis, establishes a regulatory network related to spermatogenesis, and provides a theoretical basis for studying the genetic regulation of goose spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yingping
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830000, China
| | - Lu Lizhi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Li Haiying
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830000, China.
| | - Chen Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Gu Tiantian
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Zhao Xiaoyu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830000, China
| | - Yao Yingying
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830000, China
| | - Li Jiahui
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830000, China
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Nishimura T, Takebe T. Synthetic human gonadal tissues for toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108598. [PMID: 38657700 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The process of mammalian reproduction involves the development of fertile germ cells in the testis and ovary, supported by the surrounders. Fertilization leads to embryo development and ultimately the birth of offspring inheriting parental genome information. Any disruption in this process can result in disorders such as infertility and cancer. Chemical toxicity affecting the reproductive system and embryogenesis can impact birth rates, overall health, and fertility, highlighting the need for animal toxicity studies during drug development. However, the translation of animal data to human health remains challenging due to interspecies differences. In vitro culture systems offer a promising solution to bridge this gap, allowing the study of mammalian cells in an environment that mimics the physiology of the human body. Current advances on in vitro culture systems, such as organoids, enable the development of biomaterials that recapitulate the physiological state of reproductive organs. Application of these technologies to human gonadal cells would provide effective tools for drug screening and toxicity testing, and these models would be a powerful tool to study reproductive biology and pathology. This review focuses on the 2D/3D culture systems of human primary testicular and ovarian cells, highlighting the novel approaches for in vitro study of human reproductive toxicology, specifically in the context of testis and ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Nishimura
- WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Takanori Takebe
- WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Communication Design Center, Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
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4
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Zhang Q, Yang Y, Liu J, Wu Y, Liu Y, Zhang J. Testicular dysfunction and "its recovery effect" after cadmium exposure. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 188:114656. [PMID: 38615797 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, with the acceleration of industrialization, the decline of male fertility caused by heavy metal pollution has attracted much attention. However, whether the inhibition of testicular function after cadmium exposure is reversible remains to be studied. In this study, we constructed rat models of cadmium exposure and dis-exposure, and collected relative samples to observe the changes of related indicators. The results showed that cadmium exposure could reduce the fertility, inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis and activate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, the testicular GR/PI3K-AKT/AMPK signal was abnormal, cell proliferation was inhibited and apoptosis was enhanced. Four weeks after the exposure was stopped, the fertility was still decreased, testicular testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis were inhibited, cell proliferation was inhibited and apoptosis was enhanced, but all of them were reversed. After eight weeks of cadmium exposure, the above indicators were observed to return to normal. At the same time, by giving different concentrations of corticosterone to spermatogonium, we confirmed that corticosterone may regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of spermatogonium through GR/PI3K-AKT/AMPK signal. In this study, the reproductive toxicity of cadmium, a metal environmental pollutant, was analyzed in depth to provide a new theoretical and experimental basis for ensuring male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - YanLing Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - YuJiao Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - Yi Liu
- WuHan University, WuHan, Hubei, 430070, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China.
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5
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Bangalore Krishna K, Witchel SF. Normal Puberty. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2024; 53:183-194. [PMID: 38677861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2024.01.001] [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] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Puberty is characterized by gonadarche and adrenarche. Gonadarche represents the reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion following the quiescence during childhood. Pubarche is the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, apocrine odor reflecting the onset of pubertal adrenal maturation known as adrenarche. A detailed understanding of these pubertal processes will help clarify relationships between the timing of the onset of puberty and cardiovascular, metabolic, and reproductive outcomes in adulthood. The onset of gonadarche is influenced by neuroendocrine signals, genetic variants, metabolic factors, and environmental elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanthi Bangalore Krishna
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Selma F Witchel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Figueiredo AFA, Wnuk NT, Brener MRG, Farias TO, Campolina-Silva GH, Andrade ACSP, Queiroz-Junior CM, Menezes GB, Teixeira MM, Costa VV, Costa GMJ. Acute murine-betacoronavirus infection impairs testicular steroidogenesis and the quality of sperm production. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104214. [PMID: 38508038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104214] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Although several testicular alterations promoted by coronavirus infection have been demonstrated, the extent, causes, and players of testicular pathogenesis are not totally understood. The present study aimed to investigate the short-term effects on male fertility of intranasally administered murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3), a member of the genus Betacoronavirus, which causes a severe systemic acute infection. This mouse model might be used as a in vivo prototype for investigating the impact of betacoronavirus on the endocrine and exocrine testicular functions with the advantage to be performed in a biosafety level 2 condition. Herein, we performed virological, histopathological, and molecular studies regarding the testicular spermatogenesis and the spermatic quality analyses in an MHV-3-infected C57BL/6 mice. The main outcomes showed that MHV-3 infects mouse testis and induces a testicular inflammatory state, impairing the steroidogenic pathway. The infection led to several alterations in the testicular parenchyma, such as: seminiferous epithelium sloughing, retention of residual bodies, germ cell apoptosis, alterations in intercellular junction proteins, and worse spermatogenic parameters. Moreover, the levels of plasmatic testosterone as well as the quality of sperm production reduced. Therefore, the present data suggest that the viral/inflammatory impairment of the steroidogenic pathway and the consequent imbalance of androgen levels is critical in testicular pathology, disturbing the SC barrier function and the germ cell differentiation. Our study is important for comprehending the effects of beta coronavirus infections on testis function in order to develop treatments that could prevent virus-mediated male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F A Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - N T Wnuk
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M R G Brener
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - T O Farias
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - A C S P Andrade
- CHU from Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - C M Queiroz-Junior
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Research Group in Arboviral Diseases, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - G B Menezes
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M M Teixeira
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Immunopharmacology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - V V Costa
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Research Group in Arboviral Diseases, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - G M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Zhang S, Yang B, Shen X, Chen H, Wang F, Tan Z, Ou W, Yang C, Liu C, Peng H, Luo P, Peng L, Lei Z, Yan S, Wang T, Ke Q, Deng C, Xiang AP, Xia K. AAV-mediated gene therapy restores natural fertility and improves physical function in the Lhcgr-deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure. Cell Prolif 2024:e13680. [PMID: 38817099 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Leydig cell failure (LCF) caused by gene mutations leads to testosterone deficiency, infertility and reduced physical function. Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-mediated gene therapy shows potential in treating LCF in the Lhcgr-deficient (Lhcgr-/-) mouse model. However, the gene-treated mice still cannot naturally sire offspring, indicating the modestly restored testosterone and spermatogenesis in AAV8-treated mice remain insufficient to support natural fertility. Recognizing this, we propose that enhancing gene delivery could yield superior results. Here, we screened a panel of AAV serotypes through in vivo transduction of mouse testes and identified AAVDJ as an impressively potent vector for testicular cells. Intratesticular injection of AAVDJ achieved markedly efficient transduction of Leydig cell progenitors, marking a considerable advance over conventional AAV8 vectors. AAVDJ-Lhcgr gene therapy was well tolerated and resulted in significant recovery of testosterone production, substantial improvement in sexual development, and remarkable restoration of spermatogenesis in Lhcgr-/- mice. Notably, this therapy restored fertility in Lhcgr-/- mice through natural mating, enabling the birth of second-generation. Additionally, this treatment led to remarkable improvements in adipose, muscle, and bone function in Lhcgr-/- mice. Collectively, our findings underscore AAVDJ-mediated gene therapy as a promising strategy for LCF and suggest its broader potential in addressing various reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyuan Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhipeng Tan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wangsheng Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhong Shan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cuifeng Yang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Congyuan Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Limei Peng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sunxing Yan
- Guangzhou Cellgenes Biotechnology Co.,Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiong Ke
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zhang P, Zhang F, Sui H, Yang X, Ji Y, Zheng S, Li W, Cheng K, Wang C, Jiao J, Zhang X, Cao Z, Zhang Y. Characterization of sexual maturity-associated N6-methyladenosine in boar testes. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:447. [PMID: 38714941 PMCID: PMC11075296 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10343-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health and size of the testes are crucial for boar fertility. Testicular development is tightly regulated by epigenetics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a prevalent internal modification on mRNA and plays an important role in development. The mRNA m6A methylation in boar testicular development still needs to be investigated. RESULTS Using the MeRIP-seq technique, we identify and profile m6A modification in boar testes between piglets and adults. The results showed 7783 distinct m6A peaks in piglets and 6590 distinct m6A peaks in adults, with 2,471 peaks shared between the two groups. Enrichment of GO and KEGG analysis reveal dynamic m6A methylation in various biological processes and signalling pathways. Meanwhile, we conjointly analyzed differentially methylated and expressed genes in boar testes before and after sexual maturity, and reproductive related genes (TLE4, TSSK3, TSSK6, C11ORF94, PATZ1, PHLPP1 and PAQR7) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that differential genes are associated with important biological functions, including regulation of growth and development, regulation of metabolic processes and protein catabolic processes. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that m6A methylation, differential expression and the related signalling pathways are crucial for boar testicular development. These results suggest a role for m6A modification in boar testicular development and provided a resource for future studies on m6A function in boar testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Heming Sui
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
- National Animal Husbandry Service, Beijing, 100125, China
| | - Xingyu Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yiming Ji
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Shenghao Zheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wei Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Kun Cheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Chonglong Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- Anhui Haoyu Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Luan, 237451, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
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9
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Chen A, Ji C, Li C, Brand-Saberi B, Zhang S. Multiple transcriptome analyses reveal mouse testis developmental dynamics. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:395. [PMID: 38649810 PMCID: PMC11036721 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The testes are the organs of gamete production and testosterone synthesis. Up to date, no model system is available for mammalian testicular development, and only few studies have characterized the mouse testis transcriptome from no more than three postnatal ages. To describe the transcriptome landscape of the developing mouse testis and identify the potential molecular mechanisms underlying testis maturation, we examined multiple RNA-seq data of mouse testes from 3-week-old (puberty) to 11-week-old (adult). Sperm cells appeared as expected in 5-week-old mouse testis, suggesting the proper sample collection. The principal components analysis revealed the genes from 3w to 4w clustered away from other timepoints, indicating they may be the important nodes for testicular development. The pairwise comparisons at two adjacent timepoints identified 7,612 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), resulting in 58 unique mRNA expression patterns. Enrichment analysis identified functions in tissue morphogenesis (3-4w), regulation of peptidase activity (4-5w), spermatogenesis (7-8w), and antigen processing (10-11w), suggesting distinct functions in different developmental periods. 50 hub genes and 10 gene cluster modules were identified in the testis maturation process by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and the miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA, miRNA-circRNA-mRNA and miRNA-circRNA-lncRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. The results suggest that testis maturation is a complex developmental process modulated by various molecules, and that some potential RNA-RNA interactions may be involved in specific developmental stages. In summary, this study provides an update on the molecular basis of testis development, which may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse testis development and provide guidance for mouse reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Chen
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoneng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengtao Li
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Ministry of Justice, Academy of Forensic Science, 200063, Shanghai, China
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Suhua Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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Houzelstein D, Eozenou C, Lagos CF, Elzaiat M, Bignon-Topalovic J, Gonzalez I, Laville V, Schlick L, Wankanit S, Madon P, Kirtane J, Athalye A, Buonocore F, Bigou S, Conway GS, Bohl D, Achermann JC, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. A conserved NR5A1-responsive enhancer regulates SRY in testis-determination. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2796. [PMID: 38555298 PMCID: PMC10981742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47162-2] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The Y-linked SRY gene initiates mammalian testis-determination. However, how the expression of SRY is regulated remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a conserved steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)/NR5A1 binding enhancer is required for appropriate SRY expression to initiate testis-determination in humans. Comparative sequence analysis of SRY 5' regions in mammals identified an evolutionary conserved SF-1/NR5A1-binding motif within a 250 bp region of open chromatin located 5 kilobases upstream of the SRY transcription start site. Genomic analysis of 46,XY individuals with disrupted testis-determination, including a large multigenerational family, identified unique single-base substitutions of highly conserved residues within the SF-1/NR5A1-binding element. In silico modelling and in vitro assays demonstrate the enhancer properties of the NR5A1 motif. Deletion of this hemizygous element by genome-editing, in a novel in vitro cellular model recapitulating human Sertoli cell formation, resulted in a significant reduction in expression of SRY. Therefore, human NR5A1 acts as a regulatory switch between testis and ovary development by upregulating SRY expression, a role that may predate the eutherian radiation. We show that disruption of an enhancer can phenocopy variants in the coding regions of SRY that cause human testis dysgenesis. Since disease causing variants in enhancers are currently rare, the regulation of gene expression in testis-determination offers a paradigm to define enhancer activity in a key developmental process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Houzelstein
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France.
| | - Caroline Eozenou
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Carlos F Lagos
- Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery Lab, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Campus Los Leones, Lota 2465 Providencia, 7510157, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Av. del Valle Norte 725, Huechuraba, 8580702, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maëva Elzaiat
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Joelle Bignon-Topalovic
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Inma Gonzalez
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Epigenomics, Proliferation, and the Identity of Cells Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Laville
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Stem Cells and Development Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Laurène Schlick
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Somboon Wankanit
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prochi Madon
- Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Jyotsna Kirtane
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Arundhati Athalye
- Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Federica Buonocore
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stéphanie Bigou
- ICV-iPS core facility, Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Gerard S Conway
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Delphine Bohl
- ICV-iPS core facility, Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - John C Achermann
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France.
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Rodprasert W, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Cryptorchidism and puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1347435. [PMID: 38532895 PMCID: PMC10963523 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1347435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the condition in which one or both testes have not descended adequately into the scrotum. The congenital form of cryptorchidism is one of the most prevalent urogenital anomalies in male newborns. In the acquired form of cryptorchidism, the testis that was previously descended normally is no longer located in the scrotum. Cryptorchidism is associated with an increased risk of infertility and testicular germ cell tumors. However, data on pubertal progression are less well-established because of the limited number of studies. Here, we aim to review the currently available data on pubertal development in boys with a history of non-syndromic cryptorchidism-both congenital and acquired cryptorchidism. The review is focused on the timing of puberty, physical changes, testicular growth, and endocrine development during puberty. The available evidence demonstrated that the timing of the onset of puberty in boys with a history of congenital cryptorchidism does not differ from that of non-cryptorchid boys. Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormone measurements showed an impaired function or fewer Sertoli cells and/or germ cells among boys with a history of cryptorchidism, particularly with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism treated with orchiopexy. Leydig cell function is generally not affected in boys with a history of cryptorchidism. Data on pubertal development among boys with acquired cryptorchidism are lacking; therefore, more research is needed to investigate pubertal progression among such boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E. Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Pei S, Wang Z, Liu Y, Xu Y, Bai J, Li W, Li F, Yue X. Transcriptomic analysis of the HPG axis-related tissues reveals potential candidate genes and regulatory pathways associated with testicular size in Hu sheep. Theriogenology 2024; 216:168-176. [PMID: 38185016 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Testicular size is an excellent proxy for selecting high-fertility rams. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis plays an important role in regulating reproductive capacity in vertebrates, while key genes and regulatory pathways within the HPG axis associated with testicular size remain largely unknown in sheep. This study comprehensively compared the transcriptomic profiles in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis of rams after sexual maturity between the large-testis group (LTG, testicular weight = 454.29 ± 54.24 g) and the small-testis group (STG, testicular weight = 77.29 ± 10.76 g). In total, 914, 795 and 10518 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis between LTG and STG, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the biological processes of reproduction, biological regulation, and development process. Notably, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and cAMP signaling pathways, commonly enriched by the DEGs in the hypothalamus and pituitary between two groups, were considered as two key signal pathways regulating testicular development through the HPGs axis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified two modules that were significantly associated with testicular size, and 97 key genes were selected with high module membership (MM) and gene significance (GS) in these two modules. Finally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and ten genes with the highest degree were represented as hub genes, including FOS, NPY, SST, F2, AGT, NTS, OXT, EDN1, VIP and TAC1. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the HPG axis regulating testicular size of Hu sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Yangkai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Yanli Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Quality Standards, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830057, China
| | - Jingjing Bai
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Extension Station of Wuwei City, Wuwei, 733000, China
| | - Wanhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Fadi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Xiangpeng Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China.
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13
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Jiang K, Jorgensen JS. Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23739. [PMID: 38480999 PMCID: PMC11135463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23739] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehog signal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Li S, Zhao B, Yang H, Dai K, Cai Y, Xu H, Chen P, Wang F, Zhang Y. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis revealing the regulatory dynamics and networks of the pituitary-testis axis in sheep across developmental stages. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1367730. [PMID: 38440388 PMCID: PMC10909840 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1367730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process intricately regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis. However, research on the regulatory factors governing the HPT axis remains limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomes from the pituitary and testis tissues across various developmental stages, encompassing embryonic day (E120), neonatal period (P0), pre-puberty (P90), and post-puberty day (P270). Utilizing edgeR and WGCNA, we identified stage-specific genes in both the pituitary and testis throughout the four developmental stages. Notably, 380, 242, 34, and 479 stage-specific genes were identified in the pituitary, while 886, 297, 201, and 3,678 genes were identified in the testis. Subsequent analyses unveiled associations between these stage-specific genes and crucial pathways such as the cAMP signaling pathway, GnRH secretion, and male gamete generation. Furthermore, leveraging single-cell data from the pituitary and testis, we identified some signaling pathways involving BMP, HGF, IGF, and TGF-β, highlighting mutual regulation between the pituitary and testis at different developmental stages. This study sheds light on the pivotal role of the pituitary-testis axis in the reproductive process of sheep across four distinct developmental stages. Additionally, it delves into the intricate regulatory networks governing reproduction, offering novel insights into the dynamics of the pituitary-testis axis within the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Li N, Sun DM, Chang YZ, Li XN, Li JL, Wang TQ. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exacerbates abnormalities of testicular development in F1 males via inhibition the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123170. [PMID: 38135137 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The theory of "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)" espouses that environmental exposures to toxicants during critical developmental stages can affect health outcomes in adulthood. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer that can be transferred to developing organisms via the placenta and breast milk as an environmental endocrine disruptor. We herein implemented a cross-fostering model to decipher the contributions of prenatal vs. postnatal exposure to low or high dose DEHP (30 or 500 mg/kg-bw•d) on reproductive outcomes in male offspring and the underlying mechanism of action. Unexpectedly, we observed that postnatal DEHP exposure programmed weight gain in a dose-dependent manner, in-utero exposure to high dose DEHP appeared to constitute a significant factor in the weight loss of male offspring. Moreover, in the low dose group, offspring of control that were suckled by DEHP dams (CC-DE) generated a considerable number of adverse reproductive outcomes compared with the offspring of DEHP that were suckled by control dams (DE-CC), based on histopathologic alterations in the testis, blockage of sex hormone secretion, and transcriptional inhibition of steroid-hormone-related factors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. However, DE-CC group affected reproductive dysfunction in male offspring more so than CC-DE in the high dose group. Mechanistically, DEHP contributed to the inhibition of steroidogenesis by perturbing the Wnt/β-catenin-signaling pathway. These studies confirm the sensitivity window in which future reproductive outcomes in offspring are influenced following developmental exposure to DEHP at two different dosages, and reveals a critical role for the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in DEHP-induced male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
| | - De-Ming Sun
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Yong-Zhang Chang
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Xue-Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Tian-Qi Wang
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
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Baskin LS, Cao M, Li Y, Baker L, Cooper CS, Cunha GR. Ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles: New histologic markers for human ovotesticular syndrome. J Pediatr Urol 2024:S1477-5131(23)00572-7. [PMID: 38218629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of an ovotestis is a rare difference of sex development. The diagnosis can be difficult with the gold standard being the presence of both testicular cords and ovarian follicles within the same gonad. OBJECTIVE Herein we describe two new markers of ovotesticular syndrome: ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles. STUDY DESIGN Twenty human gonads with a previous diagnosis of ovotestis were re-stained with markers for testicular cords (SOX9, TSPY, SALL4, DDX4, cP450, AR, α-actin) and ovarian tissue (FOXL2, SALL4, DDX4). Ovotesticular cords were defined as structures expressing both testicular Sertoli cell marker (SOX9) and an ovarian follicular cell marker (FOXL2), and in Y chromosome positive specimens, TSPY-positive testicular germ cells. Ovotesticular follicles were defined as a hybrid ovarian follicle containing FOXL2-positive granulosa cells and a central oocyte, but also containing cells expressing the testicular Sertoli cell marker, SOX9, intermingled within FOXL2-positive granulosa cells and male and female germ cells. RESULTS Six of twenty ovotestis did not meet our criterion for the diagnosis of ovotestis lacking the histologic evidence of both testicular and ovarian tissue. The remaining 13 patients in which 14 separate specimens were evaluated, contained ovotestis defined by the presence of testicular cords and ovarian follicles. Eleven of the 14 ovotestis specimens (79 %) contained ovotesticular cords. Four of 11 ovotestis specimens (36 %) contained ovotesticular follicles. DISCUSSION We recommend using eight immunohistochemical markers to diagnose an ovotestis: 1) SOX9, TSPY, SALL4, DDX4, cytochrome P450, AR, smooth muscle α-actin for the testicular component and FOXL2 and SALL4, DDX4 for the ovarian component. SOX9 and TSPY (useful only in the presence of a Y karyotype) are specific testicular markers and FOXL2 the only specific ovarian marker. We found ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles in both human bipolar and mixed ovotestis specimens both with and without the presence of the Y chromosome. The clinical significance of ovotesticular cords and follicles remains unknown. We did not observe any obvious abnormalities in cellular architecture with the juxtaposition of testicular cells and ovarian cells. CONCLUSION We have identified two new structures in humans with ovotestis, ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles (Figure), which appears to be additional markers to facilitate the diagnosis of ovotesticular gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mei Cao
- UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Li
- UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda Baker
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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Ferreira LGA, Kizys MML, Gama GAC, Pachernegg S, Robevska G, Sinclair AH, Ayers KL, Dias-da-Silva MR. COUP-TFII regulates early bipotential gonad signaling and commitment to ovarian progenitors. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:3. [PMID: 38178246 PMCID: PMC10768475 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of expression of the Y-chromosome linked testis-determining gene SRY in early supporting gonadal cells (ESGC) leads bipotential gonads into ovarian development. However, genetic variants in NR2F2, encoding three isoforms of the transcription factor COUP-TFII, represent a novel cause of SRY-negative 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular differences of sex development (T/OT-DSD). Thus, we hypothesized that COUP-TFII is part of the ovarian developmental network. COUP-TFII is known to be expressed in interstitial/mesenchymal cells giving rise to steroidogenic cells in fetal gonads, however its expression and function in ESGCs have yet to be explored. RESULTS By differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into bipotential gonad-like cells in vitro and by analyzing single cell RNA-sequencing datasets of human fetal gonads, we identified that NR2F2 expression is highly upregulated during bipotential gonad development along with markers of bipotential state. NR2F2 expression was detected in early cell populations that precede the steroidogenic cell emergence and that retain a multipotent state in the undifferentiated gonad. The ESGCs differentiating into fetal Sertoli cells lost NR2F2 expression, whereas pre-granulosa cells remained NR2F2-positive. When examining the NR2F2 transcript variants individually, we demonstrated that the canonical isoform A, disrupted by frameshift variants previously reported in 46,XX T/OT-DSD patients, is nearly 1000-fold more highly expressed than other isoforms in bipotential gonad-like cells. To investigate the genetic network under COUP-TFII regulation in human gonadal cell context, we generated a NR2F2 knockout (KO) in the human granulosa-like cell line COV434 and studied NR2F2-KO COV434 cell transcriptome. NR2F2 ablation downregulated markers of ESGC and pre-granulosa cells. NR2F2-KO COV434 cells lost the enrichment for female-supporting gonadal progenitor and acquired gene signatures more similar to gonadal interstitial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that COUP-TFII has a role in maintaining a multipotent state necessary for commitment to the ovarian development. We propose that COUP-TFII regulates cell fate during gonad development and impairment of its function may disrupt the transcriptional plasticity of ESGCs. During early gonad development, disruption of ESGC plasticity may drive them into commitment to the testicular pathway, as observed in 46,XX OT-DSD patients with NR2F2 haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G A Ferreira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina M L Kizys
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A C Gama
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Svenja Pachernegg
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Magnus R Dias-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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18
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Xu H, Zhang S, Duan Q, Lou M, Ling Y. Comprehensive analyses of 435 goat transcriptomes provides insight into male reproduction. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:127942. [PMID: 37979751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
A systematic analysis of genes related to reproduction is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie male reproductive traits in mammals. Here, we utilized 435 goat transcriptome datasets to unveil the testicular tissue-specific genes (TSGs), allele-specific expression (ASE) genes and their uncharacterized transcriptional features related to male goat reproduction. Results showed a total of 1790 TSGs were identified in goat testis, which was the most among all tissues. GO enrichment analyses suggested that testicular TSGs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis, multicellular organism development, spermatid development, and flagellated sperm motility. Subsequently, a total of 95 highly conserved TSGs (HCTSGs), 508 middle conserved TSGs (MCTSGs) and 42 no conserved TSGs (NCTSGs) were identified in goat testis. GO enrichment analyses suggested that the HCTSGs and MCTSGs has a more important association with male reproduction than NCTSGs. Additionally, we identified 644 ASE genes, including 88 tissue-specific ASE (TS-ASE) genes (e.g., FSIP2, TDRD9). GO enrichment analyses indicated that both ASE genes and TS-ASE genes were associated with goat male reproduction. Overall, this study revealed an extensive gene set involved in the regulation of male goat reproduction and their dynamic transcription patterns. Data reported here provide valuable insights for a further improvement of the economic benefits of goats as well as future treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Sihuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Qin Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Mengyu Lou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China.
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19
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Baskin L, Cao M, Askel S, Li Y, Cunha G. Ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles: New markers in a model of human mixed ovotestis. Differentiation 2024; 135:100739. [PMID: 38000942 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States.
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Sena Askel
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Gerald Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
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20
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Folts L, Martinez AS, McKey J. Tissue clearing and imaging approaches for in toto analysis of the reproductive system. Biol Reprod 2023:ioad182. [PMID: 38159104 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
New microscopy techniques in combination with tissue clearing protocols and emerging analytical approaches have presented researchers with the tools to understand dynamic biological processes in a three-dimensional context. This paves the road for the exploration of new research questions in reproductive biology, for which previous techniques have provided only approximate resolution. These new methodologies now allow for contextualized analysis of far larger volumes than was previously possible. Tissue optical clearing and three-dimensional imaging techniques posit the bridging of molecular mechanisms, macroscopic morphogenic development, and maintenance of reproductive function into one cohesive and comprehensive understanding of the biology of the reproductive system. In this review, we present a survey of the various tissue clearing techniques and imaging systems, as they have been applied to the developing and adult reproductive system. We provide an overview of tools available for analysis of experimental data, giving particular attention to the emergence of AI-assisted methods and their applicability to image analysis. We conclude with an evaluation of how novel image analysis approaches which have been applied to other organ systems could be incorporated into future experimental evaluation of reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Folts
- Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO 80045
| | - Anthony S Martinez
- Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO 80045
| | - Jennifer McKey
- Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO 80045
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Johannsen EB, Skakkebæk A, Kalucka JM, Fedder J, Gravholt CH, Just J. The testicular microvasculature in Klinefelter syndrome is immature with compromised integrity and characterized by excessive inflammatory cross-talk. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2339-2349. [PMID: 37910660 PMCID: PMC10694403 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead224] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does Klinefelter syndrome (KS) lead to a distinct gene expression pattern at single-cell level in the testes that could provide insight into the reported microvascular dysfunction in the testes? SUMMARY ANSWER A distinct gene expression pattern within microvascular-associated cells of males with KS suggests excessive endothelial cell (EC) activation, disorganized vessel formation, and the presence of immature vessels with compromised integrity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent studies show that males with KS exhibit microvascular dysfunction in their testes, which affects blood flow and is associated with lower circulating levels of testosterone. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A comparative cross-sectional study of males with KS (n = 6), non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) (n = 5), cryptozoospermia (n = 3), and controls (n = 15) was carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data of testicular cells from males with KS, males with NOA, males with cryptozoospermia, and controls. The integration of these datasets allowed us to analyze gene expression profiles and communication patterns among the cell types within the testis and to identify capillary ECs to investigate changes at the microvascular level. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Rooted in changes at the single-cell level, our study demonstrates a shift in gene expression forming the foundation for altered cellular communication, microvascular remodeling, and pro-inflammatory responses within the testes of males with KS. We identified genes that were dysregulated in capillary ECs from males with KS (Padj < 0.05). Specifically, the unique microvascular gene expression in males with KS indicated enhanced capillary EC activation and increased inflammatory cross-talk, leading to impaired vessel maturation and increased EC barrier permeability. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study is constrained by an unbalanced design, with varying sample sizes and number of cells within each group. We acknowledge the restricted access to clinical information. In addition, our findings were deduced from changes in gene expression, which limits us to infer potential biological consequences arising from these alterations. Furthermore, the absence of a pre-pubertal age group limits the generalizability of our findings and warrants further investigation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study offers novel insights into the testicular pathophysiology in KS and underscores the potential contribution of microvascular dysfunction to the hypogonadism and infertility observed in males with KS. While this study aims to better understand the microvascular dysfunction in KS, the precise connections to testosterone deficiency and testicular atrophy remain to be fully elucidated. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.S. was supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00130B). C.H.G. was supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF15OC0016474, NNF20OC0060610), 'Fonden til lægevidenskabens fremme', the Familien Hede Nielsen foundation and the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00406A). E.B.J. was supported by Aarhus University and E.B.J. and C.H.G by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (2096-00165A). J.M.K. was supported by Lundbeckfonden (R307-2018-3667), Carlsberg Fonden (CF19-0687), Novo Nordisk Fonden (0073440) and Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma B Johannsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Joanna M Kalucka
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jesper Just
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
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22
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Yue F, Qiao X, Wang C. Letter to the editor on "torsion of cryptorchidism was misdiagnosed as hernia". Asian J Surg 2023; 46:5893-5894. [PMID: 37714787 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.08.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yue
- Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Urology Basic and Clinical Research Team of Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Urology Research and Innovation Platform of Panzhihua City, Panzhihua, 617000, China
| | - Xuhua Qiao
- Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Urology Basic and Clinical Research Team of Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Urology Research and Innovation Platform of Panzhihua City, Panzhihua, 617000, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Urology Basic and Clinical Research Team of Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Urology Research and Innovation Platform of Panzhihua City, Panzhihua, 617000, China.
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23
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen S, Kong Z, Guo Y, Wang H. Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen at different doses, courses and time causes testicular dysplasia in offspring mice and its mechanism. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140496. [PMID: 37865203 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological investigation suggested that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy may cause offspring testicular dysplasia, but no systematic study has been conducted. In this study, Kunming mice were given acetaminophen at different doses (100/200/400 mg/kg.d), courses (single/multiple), time (second/third trimester) during pregnancy. Fetal blood and testes were collected on gestaional day 18 for detection. The results indicated abnormal testicular development in the PAcE (prenatal acetaminophen exposure) groups. The maximum diameter/cross-sectional area decreased, the interstitial space widened, and decreased proliferation/increased apoptosis were observed, especially in the high-dose, multi-course and second-trimester groups. Meanwhile, the serum testosterone level decreased in PAcE groups, and the steroid synthesis function in Leydig cells, Sertoli and spermatogenic cell function were inhibited, it was more significant in high-dose, multi-course and second-trimester groups. Furthermore, Wnt signal pathway was activated but Notch signal pathway was inhibited in the PAcE groups. Finally, in vitro experiment, acetaminophen could inhibit spermatogonial cell proliferation, enhance apoptosis, and change Wnt/Notch signal pathway. In conclusion, this study confirmed that PAcE can change fetal testicular development in a dose, course and time-dependent manner, and found that multicellular function impaired. This study provides theoretical and experimental basis for systematically elucidating the developmental toxicity of acetaminophen in testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ziyu Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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24
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Wang J, Zhang S, Hu L, Wang Y, Liu K, Le J, Tan Y, Li T, Xue H, Wei Y, Zhong O, He J, Zi D, Lei X, Deng R, Luo Y, Tang M, Su M, Cao Y, Liu Q, Tang Z, Lei X. Pyrroloquinoline quinone inhibits PCSK9-NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis of Leydig cells in obese mice. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:723. [PMID: 37935689 PMCID: PMC10630350 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06162-8] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation are the main traits of obesity. Especially, the molecular mechanism of concomitant deficiency in steroidogenesis-associated enzymes related to testosterone (T) synthesis of obesity dominated a decline in male fertility is still poorly understood. Here, we found that in vivo, supplementation of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) efficaciously ameliorated the abnormal lipid metabolism and testicular spermatogenic function from high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Moreover, the transcriptome analysis of the liver and testicular showed that PQQ supplementation not only inhibited the high expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) but also weakened the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis, which both played a negative role in T synthesis of Leydig Cells (LCs). Eventually, the function and the pyroptosis of LCs cultured with palmitic acid in vitro were simultaneously benefited by suppressing the expression of NLRP3 or PCSK9 respectively, as well the parallel effects of PQQ were affirmed. Collectively, our data revealed that PQQ supplementation is a feasible approach to protect T synthesis from PCSK9-NLRP3 crosstalk-induced LCs' pyroptosis in obese men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Wang
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, China
| | - Linlin Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Jianghua Le
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, China
| | - Yongpeng Tan
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Tianlong Li
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Haoxuan Xue
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Ou Zhong
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Junhui He
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Dan Zi
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xin Lei
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Renhe Deng
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yafei Luo
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Masong Tang
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Mingxuan Su
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yichang Cao
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Zhihan Tang
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Xiaocan Lei
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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25
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Virtanen HE, Rodprasert W, Toppari J. Deteriorating Semen Quality: The Role of the Environment. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:226-240. [PMID: 38499038 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Since the end of the last century, several reports have suggested that semen quality is declining, especially in Western countries. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies using similar protocols have suggested regional differences in semen quality of young and fertile men. Reasons for these regional differences and local adverse trends in semen quality are unknown, but environmental factors are suspected to have a role. Besides adulthood environmental exposures, those occurring during testicular development may also affect semen quality. Longitudinal follow-up studies and mixture risk analyses are needed to study the effect of fetal, childhood, and adult life environment on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Chen M, Duan C, Yin X, Li X, Liu X, Zhang L, Yue S, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Prolactin inhibitor changes testosterone production, testicular morphology, and related genes expression in cashmere goats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1249189. [PMID: 37954671 PMCID: PMC10637432 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1249189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolactin has multifaceted roles in lactation, growth, metabolism, osmoregulation, behavior, and the reproduction of animals. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of prolactin in testicular function in cashmere goats. Twenty cashmere goats were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON) or the bromocriptine treatment group (BCR, bromocriptine, prolactin inhibitor). Blood and testis samples collected for analysis after 30 days of treatment. The results indicated that, compared with the CON group, BCR significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the serum concentrations of prolactin, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) on day 30. The serum level of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was not affected (p > 0.05) by the treatment. The mean seminiferous tubule diameter and spermatogenic epithelium thickness were increased (p < 0.05) in the BCR group. Subsequently, we performed RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes and pathways associated with the regulation of spermatogenesis or testosterone secretion function. A total of 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (91 were upregulated, 51 were downregulated). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM), hippo, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, which are related to testicular function. The expression of the genes SULT2B1, CYP3A24, and CYP3A74 in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the BCR group, which was validated by qRT-PCR. These results provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of testicular function by prolactin in cashmere goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijing Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Chunhui Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xuejiao Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xianglong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Lechao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Sicong Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yueqin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Xu R, Shen S, Wang D, Ye J, Song S, Wang Z, Yue Z. The role of HIF-1α-mediated autophagy in ionizing radiation-induced testicular injury. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:439-451. [PMID: 37728670 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10153-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Testis, as a key organ for maintaining male fertility, are extremely sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). IR-induced testicular dysfunction and infertility are common adverse effects of radiation therapy in patients with pelvic cancer. To study the phenotype and mechanism of IR-induced testicular injury, the mice were irradiated with different radiation doses (0, 2 and 5 Gy) below the semi-lethal dose for one month. Our present results showed that testicular weight and the serum testosterone levels significantly decreased with the structural injury of the testis in an IR dose-dependent manner, indicating that IR caused not only the structural damage of the testis, but also the functional damage. Further analysis by TUNEL staining and Western blotting found that IR induced the apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by increased expressions of cleaved caspase3, p53 and Bax on Day 15 after IR treatment. Combined with significantly increased oxidative stress, these results indicated that IR-induced testicular damage may be a long-term, progressively aggravated process, accompanied by apoptosis. Given the role of autophagy in apoptosis, the present study also detected and analyzed the localization and expressions of autophagy-related proteins LC-3I/II, beclin1, p62 and Atg12 in testicular cells, and found that LC-3II, beclin1 and Atg12 expressions significantly increased in the testicular cells of mice irradiated with 2 Gy and 5 Gy, while p62 expression significantly decreased with 5 Gy, implying autophagy was involved in the apoptosis of testicular cells induced by IR. Furthermore, the expressions of HIF-1α and BNIP3 were significantly enhanced in the testis cells of mice irradiated with 2 Gy and 5 Gy, suggesting the potential role of HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy in the apoptosis of testicular cells induced by IR. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy not only plays a protective effect on the testicular cells of mice irradiated with 2 Gy, but also induces the apoptosis of the testicular cells of mice irradiated with 5 Gy, indicating the double effects on apoptosis, which will help us further understanding the molecular mechanisms of IR-induced testicular injury, and will facilitate us further studies on testicular radioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renfeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Carson International Cancer Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Siting Shen
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Carson International Cancer Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Defan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jianqing Ye
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Shiting Song
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Carson International Cancer Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
| | - Zhicao Yue
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Carson International Cancer Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Cai W, Yang Y. An enzyme-free method for isolating testicular macrophages from rodent models. J Immunol Methods 2023; 521:113551. [PMID: 37661048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113551] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are the major type of immune cell in the testis of both humans and rodents. Testicular macrophages (TMs) play critical roles in maintaining the testicular microenvironment, such as Leydig cell-dependent hormone production, spermatogenesis, and immune balance. A substantial number of studies have used rodent models to investigate the functions of TMs with various methods and harvest macrophages from the testis. Studies have demonstrated that enzyme digestion, an essential part of these methods, can improve the number and purity of TMs while unavoidably altering the immunoprofile of macrophages, which is detrimental for further study in terms of immune investigation. Here, we modified the existing method of microglia isolation and set up a novel method without the enzyme digestion step to isolate TMs. According to the characteristics of testicular tissue looseness and the physical and biological characteristics of macrophages, by combining mechanical separation, gradient centrifugation, and immuno-magnetic bead selection, we can effectively avoid the enzymatic digestion of testis tissue and maintain the immune characteristics of macrophages. Additionally, we verified the purity of TM with flow cytometry (FC) at approximately 91-95%, and the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was lower than that isolated with enzyme digestion. In contrast to the traditional method, this novel protocol can assist those who have no convenient access to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate a sufficient number of TMs and, most importantly, avoid altering the immunoprofile of TMs without enzyme digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cai
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yalong Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Chen C, Tang X, Yan S, Yang A, Xiang J, Deng Y, Yin Y, Chen B, Gu J. Comprehensive Analysis of the Transcriptome-Wide m 6A Methylome in Shaziling Pig Testicular Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14475. [PMID: 37833923 PMCID: PMC10572705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914475] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the principal post-transcriptional modifications and plays a dynamic role in testicular development and spermatogenesis. However, the role of m6A in porcine testis is understudied. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the m6A transcriptome-wide profile in Shaziling pig testes at birth, puberty, and maturity. We analyzed the total transcriptome m6A profile and found that the m6A patterns were highly distinct in terms of the modification of the transcriptomes during porcine testis development. We found that key m6A methylated genes (AURKC, OVOL, SOX8, ACVR2A, and SPATA46) were highly enriched during spermatogenesis and identified in spermatogenesis-related KEGG pathways, including Wnt, cAMP, mTOR, AMPK, PI3K-Akt, and spliceosome. Our findings indicated that m6A methylations are involved in the complex yet well-organized post-transcriptional regulation of porcine testicular development and spermatogenesis. We found that the m6A eraser ALKBH5 negatively regulated the proliferation of immature porcine Sertoli cells. Furthermore, we proposed a novel mechanism of m6A modification during testicular development: ALKBH5 regulated the RNA methylation level and gene expression of SOX9 mRNA. In addition to serving as a potential target for improving boar reproduction, our findings contributed to the further understanding of the regulation of m6A modifications in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujie Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiangwei Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Saina Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Anqi Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jiaojiao Xiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jingjing Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (C.C.); (X.T.); (S.Y.); (A.Y.); (J.X.); (Y.D.); (Y.Y.)
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Guo S, Pei J, Wang X, Cao M, Xiong L, Kang Y, Ding Z, La Y, Chu M, Bao P, Guo X. Transcriptome Studies Reveal the N6-Methyladenosine Differences in Testis of Yaks at Juvenile and Sexual Maturity Stages. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2815. [PMID: 37760215 PMCID: PMC10525320 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying the mechanism of spermatogenesis is key to exploring the reproductive characteristics of male yaks. Although N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been reported to regulate spermatogenesis and reproductive function in mammals, the molecular mechanism of m6A in yak testis development and spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. Therefore, we collected testicular tissue from juvenile and adult yaks and found that the m6A level significantly increased after sexual maturity in yaks. In MeRIP-seq, 1702 hypermethylated peaks and 724 hypomethylated peaks were identified. The hypermethylated differentially methylated RNAs (DMRs) (CIB2, AK1, FOXJ2, PKDREJ, SLC9A3, and TOPAZ1) mainly regulated spermatogenesis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DMRs were significantly enriched in the adherens junction, gap junction, and Wnt, PI3K, and mTOR signaling pathways, regulating cell development, spermatogenesis, and testicular endocrine function. The functional analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that they were involved in the biological processes of mitosis, meiosis, and flagellated sperm motility during the sexual maturity of yak testis. We also screened the key regulatory factors of testis development and spermatogenesis by combined analysis, which included BRCA1, CREBBP, STAT3, and SMAD4. This study indexed the m6A characteristics of yak testicles at different developmental stages, providing basic data for further research of m6A modification regulating yak testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
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Pei S, Luo J, Weng X, Xu Y, Bai J, Li F, Li W, Yue X. iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis provides novel insight into the postnatal testicular development of Hu sheep. J Proteomics 2023; 286:104956. [PMID: 37390892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104956] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development is an intricate and coordinated process in which thousands of proteins are involved in the regulation of somatic cells development and spermatogenesis. However, knowledge about the proteomic changes during postnatal testicular development in Hu sheep is still elusive. The study was conducted to characterize the protein profiles at four key stages during postnatal testicular development, including infant (0-month-old, M0), puberty (3-month-old, M3), sexual maturity (6-month-old, M6) and body maturity (12-month-old, M12), and between the large- and small-testis groups at 6 months in Hu sheep. Consequently, 5252 proteins were identified using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, and 465, 1261, 231 and 1080 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were found between M0_vs_M3, M3_vs_M6L, M6L_vs_M12, and M6L_vs_M6S, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the majority of DAPs were involved in cellular process, metabolic process and immune system-related pathways. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using 86 fertility-related DAPs, and five proteins with the highest degree were represented as hub proteins, including CTNNB1, ADAM2, ACR, HSPA2 and GRB2. This study provided new insights into the regulation mechanisms of postnatal testicular development and identified several potential biomarkers for selecting the high-fertility rams. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Testicular development is an intricate developmental process in which thousands of proteins are involved in regulating the somatic cells development and spermatogenesis. However, knowledge about the proteome changes during postnatal testicular development in Hu sheep is still elusive. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dynamic changes in the sheep testis proteome during postnatal testicular development. Additionally, testis size is positively correlated with semen quality and ejaculation volume, also for the merits of easy measurement, high heritability and selection efficiency, is an important indicator to select candidate rams with high fertility. The functional analyses of the acquired candidate proteins may help us gain a better understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xiuxiu Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Yanli Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Quality Standards, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi 830057, China
| | - Jingjing Bai
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Extension Station of Wuwei City, Wuwei 733000, China
| | - Fadi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Wanhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xiangpeng Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
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Abstract
Organismal aging exhibits wide-ranging hallmarks in divergent cell types across tissues, organs, and systems. The advancement of single-cell technologies and generation of rich datasets have afforded the scientific community the opportunity to decode these hallmarks of aging at an unprecedented scope and resolution. In this review, we describe the technological advancements and bioinformatic methodologies enabling data interpretation at the cellular level. Then, we outline the application of such technologies for decoding aging hallmarks and potential intervention targets and summarize common themes and context-specific molecular features in representative organ systems across the body. Finally, we provide a brief summary of available databases relevant for aging research and present an outlook on the opportunities in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; ,
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Chi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China;
| | - Yusheng Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; ,
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhejun Ji
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Si Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; ,
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Su J, Yang Y, Zhao F, Zhang Y, Su H, Wang D, Li K, Song Y, Cao G. Study of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells in the Hu sheep testes at different developmental stages. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23084. [PMID: 37410073 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300373r] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly organized process by which undifferentiated spermatogonia self-renew and differentiate into spermatocytes and spermatids. The entire developmental process from spermatogonia to sperm occurs within the seminiferous tubules. Spermatogenesis is supported by the close interaction of germ cells with Sertoli cells. In this study, testicular tissues were collected from Hu sheep at 8 timepoints after birth: 0, 30, 90, 180, 270, 360, 540, and 720 days. Immunofluorescence staining and histological analysis were used to explore the development of male germ cells and Sertoli cells in the Hu sheep testes at these timepoints. The changes in seminiferous tubule diameter and male germ cells in the Hu sheep testes at these different developmental stages were analyzed. Then, specific molecular markers were used to study the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, the timepoint of spermatocyte appearance, and the maturation and proliferation of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. Finally, the formation of the blood-testes barrier was studied using antibodies against the main components of the blood-testes barrier, β-catenin, and ZO-1. These findings not only increased the understanding of the development of the Hu sheep testes, but also laid a solid theoretical foundation for Hu sheep breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Su
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Huhhot, China
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hong Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Daqing Wang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Huhhot, China
| | - Kuo Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yongli Song
- Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China
| | - Guifang Cao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
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Ly J, Campos RK, Hager-Soto EE, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Testicular pathological alterations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1229622. [PMID: 37457430 PMCID: PMC10338913 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1229622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which caused one of the pandemics with the highest mortalities with millions of deaths and hundreds of millions of cases to date. Due to its potential for airborne transmission, many studies have focused on SARS-CoV-2 primarily as a respiratory disease. However, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to non-respiratory organs has been experimentally demonstrated and clinically observed. During autopsy studies, histopathological lesions, and disruption of the blood-testes barrier (BTB) have been observed in the male reproductive tract. Here, we review findings from both autopsy cases and animal models that demonstrate testicular disease due to COVID-19 and present an overview of the pathological alterations that occur in the testes resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection and explore its potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Ly
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - E. Eldridge Hager-Soto
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Vidyleison N. Camargos
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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35
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Jiang S, Chen L, Shen J, Zhang D, Wu H, Wang R, Zhang S, Jiang N, Li W. Adverse Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Oxidized Black Carbon Particles on the Reproductive System of Male Mice. TOXICS 2023; 11:556. [PMID: 37505521 PMCID: PMC10385084 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Ambient black carbon (BC), a main constituent of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), is a primary particle that is mainly generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass burning. BC has been identified as a potential health risk via exposure. However, the adverse effects of exposure to BC on the male reproductive system remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the effects of maternal exposure to oxidized black carbon (OBC) during pregnancy on testicular development and steroid synthesis in male offspring. Pregnant mice were exposed to OBC (467 μg/kg BW) or nanopure water (as control) by intratracheal instillation from gestation day (GD) 4 to GD 16.5 (every other day). We examined the testicular histology, daily sperm production, serum testosterone, and mRNA expression of hormone synthesis process-related factors of male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 35 and PND 84. Histological examinations exhibited abnormal seminiferous tubules with degenerative changes and low cellular adhesion in testes of OBC-exposed mice at PND 35 and PND 84. Consistent with the decrease in daily sperm production, the serum testosterone level of male offspring of OBC-exposed mice also decreased significantly. Correspondingly, mRNA expression levels of hormone-synthesis-related genes (i.e., StAR, P450scc, P450c17, and 17β-HSD) were markedly down-regulated in male offspring of PND 35 and PND 84, respectively. In brief, these results suggest that prenatal exposure has detrimental effects on mouse spermatogenesis in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanglin Jiang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Jianyun Shen
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Hai Wu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Rong Wang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Shangrong Zhang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenyong Li
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
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Stuckey BGA, Jones TW, Ward BK, Wilson SG. Digenic Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Due to Heterozygous GNRH1 p.R31C and AMHR2 p.G445_L453del Variants. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1204. [PMID: 37372384 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A 28-year-old man with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) was found to be heterozygous for the GNRH1 p.R31C mutation, reported in the literature as pathogenic and dominant. The same mutation was found in his son at birth, but the testing of the infant at 64 days confirmed the hormonal changes associated with minipuberty. This led to further genetic sequencing of the patient and his son, which found a second variant, AMHR2 p.G445_L453del, in the heterozygous form, reported as pathogenic in the patient but not in his son. This suggests a digenic cause of the patient's CHH. Together, these mutations are postulated to contribute to CHH by the lack of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) signalling, leading to the impaired migration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the lack of the AMH effect on GnRH secretion, and altered GnRH decapeptide with reduced binding to GnRH receptors. This led us to the conclusion that the observed GNRH1 mutation in the heterozygous state is not certain to be dominant or, at least, exhibits incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. This report also emphasises the opportunity afforded by the time window of minipuberty in assessing the inherited genetic disorders of hypothalamic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn G A Stuckey
- Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Timothy W Jones
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Bryan K Ward
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Scott G Wilson
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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Anuar NS, Shafie SA, Maznan MAF, Zin NSNM, Azmi NAS, Raoof RA, Myrzakozha D, Samsulrizal N. Lauric acid improves hormonal profiles, antioxidant properties, sperm quality and histomorphometric changes in testis and epididymis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic infertility rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 470:116558. [PMID: 37211320 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Lauric acid, a 12‑carbon atom medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. However, whether lauric acid can ameliorate hyperglycaemia-induced male reproductive damage remains unclear. The study aimed to determine the optimal dose of lauric acid with glucose-lowering activity, antioxidant potential and tissue-protective effects on the testis and epididymis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycaemia was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by an intravenous injection of STZ at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (bwt). Lauric acid (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bwt) was administered orally for eight weeks. Weekly fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were examined. Hormonal profiles (insulin and testosterone), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activities were measured in the serum, testis and epididymis. The reproductive analyses were evaluated based on sperm quality and histomorphometry. Lauric acid administration significantly improved FBG levels, glucose tolerance, hormones-related fertility and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the serum, testis and epididymis compared to untreated diabetic rats. Treatment with lauric acid preserved the testicular and epididymal histomorphometry, along with the significant improvements in sperm characteristics. It is shown for the first time that lauric acid treatment at 50 mg/kg bwt is the optimal dose for ameliorating hyperglycaemia-induced male reproductive complications. We conclude that lauric acid reduced hyperglycaemia by restoring insulin and glucose homeostasis, which attributes to the regeneration of tissue damage and sperm quality in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings support the correlation between oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia-induced male reproductive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nursarah Syamimi Anuar
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; TuAH Industrial Research Lab with Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syahirah Ain Shafie
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; TuAH Industrial Research Lab with Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Aiman Faris Maznan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; TuAH Industrial Research Lab with Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Syaffinaz Noor Mohamad Zin
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; TuAH Industrial Research Lab with Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Ain Sabrina Azmi
- TuAH Industrial Research Lab with Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, 70, Jalan Bulan U5/172, Subang 2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rohaizad Abdul Raoof
- Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, 70, Jalan Bulan U5/172, Subang 2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Diyas Myrzakozha
- Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Nurdiana Samsulrizal
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; TuAH Industrial Research Lab with Bio Fluid Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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38
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Ye Y, Fang C, Li L, Liu D, Wang Y, Huang F, Gong X, Xu Y, Yao Y, Ye S, Feng D, Luo F. Protective Effect of l-Theanine on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:8050-8060. [PMID: 37198140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
l-Theanine is the most abundant free amino acid present in tea. Several tea components have been studied for their impact on male fertility, but little is known about the effects of l-theanine. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agent that reduces fertility in males. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of l-theanine on CP-induced testicular toxicity in male mice. A single dosage of 50 mg/kg saline or CP was administered intraperitoneally over the course of 5 days. Mice were administered l-theanine (80 mg/kg) or saline by gavage for 30 days. Animals were euthanized 24 h after the last l-theanine administration, and the testes were removed for histopathological and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Histological evaluation and transmission electron microscopy showed that administration of l-theanine alleviated CP-induced damage to the testicles, including spermatogonial cells, epithelial cells, seminiferous tubules, and basement membrane. An integrated proteomics and metabolomics investigation of testes revealed that l-theanine therapy substantially affected the quantity of 719 proteins (395 upregulated and 324 downregulated) and 196 metabolites (75 upregulated and 111 downregulated). The top three enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways for these proteins and metabolites were purine metabolism, choline metabolism in cancer, and arachidonic acid metabolism. This is the first study to reveal the protective effect of l-theanine on CP-induced testicular toxicity. l-Theanine could be a potential natural active substance for resistance to the testis toxicity induced by CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Ye
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Chunyan Fang
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, P. R. China
| | - Lanying Li
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Dongna Liu
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Yingchun Wang
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Fan Huang
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Xuejiao Gong
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Yaqiong Xu
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Yu Yao
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
| | - Shanrong Ye
- National Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, Chengdu 610021, P. R. China
| | - Dejian Feng
- National Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, Chengdu 610021, P. R. China
| | - Fan Luo
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, P. R. China
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Zhao YC, Wang CC, Yang JY, Li XY, Yanagita T, Xue CH, Zhang TT, Wang YM. N-3 PUFA Deficiency from Early Life to Adulthood Exacerbated Susceptibility to Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Adult Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:6908-6919. [PMID: 37098125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Homeostasis of reactive oxygen species is required to maintain sperm maturation and capacitation. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is accumulated in testicles and spermatozoa and has the ability to manipulate the redox status. The effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) deficiency from early life to adulthood on the physiological and functional properties of males under the redox imbalance of testicular tissue deserve attention. The consecutive injection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) for 15 days to induce oxidative stress in testicular tissue was used to elucidate the consequences of testicular n-3 PUFA deficiency. The results indicated that reactive oxygen species treatment in adult male mice with DHA deficiency in the testis could reduce spermatogenesis and disrupt sex hormone production, as well as trigger testicular lipid peroxidation and tissue damage. N-3 PUFA deficiency from early life to adulthood resulted in higher susceptibility to testicular dysfunction in the germinal function of supplying germ cells and the endocrine role of secreting hormones through the mechanism of aggravating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and destruction of blood testicular barrier under oxidative stress, which might provide a basis for humans to reduce susceptibility to chronic disease and maintain reproductive health in adulthood through dietary interventions of n-3 PUFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Cai Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Yue Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yue Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Teruyoshi Yanagita
- Laboratory of Nutrition Biochemistry, Department of Applied Biochemistry and Food Science, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan
| | - Chang-Hu Xue
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237 Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ming Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237 Shandong Province, P. R. China
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40
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Bao H, Cao J, Chen M, Chen M, Chen W, Chen X, Chen Y, Chen Y, Chen Y, Chen Z, Chhetri JK, Ding Y, Feng J, Guo J, Guo M, He C, Jia Y, Jiang H, Jing Y, Li D, Li J, Li J, Liang Q, Liang R, Liu F, Liu X, Liu Z, Luo OJ, Lv J, Ma J, Mao K, Nie J, Qiao X, Sun X, Tang X, Wang J, Wang Q, Wang S, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wu R, Xia K, Xiao FH, Xu L, Xu Y, Yan H, Yang L, Yang R, Yang Y, Ying Y, Zhang L, Zhang W, Zhang W, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhou M, Zhou R, Zhu Q, Zhu Z, Cao F, Cao Z, Chan P, Chen C, Chen G, Chen HZ, Chen J, Ci W, Ding BS, Ding Q, Gao F, Han JDJ, Huang K, Ju Z, Kong QP, Li J, Li J, Li X, Liu B, Liu F, Liu L, Liu Q, Liu Q, Liu X, Liu Y, Luo X, Ma S, Ma X, Mao Z, Nie J, Peng Y, Qu J, Ren J, Ren R, Song M, Songyang Z, Sun YE, Sun Y, Tian M, Wang S, Wang S, Wang X, Wang X, Wang YJ, Wang Y, Wong CCL, Xiang AP, Xiao Y, Xie Z, Xu D, Ye J, Yue R, Zhang C, Zhang H, Zhang L, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Zhang YW, Zhang Z, Zhao T, Zhao Y, Zhu D, Zou W, Pei G, Liu GH. Biomarkers of aging. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:893-1066. [PMID: 37076725 PMCID: PMC10115486 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2305-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Aging biomarkers are a combination of biological parameters to (i) assess age-related changes, (ii) track the physiological aging process, and (iii) predict the transition into a pathological status. Although a broad spectrum of aging biomarkers has been developed, their potential uses and limitations remain poorly characterized. An immediate goal of biomarkers is to help us answer the following three fundamental questions in aging research: How old are we? Why do we get old? And how can we age slower? This review aims to address this need. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of biomarkers developed for cellular, organ, and organismal levels of aging, comprising six pillars: physiological characteristics, medical imaging, histological features, cellular alterations, molecular changes, and secretory factors. To fulfill all these requisites, we propose that aging biomarkers should qualify for being specific, systemic, and clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hainan Bao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiani Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Mengting Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Min Chen
- Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic Abnormalities and Vascular Aging, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yanhao Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yutian Chen
- The Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Zhiyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Ageing and Regenerative Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jagadish K Chhetri
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yingjie Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junlin Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jun Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chuting He
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yujuan Jia
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Haiping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ying Jing
- Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Dingfeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jiaming Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qinhao Liang
- College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Organ Transplant Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Feng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zuojun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Oscar Junhong Luo
- Department of Systems Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jianwei Lv
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jingyi Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Kehang Mao
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jiawei Nie
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xinhua Qiao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinpei Sun
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qiaoran Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, Medical Research Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Yaning Wang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Rimo Wu
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Center for Stem Cell Biologyand Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Fu-Hui Xiao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Lingyan Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yingying Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Haoteng Yan
- Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Liang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Ruici Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuanxin Yang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yilin Ying
- Department of Geriatrics, Medical Center on Aging of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- International Laboratory in Hematology and Cancer, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine/Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Gerontology Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430000, China
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Wenwan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Qingchen Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhengmao Zhu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Feng Cao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Zhongwei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Piu Chan
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Chang Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Guobing Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Hou-Zao Chen
- Department of Biochemistryand Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Peking University Research Center on Aging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Weimin Ci
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Bi-Sen Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Qiurong Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jing-Dong J Han
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Kai Huang
- Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Clinical Research Center of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic Abnormalities and Vascular Aging, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Zhenyu Ju
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Ageing and Regenerative Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Qing-Peng Kong
- CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jian Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Baohua Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Feng Liu
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South Unversity, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300000, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Yong Liu
- College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Xianghang Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Shuai Ma
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xinran Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Zhiyong Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jing Nie
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yaojin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Jing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Jie Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Ruibao Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- International Center for Aging and Cancer, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Moshi Song
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhou Songyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Yi Eve Sun
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Yu Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Department of Medicine and VAPSHCS, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Mei Tian
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shusen Wang
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Organ Transplant Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| | - Si Wang
- Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Xia Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics, The second Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Center for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, Medical Research Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, 102218, China.
| | - Catherine C L Wong
- Clinical Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biologyand Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yichuan Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Zhengwei Xie
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing & Qingdao Langu Pharmaceutical R&D Platform, Beijing Gigaceuticals Tech. Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Daichao Xu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Medical Center on Aging of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- International Laboratory in Hematology and Cancer, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine/Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Rui Yue
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Gerontology Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Liang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510005, China.
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Zhuohua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine of Hunan Province and Center for Medical Genetics, Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Department of Neurosciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Tongbiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Dahai Zhu
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510005, China.
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Weiguo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Gang Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-Based Biomedicine, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200070, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Ran L, Gao Z, Chen Q, Ran Y, Duan N, Hu G, Lu X, Xia R, Li Q, Cui F, Liu X, Xue B. Improving effects of telmisartan on spermatogenic disorder induced by fractionated low-dose irradiation in mice. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:1427-1439. [PMID: 37093439 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a hot problem worldwide, but there are few treatments, especially male infertility caused by irradiation is difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate novel drugs for the treatment of male infertility caused by irradiation. METHODS we randomly divided 18 male BALB/c mice into 3 groups: control, irradiated, and telmisartan. Both irradiated and telmisartan group completed whole-body 0.5 Gy five times irradiation, and the telmisartan group received intraperitoneal injection of telmisartan (1.2 mg/kg) daily on the next day after irradiation, and all groups were sampled on day 25 after irradiation. RESULTS Sperm motility results show that total sperm motility of irradiated group was significantly lower compared with control group, and testicular HE results showed that testis in irradiated group were severely damaged. Compared with irradiated group, the total sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular index, Johnsen score, and the seminiferous tubule layer numbers were higher in telmisartan group (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical staining showed γ-H2AX expression is higher in telmisartan group compared with irradiated group. And the relative mRNA expression of PLZF, GFRA1, STRA8, DMRT1, SPO11, SYCP2, OVOL2, CCNA1, TJP3, RUNX2, TXNDC2 TNP1, and PRM3 in telmisartan group was all significantly higher than irradiated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In conclusion, in vivo experiments confirmed that telmisartan ameliorated the spermatogenic disorder in mice caused by fractionated low-dose irradiation via promoting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhixiang Gao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanshuai Ran
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nengliang Duan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangmo Hu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renlan Xia
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengmei Cui
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China.
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42
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Wei Y, Hong Y, Yang L, Wang J, Zhao T, Zheng X, Kang L, Chen J, Han L, Long C, Shen L, Wu S, Wei G. Single-cell transcriptomic dissection of the toxic impact of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on immature testicular development at the neonatal stage. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 176:113780. [PMID: 37059381 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113780] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) early exposure leads to immature testicular injury, and we aimed to utilize single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing to comprehensively assess the toxic effect of DEHP on testicular development. Therefore, we gavaged pregnant C57BL/6 mice with 750 mg/kg body weight DEHP from gestational day 13.5 to delivery and performed scRNA sequencing of neonatal testes at postnatal day 5.5. The results revealed the gene expression dynamics in testicular cells. DEHP disrupted the developmental trajectory of germ cells and the balance between the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. Additionally, DEHP caused an abnormal developmental trajectory, cytoskeletal damage and cell cycle arrest in Sertoli cells; disrupted the metabolism of testosterone in Leydig cells; and disturbed the developmental trajectory in peritubular myoid cells. Elevated oxidative stress and excessive apoptosis mediated by p53 were observed in almost all testicular cells. The intercellular interactions among four cell types were altered, and biological processes related to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), NOTCH, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and WNT signaling pathways were enriched after DEHP treatment. These findings systematically describe the damaging effects of DEHP on the immature testes and provide substantial novel insights into the reproductive toxicity of DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Junke Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, PR China
| | - Xiangqin Zheng
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Lian Kang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Jiadong Chen
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Lindong Han
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
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Li Y, Chen Y, Wu W, Li N, Hua J. MMPs, ADAMs and ADAMTSs are associated with mammalian sperm fate. Theriogenology 2023; 200:147-154. [PMID: 36842259 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Metalloproteinases include matrix metalloproteinases and disintegrin metalloproteinases. They are important members of the ECM degradation and reconstruction process and are associated with tissue development and disease. The ECM is a three-dimensional network of large molecules consisting of a variety of proteins. It is a physical scaffold for organs, and all types of cells can be found within the ECM. The testicle, where sperm are produced, is an organ that is constantly in dynamic flux. Metalloproteinases can regulate testicular tissue development and the maturation of sperm by affecting the ECM. Metalloproteinase disorders can lead to cryptorchidism, azoospermia, poor semen quality and other diseases. As a member of the metalloproteinase family, ADAMTS plays an important role in testicular slippage to the scrotum. ADAM is involved in the fertilization process, and excessive MMP can damage the BTB. In the testis, metalloproteinase stability represents the stability of the extracellular microenvironment in which germ cells are located and is associated with reproductive function. Metalloproteinases have a definite relationship with male reproduction, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This paper summarizes the literature on various metalloproteinases in testicular tissue physiology and pathology to elucidate their role in reproductive function and male reproductive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuguang Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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Qin Z, Zhang G, Jiang S, Ning F, Zhao Z, Huang M, Jin J. Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal ferroptosis is involved in Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablet-induced testicular injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:116055. [PMID: 36539070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablet (TWP), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, has multiple pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory and anti-proliferative activities. However, the reproductive toxicity of TWP greatly limits its clinical application and the mechanism of TWP-induced reproductive toxicity is not fully understood yet. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was designed to explore the mechanism of TWP-induced testis injury in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The mechanism underlying TWP-induced rat testicular injury was firstly investigated by integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics. Meanwhile, histopathological analysis, Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to confirm the damaging effects and mechanisms of TWP on rat testis. RESULTS Histopathological analysis revealed that TWP had significant testicular damage, which severely reduced the testis's tubular diameter and epithelium height. Further, TWP caused the protein level of ZO-1, CLDN11, PLZF, and OCT4 significantly downregulate, suggesting the blood-testis barrier function and spermatogenesis were damaged. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 4952 upregulated and 2626 downregulated, were found in TWP-exposed testis compared to the normal group. Moreover, 77 changed metabolites were identified from testis samples. With integrated analysis of DEGs and changed metabolites, we found that glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis played an essential role in testicular injury. Additionally, the levels of ferroptosis-related protein GPX4, SLC7A11, and NRF2 were significantly downregulated, and the protein level of 4-HNE, a leading product of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, was upregulated. The changes in ferroptosis-related genes indicated that TWP might promote ferroptosis in rat testis. CONCLUSION These results suggested that ferroptosis was involved in the testicular damage caused by TWP, which might provide a new strategy to alleviate TWP- induced testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Gengyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shiqin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fangqing Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhongxiang Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Min Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Xu GL, Ye XL, Vashisth MK, Zhao WZ. Correlation between PRDX2 and spermatogenesis under oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 656:139-145. [PMID: 36963350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is one of the world's diseases that endanger human health, causing systemic inflammation caused by excessive reactive oxygen damage. An increase in the proportion of obese people with reduced sperm motility has been reported. But the mechanism behind it remains unclear. Peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) is a member of the peroxidase family that effectively removes hydrogen peroxide. This study is to clarify the expression of PRDX2 in the testes of obese mice and lay a foundation for further exploration of the regulatory and protective effects of PRDX2 on spermatogenesis. METHOD A model of high-fat-induced obesity in animals was constructed, and the expression of PRDX2 in the testes of the two groups was detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, immunofluorescence and other techniques. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cholesterol were co-cultured in testicular support cells for 48 h to observe the expression of PRDX2. RESULT PRDX2 expression was reduced in the testes of the obese group, and immunohistochemistry showed that it was mainly localized to supporting cells. H2O2 inhibits the expression of PRDX2 in Sertoli cells, and high cholesterol upregulates the expression of PRDX2 in Sertoli cells. CONCLUSION PRDX2 has some antioxidant properties against changes in the testicular environment caused by HFD. And under short-term oxidative stress to enhance its antioxidant capacity. PRDX2 may be involved in maintaining the oxidative balance of the spermatogenesis environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lin Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Lin Ye
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, PR China.
| | - Manoj Kumar Vashisth
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, PR China.
| | - Wen-Zhen Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, PR China.
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Basolo A, Poma AM, Macerola E, Bonuccelli D, Proietti A, Salvetti A, Vignali P, Torregrossa L, Evangelisti L, Sparavelli R, Giannini R, Ugolini C, Basolo F, Santini F, Toniolo A. Autopsy Study of Testicles in COVID-19: Upregulation of Immune-Related Genes and Downregulation of Testis-Specific Genes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:950-961. [PMID: 36260523 PMCID: PMC9620766 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Infection by SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with testicular dysfunction that could affect male fertility. OBJECTIVE Testicles of fatal COVID-19 cases were investigated to detect virus in tissue and to evaluate histopathological and transcriptomic changes. METHODS Three groups were compared: (a) uninfected controls (subjects dying of trauma or sudden cardiac death; n = 10); (b) subjects dying of COVID-19 (virus-negative in testes; n = 15); (c) subjects dying of COVID-19 (virus-positive in testes; n = 9). SARS-CoV-2 genome and nucleocapsid antigen were probed using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Infiltrating leukocytes were typed by IHC. mRNA transcripts of immune-related and testis-specific genes were quantified using the nCounter method. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was detected in testis tissue of 9/24 (37%) COVID-19 cases accompanied by scattered T-cell and macrophage infiltrates. Size of testicles and counts of spermatogenic cells were not significantly different among groups. Analysis of mRNA transcripts showed that in virus-positive testes immune processes were activated (interferon-alpha and -gamma pathways). By contrast, transcription of 12 testis-specific genes was downregulated, independently of virus positivity in tissue. By IHC, expression of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor was enhanced in virus-positive compared to virus-negative testicles, while expression of receptors for androgens and the follicle-stimulating hormone were not significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION In lethal COVID-19 cases, infection of testicular cells is not uncommon. Viral infection associates with activation of interferon pathways and downregulation of testis-specific genes involved in spermatogenesis. Due to the exceedingly high numbers of infected people in the pandemic, the impact of virus on fertility should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Basolo
- Corresponding author: Alessio Basolo, MD, Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy, Telephone number: +39-050-997334,
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diana Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Evangelisti
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Rebecca Sparavelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clara Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Toniolo
- Global Virus Network, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Fu J, Liu X, Yin B, Shu P, Peng X. NECL2 regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics in mouse testes. Cell Tissue Res 2023:10.1007/s00441-023-03759-5. [PMID: 36872374 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03759-5] [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: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The adhesion protein nectin-like molecule 2 (NECL2) is involved in spermatogenesis and participates in the connections between Sertoli cells and germ cells. Necl2 deficiency leads to infertility in male mice. We found that NECL2 is relatively highly expressed on the cell membranes of preleptotene spermatocytes. It is known that preleptotene spermatocytes pass through the blood-testis barrier (BTB) from the base of the seminiferous tubules to the lumen to complete meiosis. We hypothesized that the NECL2 protein on the surfaces of preleptotene spermatocytes has an effect on the BTB when crossing the barrier. Our results showed that Necl2 deficiency caused the levels of proteins in the BTB to be abnormal, such as those of Claudin 3, claudin 11, and Connexin43. NECL2 interacted and colocalized with adhesion proteins forming the BTB, such as Connexin43, Occludin, and N-cadherin. NECL2 regulated BTB dynamics when preleptotene spermatocytes passed through the barrier, and Necl2 deficiency caused BTB damage. Necl2 deletion significantly affected the testicular transcriptome, especially the expression of spermatogenesis-related genes. These results suggest that before meiosis and spermatid development occur, BTB dynamics regulated by NECL2 are necessary for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Education, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5, Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Bin Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5, Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Pengcheng Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5, Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Education, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5, Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China.
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Abdollahi F, Amanpour S, Muhammadnajad A, Barzegar F, Dehghan SF. Testicular histopathology in rats co-exposed to heat and psychological stressors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14146. [PMID: 36915529 PMCID: PMC10006679 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the effect of co-exposure to heat and psychological stressors on testicular tissue as one of the major male reproductive organs in rats. Methods Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. The first group was exposed to heat stress (Temperature Humidity Index: 57.75 ± 3), the second group was exposed to three psychological stressors including strobe light ultrasonic sound, and tilting cage, and the third group was co-exposed to both heat and psychological stress daily. The order of exposure to various psychological stressors was randomized. Following the last day of the 40 -day exposure, the rats were euthanized and their testicular tissues were fixed in Bouin's solution. Moreover, a tissue processor, a microtome as well as hematoxylin, and eosin staining were used for tissue preparation. Results The co-exposure to psychological and heat stress can cause negative testis histopathological changes including spermatid retention, degeneration of round spermatids and spermatocytes, degeneration and depletion of elongated Spermatid, Sertoli cell status, tubular degeneration/atrophy, Leydig cell atrophy, tubular dilatation, re-tubular dilation, and sclerosis status in a number of rats. Moreover, the histopathological changes were higher in the group exposed to heat stress compared with those exposed to psychological stress. Conclusions Although exposure to either stressor alone can affect testicular tissue as part of the reproductive system, co-exposure to both stressors may result in an increased risk of adverse effects on testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Abdollahi
- Department of Health and Safety at Work, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Amanpour
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Muhammadnajad
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Somayeh Farhang Dehghan
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding author.
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Liu W, Gong T, Xu Y. The co-expression of steroidogenic enzymes with T1R3 during testicular development in the Congjiang Xiang pig. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 251:107216. [PMID: 37011421 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is a key crucial hormone synthesized by steroidogenic enzymes that initiate and maintain spermatogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics in adult males. The taste receptor family 1 subunit 3 (T1R3) is reported to be associated with male reproduction. T1R3 can regulate the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes and affect testosterone synthesis. In this study, we addressed the question of whether the expression of steroid synthase was associated with T1R3 and its downstream-tasting molecules during testicular development. The results showed an overall upward trend in testosterone and morphological development in testes from Congjiang Xiang pigs from pre-puberty to sexual maturity. Gene expression levels of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cytochrome P450c17 (CYP17A1) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) were increased from pre-puberty to sexual maturity. Protein expression changes of CYP17A1 and 3β-HSD were consistent with mRNA. The relative abundance of tasting molecules (TAS1R3, phospholipase Cβ2, PLCβ2) was increased from pre-puberty to puberty (P < 0.05), with no further significant changes in expression from puberty to sexual maturity. Steroidogenic enzymes (3β-HSD and CYP17A1) were strongly detected in Leydig cells from pre-puberty to sexual maturity, while tasting molecules were localized in Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells. Correlation analysis showed that the genes mentioned above (except for PLCβ2) were positively correlated with testosterone levels and morphological characteristics of the testes at different developmental stages of Congjiang Xiang pigs. These results suggest that steroidogenic enzymes regulate testosterone synthesis and testicular development, and that taste receptor T1R3, but not PLCβ2, may associate with this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Ting Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China.
| | - Yongjian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
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Li Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Li D, Chen H. Advances in circadian clock regulation of reproduction. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 137:83-133. [PMID: 37709382 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian circadian clock is an endogenously regulated oscillator that is synchronized with solar time and cycle within a 24-h period. The circadian clock exists not only in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, a central pacemaker of the circadian clock system, but also in numerous peripheral tissues known as peripheral circadian oscillators. The SCN and peripheral circadian oscillators mutually orchestrate the diurnal rhythms of various physiological and behavioral processes in a hierarchical manner. In the past two decades, peripheral circadian oscillators have been identified and their function has been determined in the mammalian reproductive system and its related endocrine glands, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, testes, uterus, mammary glands, and prostate gland. Increasing evidence indicates that both the SCN and peripheral circadian oscillators play discrete roles in coordinating reproductive processes and optimizing fertility in mammals. The present study reviews recent evidence on circadian clock regulation of reproductive function in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive system. Additionally, we elucidate the effects of chronodisruption (as a result of, for example, shift work, jet lag, disrupted eating patterns, and sleep disorders) on mammalian reproductive performance from multiple aspects. Finally, we propose potential behavioral changes or pharmaceutical strategies for the prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders from the perspective of chronomedicine. Conclusively, this review will outline recent evidence on circadian clock regulation of reproduction, providing novel perspectives on the role of the circadian clock in maintaining normal reproductive functions and in diseases that negatively affect fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Haisen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Huatao Chen
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China.
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