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Lv S, Huang J, Luo Y, Wen Y, Chen B, Qiu H, Chen H, Yue T, He L, Feng B, Yu Z, Zhao M, Yang Q, He M, Xiao W, Zou X, Gu C, Lu R. Gut microbiota is involved in male reproductive function: a review. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1371667. [PMID: 38765683 PMCID: PMC11099273 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1371667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, ~8%-12% of couples confront infertility issues, male-related issues being accountable for 50%. This review focuses on the influence of gut microbiota and their metabolites on the male reproductive system from five perspectives: sperm quality, testicular structure, sex hormones, sexual behavior, and probiotic supplementation. To improve sperm quality, gut microbiota can secrete metabolites by themselves or regulate host metabolites. Endotoxemia is a key factor in testicular structure damage that causes orchitis and disrupts the blood-testis barrier (BTB). In addition, the gut microbiota can regulate sex hormone levels by participating in the synthesis of sex hormone-related enzymes directly and participating in the enterohepatic circulation of sex hormones, and affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis. They can also activate areas of the brain that control sexual arousal and behavior through metabolites. Probiotic supplementation can improve male reproductive function. Therefore, the gut microbiota may affect male reproductive function and behavior; however, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying microbiota-mediated male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Lv
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Huang
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yadan Luo
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Wen
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Baoting Chen
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huanxin Chen
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Suining First People's Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Tianhao Yue
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lvqin He
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Baochun Feng
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Suining First People's Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Zehui Yu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Mingde Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Manli He
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wudian Xiao
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zou
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Suining First People's Hospital, Suining, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Congwei Gu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruilin Lu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Suining First People's Hospital, Suining, China
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Amarilla MS, Glienke L, Munduruca Pires T, Sobarzo CM, Oxilia HG, Fulco MF, Rodríguez Peña M, Maio MB, Ferrer Viñals D, Lustig L, Jacobo PV, Theas MS. Impaired Spermatogenesis in Infertile Patients with Orchitis and Experimental Autoimmune Orchitis in Rats. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:278. [PMID: 38666890 PMCID: PMC11048156 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a well-established rodent model of organ-specific autoimmunity associated with infertility in which the testis immunohistopathology has been extensively studied. In contrast, analysis of testis biopsies from infertile patients associated with inflammation has been more limited. In this work, testicular biopsies from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia diagnosed with hypospermatogenesis (HypoSp) [mild: n = 9, and severe: n = 11], with obstructive azoospermia and complete Sp (spermatogenesis) (control group, C, n = 9), and from Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n = 9) were analyzed for the presence of immune cells, spermatogonia and Sertoli cell (SCs) alterations, and reproductive hormones levels. These parameters were compared with those obtained in rats with EAO. The presence of increased CD45+ cells in the seminiferous tubules (STs) wall and lumen in severe HypoSp is associated with increased numbers of apoptotic meiotic germ cells and decreased populations of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. The SCs showed an immature profile with the highest expression of AMH in patients with SCOS and severe HypoSp. In SCOS patients, the amount of SCs/ST and Ki67+ SCs/ST increased and correlated with high serum FSH levels and CD45+ cells. In the severe phase of EAO, immune cell infiltration and apoptosis of meiotic germ cells increased and the number of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia was lowest, as previously reported. Here, we found that orchitis leads to reduced sperm number, viability, and motility. SCs were mature (AMH-) but increased in number, with Ki67+ observed in severely damaged STs and associated with the highest levels of FSH and inflammatory cells. Our findings demonstrate that in a scenario where a chronic inflammatory process is underway, FSH levels, immune cell infiltration, and immature phenotypes of SCs are associated with severe changes in spermatogenesis, leading to azoospermia. Furthermore, AMH and Ki67 expression in SCs is a distinctive marker of severe alterations of STs in human orchitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sofía Amarilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
| | - Leilane Glienke
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Thaisy Munduruca Pires
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Cristian Marcelo Sobarzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Hernán Gustavo Oxilia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
- Anatomía Patológica, Hospital General de Agudos Parmenio Piñero, Varela 1301, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1406ELA, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Fulco
- Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín, Av. Córdoba 2351 (C1120AAR), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (M.F.F.); (M.R.P.)
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez Peña
- Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín, Av. Córdoba 2351 (C1120AAR), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (M.F.F.); (M.R.P.)
| | - María Belén Maio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
| | - Denisse Ferrer Viñals
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Patricia Verónica Jacobo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - María Susana Theas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
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Panghal A, Jena G. Gut-Gonad Perturbations in Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus: Role of Dysbiosis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Energy-Dysbalance. Curr Diabetes Rev 2024; 20:e220823220204. [PMID: 37608613 DOI: 10.2174/1573399820666230822151740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder that affects people of all age groups throughout the world. It is responsible for the alterations in male gonadal physiology in experimental models as well as in clinical cases. On the other side, diabetes mellitus has also been associated with perturbations in the gut physiology and microbiota dysbiosis. The accumulating evidence suggests a link between the gut and gonad as evident from the i) experimental data providing insights into type 1 diabetes mellitus induced gut perturbations, ii) link of gut physiology with alterations of testicular health, iii) role of gut microbiota in androgen metabolism in the intestine, and iv) epidemiological evidence linking type 1 diabetes mellitus with inflammatory bowel disease and male infertility. Considering all the pieces of evidence, it is summarized that gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and energy dys-balance are the prime factors involved in the gonadal damage under type 1 diabetes mellitus, in which the gut contributes significantly. Identification of novel biomarkers and intervention of suitable agents targeting these prime factors may be a step forward to restore the gonadal damage in diabetic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archna Panghal
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Gopabandhu Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
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Guazzone VA, Lustig L. Varicocele and testicular cord torsion: immune testicular microenvironment imbalance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1282579. [PMID: 38099296 PMCID: PMC10720440 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1282579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The main functions of the testis, steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, depend on the endocrine axis and systemic and local tolerance mechanisms. Infectious or non-infectious diseases may disturb testicular immune regulation causing infertility. Literature has illustrated that bacterial and viral infections lead to autoimmune infertility: either sperm antibodies or autoimmune epidydimo-orchitis. However, little is known about the association between non-infectious testicular pathologic diseases and autoimmunity. Here we review the novel aspect of varicocele and testicular cord torsion pathology linked to inflammation and discuss how immune factors could contribute to or modulate autoimmunity in ipsi- and contralateral testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa A. Guazzone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Livia Lustig
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Broniowska Ż, Tomczyk I, Grzmil P, Bystrowska B, Skórkowska A, Maciejska A, Kazek G, Budziszewska B. Benzophenone-2 exerts reproductive toxicity in male rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108450. [PMID: 37543253 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Benzophenone derivatives such as benzophenone-2 (BP-2) belong to the group of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Increased exposure to EDCs is considered to be an important factor behind the decline of human fertility. The main aim of the present study was to determine the effect of BP-2 on testicular function specified by sperm analysis, the level of sex hormones and their receptors. Since BP-2 has been shown to activate the immune system, another aim of the research was to verify the hypothesis that the immune system may be contributing to the testis toxicity of this compound and for this purpose changes in macrophage and lymphocyte populations in the testes were determined. BP-2 at a dose of 100 mg/kg was administered dermally, twice daily at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 4-weeks. It was shown that BP-2 reduced the number and motility of sperm and increased the number of sperm showing morphological changes. By determining the concentration of sex hormones, a significant decrease in testosterone levels and an increase in the blood levels of 17β-estradiol were demonstrated. Similar to the results obtained from the blood samples, testosterone levels in the testes were lowered, which could affect sperm parameters. The effect of BP-2 on lowering testosterone levels and the number of sperm cells may be due to immunoactivation in the testes, because it has been detected that this compound significantly decreased the number of the immunosuppressive resident testicular macrophages (TMs) (CD68-CD163+), but increased pro-inflammatory TMs with monocyte-like properties (CD68+CD163-).
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Broniowska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland.
| | - Igor Tomczyk
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Grzmil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Beata Bystrowska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
| | - Alicja Skórkowska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
| | - Alicja Maciejska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kazek
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogusława Budziszewska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
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Reifarth L, Körber H, Packeiser EM, Goericke-Pesch S. Detection of spermatogonial stem cells in testicular tissue of dogs with chronic asymptomatic orchitis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1205064. [PMID: 37396999 PMCID: PMC10311113 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1205064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic asymptomatic idiopathic orchitis (CAO) is an important but neglected cause of acquired infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in male dogs. The similarity of the pathophysiology in infertile dogs and men supports the dog's suitability as a possible animal model for studying human diseases causing disruption of spermatogenesis and evaluating the role of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) as a new therapeutic approach to restore or recover fertility in cases of CAO. To investigate the survival of resilient stem cells, the expression of the protein gene product (PGP9.5), deleted in azoospermia like (DAZL), foxo transcription factor 1 (FOXO1) and tyrosine-kinase receptor (C-Kit) were evaluated in healthy and CAO-affected canine testes. Our data confirmed the presence of all investigated germ cell markers at mRNA and protein levels. In addition, we postulate a specific expression pattern of FOXO1 and C-Kit in undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, respectively, whereas DAZL and PGP9.5 expressions were confirmed in the entire spermatogonial population. Furthermore, this is the first study revealing a significant reduction of PGP9.5, DAZL, and FOXO1 in CAO at protein and/or gene expression level indicating a severe disruption of spermatogenesis. This means that chronic asymptomatic inflammatory changes in CAO testis are accompanied by a significant loss of SSCs. Notwithstanding, our data confirm the survival of putative stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation and lay the groundwork for further research into stem cell-based therapeutic options to reinitialize spermatogenesis in canine CAO-affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Reproductive Unit – Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Rey RA. Steroid receptors in the testis: implications in the physiology of prenatal and postnatal development and translation to clinical application. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:373-389. [PMID: 36218320 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The testes are the main source of sex steroids in the male, especially androgens and to a lesser extent estrogens. In target cells, steroid hormones typically signal after binding to intracellular receptors, which act as transcription factors. Androgens and estrogens have ubiquitous functions in peripheral organs, but also have paracrine actions within the gonads where they are far more concentrated. The levels of steroid production by the testes vary throughout fetal and postnatal development: they are high in intrauterine life and in the first months after birth, then they decline and are almost undetectable in childhood and increase again during puberty to attain adult levels. The expression of the androgen and estrogen receptors also depict specific ontogenies in the various testicular cell types. The combination of intratesticular steroid concentration with the pattern of expression of the steroid hormone receptors defines androgen and estrogen action on Sertoli, germ and Leydig cells. Here, we review the ontogeny of expression of the androgen and estrogen receptors in the testis, its impact on testicular physiology during prenatal and postnatal development, as well as its implication on the pathophysiology of different disorders affecting gonadal function throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Unidad de Medicina Traslacional, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Morawietz J, Körber H, Packeiser EM, Beineke A, Goericke-Pesch S. Insights into Canine Infertility: Apoptosis in Chronic Asymptomatic Orchitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076083. [PMID: 37047053 PMCID: PMC10094104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic asymptomatic orchitis (CAO) is a common cause of acquired non-obstructive azoospermia in dogs. To understand the impact and mode of action of apoptosis, we investigated TUNEL, Bax, Bcl-2, Fas/Fas ligand, and caspase 3/8/9 in testicular biopsies of CAO-affected dogs and compared the results to undisturbed spermatogenesis in healthy males (CG). TUNEL+ cells were significantly increased in CAO, correlating with the disturbance of spermatogenesis. Bcl-2, Bax (p < 0.01 each), caspase 9 (p < 0.05), Fas, caspase 8 (p < 0.01 each), and caspase 3 (p < 0.05) were significantly increased at the mRNA level, whereas FasL expression was downregulated. Cleaved caspase 3 staining was sporadic in CAO but not in CG. Sertoli cells, some peritubular (CAO/CG) and interstitial immune cells (CAO) stained Bcl-2+, with significantly more immunopositive cells in both compartments in CAO compared to CG. Bcl-2 and CD20 co-expressing B lymphocytes were encountered interstitially and in CAO occasionally also found intratubally, underlining their contribution to the maintenance of CAO. Our results support the crucial role of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in the pathophysiology of canine CAO. Autoprotective Bcl-2 expression in Sertoli cells and B lymphocytes seems to be functional, however, thereby also maintaining and promoting the disease by immune cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Morawietz
- Reproductive Unit-Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hanna Körber
- Reproductive Unit-Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Packeiser
- Reproductive Unit-Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Reproductive Unit-Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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9
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Washburn RL, Dufour JM. Complementing Testicular Immune Regulation: The Relationship between Sertoli Cells, Complement, and the Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043371. [PMID: 36834786 PMCID: PMC9965741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells within the testis are instrumental in providing an environment for spermatogenesis and protecting the developing germ cells from detrimental immune responses which could affect fertility. Though these immune responses consist of many immune processes, this review focuses on the understudied complement system. Complement consists of 50+ proteins including regulatory proteins, immune receptors, and a cascade of proteolytic cleavages resulting in target cell destruction. In the testis, Sertoli cells protect the germ cells from autoimmune destruction by creating an immunoregulatory environment. Most studies on Sertoli cells and complement have been conducted in transplantation models, which are effective in studying immune regulation during robust rejection responses. In grafts, Sertoli cells survive activated complement, have decreased deposition of complement fragments, and express many complement inhibitors. Moreover, the grafts have delayed infiltration of immune cells and contain increased infiltration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells as compared to rejecting grafts. Additionally, anti-sperm antibodies and lymphocyte infiltration have been detected in up to 50% and 30% of infertile testes, respectively. This review seeks to provide an updated overview of the complement system, describe its relationship with immune cells, and explain how Sertoli cells may regulate complement in immunoprotection. Identifying the mechanism Sertoli cells use to protect themselves and germ cells against complement and immune destruction is relevant for male reproduction, autoimmunity, and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
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10
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Ferreiro ME, Méndez CS, Glienke L, Sobarzo CM, Ferraris MJ, Pisera DA, Lustig L, Jacobo PV, Theas MS. Unraveling the effect of the inflammatory microenvironment in spermatogenesis progression. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 392:581-604. [PMID: 36627392 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes progressive spermatogenic impairment. EAO is characterized by high intratesticular levels of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) causing germ cell apoptosis and Sertoli cell dysfunction. However, the impact of this inflammatory milieu on the spermatogenic wave is unknown. Therefore, we studied the effect of inflammation on spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocyte cell cycle progression in an EAO context and through the intratesticular DETA-NO and TNFα injection in the normal rat testes. In EAO, premeiotic germ cell proliferation is limited as a consequence of the undifferentiated spermatogonia (CD9+) cell cycle arrest in G2/M and the reduced number of differentiated spermatogonia (c-kit+) and preleptotene spermatocytes that enter in the meiotic S-phase. Although inflammation disrupts spermatogenesis in EAO, it is maintained in some seminiferous tubules at XIV and VII-VIII stages of the epithelial cell cycle, thereby guaranteeing sperm production. We found that DETA-NO (2 mM) injected in normal testes arrests spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocyte cell cycle; this effect reduces the number of proliferative spermatogonia and the number of preleptotene spermatocytes in meiosis S-phase (36 h after). The temporal inhibition of spermatogonia clonal amplification delayed progression of the spermatogenic wave (5 days after) finally altering spermatogenesis. TNFα (0.5 and 1 µg) exposure did not affect premeiotic germ cell cycle or spermatogenic wave. Our results show that in EAO the inflammatory microenvironment altered spermatogenesis kinetics through premeiotic germ cell cycle arrest and that NO is a sufficient factor contributing to this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cinthia Soledad Méndez
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Leilane Glienke
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Cristian Marcelo Sobarzo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - María Jimena Ferraris
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Alberto Pisera
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Livia Lustig
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina
| | - Patricia Verónica Jacobo
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Fisiología Materno-Placentaria (CONICET), Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBEE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Pabellón 2, Piso 4, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - María Susana Theas
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Cátedra II de Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 7, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1421ABG, Argentina.
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11
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Shi X, Zhao H, Kang Y, Dong X, Yu C, Xie Q, Duan Y, Liao A, Huang D. The Role of Mononuclear Phagocytes in the Testes and Epididymis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24. [PMID: 36613494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) is the primary innate immune cell group in male reproductive tissues, maintaining the balance of pro-inflammatory and immune tolerance. This article aims to outline the role of mononuclear macrophages in the immune balance of the testes and epididymis, and to understand the inner immune regulation mechanism. A review of pertinent publications was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases on all articles published prior to January 2021. Search terms were based on the following keywords: 'MPS', 'mononuclear phagocytes', 'testes', 'epididymis', 'macrophage', 'Mφ', 'dendritic cell', 'DC', 'TLR', 'immune', 'inflammation', and 'polarization'. Additionally, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for other publications of relevance. This review concluded that MPS exhibits a precise balance in the male reproductive system. In the testes, MPS cells are mainly suppressed subtypes (M2 and cDC2) under physiological conditions, which maintain the local immune tolerance. Under pathological conditions, MPS cells will transform into M1 and cDC1, producing various cytokines, and will activate T cell specific immunity as defense to foreign pathogens or self-antigens. In the epididymis, MPS cells vary in the different segments, which express immune tolerance in the caput and pro-inflammatory condition in the cauda. Collectively, MPS is the control point for maintaining the immune tolerance of the testes and epididymis as well as for eliminating pathogens.
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12
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Zhang Y, Ding H, Xu L, Zhao S, Hu S, Ma A, Ma Y. Lutein Can Alleviate Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis Induced by Excessive Alcohol to Ameliorate Reproductive Damage in Male Rats. Nutrients 2022; 14:2385. [PMID: 35745115 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic excessive alcohol intake may lead to male reproductive damage. Lutein is a carotenoid compound with antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of lutein supplementation on male reproductive damage caused by excessive alcohol intake. In this study, an animal model of excessive drinking (12 mL/(kg.bw.d)) for 12 weeks was established and supplemented with different doses of lutein (12, 24, 48 mg/(kg.bw.d)). The results showed that the body weight, sperm quality, sex hormones (FSH, testosterone), and antioxidant markers (GSH-Px) decreased significantly, while MDA and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α) increased significantly in the alcohol model group when compared to the normal control group. After 12 weeks of high-dose lutein supplementation with 48mg/(kg.bw.d), the spermatogenic ability, testosterone level, and the activity of marker enzymes reflecting testicular injury were improved. In addition, high-dose lutein supplementation downregulated the NF-κB and the pro-apoptosis biomarkers (Bax, Cytc and caspase-3), whereas it upregulated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2. These findings were fully supported by analyzing the testicular histopathology and by measuring germ cell apoptosis. In conclusion, lutein protects against reproductive injury induced by excessive alcohol through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
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13
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Goericke-Pesch S, Reifarth L, Behrens Mathiesen C, Schuler G, Umbach AK, Körber H. Chronic Immune-Mediated Orchitis Is the Major Cause of Acquired Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:865967. [PMID: 35433905 PMCID: PMC9010537 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.865967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia, the lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is the most common finding in infertile but otherwise healthy male dogs and represents an increasing reproductive health issue in men, too. The diagnosis can be further classified as non-obstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia due to an obstruction of the deferent ducts. Although non-obstructive azoospermia comprises more than half of azoospermic cases in men and is a common cause of infertility in the male dog, knowledge of the underlying etiology and pathophysiology is still strongly limited, and much uncertainty exists about the true incidence and possible treatment options. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and characterize infertile canine patients in detail by combining results of andrological examinations (clinical parameters, semen analysis, bacterial examination of semen, and Brucella canis serology), endocrine analysis (luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol-17ß, and thyroid function), analysis of the alkaline phosphatase in seminal plasma, and histological assessment of testicular biopsies of 10 azoospermic dogs. Our results not only verify non-obstructive etiology for 9/10 cases of canine azoospermia but also further identified significant histopathological changes of the testicular tissue with severely disrupted spermatogenesis, including fibrotic remodeling, vacuolization, Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, tubular shadows, and an increase of the interstitial and vascular area. In addition, three dogs showed local and six dogs generalized immune-cell infiltration, indicating chronic immune-mediated orchitis. Only in one case (no. 1) that no immune cells were found, and obstructive azoospermia was suspected due to low alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, the detection of anti-thyroideal antibodies in two dogs indicates an autoimmune thyroid disease and a correlation between the occurrence of thyroidal disorders and azoospermia. Our results confirm previous findings and contribute additional evidence suggesting that chronic immune-mediated orchitis is the major cause of infertility in dogs. Further studies should focus on uncovering underlying inflammatory processes behind spermatogenic failure in these cases and identify possible treatment options to (re-)initialize spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Tåstrup, Denmark
- Reproductive Unit – Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sandra Goericke-Pesch
| | - Larena Reifarth
- Reproductive Unit – Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Behrens Mathiesen
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Tåstrup, Denmark
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Hanna Körber
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Tåstrup, Denmark
- Reproductive Unit – Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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14
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Li Y, Mi P, Wu J, Tang Y, Liu X, Cheng J, Huang Y, Qin W, Cheng CY, Sun F. High Throughput scRNA-Seq Provides Insights Into Leydig Cell Senescence Induced by Experimental Autoimmune Orchitis: A Prominent Role of Interstitial Fibrosis and Complement Activation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:771373. [PMID: 35111154 PMCID: PMC8801941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.771373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (Lc), located in the interstitial space of the testis between seminiferous tubules, produce 95% of testosterone in male individuals, which is pivotal for male sexual differentiation, spermatogenesis, and maintenance of the male secondary sex characteristics. Lc are prone to senescence in aging testes, resulting in compromised androgen synthesis capability upon aging. However, little is known about whether Lc undergo senescence in a chronic inflammatory environment. To investigate this question, mouse models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) were used, and Lc were analyzed by high throughput scRNA-Seq. Data were screened and analyzed by correlating signaling pathways with senescence, apoptosis, androgen synthesis, and cytokine/chemokine signaling pathways. EAO did induce Lc senescence, and Lc senescence in turn antagonized androgen synthesis. Based on the correlation screening of pathways inducing Lc senescence, a plethora of pathways were found to play potential roles in triggering Lc senescence during EAO, among which the Arf6 and angiopoietin receptor pathways were highly correlated with senescence signature. Notably, complement and interstitial fibrosis activated by EAO worsened Lc senescence and strongly antagonized androgen synthesis. Furthermore, most proinflammatory cytokines enhanced both senescence and apoptosis in Lc and spermatogonia (Sg) during EAO, and proinflammatory cytokine antagonism of the glutathione metabolism pathway may be key in inducing cellular senescence during EAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Panpan Mi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinmei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, United States
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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15
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Paira DA, Silvera-Ruiz S, Tissera A, Molina RI, Olmedo JJ, Rivero VE, Motrich RD. Interferon γ, IL-17, and IL-1β impair sperm motility and viability and induce sperm apoptosis. Cytokine 2022; 152:155834. [PMID: 35217429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Urogenital inflammation is a known cause of male infertility. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, leukocyte counts and oxidative stress are highly detrimental for sperm quality thus compromising male fertility. Although cytokines affect sperm by recruiting and activating leukocytes consequently inducing tissue inflammation and oxidative stress, scarce to absent data have been reported about the putative direct effects of inflammatory cytokines on spermatozoa. Herein, we analyzed whether IFNγ, IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-8 can alter human sperm motility and viability per se. Fractions of viable and motile spermatozoa from normospermic healthy donors were in vitro incubated with recombinant human IFNγ, IL-17A, IL-1β or IL-8 and sperm ROS production, motility, viability and apoptosis were analyzed. Sperm exposed to different concentrations of IFNγ, IL-17A and IL-1β, or a combination of them, for either 1 or 3 h showed significantly increased levels of mitochondrial ROS production and reduced motility and viability with respect to sperm incubated with vehicle. Moreover, the exposure to IFNγ, IL-17A and IL-1β resulted in significantly higher levels of early and/or late apoptotic and/or necrotic spermatozoa. Interestingly, no significant differences in sperm motility, viability and apoptosis were observed in sperm incubated with the concentrations of IL-8 analyzed, for either 1 or 3 h, with respect to sperm incubated with vehicle. In conclusion, our results indicate that IFNγ, IL-17A and IL-1β per se impair sperm motility and decreases viability by triggering increased mitochondrial ROS production and inducing sperm apoptosis. Our results suggest that screening inflammatory cytokines in semen would be an additional helpful tool for the diagnostic workup of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Andrea Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Silene Silvera-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Tissera
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción (LAR), Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Virginia Elena Rivero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruben Dario Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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16
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Hasan H, Bhushan S, Fijak M, Meinhardt A. Mechanism of Inflammatory Associated Impairment of Sperm Function, Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897029. [PMID: 35574022 PMCID: PMC9096214 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection and inflammation are relevant entities of male reproductive disorders that can lead to sub-/infertility. Associated damage of the testis of affected men and in rodent models include leukocytic infiltration, edema formation, fibrosis, germ cell loss and reduced androgen levels. Negative effects on spermatogenesis are thought to be elicited by oxidative stress sustained mostly by increased levels of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Under normal conditions these cytokines have physiological functions. However, increased levels as seen in inflammation and infection, but also in obesity and cancer are harmful for germ cells and impair steroidogenesis. As a summary, there is mounting evidence that the activation of inflammatory pathways is a rather common feature in various forms of male testicular disorders that extends beyond established infectious/inflammatory cues. This mini review will focus on relevant entities and the mechanisms of how a dysbalance of local testicular factors contributes to disturbances of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Monika Fijak
- *Correspondence: Andreas Meinhardt, ; Monika Fijak,
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17
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Peng W, Kepsch A, Kracht TO, Hasan H, Wijayarathna R, Wahle E, Pleuger C, Bhushan S, Günther S, Kauerhof AC, Planinić A, Fietz D, Schuppe HC, Wygrecka M, Loveland KL, Ježek D, Meinhardt A, Hedger MP, Fijak M. Activin A and CCR2 regulate macrophage function in testicular fibrosis caused by experimental autoimmune orchitis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:602. [PMID: 36434305 PMCID: PMC9700630 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04632-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune-orchitis (EAO), a rodent model of chronic testicular inflammation and fibrosis, replicates pathogenic changes seen in some cases of human spermatogenic disturbances. During EAO, increased levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators such as TNF, CCL2, and activin A are accompanied by infiltration of leukocytes into the testicular parenchyma. Activin A levels correlate with EAO severity, while elevated CCL2 acting through its receptor CCR2 mediates leukocyte trafficking and recruits macrophages. CCR2 + CXCR4 + macrophages producing extracellular matrix proteins contribute widely to fibrogenesis. Furthermore, testicular macrophages (TMs) play a critical role in organ homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of the activin A/CCL2-CCR2/macrophage axis in the development of testicular fibrosis. Following EAO induction, we observed lower levels of organ damage, collagen deposition, and leukocyte infiltration (including fibronectin+, collagen I+ and CXCR4+ TMs) in Ccr2-/- mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, levels of Il-10, Ccl2, and the activin A subunit Inhba mRNAs were lower in Ccr2-/- EAO testes. Notably, fibronectin+ TMs were also present in biopsies from patients with impaired spermatogenesis and fibrotic alterations. Overexpression of the activin A antagonist follistatin reduced tissue damage and collagen I+ TM accumulation in WT EAO testes, while treating macrophages with activin A in vitro increased the expression of Ccr2, Fn1, Cxcr4, and Mmp2 and enhanced migration along a CCL2 gradient; these effects were abolished by follistatin. Taken together, our data indicate that CCR2 and activin A promote fibrosis during testicular inflammation by regulating macrophage function. Inhibition of CCR2 or activin A protects against damage progression, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Artem Kepsch
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Till O Kracht
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hiba Hasan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Eva Wahle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christiane Pleuger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- ECCPS Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - A Christine Kauerhof
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana Planinić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Paediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Małgorzata Wygrecka
- Center for Infection and Genomics of the Lung, German Center for Lung Research, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Davor Ježek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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