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Hallberg I, Olsson H, Lau A, Wallander S, Snell A, Bergman D, Holst BS. Endocrine and dog factors associated with semen quality. Sci Rep 2024; 14:718. [PMID: 38184699 PMCID: PMC10771459 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51242-0] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of factors associated with semen quality may help in investigations of the aetiology and pathophysiology. We investigated the correlation between biomarkers for testicular cell function (anti-müllerian hormone, AMH, Inhibin B, testosterone, free androgen-index (testosterone/sex-hormone binding globulin), insulin like peptide 3, INSL-3), alkaline phosphate (ALP), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), and heterophilic antibodies with dog variables, semen quality, and fertility. Blood and semen were collected from 65 Bernese Mountain Dogs. We evaluated total sperm count, motility and morphological parameters. The semen quality ranged from poor to excellent, with an average total sperm count of 1.1 × 109 and 50% morphologically normal spermatozoa (MNS). Age and abnormal testicular consistency correlated with decreased motility and MNS. Higher ALP correlated with higher total sperm count. AMH could not be detected in seminal plasma. AMH in blood correlated with head defects and high AMH concentration correlated with a severe decline in several semen parameters. Testosterone was negatively and CPSE positively correlated with age. No correlations were found for INSL-3, inhibin B, or heterophilic antibodies. Our findings contribute to the understanding of factors associated with semen quality in dogs, particularly related to Sertoli cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hallberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Hannah Olsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angus Lau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stina Wallander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Snell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Bergman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ström Holst
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Liu S, Bian YC, Wang WL, Liu TJ, Zhang T, Chang Y, Xiao R, Zhang CL. Identification of hub genes associated with spermatogenesis by bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18435. [PMID: 37891374 PMCID: PMC10611713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45620-3] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process related to male infertility. Till now, the critical genes and specific mechanisms have not been elucidated clearly. Our objective was to determine the hub genes that play a crucial role in spermatogenesis by analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) present in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) compared to OA and normal samples using bioinformatics analysis. Four datasets, namely GSE45885, GSE45887, GSE9210 and GSE145467 were used. Functional enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. Hub genes were identified based on protein-protein interactions between DEGs. The expression of the hub genes was further examined in the testicular germ cell tumors from the TCGA by the GEPIA and validated by qRT-PCR in the testes of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute orchitis mice with impaired spermatogenesis. A total of 203 DEGs including 34 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed DEGs were mainly involved in microtubule motility, the process of cell growth and protein transport. PRM2, TEKT2, FSCN3, UBQLN3, SPATS1 and GTSF1L were identified and validated as hub genes for spermatogenesis. Three of them (PRM2, FSCN3 and TEKT2) were significantly down-regulated in the testicular germ cell tumors and their methylation levels were associated with the pathogenesis. In summary, the hub genes identified may be related to spermatogenesis and may act as potential therapeutic targets for NOA and testicular germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan-Chao Bian
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wan-Lun Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tong-Jia Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Chuan-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
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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] [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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Mason SJ. An Update on Male Canine Infertility. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023:S0195-5616(23)00068-2. [PMID: 37221101 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Infertility in the dog is a common reason for presentation of stud dogs for assessment with veterinarians. This article aims to discuss and outline some of the tests that can be done to try to ascertain the underlying cause of abnormalities found in a semen assessment. Topics discussed are semen alkaline phosphatase measurement, retrograde ejaculation assessment, ultrasound of the male reproductive tract, semen culture, human chorionic gonadotropin response testing, dietary assessment for phytoestrogens, environmental impacts on spermatogenesis, testicular biopsy, supplements to improve semen quality and quantity, and when to expect an improvement in semen quality after starting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Mason
- Monash Veterinary Clinic, 1662 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh East, Victoria 3166, Australia.
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Xia P, Ouyang S, Shen R, Guo Z, Zhang G, Liu X, Yang X, Xie K, Wang D. Macrophage-Related Testicular Inflammation in Individuals with Idiopathic Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: A Single-Cell Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108819. [PMID: 37240164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108819] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global issue that seriously affects reproductive health. This study aimed to understand the underlying causes of idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (iNOA), which is a type of male infertility with unknown origins that accounts for 10-15% of cases. By using single-cell analysis techniques, we aimed to uncover the mechanisms of iNOA and gain insight into the cellular and molecular changes in the testicular environment. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis using scRNA-seq and microarray data obtained from the GEO database. The analysis included techniques such as pseudotime analysis, cell-cell communication, and hdWGCNA. Our study showed a significant difference between the iNOA and the normal groups, indicating a disorder in the spermatogenic microenvironment in iNOA. We observed a reduction in the proportion of Sertoli cells and blocked germ cell differentiation. Additionally, we found evidence of testicular inflammation related to macrophages and identified ODF2 and CABYR as potential biomarkers for iNOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xia
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Siwei Ouyang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rong Shen
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhao Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guokun Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiangwen Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xuguang Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kun Xie
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Degui Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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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] [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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Arlt SP, Reichler IM, Herbel J, Schäfer-Somi S, Riege L, Leber J, Frehner B. Diagnostic tests in canine andrology - What do they really tell us about fertility? Theriogenology 2023; 196:150-156. [PMID: 36423509 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.008] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Dog breeders often require breeding soundness evaluations which include andrological examinations of the genital organs, hormone measurements, and semen analyses. During the past decades, a considerable number of research results have been published, allowing diagnoses of specific andrological conditions and fertility assessment. For specific examinations, however, no standard procedures have been defined and for some parameters different reference ranges have been published. Therefore, examination results from different facilities are difficult to compare and profound conclusions regarding health and fertility of a male dog are not always possible. Conventional semen examination, however, is still useful in identifying deviations or no deviations from normality, especially if confounding factors are taken into account and if the exam is repeated in case of inconclusive findings. A standardization of examination procedures and reference ranges would help to harmonize the exchange of examination results and interpretation of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian P Arlt
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Iris M Reichler
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Herbel
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schäfer-Somi
- Platform for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Riege
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Leber
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bianca Frehner
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Pröbstl C, Umbach A, Beineke A, Körber H, Goericke-Pesch S. Immune cell characterization in spontaneous autoimmune orchitis in dogs. Theriogenology 2022; 187:219-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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