Low Testosterone and Semen Parameters in Male Partners of Infertile Couples Undergoing IVF with a Total Sperm Count Greater than 5 Million

Protective role of autophagy in triptolide-induced apoptosis of TM3 Leydig cells

Background and Objectives

Triptolide (TP) is known to impair testicular development and spermatogenesis in mammals, but the mechanism of the side effects still needs to be investigated. The aim of the research is to confirm whether TP can cause autophagy in TM3 Leydig cells and the potential molecular pathway in vitro.

Methods

TM3 Leydig cells are used to investigate the molecular pathway through Western blot, detection of apoptosis, transmission electron microscopy for autophagosomes and so on.

Results

The data show that TP treatment resulted in the decreasing of the viability of TM3 cells due to the increased apoptosis. Treated with TP, the formation of autophagosomes, the decrease in P62, and the increase in the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II suggested the induction of autophagy. The induction of autophagy has accompanied the activation of the mTOR/P70S6K signal pathway. The viability of the TM3 cells was further inhibited when they were co-treated with autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ).

Conclusion

All these data suggest that autophagy plays a very important role in antagonizing TM3 cell apoptosis during the TP exposure.

Primary culture and endocrine functional analysis of Leydig cells in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the primary known source of testosterone, which is necessary for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the isolation, identification, and functional analysis of testosterone in duck LCs are still ambiguous. The aim of the present study was to establish a feasible method for isolating highly purified primary duck LCs. The highly purified primary duck LCs were isolated from the fresh testes of 2-month-old ducks via the digestion of collagenase IV and Percoll density gradient centrifugation; hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, ELISA, and radioimmunoassay were performed. Results revealed that the LCs were prominently noticeable in the testicular interstitium of 2-month-old ducks as compared to 6-month-old and 1-year-old ducks. Furthermore, IHC demonstrated that the cultured LCs occupied 90% area of the petri dish and highly expressed 3β-HSD 24 h after culture (hac) as compared to 48 and 72 hac. Additionally, ELISA and radioimmunoassay indicate that the testosterone level in cellular supernatant was highly expressed in 24 and 48 hac, whereas the testosterone level gradually decreased in 72 and 96 hac, indicating the primary duck LCs secrete testosterone at an early stage. Based on the above results, the present study has effectively developed a technique for isolating highly purified primary duck LCs and identified its biological function in synthesizing testosterone.

Chronic oral exposure to short chain chlorinated paraffins induced testicular toxicity by promoting NRF2-mediated oxidative stress

As a widespread environmental contaminant, short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) has attracted great attention. However, the toxicity of SCCPs on male reproductive system remains ambiguous. In this study, we treated mice with SCCPs by gavage and investigated the toxic effects of SCCPs on testis. According to the results, the sperm parameters of mice were significantly reduced after exposure to 1, 10, 100 mg/kg body mass per day SCCPs for 35 days. SCCPs resulted in disorderly arranged seminiferous epithelium and increased apoptotic cells in testes. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that the oxidative stress was induced after SCCPs exposure, and dysfunction of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor (NRF2) signaling pathway played a role in this process. Moreover, resveratrol, an NRF2 activator, could alleviate the damage of SCCPs onmale reproductive system. Our study indicated that oxidative stress is the key point for explaining the testicular toxicity caused by SCCPs, and NRF2 could be used as a potential target for clinical treatment to alleviate the reproductive toxicity induced by SCCPs.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals male germ cells and Sertoli cells developmental patterns in dairy goats

Spermatogenesis holds considerable promise for human-assisted reproduction and livestock breeding based on stem cells. It occurs in seminiferous tubules within the testis, which mainly comprise male germ cells and Sertoli cells. While the developmental progression of male germ cells and Sertoli cells has been widely reported in mice, much less is known in other large animal species, including dairy goats. In this study, we present the data of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) for 25,373 cells from 45 (pre-puberty), 90 (puberty), and 180-day-old (post-puberty) dairy goat testes. We aimed to identify genes that are associated with key developmental events in male germ cells and Sertoli cells. We examined the development of spermatogenic cells and seminiferous tubules from 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 180, and 240-day-old buck goat testes. scRNA-seq clustering analysis of testicular cells from pre-puberty, puberty, and post-puberty goat testes revealed several cell types, including cell populations with characteristics of spermatogonia, early spermatocytes, spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. We mapped the timeline for male germ cells development from spermatogonia to spermatids and identified gene signatures that define spermatogenic cell populations, such as AMH, SOHLH1, INHA, and ACTA2. Importantly, using immunofluorescence staining for different marker proteins (UCHL1, C-KIT, VASA, SOX9, AMH, and PCNA), we explored the proliferative activity and development of male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Moreover, we identified the expression patterns of potential key genes associated with the niche-related key pathways in male germ cells of dairy goats, including testosterone, retinoic acid, PDGF, FGF, and WNT pathways. In summary, our study systematically investigated the elaborate male germ cells and Sertoli cells developmental patterns in dairy goats that have so far remained largely unknown. This information represents a valuable resource for the establishment of goat male reproductive stem cells lines, induction of germ cell differentiation in vitro, and the exploration of sequential cell fate transition for spermatogenesis and testicular development at single-cell resolution.

Impact of Targeting β3 Receptor on Male Sex Hormonal Balance

BACKGROUND: Sympathetic stimulation has a significant impact on the physiology and pathology of the male reproductive system. β3 receptor is suspected to play a role in the regulation of fertility status in men. AIM: The study aims to investigate the role of the β3 receptor in regulating the fertility parameters (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and histology of testis) in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male albino rats have been given either placebo (controls) or β3 agonist (Mirabegron). Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are measured before and after treatment for all cases and controls. Histology of testis is investigated for all the rats as well. RESULTS: β3 receptor activation caused a significant increase in testosterone plasma concentration and a significant reduction in estrogen plasma concentration. β3 agonist did not affect the progesterone plasma concentration. Histological sections showed that β3 activation resulted in degeneration of the spermatocytes and accumulation of edema between the seminiferous tubules in the testis. CONCLUSION: β3 receptor has a potentially important role in the fertility status of male rats via regulating sex hormonal profile and altering the histology of the testis.

The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know?

Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.

The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know?

Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.

Assessment of reproductive toxicity of carbofuran and copper sulfate in male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study's hypothesis is that carbofuran and copper sulfate have a synergistic harmful impact on the fertility of male Nile tilapia. Hence, this study was designed to assess the toxic reproductive outcome of carbofuran, copper sulfate, and their mixture in male Nile tilapia. Sixty male Nile tilapia fishes were separated into four groups (15 fish/group). The control group; carbofuran group, was given dechlorinated tap water containing 0.02 mg/L (1/10 dose of LC50) carbofuran; copper group was given dechlorinated tap water containing 4.0 mg/L (1/10 dose of LC50) copper sulfate; carbofuran + copper sulfate group received dechlorinated tap water containing 0.02 mg/L carbofuran plus 4.0 mg/L copper sulfate. After 6 weeks, results revealed a significant rise in testicular malondialdehyde levels and a significant decrease in testicular reduced glutathione contents among all experimental groups compared to the control group. Testicular testosterone levels were significantly declined in copper and combined groups compared to the control. The seminal evaluation using computer-assisted sperm analysis showed a significant decline in the progressive motility percentage, motile ratio percentage, sperm concentration, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, and wobble in all intoxicated groups, particularly, the combined group. The histopathology of testes in all intoxicated groups revealed a detachment of the basal membrane of some seminiferous tubules, and others were free from spermatogonia and spermatozoa with interstitial eosinophilic granular cell infiltration. Testicular lesions were more severe in the combined group. Finally, it was concluded that carbofuran and copper sulfate exerted a negative effect on the reproductive function of male Nile tilapia, and they have a synergistic harmful impact on the fertility of male Nile tilapia.

Efficacy of Pulsatile Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Therapy in Male Patients: Comparison between Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome and Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

OBJECTIVE

Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), widely used to induce spermatogenesis in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) patients, can restore the pituitary-testis axis function in males with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS). This retrospective study aimed to compare the long-term efficacy of pulsatile GnRH therapy between PSIS and CHH.

METHODS

Patients of PSIS (n=25) or CHH (n=64) who received pulsatile GnRH therapy ≥ 3 months were analyzed in this retrospective study. The rate of successful spermatogenesis, the median time to achieve spermatogenesis, serum gonadotropins, total testosterone (TT), and testicular size were compared.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable except for the lower basal testosterone, triptorelin stimulated peak luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with PSIS. Within similar treatment durations, significantly higher GnRH dose (p < 0.001) but lower increase in LH [2.82 (1.4, 4.55) vs. 5.89 (3.88, 8.02) IU/L, p < 0.001], TT [0.38 (0, 1.34) vs. 2.34 (1.34, 3.66) ng/mL, p < 0.001], and testicular volume (5.3 ± 4.5 vs. 8.8 ± 4.8 mL, p < 0.05) were observed in PSIS. However, spermatogenesis rate (52.0% vs. 70.3%, p > 0.05), median time of sperm appearance (14 vs. 11 months, p > 0.05), sperm concentration and progressive motility were comparable. Basal testicular volume (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.27) and peak LH levels (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.0-1.23) were predictors for early sperm appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulsatile GnRH therapy can improve gonad function and induce spermatogenesis in male PSIS patients, however, its efficacy may be inferior to that in CHH.

Endocrine disorders and fertility and pregnancy: An update

It is estimated that more and more couples suffer from fertility and pregnancy maintenance disorders. It is associated with impaired androgen secretion, which is influenced by many factors, ranging from genetic to environmental. It is also important to remember that fertility disorders can also result from abnormal anatomy of the reproductive male and female organ (congenital uterine anomalies - septate, unicornuate, bicornuate uterus; acquired defects of the uterus structure - fibroids, polyps, hypertrophy), disturbed hormonal cycle and obstruction of the fallopian tubes resulting from the presence of adhesions due to inflammation, endometriosis, and surgery, abnormal rhythm of menstrual bleeding, the abnormal concentration of hormones. There are many relationships between the endocrine organs, leading to a chain reaction when one of them fails to function properly. Conditions in which the immune system is involved, including infections and autoimmune diseases, also affect fertility. The form of treatment depends on infertility duration and the patient's age. It includes ovulation stimulation with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, metformin use, and weight loss interventions. Since so many different factors affect fertility, it is important to correctly diagnose what is causing the problem and to modify the treatment regimen if necessary. This review describes disturbances in the hormone secretion of individual endocrine organs in the context of fertility and the maintenance of pregnancy.

Androgens and Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Infertile Patients

To investigate whether there is an association between androgens and ovarian reserve, expressed through anti-Mullerian hormone. This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of all consecutive women attending a tertiary fertility center, who presented with regular menstrual cycles. Patients had their AMH values measured with the same AMH assay (Immunotech (IOT) Beckmann Coulter assay), the same day in which androgens sampling was performed. Women with PCOS or other forms of androgen excess or untreated endocrine or metabolic disorders were excluded. A total of 942 women were included. Significant correlation was observed between total testosterone/free androgens index (FAI)/DHEAS and AMH (Spearman's r = 0.20/0.14/0.13, P value < 0.001, P value < 0.001, and P value < 0.001, respectively). After multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for confounders (age, BMI, cause of infertility, day of the menstrual cycle when the blood sample was performed), the regression slope in all participants for total testosterone predicting logAMH was 0.20 (P value < 0.001). Similarly, FAI was significantly associated with logAMH (regression coefficient = 0.04, P value = 0.04). In contrast, DHEAS was not significantly associated with logAMH. There was a significant, but weak relation between testosterone and AMH, while no significant association was observed between DHEAS and AMH. Future research is needed to elucidate whether testosterone supplementation may have any effect on ovarian function.