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Cannarella R, Crafa A, Curto R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Obesity and male fertility disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101273. [PMID: 38593513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101273] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Carrageta DF, Pereira SC, Ferreira R, Monteiro MP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Signatures of metabolic diseases on spermatogenesis and testicular metabolism. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00866-y. [PMID: 38528255 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Diets leading to caloric overload are linked to metabolic disorders and reproductive function impairment. Metabolic and hormonal abnormalities stand out as defining features of metabolic disorders, and substantially affect the functionality of the testis. Metabolic disorders induce testicular metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The disruption of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, adipose tissue and testicular hormonal regulation induced by metabolic disorders can also contribute to a state of compromised fertility. In this Review, we will delve into the effects of high-fat diets and metabolic disorders on testicular metabolism and spermatogenesis, which are crucial elements for male reproductive function. Moreover, metabolic disorders have been shown to influence the epigenome of male gametes and might have a potential role in transmitting phenotype traits across generations. However, the existing evidence strongly underscores the unmet need to understand the mechanisms responsible for transgenerational paternal inheritance of male reproductive function impairment related to metabolic disorders. This knowledge could be useful for developing targeted interventions to prevent, counteract, and most of all break the perpetuation chain of male reproductive dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Pereira
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Santos-Pereira M, Pereira SC, Rebelo I, Spadella MA, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Decoding the Influence of Obesity on Prostate Cancer and Its Transgenerational Impact. Nutrients 2023; 15:4858. [PMID: 38068717 PMCID: PMC10707940 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234858] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the escalating prevalence of metabolic disorders, notably obesity and being overweight, has emerged as a pressing concern in public health. Projections for the future indicate a continual upward trajectory in obesity rates, primarily attributable to unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles. The ramifications of obesity extend beyond its visible manifestations, intricately weaving a web of hormonal dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. This nexus of factors holds particular significance in the context of carcinogenesis, notably in the case of prostate cancer (PCa), which is a pervasive malignancy and a leading cause of mortality among men. A compelling hypothesis arises from the perspective of transgenerational inheritance, wherein genetic and epigenetic imprints associated with obesity may wield influence over the development of PCa. This review proposes a comprehensive exploration of the nuanced mechanisms through which obesity disrupts prostate homeostasis and serves as a catalyst for PCa initiation. Additionally, it delves into the intriguing interplay between the transgenerational transmission of both obesity-related traits and the predisposition to PCa. Drawing insights from a spectrum of sources, ranging from in vitro and animal model research to human studies, this review endeavors to discuss the intricate connections between obesity and PCa. However, the landscape remains partially obscured as the current state of knowledge unveils only fragments of the complex mechanisms linking these phenomena. As research advances, unraveling the associated factors and underlying mechanisms promises to unveil novel avenues for understanding and potentially mitigating the nexus between obesity and the development of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Santos-Pereira
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine and Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C. Pereira
- Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Rebelo
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Maria A. Spadella
- Human Embryology Laboratory, Marília Medical School, Marília 17519-030, SP, Brazil;
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Marco G. Alves
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine and Department of Medical Science, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
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Carrageta DF, Freire-Brito L, Guerra-Carvalho B, Ribeiro JC, Monteiro BS, Barros A, Oliveira PF, Monteiro MP, Alves MG. Inhibition of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins Arrests Human Spermatozoa Motility without Compromising Viability. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36829970 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are central in the regulation of mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. High oxidative stress is a major cause of male infertility; however, UCPs expression and function in human spermatozoa are still unknown. Herein, we aimed to assess the expression and function of the different homologs (UCP1-6) in human spermatozoa. For this purpose, we screened for the mRNA expression of all UCP homologs. Protein expression and immunolocalization of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 were also assessed. Highly motile spermatozoa were isolated from human normozoospermic seminal samples (n = 16) and incubated with genipin, an inhibitor of UCPs (0, 0.5, 5, and 50 µM) for 3 h at 37 °C. Viability and total motility were assessed. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production were evaluated. Media were collected and the metabolic profile and antioxidant potential were analyzed by 1H-NMR and FRAP, respectively. The expression of all UCP homologs (UCP1-6) mRNA by human spermatozoa is herein reported for the first time. UCP1-3 are predominant at the head equatorial segment, whereas UCP1 and UCP2 are also expressed at the spermatozoa midpiece, where mitochondria are located. The inhibition of UCPs by 50 µM genipin, resulting in the UCP3 inhibition, did not compromise sperm cell viability but resulted in irreversible total motility loss that persisted despite washing or incubation with theophylline, a cAMP activator. These effects were associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and lactate production. No differences concerning UCP3 expression, however, were observed in spermatozoa from normozoospermic versus asthenozoospermic men (n = 6). The inhibition of UCPs did not increase ROS production, possibly due to the decreased mitochondrial activity and genipin antioxidant properties. In sum, UCPs are major regulators of human spermatozoa motility and metabolism. The discovery and characterization of UCPs' role in human spermatozoa can shed new light on spermatozoa ROS-related pathways and bioenergetics physiology.
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Correira AS, Pereira SC, Morais T, Martins AD, Monteiro MP, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Obesity-Related Genes Expression in Testes and Sperm Parameters Respond to GLP-1 and Caloric Restriction. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2609. [PMID: 36289871 PMCID: PMC9599882 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Calorie restriction (CR) diets and glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs are known to alter energy homeostasis with the potential to affect the expression of obesity-related genes (ORGs). We hypothesized that CR and GLP-1 administration can alter ORGs expression in spermatozoa and testes, as well as the sperm parameters implicated in male fertility. Materials and Methods: Six-week-old adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) were divided into three groups, submitted either to CR (n = 6, fed with 30% less chow diet than the control rats), GLP-1 administration (n = 5, 3.5 pmol/min/kg intraperitoneal) for 28 days, or used as controls (n = 5, fed ad libitum). Selected ORGs expression, namely the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase 2 (GNPDA2), and transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18) were evaluated in testes and spermatozoa by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: CR resulted in lower body weight gain and insulin resistance, but a higher percentage of sperm head defects. GLP-1 administration, despite showing no influence on body weight or glucose homeostasis, resulted in a lower percentage of sperm head defects. CR and GLP-1 administration were associated with a higher expression of all ORGs in the testes. Under CR conditions, the genes FTO and TMEM18 expression in the testes and the MC4R and TMEM18 transcripts abundance in sperm were positively correlated with the spermatozoa oxidative status. The abundance of FTO and TMEM18 in the spermatozoa of rats under CR were positively correlated with sperm concentration, while the testes’ TMEM18 expression was also positively correlated with sperm vitality and negatively correlated with insulin resistance. Testes GNPDA2 expression was negatively correlated with sperm head defects. Conclusions: CR and GLP-1 administration results in higher ORGs expression in testes, and these were correlated with several alterations in sperm fertility parameters.
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Qing H, Hu J, Fu H, Zhao Z, Nong W, Wang J, Yang F, Zhao S. Activation of thermogenesis pathways in testis of diet-induced obesity mice. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100652. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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