Aberrant distribution of junctional complex components in retinoic acid receptor alpha-deficient mice

Micronutrient Improvement of Epithelial Barrier Function in Various Disease States: A Case for Adjuvant Therapy

The published literature makes a very strong case that a wide range of disease morbidity associates with and may in part be due to epithelial barrier leak. An equally large body of published literature substantiates that a diverse group of micronutrients can reduce barrier leak across a wide array of epithelial tissue types, stemming from both cell culture as well as animal and human tissue models. Conversely, micronutrient deficiencies can exacerbate both barrier leak and morbidity. Focusing on zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin D, this review shows that at concentrations above RDA levels but well below toxicity limits, these micronutrients can induce cell- and tissue-specific molecular-level changes in tight junctional complexes (and by other mechanisms) that reduce barrier leak. An opportunity now exists in critical care—but also medical prophylactic and therapeutic care in general—to consider implementation of select micronutrients at elevated dosages as adjuvant therapeutics in a variety of disease management. This consideration is particularly pointed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The role of retinoic acid in the commitment to meiosis

Male meiosis is a complex process whereby spermatocytes undergo cell division to form haploid cells. This review focuses on the role of retinoic acid (RA) in meiosis, as well as several processes regulated by RA before cell entry into meiosis that are critical for proper meiotic entry and completion. Here, we discuss RA metabolism in the testis as well as the roles of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) and MEIOSIN, which are responsive to RA and are critical for meiosis. We assert that transcriptional regulation in the spermatogonia is critical for successful meiosis.

Loss of Cx43 in Murine Sertoli Cells Leads to Altered Prepubertal Sertoli Cell Maturation and Impairment of the Mitosis-Meiosis Switch

Male factor infertility is a problem in today’s society but many underlying causes are still unknown. The generation of a conditional Sertoli cell (SC)-specific connexin 43 (Cx43) knockout mouse line (SCCx43KO) has provided a translational model. Expression of the gap junction protein Cx43 between adjacent SCs as well as between SCs and germ cells (GCs) is known to be essential for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in different species and men. Adult SCCx43KO males show altered spermatogenesis and are infertile. Thus, the present study aims to identify molecular mechanisms leading to testicular alterations in prepubertal SCCx43KO mice. Transcriptome analysis of 8-, 10- and 12-day-old mice was performed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, candidate genes were examined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. NGS revealed many significantly differentially expressed genes in the SCCx43KO mice. For example, GC-specific genes were mostly downregulated and found to be involved in meiosis and spermatogonial differentiation (e.g., Dmrtb1, Sohlh1). In contrast, SC-specific genes implicated in SC maturation and proliferation were mostly upregulated (e.g., Amh, Fshr). In conclusion, Cx43 in SCs appears to be required for normal progression of the first wave of spermatogenesis, especially for the mitosis-meiosis switch, and also for the regulation of prepubertal SC maturation.

Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways Involved in Sertoli Cell Proliferation

Sertoli cells are somatic cells present in seminiferous tubules which have essential roles in regulating spermatogenesis. Considering that each Sertoli cell is able to support a limited number of germ cells, the final number of Sertoli cells reached during the proliferative period determines sperm production capacity. Only immature Sertoli cells, which have not established the blood-testis barrier, proliferate. A number of hormonal cues regulate Sertoli cell proliferation. Among them, FSH, the insulin family of growth factors, activin, and cytokines action must be highlighted. It has been demonstrated that cAMP/PKA, ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, and mTORC1/p70SK6 pathways are the main signal transduction pathways involved in Sertoli cell proliferation. Additionally, c-Myc and hypoxia inducible factor are transcription factors which participate in the induction by FSH of various genes of relevance in cell cycle progression. Cessation of proliferation is a pre-requisite to Sertoli cell maturation accompanied by the establishment of the blood-testis barrier. With respect to this barrier, the participation of androgens, estrogens, thyroid hormones, retinoic acid and opioids has been reported. Additionally, two central enzymes that are involved in sensing cell energy status have been associated with the suppression of Sertoli cell proliferation, namely AMPK and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Among the molecular mechanisms involved in the cessation of proliferation and in the maturation of Sertoli cells, it is worth mentioning the up-regulation of the cell cycle inhibitors p21Cip1, p27Kip, and p19INK4, and of the gap junction protein connexin 43. A decrease in Sertoli cell proliferation due to administration of certain therapeutic drugs and exposure to xenobiotic agents before puberty has been experimentally demonstrated. This review focuses on the hormones, locally produced factors, signal transduction pathways, and molecular mechanisms controlling Sertoli cell proliferation and maturation. The comprehension of how the final number of Sertoli cells in adulthood is established constitutes a pre-requisite to understand the underlying causes responsible for the progressive decrease in sperm production that has been observed during the last 50 years in humans.

Control of Germline Stem Cell Lineages by Diet and Physiology

Tight coupling of reproduction to environmental factors and physiological status is key to long-term species survival. In particular, highly conserved pathways modulate germline stem cell lineages according to nutrient availability. This chapter focuses on recent in vivo studies in genetic model organisms that shed light on how diet-dependent signals control the proliferation, maintenance, and survival of adult germline stem cells and their progeny. These signaling pathways can operate intrinsically in the germ line, modulate the niche, or act through intermediate organs to influence stem cells and their differentiating progeny. In addition to illustrating the extent of dietary regulation of reproduction, findings from these studies have implications for fertility during aging or disease states.

Prolonged Oral Administration of a Pan-Retinoic Acid Receptor Antagonist Inhibits Spermatogenesis in Mice With a Rapid Recovery and Changes in the Expression of Influx and Efflux Transporters

We have previously shown that oral administration of a pan-retinoic acid receptor antagonist in mice daily at 2.5 mg/kg for 4 weeks reversibly inhibited spermatogenesis, with no detectable side effects. To elucidate the lowest dose and the longest dosing regimen that inhibits spermatogenesis but results in complete restoration of fertility upon cessation of administration of the drug, we examined the effects of daily doses as low as 1.0 mg/kg with dosing periods of 4, 8, and 16 weeks. We observed 100% sterility in all regimens, with restoration of fertility upon cessation of the drug treatment even for as long as 16 weeks. There was no change in testosterone levels in these males and the progeny examined from 2 of the recovered males were healthy and fertile, with normal testicular weight and testicular histology. Strikingly, a more rapid recovery, as assessed by mating studies, was observed at the lower dose and longer dosing periods. Insight into possible mechanisms underlying this rapid recovery was obtained at 2 levels. First, histological examination revealed that spermatogenesis was not as severely disrupted at the lower dose and with the longer treatment regimens. Second, gene expression analysis revealed that the more rapid recovery may involve the interplay of ATP-binding cassette efflux and solute carrier influx transporters in the testes.

Spermatogenesis: The Commitment to Meiosis

Mammalian spermatogenesis requires a stem cell pool, a period of amplification of cell numbers, the completion of reduction division to haploid cells (meiosis), and the morphological transformation of the haploid cells into spermatozoa (spermiogenesis). The net result of these processes is the production of massive numbers of spermatozoa over the reproductive lifetime of the animal. One study that utilized homogenization-resistant spermatids as the standard determined that human daily sperm production (dsp) was at 45 million per day per testis (60). For each human that means ∼1,000 sperm are produced per second. A key to this level of gamete production is the organization and architecture of the mammalian testes that results in continuous sperm production. The seemingly complex repetitious relationship of cells termed the "cycle of the seminiferous epithelium" is driven by the continuous commitment of undifferentiated spermatogonia to meiosis and the period of time required to form spermatozoa. This commitment termed the A to A1 transition requires the action of retinoic acid (RA) on the undifferentiated spermatogonia or prospermatogonia. In stages VII to IX of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli cells and germ cells are influenced by pulses of RA. These pulses of RA move along the seminiferous tubules coincident with the spermatogenic wave, presumably undergoing constant synthesis and degradation. The RA pulse then serves as a trigger to commit undifferentiated progenitor cells to the rigidly timed pathway into meiosis and spermatid differentiation.

ALDH Enzyme Expression Is Independent of the Spermatogenic Cycle, and Their Inhibition Causes Misregulation of Murine Spermatogenic Processes

Perturbations in the vitamin A metabolism pathway could be a significant cause of male infertility, as well as a target toward the development of a male contraceptive, necessitating the need for a better understanding of how testicular retinoic acid (RA) concentrations are regulated. Quantitative analyses have recently demonstrated that RA is present in a pulsatile manner along testis tubules. However, it is unclear if the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes, which are responsible for RA synthesis, contribute to the regulation of these RA concentration gradients. Previous studies have alluded to fluctuations in ALDH enzymes across the spermatogenic cycle, but these inferences have been based primarily on qualitative transcript localization experiments. Here, we show via various quantitative methods that the three well-known ALDH enzymes (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH1A3), and an ALDH enzyme previously unreported in the murine testis (ALDH8A1), are not expressed in a stage-specific manner in the adult testis, but do fluctuate throughout juvenile development in perfect agreement with the first appearance of each advancing germ cell type. We also show, via treatments with a known ALDH inhibitor, that lowered testicular RA levels result in an increase in blood-testis barrier permeability, meiotic recombination, and meiotic defects. Taken together, these data further our understanding of the complex regulatory actions of RA on various spermatogenic events and, in contrast with previous studies, also suggest that the ALDH enzymes are not responsible for regulating the recently measured RA pulse.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of P. crispum on sperm parameters, testis tissue and serum nitric oxide levels in mice

Background:

Sperm dysfunction is one of the main causes of male infertility. Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum) is a member of umbelliferae family that contains different vitamins and minerals and has numerous therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate P. crispum effect on sperm parameters, testis tissue and serum nitric oxid levels in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Hydroalcoholic extract of P. crispum was prepared and administered intraperitoneally (0,100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) to 40 mice, which were divided into four groups (n = 10), one control group and three experimental groups, for 14 consequent days. The sperm parameter such as motility, sperm count, morphology, and seminiferous tubules diameter, and weight of prostate and testis, and serum nitric oxide levels were analyzed.

Results:

P. crispum administration (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) significantly increased mean percentage of sperm motility, testis and prostate weight and serum nitric oxide compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant effect was reported for different doses of P. crispum extract on sperm parameters.

Conclusion:

Administrating hydroalcoholic extract of P. crispum has positive effects on some reproductive parameters.

Alterations of intercellular junctions in peritoneal mesothelial cells from patients undergoing dialysis: effect of retinoic Acid

BACKGROUND

Dialysis patients are classified according to their peritoneal permeability as low transporter (LT, low solute permeability) or high transporter (HT, high solute permeability). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical to maintain ions, molecules and water paracellular transport through peritoneum. Exposure to peritoneal dialysis solutions causes damage to TJ in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We analyzed the quantity, distribution and function of TJ proteins: claudin-1, -2 and -8, ZO-1 and occludin, in HPMC cultures from LT and HT patients. Since all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) might modify the expression of TJ proteins, we studied its effect on HPMCs.

METHODS

Control HPMCs were isolated from human omentum, while HT or LT cells were obtained from dialysis effluents. Cells were cultured in presence of ATRA 0, 50 or 100 nM. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, immunostaining and Western blot analyses were performed.

RESULTS

HT exhibited lower TER than control and LT monolayers. Immunofluorescence for TJ was weak and discontinuous along the cell contour, in LT and HT. Furthermore, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expressions were decreased. In all groups, claudin-2 was localized at nuclei. We observed that ATRA improved TJ distribution and increased TJ expression in HT. This retinoid did not modify claudin-2 and -8 expressions. All-trans retinoic acid decreased TER in HT, but had no effect in LT.

CONCLUSIONS

Tight junctions were altered in HPMCs from dialyzed patients. The HT monolayer has lower TER than LT, which might be associated with the peritoneal permeability in these patients. ATRA might be a therapeutic alternative to maintain mesothelial integrity, since it improved TJ localization and expression.

Receptors and signaling pathways involved in proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells

The identification of the hormones and other factors regulating Sertoli cell survival, proliferation, and maturation in neonatal, peripubertal, and pubertal life remains one of the most critical questions in testicular biology. The regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation is thought to be controlled by cell-cell junctions and a set of circulating and local hormones and growth factors. In this review, we will focus on receptors and intracellular signaling pathways activated by androgen, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormone, activin, retinoids, insulin, insulin-like growth factor, relaxin, and estrogen, with special emphasis on estrogen receptors. Estrogen receptors activate intracellular signaling pathways that converge on cell cycle and transcription factors and play a role in the regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation.

Gap junctions

Gap junctions are essential to the function of multicellular animals, which require a high degree of coordination between cells. In vertebrates, gap junctions comprise connexins and currently 21 connexins are known in humans. The functions of gap junctions are highly diverse and include exchange of metabolites and electrical signals between cells, as well as functions, which are apparently unrelated to intercellular communication. Given the diversity of gap junction physiology, regulation of gap junction activity is complex. The structure of the various connexins is known to some extent; and structural rearrangements and intramolecular interactions are important for regulation of channel function. Intercellular coupling is further regulated by the number and activity of channels present in gap junctional plaques. The number of connexins in cell-cell channels is regulated by controlling transcription, translation, trafficking, and degradation; and all of these processes are under strict control. Once in the membrane, channel activity is determined by the conductive properties of the connexin involved, which can be regulated by voltage and chemical gating, as well as a large number of posttranslational modifications. The aim of the present article is to review our current knowledge on the structure, regulation, function, and pharmacology of gap junctions. This will be supported by examples of how different connexins and their regulation act in concert to achieve appropriate physiological control, and how disturbances of connexin function can lead to disease.

Effects of vitamin A on in vitro maturation of pre-pubertal mouse spermatogonial stem cells

Testicular tissue cryopreservation is the only potential option for fertility preservation in pre-pubertal boys exposed to gonadotoxic treatment. Completion of spermatogenesis after in vitro maturation is one of the future uses of harvested testicular tissue. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin A on in vitro maturation of fresh and frozen-thawed mouse pre-pubertal spermatogonial stem cells in an organ culture system. Pre-pubertal CD1 mouse fresh testes were cultured for 7 (D7), 9 (D9) and 11 (D11) days using an organ culture system. Basal medium was supplemented with different concentrations of retinol (Re) or retinoic acid (RA) alone or in combination. Seminiferous tubule morphology (tubule diameter, intra-tubular cell type), intra-tubular cell death and proliferation (PCNA antibody) and testosterone level were assessed at D7, D9 and D11. Pre-pubertal mouse testicular tissue were frozen after a soaking temperature performed at -7°C, -8°C or -9°C and after thawing, were cultured for 9 days, using the culture medium preserving the best fresh tissue functionality. Retinoic acid at 10^-6M and retinol at 3.3.10^-7M, as well as retinol 10^-6M are favourable for seminiferous tubule growth, maintenance of intra-tubular cell proliferation and germ cell differentiation of fresh pre-pubertal mouse spermatogonia. Structural and functional integrity of frozen-thawed testicular tissue appeared to be well-preserved after soaking temperature at -8°C, after 9 days of organotypic culture using 10^-6M retinol. RA and Re can control in vitro germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Re at a concentration of 10^-6M maintains intra-tubular cell proliferation and the ability of spermatogonia to initiate spermatogenesis in fresh and frozen pre-pubertal mouse testicular tissue using a soaking temperature at -8°C. Our data suggested a possible human application for in vitro maturation of cryopreserved pre-pubertal testicular tissue.

Long-term vitamin A deficiency induces alteration of adult mouse spermatogenesis and spermatogonial differentiation: direct effect on spermatogonial gene expression and indirect effects via somatic cells

The objective of this study was to further understand the genetic mechanisms of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) induced arrest of spermatogonial stem-cell differentiation. Vitamin A and its derivatives (the retinoids) participate in many physiological processes including vision, cellular differentiation and reproduction. VAD affects spermatogenesis, the subject of our present study. Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process of differentiation and complex morphologic alterations that leads to the formation of sperm in the seminiferous epithelium. VAD causes early cessation of spermatogenesis, characterized by degeneration of meiotic germ cells, leading to seminiferous tubules containing mostly type A spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. These observations led us to the hypothesis that VAD affects not only germ cells but also somatic cells. To investigate the effects of VAD on spermatogenesis in mice we used adult Balb/C mice fed with Control or VAD diet for an extended period of time (6-28 weeks). We first observed the chronology, then the extent of the effects of VAD on the testes. Using microarray analysis of isolated pure populations of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cells from control and VAD 18- and 25-week mice, we examined the effects of VAD on gene expression and identified target genes involved in the arrest of spermatogonial differentiation and spermatogenesis. Our results provide a more precise definition of the chronology and magnitude of the consequences of VAD on mouse testes than the previously available literature and highlight direct and indirect (via somatic cells) effects of VAD on germ cell differentiation.

Minireview: regulation of gap junction dynamics by nuclear hormone receptors and their ligands

Gap junctions are plasma membrane channels comprising connexin proteins that mediate intercellular permeability and communication. The presence, composition, and function of gap junctions can be regulated by diverse sets of physiological signals. Evidence from many hormone-responsive tissues has shown that connexin expression, modification, stability, and localization can be targeted by nuclear hormone receptors and their ligands through both transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms. The focus of this review is to discuss molecular, cellular, and physiological studies that directly link receptor- and ligand-triggered signaling pathways to the regulation of gap junction dynamics.

Sertoli-cell-specific knockout of connexin 43 leads to multiple alterations in testicular gene expression in prepubertal mice

A significant decline in human male reproductive function has been reported for the past 20 years but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, recent studies showed that the gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43; also known as GJA1) might be involved. CX43 is the predominant testicular connexin (CX) in most species, including in humans. Alterations of its expression are associated with different forms of spermatogenic disorders and infertility. Men with impaired spermatogenesis often exhibit a reduction or loss of CX43 expression in germ cells (GCs) and Sertoli cells (SCs). Adult male transgenic mice with a conditional knockout (KO) of the Gja1 gene [referred to here as connexin-43 (Cx43)] in SCs (SCCx43KO) show a comparable testicular phenotype to humans and are infertile. To detect possible signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms leading to the testicular phenotype in adult SCCx43KO mice and to their failure to initiate spermatogenesis, the testicular gene expression of 8-day-old SCCx43KO and wild-type (WT) mice was compared. Microarray analysis revealed that 658 genes were significantly regulated in testes of SCCx43KO mice. Of these genes, 135 were upregulated, whereas 523 genes were downregulated. For selected genes the results of the microarray analysis were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. The majority of the downregulated genes are GC-specific and are essential for mitotic and meiotic progression of spermatogenesis, including Stra8, Dazl and members of the DM (dsx and map-3) gene family. Other altered genes can be associated with transcription, metabolism, cell migration and cytoskeleton organization. Our data show that deletion of Cx43 in SCs leads to multiple alterations of gene expression in prepubertal mice and primarily affects GCs. The candidate genes could represent helpful markers for investigators exploring human testicular biopsies from patients showing corresponding spermatogenic deficiencies and for studying the molecular mechanisms of human male sterility.

Vitamin A in reproduction and development

The requirement for vitamin A in reproduction was first recognized in the early 1900's, and its importance in the eyes of developing embryos was realized shortly after. A greater understanding of the large number of developmental processes that require vitamin A emerged first from nutritional deficiency studies in rat embryos, and later from genetic studies in mice. It is now generally believed that all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the form of vitamin A that supports both male and female reproduction as well as embryonic development. This conclusion is based on the ability to reverse most reproductive and developmental blocks found in vitamin A deficiency induced either by nutritional or genetic means with RA, and the ability to recapitulate the majority of embryonic defects in retinoic acid receptor compound null mutants. The activity of the catabolic CYP26 enzymes in determining what tissues have access to RA has emerged as a key regulatory mechanism, and helps to explain why exogenous RA can rescue many vitamin A deficiency defects. In severely vitamin A-deficient (VAD) female rats, reproduction fails prior to implantation, whereas in VAD pregnant rats given small amounts of carotene or supported on limiting quantities of RA early in organogenesis, embryos form but show a collection of defects called the vitamin A deficiency syndrome or late vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is also essential for the maintenance of the male genital tract and spermatogenesis. Recent studies show that vitamin A participates in a signaling mechanism to initiate meiosis in the female gonad during embryogenesis, and in the male gonad postnatally. Both nutritional and genetic approaches are being used to elucidate the vitamin A-dependent pathways upon which these processes depend.

Suppression of spermatogenesis by bisdichloroacetyldiamines is mediated by inhibition of testicular retinoic acid biosynthesis

The bisdichloroacetyldiamine WIN 18,446 reversibly inhibits spermatogenesis in many species, including humans; however, the mechanism by which WIN 18,446 functions is unknown. As retinoic acid is essential for spermatogenesis, we hypothesized that WIN 18,446 might inhibit retinoic acid biosynthesis from retinol (vitamin A) within the testes by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a2 (ALDH1a2). We studied the effect of WIN 18,446 on ALDH1a2 enzyme activity in vitro, and on spermatogenesis and fertility in vivo, in mature male rabbits for 16 weeks. WIN 18,446 markedly inhibited ALDH1a2 enzyme activity in vitro with an IC(50) of 0.3 μM. In vivo, the oral administration of 200 mg/kg WIN 18,446 to male rabbits for 16 weeks significantly reduced intratesticular concentrations of retinoic acid, severely impaired spermatogenesis, and caused infertility. Reduced concentrations of intratesticular retinoic acid were apparent after only 4 weeks of treatment and preceded the decrease in sperm counts and the loss of mature germ cells in tissue samples. Sperm counts and fertility recovered after treatment was discontinued. These findings demonstrate that bisdichloroacetyldiamines such as WIN 18,446 reversibly suppress spermatogenesis via inhibition of testicular retinoic acid biosynthesis by ALDH1a2. These findings suggest that ALDH1a2 is a promising target for the development of a reversible, nonhormonal male contraceptive.