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Anand-Ivell R, Coutinho AR, Dai Y, England G, Goericke-Pesch S, Ivell R. INSL3 Variation in Dogs Following Suppression and Recovery of the HPG Axis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:675. [PMID: 38473059 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050675] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutive product of mature, adult-type Leydig cells of the testes and consequently in most mammals is an ideal biomarker with which to monitor pubertal development. A new heterologous time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay was developed and validated to measure circulating INSL3 in the blood of adult male dogs. Compared to other species, INSL3 concentration is low with marked variation between individuals, which appears to be independent of breed, age, or weight. A model system was then used in which a cohort of beagle dogs was subject to a GnRH-agonist implant to suppress the HPG axis and spermatogenesis, followed by implant removal and recovery. Unlike testosterone, INSL3 levels were not fully suppressed in all animals by the GnRH agonist, nor was the recovery of Leydig cell function following implant removal uniform or complete, even after several weeks. In dogs, and dissimilar from other species (including humans), Leydig-cell INSL3 appears to be quite variable between individual dogs and only weakly connected to the physiology of the HPG axis after its suppression by a GnRH-agonist implant and recovery. Consequently, INSL3 may be less useful in this species for the assessment of testis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Acacia Rebello Coutinho
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Yanzhenzi Dai
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Gary England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
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2
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Yao B, Men J, Liu S, Bai Y, Yu C, Gao Y, Xu X, Zhao L, Zhang J, Wang H, Li Y, Peng R. Shortwave radiation-induced reproductive organ damage in male rats by enhanced expression of molecules associated with the calpain/Cdk5 pathway and oxidative stress. Electromagn Biol Med 2023; 42:150-162. [PMID: 38155529 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2023.2296896] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Shortwave radiation has been reported to have harmful effects on several organs in humans and animals. However, the biological effects of 27 MHz shortwave on the reproductive system are not clear. In this study, we investigated the effects of shortwave whole-body exposure at a frequency of 27 MHz on structural and functional changes in the testis. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 27 MHz continuous shortwaves at average power densities of 0, 5, 10, or 30 mW/cm2 for 6 min. The levels of insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) and anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb) in the peripheral serum, sperm motility, sperm malformation rate, and testicular tissue structure of rats were analyzed. Furthermore, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, calpain, and Cdk5 expression were analyzed at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after exposure. We observed that the rats after radiation had decreased serum INSL3 levels (p < 0.01), increased AsAb levels (p < 0.05), decreased percentage of class A+B sperm (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), increased sperm malformation (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), injured testicular tissue structure, decreased SOD and CAT activities (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), increased MDA content (p < 0.01), and testicular tissue expressions of calpain1, calpain2, and Cdk5 were increased (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In conclusion, Shortwave radiation caused functional and structural damage to the reproductive organs of male rats. Furthermore, oxidative stress and key molecules in the calpain/Cdk5 pathway are likely involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binwei Yao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqi Men
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxin Bai
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yabing Gao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinping Xu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyang Li
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiyun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Giner XC, Pierre KJ, Robert NM, Tremblay JJ. A 35-bp Conserved Region Is Crucial for Insl3 Promoter Activity in Mouse MA-10 Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36499388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315060] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone insulin-like 3 (INSL3) is produced almost exclusively by Leydig cells of the male gonad. INSL3 has several functions such as fetal testis descent and bone metabolism in adults. Insl3 gene expression in Leydig cells is not hormonally regulated but rather is constitutively expressed. The regulatory region of the Insl3 gene has been described in various species; moreover, functional studies have revealed that the Insl3 promoter is regulated by various transcription factors that include the nuclear receptors AR, NUR77, COUP-TFII, LRH1, and SF1, as well as the Krüppel-like factor KLF6. However, these transcription factors are also found in several tissues that do not express Insl3, indicating that other, yet unidentified factors, must be involved to drive Insl3 expression specifically in Leydig cells. Through a fine functional promoter analysis, we have identified a 35-bp region that is responsible for conferring 70% of the activity of the mouse Insl3 promoter in Leydig cells. All tri- and dinucleotide mutations introduced dramatically reduced Insl3 promoter activity, indicating that the entire 35-bp sequence is required. Nuclear proteins from MA-10 Leydig cells bound specifically to the 35-bp region. The 35-bp sequence contains GC- and GA-rich motifs as well as potential binding elements for members of the CREB, C/EBP, AP1, AP2, and NF-κB families. The Insl3 promoter was indeed activated 2-fold by NF-κB p50 but not by other transcription factors tested. These results help to further define the regulation of Insl3 gene transcription in Leydig cells.
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Sethi M, Shah N, Mohanty TK, Bhakat M, Baithalu RK. New dimensions on maternal and prepubertal nutritional disruption on bull fertility: A review. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107151] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Kawate N. Insulin‐like peptide 3 in domestic animals with normal and abnormal reproductive functions, in comparison to rodents and humans. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12485. [PMID: 36310659 PMCID: PMC9601793 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12485] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Main findings Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritoshi Kawate
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science Osaka Metropolitan University Izumisano Japan
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Khoi HX, Shimizu K, Yoneda Y, Minagawa I, Abe Y, Kuwabara Y, Sasanami T, Kohsaka T. Monitoring the reactive oxygen species in spermatozoa during liquid storage of boar semen and its correlation with sperm motility, free thiol content and seasonality. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14237. [PMID: 34490648 DOI: 10.1111/and.14237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important factor affecting the quality of spermatozoa during liquid storage of boar semen; however, monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that provides direct insight into the oxidative status is not yet attempted. This study aimed to monitor ROS in boar sperm during liquid semen storage to determine its correlation with sperm motility and free thiol (SH) content, and seasonality. Ejaculate was collected from mature Duroc boars in a commercial farm in autumn and spring, diluted in Mulberry III extender, stored at 15°C, and examined daily for sperm ROS level, SH content and motility. The ROS levels in spermatozoa prepared during autumn and spring were constantly low until days 4 and 5 of storage, respectively, which thereafter progressively increased in association with the loss of sperm motility. The increased sperm ROS level correlated with the higher SH level and lower motility, which was accentuated from day 4 of storage and was higher in September, or early autumn. This study indicates that increased sperm ROS levels during liquid storage results in oxidative damage, causing loss of sperm motility, presumably through decreased sperm viability, suggesting that sperm ROS monitoring effectively evaluates the quality of boar semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Xuan Khoi
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Itaru Minagawa
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Abe
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Tomohiro Sasanami
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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Robic A, Faraut T, Feve K, Djebali S, Prunier A, Larzul C, Liaubet L. Correlation Networks Provide New Insights into the Architecture of Testicular Steroid Pathways in Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:551. [PMID: 33918852 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid metabolism is a fundamental process in the porcine testis to provide testosterone but also estrogens and androstenone, which are essential for the physiology of the boar. This study concerns boars at an early stage of puberty. Using a RT-qPCR approach, we showed that the transcriptional activities of several genes providing key enzymes involved in this metabolism (such as CYP11A1) are correlated. Surprisingly, HSD17B3, a key gene for testosterone production, was absent from this group. An additional weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed on two large sets of mRNA-seq to identify co-expression modules. Of these modules, two containing either CYP11A1 or HSD17B3 were further analyzed. This comprehensive correlation meta-analysis identified a group of 85 genes with CYP11A1 as hub gene, but did not allow the characterization of a robust correlation network around HSD17B3. As the CYP11A1-group includes most of the genes involved in steroid synthesis pathways (including LHCGR encoding for the LH receptor), it may control the synthesis of most of the testicular steroids. The independent expression of HSD17B3 probably allows part of the production of testosterone to escape this control. This CYP11A1-group contained also INSL3 and AGT genes encoding a peptide hormone and an angiotensin peptide precursor, respectively.
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Anand-Ivell R, Tremellen K, Soyama H, Enki D, Ivell R. Male seminal parameters are not associated with Leydig cell functional capacity in men. Andrology 2021; 9:1126-1136. [PMID: 33715296 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutive, secreted peptide produced in the male uniquely by the Leydig cells of the testes. It is a biomarker for Leydig cell functional capacity, which is a measure of the numbers and differentiation status of these steroidogenic cells and lacks the biological and technical variance of the steroid testosterone. This retrospective study was carried out to examine the relationship between seminal parameters and the Leydig cell compartment, and secondarily to assess other factors responsible for determining Leydig cell functional capacity. METHODS INSL3 was assessed together with seminal, anthropometric, and hormonal parameters in a Swedish cohort of 18-year-old men, representing the average population, and in a smaller, more heterogeneous cohort of men visiting an Australian infertility clinic. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Average INSL3 concentration at 18 years is greater than that reported at younger or older ages and indicated a large 10-fold variation. In neither cohort was there a relationship between INSL3 concentration and any semen parameter. For the larger, more uniform Swedish cohort of young men, there was a significant negative relationship between INSL3 and BMI, supporting the idea that adult Leydig cell functional capacity may be established during puberty. In both cohorts, there was a significant relationship between INSL3 and FSH, but not LH concentration. No relationship was found between INSL3 and androgen receptor trinucleotide repeat polymorphisms, reinforcing the notion that Leydig cell functional capacity is unlikely to be determined by androgen influence alone. Nor did INSL3 correlate with the T/LH ratio, an alternative measure of Leydig cell functional capacity, supporting the view that these are independent measures of Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, SA, Australia
| | - Hiroaki Soyama
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Defense Medical College Hospital, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Doyo Enki
- School of Medicine, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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Crespo D, Assis LHC, Zhang YT, Safian D, Furmanek T, Skaftnesmo KO, Norberg B, Ge W, Choi YC, den Broeder MJ, Legler J, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Insulin-like 3 affects zebrafish spermatogenic cells directly and via Sertoli cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:204. [PMID: 33589679 PMCID: PMC7884674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary hormones can use local signaling molecules to regulate target tissue functions. In adult zebrafish testes, follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) strongly increases the production of insulin-like 3 (Insl3), a Leydig cell-derived growth factor found in all vertebrates. Little information is available regarding Insl3 function in adult spermatogenesis. The Insl3 receptors Rxfp2a and 2b were expressed by type A spermatogonia and Sertoli and myoid cells, respectively, in zebrafish testis tissue. Loss of insl3 increased germ cell apoptosis in males starting at 9 months of age, but spermatogenesis appeared normal in fully fertile, younger adults. Insl3 changed the expression of 409 testicular genes. Among others, retinoic acid (RA) signaling was up- and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) signaling was down-regulated. Follow-up studies showed that RA and Pparg signaling mediated Insl3 effects, resulting in the increased production of differentiating spermatogonia. This suggests that Insl3 recruits two locally active nuclear receptor pathways to implement pituitary (Fsh) stimulation of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Present Address: Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiz H. C. Assis
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yu Ting Zhang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Fujian, PR China ,grid.449133.80000 0004 1764 3555Present Address: Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Diego Safian
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Present Address: Experimental Zoology Group and Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Furmanek
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Wei Ge
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China
| | - Yung-Ching Choi
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China
| | - Marjo J. den Broeder
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juliette Legler
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W. Schulz
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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Ivell R, Alhujaili W, Kohsaka T, Anand-Ivell R. Physiology and evolution of the INSL3/RXFP2 hormone/receptor system in higher vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113583. [PMID: 32800774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the insulin-like peptide hormone INSL3 and its cognate receptor RXFP2 (relaxin-family peptide receptor 2) have existed throughout chordate evolution, their physiological diversification appears to be linked closely with mammalian emergence and radiation. In contrast, they have been lost in birds and reptiles. Both hormone and receptor are expressed from autosomal genes which have maintained their synteny across vertebrate evolution. Whereas the INSL3 gene comprises only two exons closely linked to the JAK3 gene, RXFP2 is normally encoded by 18 exons. Both genes, however, are subject to alternative splicing to yield a variety of possibly inactive or antagonistic molecules. In mammals, the INSL3-RXFP2 dyad has maintained a probably primitive association with gametogenesis, seen also in fish, whereby INSL3 promotes the survival, growth and differentiation of male germ cells in the testis and follicle development in the ovary. In addition, however, the INSL3/RXFP2 system has adopted a typical 'neohormone' profile, essential for the promotion of internal fertilisation and viviparity; fetal INSL3 is essential for the first phase of testicular descent into a scrotum, and also appears to be associated with male phenotype, in particular horn and skeletal growth. Circulating INSL3 is produced exclusively by the mature testicular Leydig cells in male mammals and acts as a potent biomarker for testis development during fetal and pubertal development as well as in ageing. As such it can be used also to monitor seasonally breeding animals as well as to investigate environmental or lifestyle conditions affecting development. Nevertheless, most information about INSL3 and RXFP2 comes from a very limited selection of species; it will be especially useful to gain further information from a more diverse range of animals, especially those whose evolution has led them to express unusual reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK.
| | - Waleed Alhujaili
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Dept. of Applied Life Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
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Abstract
Insulin-like 3 peptide (INSL3) is a member of the insulin-like peptide superfamily and is the only known physiological ligand of relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In mammals, INSL3 is primarily produced both in testicular Leydig cells and in ovarian theca cells, but circulating levels of the hormone are much higher in males than in females. The INSL3/RXFP2 system has an essential role in the development of the gubernaculum for the initial transabdominal descent of the testis and in maintaining proper reproductive health in men. Although its function in female physiology has been less well-characterized, it was reported that INSL3 deletion affects antral follicle development during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and uterus function. Since the discovery of its role in the reproductive system, the study of INSL3/RXFP2 has expanded to others organs, such as skeletal muscle, bone, kidney, thyroid, brain, and eye. This review aims to summarize the various advances in understanding the physiological function of this ligand-receptor pair since its first discovery and elucidate its future therapeutic potential in the management of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Esteban-Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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Sangeeta K, Yenugu S. Transgenesis and active immunization mediated reduction of sperm associated antigen 11A mRNA and protein levels affect fecundity in the rat. Theriogenology 2020; 157:517-524. [PMID: 32927355 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.027] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa acquire motility and fertilizing ability during their transit through the epididymis. A wide variety of proteins secreted into the epididymal lumen are added on to the sperm surface to allow morphological and molecular changes involved in sperm maturation. Proteins of the Sperm Associated Antigen 11 (SPAG11) family are known to be localized on the sperm surface. The rat SPAG11A protein was implicated in sperm maturation during epididymal transit in vitro. However, systematic analyses on the significance of SPAG11A in fertility and sperm function is not yet reported in vivo. In this study, using testicular electroporation, we generated transgenic rats that express shRNA to ablate endogenous Spag11a mRNA. Genotyping revealed the integration of the plasmid that expresses shRNA against Spag11a mRNA. Significant decrease in the mRNA levels of Spag11a and its encoded protein was observed in the caput epididymis of transgenic rats. We also generated an active immunization rat model to ablate endogenous SPAG11A protein by administering recombinant SPAG11A protein. Immunized rats had a high antibody titer in the serum and the tissue fluids of caput, cauda and testis. In both these model systems, the litter size and sperm count was significantly reduced. However, spermatozoa obtained from the transgenic or immunized rats underwent capacitation and acrosome reaction and the associated calcium release. Results of this study indicate the role of SPAG11A in fecundity and sperm production and not in sperm function, especially capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Sangeeta
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India.
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Shokri S, Tavalaee M, Ebrahimi SM, Ziaeipour S, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Nejatbakhsh R. Expression of RXFP2 receptor on human spermatozoa and the anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects of insulin-like factor 3. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13715. [PMID: 32557760 DOI: 10.1111/and.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has an important role in the human reproductive system; however, its detailed function is still mysterious. We aimed to investigate the possibility of expression of RXFP2 receptor on human spermatozoa and to determine the anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanism derived the binding of INSL3 and RXFP2. In this experimental study, the expression/location of the RXFP2 receptor was determined on the spermatozoa of fertile and infertile men. Twenty samples from 20 fertile men were collected and divided into 6 parts (control group, and five groups treated with INSL3 10, 100, 250, 500, 1,000 ng/ml). DNA damage, active caspase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sperm parameters were evaluated by TUNEL, flow cytometry, optical microscope and computer-assisted sperm analysis. The expression of RXFP2 was confirmed by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry illustrated that this receptor is expressed in the posterior half of the spermatozoa's head. The INSL3 at concentrations of 500 and 1,000 ng/ml reduced the active caspase and mitochondrial ROS, and also reduced DNA fragmentation at 1,000 ng/ml. Besides, INSL3 500 and 1,000 ng/ml significantly increased the sperm motility. This study confirmed the presence of RXFP2 receptor in fertile and infertile men's spermatozoa, indicating the highly dose-dependent efficacy of the INSL3, which may have promising impacts on the in-vitro fertilisation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shokri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Meisam Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Abhar School of Nursing, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Ziaeipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Nejatbakhsh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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14
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Tsogtgerel M, Komyo N, Murase H, Hannan MA, Watanabe K, Ohtaki T, Tsumagari S, Kawate N, Nambo Y. Serum concentrations and testicular expressions of insulin-like peptide 3 and Anti-Müllerian hormone in normal and cryptorchid male horses. Theriogenology 2020; 154:135-142. [PMID: 32645589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is an important hormone for testicular descent during embryonic development and a factor for assessing functional status of Leydig cells of testes, but there is limited number of equine studies. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a useful diagnostic marker for cryptorchidism in horses. This study aimed to compare serum concentrations and testicular expression intensity of INSL3 and AMH in intact and cryptorchid male horses. Serum INSL3 concentrations in intact (n = 9; mean ± SEM, 19.9 ± 5.9 ng/mL) and noncastrated unilateral cryptorchid (UC) male horses (n = 16; mean ± SEM, 16.8 ± 4.1 ng/mL) were higher compared with hemicastrated unilateral cryptorchid (HCUC) male horses (n = 9; mean ± SEM, 3.8 ± 0.7 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). And serum INSL3 in bilateral cryptorchid (BC) male horses (n = 4; 1.9 ± 0.4; mean ± SEM, ng/mL) were lower compared with intact male horses (P < 0.05). Serum AMH concentrations in BC male horses (n = 3; mean ± SEM, 30.6 ± 4.8 ng/mL) were higher compared with intact male horses (n = 5; mean ± SEM, 12.2 ± 3.9 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). Immunostaining of scrotal and cryptorchid testis showed that Sertoli cells were positive for AMH, and Leydig cells were positive for INSL3. Staining intensity of AMH was higher in cryptorchid testis than in scrotal testis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AMH expression intensity was higher in abdominal testis than in inguinal testis (P < 0.05). Immunostaining intensity of INSL3 in the testis was positively correlated with serum INSL3 (r, 0.7; P < 0.01), seminiferous tubule area (r, 0.727; P < 0.01), and Johnsen score for spermatogenesis (r, 0.604; P < 0.05), whereas immunostaining intensity of AMH in the testis was negatively correlated with seminiferous tubule area (r, -0.814; P < 0.01) and Johnsen score for spermatogenesis (r, -0.807; P < 0.01). Our findings suggested that AMH is a good biomarker for diagnosing cryptorchidism in male horses, in addition to INSL3 values to assess the testis of intact and cryptorchid male horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhtuul Tsogtgerel
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Nao Komyo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Harutaka Murase
- Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, 0570-0171, Japan
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kenichi Watanabe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Tadatoshi Ohtaki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Tsumagari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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15
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Kohsaka T, Minagawa I, Morimoto M, Yoshida T, Sasanami T, Yoneda Y, Ikegaya N, Sasada H. Efficacy of relaxin for cisplatin-induced testicular dysfunction and epididymal spermatotoxicity. Basic Clin Androl 2020; 30:3. [PMID: 32166037 PMCID: PMC7061478 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-020-0101-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cisplatin (CP) is an extremely effective anticancer agent widely used to treat various cancer types, however, the potential side effects include testicular dysfunction. This study was to investigate, using a rat model of CP-induced testicular dysfunction, the protective effects of relaxin (RLN) against oxidative stress, testicular function, histological damage, spermatogenesis, germ-cell apoptosis, and sperm output, and to explore the usefulness of RLN as a potential protective drug for use with CP in chemotherapeutic treatments. Methods Sprague-Dawley male rats were used, which were divided into three groups: sham control, CP, and CP + RLN. Porcine RLN (500 ng/h) or saline was infused for 5 days using an implanted osmotic mini-pump following intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg). RLN dose was chosen based on previous studies showing that it resulted in serum relaxin levels comparable to those in rats at the middle of pregnancy. At 5 days after CP administration, samples were collected and assessment of testicular histopathology, germ-cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and sperm quality was performed as main measures. Results The testicular CP model showed reduced testis weight and significantly decreased spermatogenesis scores. Additionally, CP administration induced a 4.6-fold increase in the apoptotic index associated with a significant increase in oxidative stress and upregulation of pro-apoptotic Casp3 and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 levels, resulting in a marked reduction in sperm concentration. However, RLN administration caused a significant reduction in CP-mediated damage by attenuating oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. RLN administration efficiently scavenged ROS via the activation of SOD, CAT, and GPx and upregulation of GSH to prevent lipid peroxidation and decreased apoptosis by altering Bcl2 and Casp3 expression, thereby reducing histopathological damage and restoring spermatogenesis. Furthermore, RLN ameliorated attenuated sperm motility in the cauda epididymis resulting from CP treatment. Conclusions This study clearly indicates that RLN exerts a protective effect against CP-induced testicular damage through attenuation of oxidative stress and suppression of apoptosis. Our findings suggest RLN as a potentially efficacious drug for use with cisplatin chemotherapy in order to ameliorate CP-induced side effects and testicular injury adversely affecting spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and oxidative-stress parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Kohsaka
- 1Department of Applied Life Sciences, Animal Reproduction & Physiology Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529 Japan
| | - Itaru Minagawa
- 1Department of Applied Life Sciences, Animal Reproduction & Physiology Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529 Japan
| | - Masashi Morimoto
- 1Department of Applied Life Sciences, Animal Reproduction & Physiology Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529 Japan
| | - Takuya Yoshida
- 2Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Science, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 422-8526 Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sasanami
- 1Department of Applied Life Sciences, Animal Reproduction & Physiology Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529 Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yoneda
- Advanced Reproductive Medical Center, Shizuoka Ladies Clinic, Shizuoka, 420-0837 Japan
| | - Naoki Ikegaya
- Department of Medicine, Yaizu Municipal General Hospital, Shizuoka, 422-8505 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasada
- 5Division of Animal Science, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, 034-8628 Japan
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16
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Anand-Ivell R, Byrne CJ, Arnecke J, Fair S, Lonergan P, Kenny DA, Ivell R. Prepubertal nutrition alters Leydig cell functional capacity and timing of puberty. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225465. [PMID: 31751436 PMCID: PMC6872131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leydig cell functional capacity reflects the numbers and differentiation status of the steroidogenic Leydig cells in the testes and becomes more or less fixed in early adulthood with the final establishment of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis after puberty. Factors influencing Leydig cell functional capacity and its role in puberty are poorly understood. Using a bovine model of dairy bulls fed four different nutritional regimes from 1 month to 12 months, and applying circulating Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) as an accurate biomarker of Leydig cell functional capacity, showed that a high plane of nutrition in the first 6 months of life, but not later, significantly increased INSL3 in young adulthood. Moreover, INSL3 concentration at 4 months indicated a marked differential in early feeding regime and correlated well (negatively) with the timing of puberty, as reflected by the age in days for the first production of an ejaculate with >50 million sperm and >10% forward motility, as well as with testis size at 18 months. Reversing the diet at 6 months was unable to rectify the trend in either parameter, unlike for other parameters such as testosterone, body weight, and scrotal circumference. This study has shown that early prepubertal nutrition is a key factor in the development of Leydig cell functional capacity in early adulthood and appears to be a key driver in the dynamic progression of puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Colin J. Byrne
- Animal and Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Dunsany, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jonas Arnecke
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A. Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Dunsany, Ireland
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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