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Rivera-López JR, Torres-Martínez A, Hernández-Franyutti AA, Uribe MC, Gribbins K. The male reproductive cycle of the brown basilisk Basiliscus vittatus (Squamata: Corytophanidae) from Tabasco, Southern Mexico. J Morphol 2024; 285:e21694. [PMID: 38619230 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21694] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
We used histological and morphometric methods to study the testis and associated glands, including the epididymis, ductus deferens, and renal sexual segment (RSS), of specimens of Basiliscus vittatus sampled from Tabasco, Mexico (17.5926° N, 92.5816° W). Samples were collected throughout 1 year, which included the dry (February to May) and rainy (June to January) seasons. Spermatogenesis in B. vittatus is active throughout the year, but a significant increase in the testicular volume, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of the germinal epithelium, spermiogenesis, and released spermatozoa occur in the dry season. During the rainy season, all aforementioned parameters decreased except the secretory activity of the epididymis and the RSS, which increased concomitant with an increase of the spermatozoa population within the ductus deferens. These data strongly suggest that B. vittatus reproduce year-round, but males exhibit a peak in spermatogenic activity during the dry season and a peak in insemination and/or copulation at the beginning of the rainy season. We highlight the importance of analyzing not only the testis but also accessory ducts and glands when determining the reproductive cycles of reptiles. The reproductive cycle of B. vittatus is discussed in relation to the environmental conditions of Southern Mexico and is compared to that of other squamates.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rodrigo Rivera-López
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Aarón Torres-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arlette Amalia Hernández-Franyutti
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Mari Carmen Uribe
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kevin Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Burgess DJ, Cuffe JSM. Sowing the seeds of stress: maternal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids impacts sperm miRNA for generations. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38631284 DOI: 10.1113/jp286280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D J Burgess
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - J S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Hashitani H, Takeya M, van Helden DF. Commonality and heterogeneity of pacemaker mechanisms in the male reproductive organs. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38607187 DOI: 10.1113/jp284756] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
During emission, the first phase of ejaculation, smooth muscle in organs of the male reproductive tract (MRT) vigorously contract upon sympathetic nerve excitation to expel semen consisting of sperm and seminal plasma. During inter-ejaculation phases, the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate undergo spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs), this transporting and maintaining the quality of sperm and seminal plasma. Recent studies have revealed platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-expressing (PDGFRα+) subepithelial interstitial cells in seminal vesicles subserve the role of pacemaker cells that electrically drive SPCs in this organ. PDGFRα+ smooth muscle cells in the epididymis also appear to function as pacemaker cells implicating PDGFRα as a potential signature molecule in MRT pacemaking. The dominant mechanism driving pacemaking in these organs is the cytosolic Ca2+ oscillator. This operates through entrainment of the release-refill cycle of Ca2+ stores, the released Ca2+ ions opening Ca2+-activated chloride channels, including in some cases ANO1 (TMEM16A), with the resultant pacemaker potential activating L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the smooth muscle causing contraction (viz. SPCs). A second pacemaker mechanism, namely the membrane oscillator also has a role in specific cases. Further investigations into the commonality and heterogeneity of MRT pacemakers will open an avenue for understanding the pathogenesis of male infertility associated with deterioration of seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Hashitani
- Department of Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsue Takeya
- Division of Integrated Autonomic Function, Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Dirk F van Helden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing & Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Stanger SJ, Trigg NA, Anderson AL, Sipilä P, Bernstein IR, Lord T, Schjenken JE, Murray HC, Verrills NM, Dun MD, Pang TY, Nixon B. Phosphoproteomic analysis of the adaption of epididymal epithelial cells to corticosterone challenge. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38576152 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13636] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis has long been of interest owing to its role in promoting the functional maturation of the male germline. More recent evidence has also implicated the epididymis as an important sensory tissue responsible for remodeling of the sperm epigenome, both under physiological conditions and in response to diverse forms of environmental stress. Despite this knowledge, the intricacies of the molecular pathways involved in regulating the adaptation of epididymal tissue to paternal stressors remains to be fully resolved. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of this study was to investigate the direct impact of corticosterone challenge on a tractable epididymal epithelial cell line (i.e., mECap18 cells), in terms of driving adaptation of the cellular proteome and phosphoproteome signaling networks. MATERIALS AND METHODS The newly developed phosphoproteomic platform EasyPhos coupled with sequencing via an Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer, was applied to survey global changes in the mECap18 cell (phospho)proteome resulting from sub-chronic (10-day) corticosterone challenge. RESULTS The imposed corticosterone exposure regimen elicited relatively subtle modifications of the global mECap18 proteome (i.e., only 73 out of 4171 [∼1.8%] proteins displayed altered abundance). By contrast, ∼15% of the mECap18 phosphoproteome was substantially altered following corticosterone challenge. In silico analysis of the corresponding parent proteins revealed an activation of pathways linked to DNA damage repair and oxidative stress responses as well as a reciprocal inhibition of pathways associated with organismal death. Corticosterone challenge also induced the phosphorylation of several proteins linked to the biogenesis of microRNAs. Accordingly, orthogonal validation strategies confirmed an increase in DNA damage, which was ameliorated upon selective kinase inhibition, and an altered abundance profile of a subset of microRNAs in corticosterone-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data confirm that epididymal epithelial cells are reactive to corticosterone challenge, and that their response is tightly coupled to the opposing action of cellular kinases and phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather C Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole M Verrills
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence Y Pang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
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Zhang C, Yu W, Jin M, Qu L. Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy in the Epididymis: A Case Report. Int J Surg Pathol 2024; 32:380-385. [PMID: 37229663 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231176026] [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] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, benign neoplasm of neural crest origin that predominantly involves the craniofacial region, involvement of the epididymis being extremely rare, with about 30 cases reported. We report an unusual case of a 5-month-old male with MNTI in the epididymis. The patient underwent orchiectomy. Half a year later, there was no sign of recurrence. Whether preoperative examination or intraoperative frozen examination, the tumor may easily be misdiagnosed as malignancy. Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy should be included in differential diagnosis in infants presenting with fast-growing scrotal swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Echocardiography, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meishan Jin
- Department of Pathology, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Limei Qu
- Department of Pathology, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Mulhall JE, Trigg NA, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Murray HC, Sipilä P, Lord T, Schjenken JE, Nixon B, Skerrett-Byrne DA. Immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial (mECap18) cell line recapitulates the in-vivo environment. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300253. [PMID: 37759396 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300253] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Residing between the testes and the vas deferens, the epididymis is a highly convoluted tubule whose unique luminal microenvironment is crucial for the functional maturation of spermatozoa. This microenvironment is created by the combined secretory and resorptive activity of the lining epididymal epithelium, including the release of extracellular vesicles (epididymosomes), which encapsulate fertility modulating proteins and a myriad of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are destined for delivery to recipient sperm cells. To enable investigation of this intercellular communication nexus, we have previously developed an immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial cell line (mECap18). Here, we describe the application of label-free mass spectrometry to characterize the mECap18 cell proteome and compare this to the proteome of native mouse caput epididymal epithelial cells. We report the identification of 5,313 mECap18 proteins, as many as 75.8% of which were also identified in caput epithelial cells wherein they mapped to broadly similar protein classification groupings. Furthermore, key pathways associated with protein synthesis (e.g., EIF2 signaling) and cellular protection in the male reproductive tract (e.g., sirtuin signaling) were enriched in both proteomes. This comparison supports the utility of the mECap18 cell line as a tractable in-vitro model for studying caput epididymal epithelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess E Mulhall
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics - Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heather C Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Varsinais-Suomi, Finland
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
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Liu MM, Feng XL, Qi C, Zhang SE, Zhang GL. The significance of single-cell transcriptome analysis in epididymis research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357370. [PMID: 38577504 PMCID: PMC10991796 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357370] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As a crucial component of the male reproductive system, the epididymis plays multiple roles, including sperm storage and secretion of nutritive fluids for sperm development and maturation. The acquisition of fertilization capacity by sperm occurs during their transport through the epididymis. Compared with the testis, little has been realized about the importance of the epididymis. However, with the development of molecular biology and single-cell sequencing technology, the importance of the epididymis for male fertility should be reconsidered. Recent studies have revealed that different regions of the epididymis exhibit distinct functions and cell type compositions, which are likely determined by variations in gene expression patterns. In this research, we primarily focused on elucidating the cellular composition and region-specific gene expression patterns within different segments of the epididymis and provided detailed insights into epididymal function in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xin-Lei Feng
- Animal Products Quality and Safety Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Provincial Animal Husbandry Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Er Zhang
- Provincial Animal Husbandry Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Liang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Andrade AD, Almeida PGC, Mariani NAP, Santos NCM, Camargo IA, Martini PV, Kushima H, Ai D, Avellar MCW, Meinhardt A, Pleuger C, Silva EJR. Regional modulation of toll-like receptor signaling pathway genes in acute epididymitis in mice. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38497291 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13630] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Region-specific immune environments in the epididymis influence the immune responses to uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection, a relevant cause of epididymitis in men. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential to orchestrate immune responses against bacterial infections. The epididymis displays region-specific inflammatory responses to bacterial-derived TLR agonists, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR4 agonist) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA; TLR2/TLR6 agonist), suggesting that TLR-associated signaling pathways could influence the magnitude of inflammatory responses in epididymitis. OBJECTIVES To investigate the expression and regulation of key genes associated with TLR4 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling pathways during epididymitis induced by UPEC, LPS, and LTA in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Epididymitis was induced in mice using UPEC, ultrapure LPS, or LTA, injected into the interstitial space of the initial segment or the lumen of the vas deferens close to the cauda epididymidis. Samples were harvested after 1, 5, and 10 days for UPEC-treated animals and 6 and 24 h for LPS-/LTA-treated animals. Ex vivo epididymitis was induced by incubating epididymal regions from naive mice with LPS or LTA. RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were conducted. RESULTS UPEC infection up-regulated Tlr2, Tlr4, and Tlr6 transcripts and their associated signaling molecules Cd14, Ticam1, and Traf6 in the cauda epididymidis but not in the initial segment. In these epididymal regions, LPS and LTA differentially modulated Tlr2, Tlr4, Tlr6, Cd14, Myd88, Ticam1, Traf3, and Traf6 expression levels. NFKB and AP1 activation was required for LPS- and LTA-induced up-regulation of TLR-associated signaling transcripts in the cauda epididymidis and initial segment, respectively. CONCLUSION The dynamic modulation of TLR4 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling pathways gene expression during epididymitis indicates bacterial-derived antigens elicit an increased tissue sensitivity to combat microbial infection in a spatial manner in the epididymis. Differential activation of TLR-associated signaling pathways may contribute to fine-tuning inflammatory responses along the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre D Andrade
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila G C Almeida
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalia C M Santos
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela A Camargo
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Poliana V Martini
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helio Kushima
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dingding Ai
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Centre of Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Christiane Pleuger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hallak J, Caldini EG, Teixeira TA, Correa MCM, Duarte-Neto AN, Zambrano F, Taubert A, Hermosilla C, Drevet JR, Dolhnikoff M, Sanchez R, Saldiva PHN. Transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in human spermatozoa associated with an ETosis-like response. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38469742 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13612] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 can invade a variety of tissues, including the testis. Even though this virus is scarcely found in human semen polymerase chain reaction tests, autopsy studies confirm the viral presence in all testicular cell types, including spermatozoa and spermatids. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 is present inside the spermatozoa of negative polymerase chain reaction-infected men up to 3 months after hospital discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included 13 confirmed moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients enrolled 30-90 days after the diagnosis. Semen samples were obtained and examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction for RNA detection and by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS In moderate-to-severe clinical scenarios, we identified the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 inside spermatozoa in nine of 13 patients up to 90 days after discharge from the hospital. Moreover, some DNA-based extracellular traps were reported in all studied specimens. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Although severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 was not present in the infected men's semen, it was intracellularly present in the spermatozoa till 3 months after hospital discharge. The Electron microscopy (EM) findings also suggest that spermatozoa produce nuclear DNA-based extracellular traps, probably in a cell-free DNA-dependent manner, similar to those previously described in the systemic inflammatory response to COVID-19. In moderate-to-severe cases, the blood-testes barrier grants little defence against different pathogenic viruses, including the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2. The virus could also use the epididymis as a post-testicular route to bind and fuse to the mature spermatozoon and possibly accomplish the reverse transcription of the single-stranded viral RNA into proviral DNA. These mechanisms can elicit extracellular cell-free DNA formation. The potential implications of our findings for assisted conception must be addressed, and the evolutionary history of DNA-based extracellular traps as preserved ammunition in animals' innate defence might improve our understanding of the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 pathophysiology in the testis and spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Hallak
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Androscience, Science & Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Research Andrology Laboratory., Androscience Institute, Sao Paulo, Brasil
| | - Elia G Caldini
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago A Teixeira
- Androscience, Science & Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Research Andrology Laboratory., Androscience Institute, Sao Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Amapá, Amapá, Brazil
| | | | - Amaro N Duarte-Neto
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Center of Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Institute, CNRS-INSERM-Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculty of Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marisa Dolhnikoff
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raul Sanchez
- Center of Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Paulo H N Saldiva
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Amiri S, Gholizadeh L, Rasti A, Peymani M, Mirjalili SAM, Vahidi SA, Kalantar SM. Comparison of SPAG11A gene expression in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after treatment. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024. [PMID: 38446746 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220060] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sperm Associated Antigen 11A (SPAG11A) protein is a family of the epididymis-specific secretory proteins implicated in sperm maturation and function. Varicocele might cause pathophysiological difficulties in the testis and epididymis, with a harmful effect on the environment for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of the SPAG11A gene and sperm parameters in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after treatment. METHODS Semen specimens were collected from 20 infertile men with varicocele pre-and post-treatment and 10 healthy volunteers. Semen analysis was conducted according to world health organization guidelines. Real time PCR (qRT-PCR) reaction was applied for determination of SPAG11A mRNA expression. RESULTS The results showed that there was a significant difference between the concentration and normal morphology between pre- and post-treatment groups and the controls. There were significant differences between pre-treatment and control groups in terms of progressive and non-progressive mobility. SPAG11A mRNA levels were significantly lower in the pre-treatment group than in healthy control subjects (p=0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of SPAG11A as well as semen parameters in the post-treatment group compared to the pre-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS SPAG11A gene expression and semen parameters may be affected by varicocele. Whether varicocele treatment is an effective approach to reduce the adverse effect of this disease on SPAG11A expression and semen parameters needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepide Amiri
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Shiraz Iran Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Islamic Azad University Faculty of Basic Sciences Department of Biology Shahrekord Iran Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Lida Gholizadeh
- Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Yazd Iran Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Rasti
- Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute Abortion Research Centre Yazd Iran Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science, Yazd, Iran
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine Department of Medical Genetics Tehran Iran Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Islamic Azad University Faculty of Basic Sciences Department of Biology Shahrekord Iran Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mohammad Mirjalili
- Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Reproduction Sciences Institute Department of Andorology Yazd Iran Department of Andorology, Yazd Reproduction Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seraj-Aldin Vahidi
- Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Reproduction Sciences Institute Department of Andorology Yazd Iran Department of Andorology, Yazd Reproduction Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute Abortion Research Centre Yazd Iran Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science, Yazd, Iran
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11
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Cheng P, Wei J, Liu B, Zhao Y, Ma B, Feng X, Xiong M, Zhao J, Shi C, Li Z. Metastasis-associated protein 1 participates in regulating luminal acidification of the epididymis via repressing estrogen receptor alpha transcription. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436139 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13621] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylating (NuRD) complex, metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) has been reported to be abundant in male reproductive system and might participate in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, whereas the precise functional role of MTA1 in these processes is still undetermined. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and potential function of MTA1 in male fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mta1 knockout mice (Mta1-/- ) were employed to detect their reproductive phenotype. The pH value of Mta1-/- epididymal luminal fluid was measured, and the potential mechanism of MTA1 involved in regulating luminal acidification was detected in vivo and in vitro. A vasectomy model with abnormal pH of epididymal lumen was established to further detect the effect of MTA1 on epididymal luminal microenvironment. RESULTS Mta1-/- mice were fertile without any detectable defects in spermatogenesis or sperm motility while the deficiency of MTA1 could acidify the initial segment of epididymis to a certain extent. MTA1 could interact with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and inhibit the transcription of ERα target gene, hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3), and ultimately affect the epididymal luminal milieu. After vasectomy, the Mta1-/- mice presented a more acidic epididymal lumen which was closer to the normal state compared to the wild-type model. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION MTA1 is dispensable for male fertility in mice, but plays a potentially important function in regulating luminal acidification of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang Cheng
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinhua Wei
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Liu
- The Air Force Hospital of Central Theater of PLA, Datong, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Binfang Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingxiang Xiong
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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12
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Cole RM, Andino JJ, Daignault-Newton S, Quallich SA, Hadj-Moussa M. Epididymectomy Is an Effective Treatment for Chronic Epididymal Pain. Urol Pract 2024; 11:409-415. [PMID: 38226929 DOI: 10.1097/upj.0000000000000515] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic scrotal pain is difficult to manage, and epididymectomy is a treatment option for a subset of men with pain localized to the epididymis. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of epididymectomy at our institution. METHODS Between 2000 and 2020, 225 men underwent epididymectomy at our institution for pain localized to the epididymis and not part of a greater constellation of pelvic pain or urinary symptoms. Our primary outcome measure was change in pain after epididymectomy, categorized as cured/improved or no change/worsened. Multivariable logistic regression compared the impact of pain duration, and surgical and psychiatric histories on postoperative pain. RESULTS Patients in both outcome categories-cured/improved and no change/worsened-were similar in age and BMI. Overall, 162 patients (72%) reported cured/improved pain at the last documented follow-up visit. Median follow-up time was 12 (IQR 1-364) weeks. About half of the cohort (n = 117, 52%) had a prior vasectomy, and there was no difference in outcome based on vasectomy history on multivariate analysis (OR 0.625, P = .3). Men with pain duration > 1 year (OR 0.46, P = .03), diagnosed psychiatric conditions (OR 0.44, P = .04), or prior scrotal/inguinal/abdominal surgeries other than vasectomy (OR 0.47, P = .03) had decreased odds of pain relief after epididymectomy. CONCLUSIONS This 20-year analysis is the largest review of postepididymectomy outcomes reported. Among carefully screened men, 72% had resolution or improvement of scrotal pain. Epididymectomy is most effective for men with < 1 year of focal epididymal pain, with no history of psychiatric conditions or scrotal/inguinal/abdominal surgery other than vasectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M Cole
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Juan J Andino
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, California
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13
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Nicy V, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Assessment of copper nanoparticles treatment on male accessory reproductive organs and epididymis in a mouse model: A morphological and biochemical study. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2024; 341:138-150. [PMID: 38047873 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2768] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the usage of nanoparticles has expanded substantially in recent years, and it causes the detrimental effect on the various organs. CuNPs are widely used in commercial applications. There has been minimal investigation into the possibly harmful effects of CuNPs on the accessory reproductive organs. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of CuNPs on the male reproductive organs like epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate of mice. The mice were exposed orally to CuNPs at three doses 10, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 70 days. Our results showed that the organs index of only vas deferens and prostate reduced at 200 mg/kg group compared to the control. However, the histological study showed degenerative changes in the epididymis at higher doses like distortion in the tubules. The sperm parameters were also decreased in the 200 mg/kg CuNPs group. The vas deferens in 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups exhibited detachment of luminal epithelium and with a few or no spermatozoa in the higher dose group. The seminal vesicle and prostate also showed degenerative changes like atrophy, hyperplasia, and scant secretary materials. Furthermore, CuNPs also increased the oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes in vas deferens and seminal vesicles at higher dose. Caput epididymis showed decreased GPx enzymes in all the groups. However, MDA and GPx in corpus, cauda, and prostate did not show any significant variations among all the groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that CuNPs can manifest the detrimental effect of the male accessory organs and epididymis in a dose and tissue dependent manner. Since, detrimental effects were observed only at higher dose, thus, uses of CuNPs would be safe for reproductive organs at lower dose, even for the prolonged duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanrohlu Nicy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | | | - Vikas K Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
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14
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Taelman J, Czukiewska SM, Moustakas I, Chang YW, Hillenius S, van der Helm T, van der Meeren LE, Mei H, Fan X, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Characterization of the human fetal gonad and reproductive tract by single-cell transcriptomics. Dev Cell 2024; 59:529-544.e5. [PMID: 38295793 PMCID: PMC10898717 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.006] [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: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During human fetal development, sex differentiation occurs not only in the gonads but also in the adjacent developing reproductive tract. However, while the cellular composition of male and female human fetal gonads is well described, that of the adjacent developing reproductive tract remains poorly characterized. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomics on male and female human fetal gonads together with the adjacent developing reproductive tract from first and second trimesters, highlighting the morphological and molecular changes during sex differentiation. We validated different cell populations of the developing reproductive tract and gonads and compared the molecular signatures between the first and second trimesters, as well as between sexes, to identify conserved and sex-specific features. Together, our study provides insights into human fetal sex-specific gonadogenesis and development of the reproductive tract beyond the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sylwia M Czukiewska
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yolanda W Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Hillenius
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Talia van der Helm
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xueying Fan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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15
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Cyr DG. The Mesenchymal Androgen Receptor and Wolffian Duct Development. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae025. [PMID: 38387078 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
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16
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Umezu K, Musina GR, Larina IV. In vivo dynamic volumetric imaging of mouse testis and epididymis with optical coherence tomography†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:365-376. [PMID: 37971359 PMCID: PMC10873499 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad158] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is crucial for studying the physiological dynamics. Sperm transport is a highly dynamic process regulated by tubular contractions and luminal flows within the male reproductive tract. However, due to the lack of imaging techniques to capture these dynamics in vivo, there is little information on the physiological and biomechanical regulation of sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. Here, we present a functional in vivo imaging approach using optical coherence tomography, enabling live, label-free, depth-resolved, three-dimensional, high-resolution visualization of the mouse testis and epididymis. With this approach, we spatiotemporally captured tubular contractility in mouse testis and epididymis, as well as microstructures of these reproductive organs. Our findings demonstrated that the contraction frequency varies significantly depending on the epididymal regions, suggesting the spatial regulation of epididymal contractility. Furthermore, we implemented quantitative measurements of the contraction wave and luminal transport through the epididymal duct, revealing the physiological dynamics within the male reproductive tract. The results show that the contraction wave propagates along the epididymal duct and the wave propagation velocity was estimated in vivo. In conclusion, this is the first study to develop in vivo dynamic volumetric imaging of the male reproductive tract, which allows for quantitative analysis of the dynamics associated with sperm transport. This study sets a platform for various studies investigating normal and abnormal male reproductive physiology as well as the pharmacological and environmental effects on reproductive functions in mouse models, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guzel R Musina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Abdel-Maksoud FM, Zayed AE, Abdelhafez EA, Hussein MT. Seasonal variations of the epididymis in donkeys (Equus asinus) with special reference to blood epididymal barrier. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:326-338. [PMID: 37819052 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24436] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis, a key component of the male reproductive system, controls spermatozoa's maturation, fertility, and storage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical variations in the epididymis of donkeys that occur throughout the year. During the breeding season (spring) and nonbreeding seasons (summer, autumn, and winter), 20 epididymis were collected from adult, clinically healthy donkeys. Compared to non-breeding seasons, the epididymal duct displayed a more active lining epithelium and more sperm in the lumen during the breeding season. The epithelial height is the lowest and the lumen is the widest during the breeding season. Furthermore, the epididymal epithelium in the tail region exhibits undulations with polyps-like projections. The epididymal epithelium is composed mainly of the principal, basal, and dark cells. Tight junction between adjacent principal cells is more obvious in the breeding season as compared to the non-breeding seasons. However, intraepithelial lymphocytes, phagocytic, and other immune cells are more frequent in non-breeding seasons. β-catenin, which is a component of the adherent junctions between adjacent PCs, exhibits more immunoreactivity during the spring. On the other hand, iNOS, an indicator of oxidative stress, reacts positively during the summer. Additionally, during non-breeding seasons, autophagy was detected within the epididymal epithelium which may be linked to stress adaptation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the epididymal epithelium are more active during spring compared to other seasons of the year. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study aimed to evaluate the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical variations in the blood epididymal barrier (BEB) and epididymal epithelium of donkeys that occur throughout the year. In comparison to non-breeding seasons, the epididymal duct displayed a more active lining epithelium and more sperm in the lumen during the breeding season. The epithelial height is the lowest and the lumen is the widest during the breeding season. The epididymal epithelium in the tail region exhibits undulations with polyps-like projections that increase the surface area. β-catenin, which is a component of the adherent junctions between adjacent PCs, exhibits more immunoreactivity during the spring. On the other hand, iNOS, an indicator of oxidative stress, reacts positively during the summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Zayed
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Enas A Abdelhafez
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Manal T Hussein
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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18
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Hassan F, Holtz W. Morphology of the epididymal duct of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus). J Morphol 2024; 285:e21675. [PMID: 38361275 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21675] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The study provides a general overview of the morphology of the epididymal duct in pigs. Four epididymides from two sexually mature boars were dissected into 32 segments and examined histologically. Duct lumen and wall thickness were measured and relative surface area of different components was assessed by Chalkley's random hit method. The epithelial lining was characterized at X1000. Lumen diameter and wall thickness of efferent ductules averaged 177 and 30 µm, respectively. Of the epididymal duct from caput to distal corpus the luminal diameter was 332 µm, with a narrower section in the proximal corpus. Wall thickness averaged 70 µm. In the cauda, luminal diameter and wall thickness increased to 717 and 751 µm, respectively. The epithelial lining of the efferent ductules consists of a single layer of columnar cells with average height 21 µm. The lining of the epididymal duct consists of ciliated, pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium composed of "basal cells" and "principal cells." Particularly tall principal cells (96 µm) were found in the proximal caput. Height decreased to 40 µm at the distal cauda. Microvilli from principal cells were 14-17 µm long in the distal caput but decreased to 5 µm in the distal cauda. The epithelial lining was folded in the proximal caput and more so in the distal cauda. Secretory granules (epididymosomes) were present in small amounts in efferent ductules and epididymal duct; the largest quantities occurred in the distal cauda. Leukocytes were present throughout the duct, albeit in insignificant numbers. Chalkley's random hit method showed rapid spermatozoan transport through efferent ductules and proximal caput in large amounts of fluid. Sperm concentration increased due to fluid resorption in the proximal caput, was highest from caput flexure to proximal cauda and decreased at the caudal flexure, indicating secretory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferial Hassan
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holtz
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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19
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Oberska P, Grabowska M, Marynowska M, Murawski M, Gączarzewicz D, Syczewski A, Michałek K. Cellular Distribution of Aquaporin 3, 7 and 9 in the Male Reproductive System: A Lesson from Bovine Study ( Bos taurus). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1567. [PMID: 38338845 PMCID: PMC10855163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031567] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of male infertility in humans and animals creates the need to search for new factors that significantly affect the course of reproductive processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the temporospatial expression of aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9) in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The study also included morphological analysis and identification of GATA-4. In brief, in immature individuals, AQP3 and AQP7 were found in gonocytes. In reproductive bulls, AQP3 was observed in spermatocytes and spermatogonia, while AQP7 was visible in all germ cells and the Sertoli cells. AQP7 and AQP9 were detected in the Leydig cells. Along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls, aquaglyceroporins were visible, among others, in basal cells (AQP3 and AQP7), in epididymal sperm (AQP7) and in the stereocilia of the principal cells (AQP9). In males of all ages, aquaglyceroporins were identified in the principal and basal cells of the vas deferens. An increase in the expression of AQP3 in the testis and cauda epididymis and a decrease in the abundance of AQP7 in the vas deferens with age were found. In conclusion, age-related changes in the expression and/or distribution patterns of AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 indicate the involvement of these proteins in the normal development and course of male reproductive processes in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Oberska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Marta Marynowska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Maciej Murawski
- Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 24/28 Mickiewicza Avenue, 30-059 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Gączarzewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | | | - Katarzyna Michałek
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
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20
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Graceli JB, Zomer HD, Medrano TI, Hess RA, Korach KS, Cooke PS. Role for Nongenomic Estrogen Signaling in Male Fertility. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqad180. [PMID: 38066676 PMCID: PMC10797322 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad180] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen actions are mediated by both nuclear (n) and membrane (m) localized estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). Male Esr1 knockout (Esr1KO) mice lacking functional Esr1 are infertile, with reproductive tract abnormalities. Male mice expressing nESR1 but lacking mESR1 (nuclear-only estrogen receptor 1 mice) are progressively infertile due to testicular, rete testis, and efferent ductule abnormalities similar to Esr1KO males, indicating a role for mESR1 in male reproduction. The H2NES mouse expresses only mESR1 but lacks nESR1. The goal of this study was to identify the functions of mESR1 alone in mice where nESR1 was absent. Breeding trials showed that H2NES males are fertile, with decreased litter numbers but normal pup numbers/litter. In contrast to Esr1KO mice, H2NES testicular, and epididymal weights were not reduced, and seminiferous tubule abnormalities were less pronounced. However, Esr1KO and H2NES males both had decreased sperm motility and a high incidence of abnormal sperm morphology. Seminiferous tubule and rete testis dilation and decreased efferent ductule epithelial height characteristic of Esr1KO males were reduced in H2NES. Consistent with this, expression of genes involved in fluid transport and ion movement that were reduced in Esr1KO (Aqp1, Car2, Car14, Cftr) were partially or fully restored to wild-type levels in H2NES. In summary, in contrast to Esr1KO males, H2NES males are fertile and have reduced phenotypic and functional abnormalities in the testis and efferent ductules. Thus, mESR1 alone, in the absence of nESR1, can partially regulate male reproductive tract structure and function, emphasizing its importance for overall estrogen action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones B Graceli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, 29040-090, Brazil
| | - Helena D Zomer
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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21
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Colpi GM, Caroppo E. Partial Epididymal Obstruction as a Cause of Idiopathic Oligozoospermia: A Reproductive Urologist's Perspective following 35 Years of Surgical and Clinical Experience. J Clin Med 2024; 13:382. [PMID: 38256519 PMCID: PMC10816178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020382] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of partial epididymal obstruction as contributing to the development of oligozoospermia has been neglected for decades. In the early 1970s, however, Robert Schoysman, a gynecological surgeon devoted to the surgical and medical management of male factor infertility, dedicated many efforts to study such a pathology and its possible effects on male fertility. Following the studies of this pioneer in the field, we concentrated our attention to the patterns of partial and complete epididymal obstruction during surgical scrotal exploration, once made possible even in oligozoospermic men by diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, such as vasovesciculography or seminal tract washout test, at present considered obsolete and no longer feasible in light of the current guidelines. Interestingly, we found signs of partial epididymal obstruction in about 30% of oligozoospermic men with normal testicular volume and serum FSH level as well as normal spermatogenesis at testis biopsy. We, then, compared the findings of scrotal ultrasound with those of scrotal exploration and found that the ultrasound abnormalities of the epididymis were highly predictive of anatomic alteration of the gland. In the present study, we report our experience, together with a historical review of the literature, on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni M. Colpi
- Next Fertility Procrea, Andrology and IVF Center Unit, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ettore Caroppo
- Asl Bari, Andrology Outpatients Clinic, 70014 Conversano (Ba), Italy;
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22
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Maliha PG, Hotta M, Czernin J, Calais J. Characterizing Normal Variant [ 68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 Uptake in the Epididymis. J Nucl Med 2024; 65:59-62. [PMID: 37945382 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266013] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The biodistribution of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET tracers includes the kidneys, bladder, uterus, breast, muscles, and bone marrow. We describe its occasional uptake patterns in the epididymis. Methods: Epididymal [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake was retrospectively analyzed in 55 PET/CT studies of 55 men. Uptake intensity (SUV), pattern (diffuse, focal, or multifocal), laterality, and location (epididymal head with or without body/tail) were analyzed. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine the presence of epididymis-related disease. Results: Epididymal [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake was observed in 8 of 55 (15%) subjects, with bilateral epididymal head uptake in all cases and epididymal body/tail uptake in 6 of 8 (75%) cases, 5 of 6 (83%) bilaterally and 1 of 6 (17%) unilaterally. The average SUVmax was greater in the epididymal heads than in the epididymal bodies/tails, with an SUVmax of 4.1 versus 3.0 (P < 0.001). No subject had epididymal disease related to the uptake. Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake in the epididymis occurs occasionally and does not appear related to epididymal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter George Maliha
- Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Masatoshi Hotta
- Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Johannes Czernin
- Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jeremie Calais
- Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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23
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Nakata H, Iseki S, Mizokami A. Three-dimensional analysis of junctions between efferent and epididymal ducts in the human caput epididymis. Andrology 2024; 12:87-97. [PMID: 37129932 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13445] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the scarcity of studies using human tissues, the limited information is currently available on the gross structure of the caput epididymis in humans, at which efferent ducts connect to the epididymal duct. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the three-dimensional structures of efferent and caput epididymal ducts in humans, with a focus on junctions between the former and the latter. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined three sets of human efferent and caput epididymal ducts in specimens obtained from prostatic carcinoma patients. They were reconstructed from serial paraffin sections using a segmentation model created by a deep learning protocol and high-performance three-dimensional reconstruction software. RESULTS Serial sections and three-dimensional images of human efferent and caput epididymal ducts were combined to obtain the detailed anatomical information. When a single efferent duct was defined as a duct connecting to both the extra-testicular rete testis and epididymal duct, there were 14.7 efferent ducts with a total length of 3.0 m per specimen on average. The cranial portion of the efferent ducts joined to a single duct and terminated at the end of the epididymal duct, whereas other efferent ducts terminated independently on the side of the epididymal duct. These two types of junctions between the efferent and epididymal ducts differed in the patterns of the epithelial-type switch. The epididymal duct consisted of multiple segments, which were separated by a minimal amount of connective tissue septa or even without them. Efferent ducts occupied most of the volume of the caput epididymis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS By utilizing deep learning, we reconstructed human efferent and caput epididymal ducts and revealed their precise three-dimensional structures, which differed from those of rodents in several aspects. The present results may be useful for analyzing anatomical abnormalities related to some types of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shoichi Iseki
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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24
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Ueda T, Yanagi M, Katsu A, Kono H, Kimata R, Hamasaki T, Kondo Y. Obstructive azoospermia caused by epididymis injury with testicle rupture on the other side. Acute Med Surg 2024; 11:e919. [PMID: 38162166 PMCID: PMC10757826 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.919] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epididymal injuries without ipsilateral injuries of the testicles are rare. We report a case of a solitary right epididymal injury complicated by left testicular rupture. Case Presentation A 21-year-old man experienced scrotal trauma caused by a motorcycle accident. Bilateral swelling and tenderness of the scrotum were observed. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a ruptured left testicle; therefore, surgery was performed. During surgery, the left testicle was excised because it was completely ruptured, and the right testicle and epididymis were evaluated to identify the cause of swelling of the right scrotum. The right testis was not injured; however, the right epididymis was lacerated. Subsequently, the lacerated right epididymis was repaired using sutures. A semen analysis performed at 1, 4, and 7 months after surgery revealed the absence of sperm in the semen. Conclusion Epididymal injuries should be considered as differential diagnoses for scrotal trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Ueda
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalKawasaki‐CityJapan
| | - Masato Yanagi
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalKawasaki‐CityJapan
| | - Akifumi Katsu
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalKawasaki‐CityJapan
| | - Hiroyoshi Kono
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalKawasaki‐CityJapan
| | - Ryoji Kimata
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalKawasaki‐CityJapan
| | - Tsutomu Hamasaki
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalKawasaki‐CityJapan
| | - Yukihiro Kondo
- Department of UrologyNippon Medical School HospitalTokyoJapan
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25
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Yang D, Yuan L, Ma X, Qi Y, Cheng S, Zhang Y. Histological study of Bactrian camel cryptorchidism and expression of immunoglobulin λ light chain in the testicular and epididymis of cryptorchid Bactrian camel. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14512. [PMID: 38069628 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14512] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Lambda light chains (λ-LCs) are frequently responsible for triggering the activation of inflammatory factors in autoimmune disorders, and an increase in their levels will cause various pathological changes in serum. The aim of this study was to determine the histological differences between the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels and the differences in λ-LC expression in the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine the pathological changes in cryptorchidism. The gene and protein levels of λ-LC were determined using RT-qPCR and western blot. The distribution of λ-LCs was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Compared with that in normal Bactrian camels, the diameter of the epididymal lumen and the thickness of the epithelium were decreased in the epididymis of cryptorchidic animals. Additionally, no sperm was detected in the cavity of the cryptorchidic epididymis. Meanwhile, the expression of λ-LC was significantly increased in the cryptorchidic epididymis at both the mRNA and protein levels (p < .05). The highest protein expression of λ-LC was found in epididymal epithelial halo cells and testicular Sertoli cells. These findings suggested that the structural changes observed in the epididymal epithelium of cryptorchidic camels affect its secretory and absorptive functions. Additionally, the high level of λ-LC expression recorded in halo cells suggested that these cells play an important role in epithelial immunity in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels. Furthermore, the high λ-LC expression levels detected in normal testicular Sertoli cells indicated that λ-LCs may be involved in spermatogenesis. The results of this study provide clues for an in-depth study of immunological sterility in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumei Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shaoyu Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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26
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Dufresne J, Gregory M, Pinel L, Cyr DG. Three-Dimensional Cell Culture of Epididymal Basal Cells and Organoids: A Novel Tool for Toxicology. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e975. [PMID: 38284221 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.975] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are formed in the testis but must transit through the epididymis to acquire motility and the ability to fertilize. The epididymis is a single convoluted tubule comprising several anatomically and physiologically distinct regions. The pseudostratified epithelium consists of multiple cell types, including principal cells, clear cells, narrow cells, and apical cells, that line the lumen of the epididymis. Basal cells are present at the base of the epithelium, and halo cells, which includes macrophages/monocytes, mononuclear phagocytes, and T lymphocytes, are also present in the epithelium. Several aspects of this complex spermatozoan maturation process are well established, but a great deal remains poorly understood. Given that dysfunction of the epididymis has been associated with male infertility, in vitro tools to study epididymal function and epididymal sperm maturation are required. Our lab and others have previously developed human, rat, and mouse epithelial principal cell lines, which have been used to address certain questions, such as about the regulation of junctional proteins in the epididymis, as well as the toxicity of nonylphenols. Given that the epididymal epithelium comprises multiple cell types, however, a 3D in vitro model provides a more comprehensive and realistic tool that can be used to study and elucidate the multiple aspects of epididymal function. The purpose of this article is to provide detailed information regarding the preparation, maintenance, passaging, and immunofluorescent staining of rat epididymal organoids derived from adult basal cells, which we have demonstrated to be a type of adult stem cell in the rat epididymis. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of epididymal cells Basic Protocol 2: Magnetic activated cell sorting and isolation of basal cells Basic Protocol 3: Preparation and culture of epididymal basal cell organoids Basic Protocol 4: Passage of epididymal basal cell organoids Basic Protocol 5: Freezing and thawing of epididymal basal cell organoids Basic Protocol 6: Immunofluorescent staining of epididymal basal cell organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dufresne
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Laurie Pinel
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
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27
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Schoina E, Gkalonaki I, Trevlias I, Panteli C, Patoulias I. Symptomatic Intraparenchymal Epididymal Cysts: Description of 11 cases. Folia Med Cracov 2023; 63:49-55. [PMID: 38578344 DOI: 10.24425/fmc.2023.148757] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Epididymal cysts are benign cystic formations of the epididymis that usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood. Their frequency doubles after the age of 14-15. Obstruction in the epididymal efferent ductules with subsequent prostenotic dilatation of them, as well as dysgenesis due to hormonal disorders during fetal or postnatal life, are possible. At the 1st Department of Pediatric Surgery of A.U.Th. we treated 11 cases of boys at the age of 11-16 who presented with acute scrotum because of an epididymal cyst. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound scanning . Due to persistent symptomatology, patients underwent surgical exploration and removal of the cyst. The postoperative care of the patients was uncomplicated with immediate remission of symptoms. In one case, ipsilateral acute epididymitis occurred after 10 days, which was successfully treated with antibiotic therapy. It is reported that approximately 50% of epididymal cysts involute within an average of 17 months. In conclusion, using the data obtained from the review, of the small in number of international bibliography studies, it is proposed conservative treatment of asymptomatic cysts with diameter smaller than 1 cm and surgical excision [1] of large asymptomatic cysts with diameter greater than 1 cm, which do not regress after a follow-up of 24-48 months, cysts, regardless of their diameter, responsible for persistent symptoms and in the manifestation of acute scrotal symptoms due to inflammation, intravesical bleeding or secondarily torsion of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Schoina
- First Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ioanna Gkalonaki
- First Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Trevlias
- First Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Panteli
- First Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Patoulias
- First Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Thessaloniki, Greece
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28
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Wilbourne J, Jia S, Fogarty A, Takaku M, Zhao F. Crucial Roles of the Mesenchymal Androgen Receptor in Wolffian Duct Development. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad193. [PMID: 38146640 PMCID: PMC10763607 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian duct (WD) maintenance and differentiation is predominantly driven by the androgen action, which is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). It is well established that the mesenchyme indicates the fate and differentiation of epithelial cells. However, in vivo developmental requirement of mesenchymal AR in WD development is still undefined. By designing a mesenchyme-specific Ar knockout (ARcKO), we discovered that the loss of mesenchymal Ar led to the bilateral or unilateral degeneration of caudal WDs and cystic formation at the cranial WDs. Ex vivo culture of ARcKO WDs invariably resulted in bilateral defects, suggesting that some factor(s) originating from surrounding tissues in vivo might promote WD survival and growth even in the absence of mesenchymal Ar. Mechanistically, we found cell proliferation was significantly reduced in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments; but cell apoptosis was not affected. Transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing of E14.5 mesonephroi revealed 131 differentially expressed genes. Multiple downregulated genes (Top2a, Wnt9b, Lama2, and Lamc2) were associated with morphological and cellular changes in ARcKO male embryos (ie, reduced cell proliferation and decreased number of epithelial cells). Mesenchymal differentiation into smooth muscle cells that are critical for morphogenesis was also impaired in ARcKO male embryos. Taken together, our results demonstrate the crucial roles of the mesenchymal AR in WD maintenance and morphogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Motoki Takaku
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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29
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Salazar K, Novais A, Lino-Neto J, Serrão JE. Morphology of the Female and Male Reproductive Tracts and More Data on the Spermatostyle in the Brazilian Gyretes sp. (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Gyrinidae). Microsc Microanal 2023; 29:2184-2203. [PMID: 37992276 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad124] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the male and female reproductive tracts of Gyretes sp. with light and transmission electron microscopies. The male has a pair of testes with a single coiled follicle, followed by short efferent ducts, which have a similar shape and diameter to the testes. Long ducts (epididymides) with differential epithelium open in a pair of long vasa deferentia that lead to the accessory glands. Glycoprotein secretions from the vas deferens epithelium constitute the spermatostyle for spermatozoa aggregation. The female has numerous ovarioles per ovary, a coiled fertilization duct, an accessory gland, and an elongated vagina. Spermatozoa are stored as unaggregated cells in the fertilization duct. In Gyrinidae, the testes and accessory glands show diverse shapes, and the female sperm storage organs vary in shape, size, and type and may play a role in the interaction with sperm aggregates. Testes with a single follicle and vasa deferentia opening in the accessory glands of Gyretes sp. are features shared with other Gyrinidae and other Adephaga. We proposed adding this latter trait to characterize this suborder of beetles. The morphology of the reproductive organs in both sexes contributes to comparative analyses and knowledge of the reproductive biology of Gyretes and may provide additional features for systematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Salazar
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris cedex 05 75231, France
| | - Ademária Novais
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Mato Grosso, Campus Juína, Juína, 78320-000 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - José Lino-Neto
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
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30
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Sosnicki DM, Cohen R, Asano A, Nelson JL, Mukai C, Comizzoli P, Travis AJ. Segmental differentiation of the murine epididymis: identification of segment-specific, GM1-enriched vesicles and regulation by luminal fluid factors†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:864-877. [PMID: 37694824 PMCID: PMC10724454 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad120] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The murine epididymis has 10 distinct segments that provide the opportunity to identify compartmentalized cell physiological mechanisms underlying sperm maturation. However, despite the essential role of the epididymis in reproduction, remarkably little is known about segment-specific functions of this organ. Here, we investigate the dramatic segmental localization of the ganglioside GM1, a glycosphingolipid already known to play key roles in sperm capacitation and acrosome exocytosis. Frozen tissue sections of epididymides from adult mice were treated with the binding subunit of cholera toxin conjugated to AlexaFluor 488 to label GM1. We report that GM1-enriched vesicles were found exclusively in principal and clear cells of segment 2. These vesicles were also restricted to the lumen of segment 2 and did not appear to flow with the sperm into segment 3, within the limits of detection by confocal microscopy. Interestingly, this segment-specific presence was altered in several azoospermic mouse models and in wild-type mice after efferent duct ligation. These findings indicate that a lumicrine factor, itself dependent on spermatogenesis, controls this segmental differentiation. The RNA sequencing results confirmed global de-differentiation of the proximal epididymal segments in response to efferent duct ligation. Additionally, GM1 localization on the surface of the sperm head increased as sperm transit through segment 2 and have contact with the GM1-enriched vesicles. This is the first report of segment-specific vesicles and their role in enriching sperm with GM1, a glycosphingolipid known to be critical for sperm function, providing key insights into the segment-specific physiology and function of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Sosnicki
- Cornell University, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Roy Cohen
- Cornell University, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Cornell University, Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Atsushi Asano
- University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | - Chinatsu Mukai
- Cornell University, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexander J Travis
- Cornell University, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Cornell University, Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Roach AN, Bhadsavle SS, Higgins SL, Derrico DD, Basel A, Thomas KN, Golding MC. Alterations in sperm RNAs persist after alcohol cessation and correlate with epididymal mitochondrial dysfunction. Andrology 2023. [PMID: 38044754 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13566] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic preconception paternal alcohol use adversely modifies the sperm epigenome, inducing fetoplacental and craniofacial growth defects in the offspring of exposed males. A crucial outstanding question in the field of paternal epigenetic inheritance concerns the resilience of the male germline and its capacity to recover and correct sperm-inherited epigenetic errors after stressor withdrawal. OBJECTIVES We set out to determine if measures of the sperm-inherited epigenetic program revert to match the control treatment 1 month after withdrawing the daily alcohol treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a voluntary access model, we exposed C57BL/6J males to 6% or 10% alcohol for 10 weeks, withdrew the alcohol treatments for 4 weeks, and used RNA sequencing to examine gene expression patterns in the caput section of the epididymis. We then compared the abundance of sperm small RNA species between treatments. RESULTS In the caput section of the epididymis, chronic alcohol exposure induced changes in the transcriptional control of genetic pathways related to the mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and the generalized stress response (EIF2 signaling). Subsequent analysis identified region-specific, alcohol-induced changes in mitochondrial DNA copy number across the epididymis, which correlated with increases in the mitochondrial DNA content of alcohol-exposed sperm. Notably, in the corpus section of the epididymis, increases in mitochondrial DNA copy number persisted 1 month after alcohol cessation. Analysis of sperm noncoding RNAs between control and alcohol-exposed males 1 month after alcohol withdrawal revealed a ∼100-fold increase in mir-196a, a microRNA induced as part of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-driven cellular antioxidant response. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our data reveal that alcohol-induced epididymal mitochondrial dysfunction and differences in sperm noncoding RNA content persist after alcohol withdrawal. Further, differences in mir-196a and sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number may serve as viable biomarkers of adverse alterations in the sperm-inherited epigenetic program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Roach
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sanat S Bhadsavle
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha L Higgins
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Destani D Derrico
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Alison Basel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Kara N Thomas
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Michael C Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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32
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Wang H, Wang X, Li T, An X, Chen N, Shi H, Su M, Ma K, Hao Z, Duan X, Ma Y. Differential tissue expression of sex steroid-synthesizing enzyme CYP11A1 in male Tibetan sheep ( Ovis aries). Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2900-2909. [PMID: 36169054 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2125401] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Steroid metabolism is a fundament to testicular development and function. The cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP11A1) is a key rate-limiting enzyme for catalyzing the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. However, despite its importance, what expression and roles of CYP11A1 possesses and how it regulates the testicular development and spermatogenesis in Tibetan sheep remains largely unknown. Based on this, we evaluated the expression and localization patterns of CYP11A1 in testes and epididymides of Tibetan sheep at three developmental stages (three-month-old, pre-puberty; one-year-old, sexual maturity and three-year-old, adult) by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot and immunofluorescence. The results showed that CYP11A1 mRNA and protein were expressed in testes and epididymides throughout the development stages and obviously more intense in one- and three-year-old groups than three-month-old group (except for the caput epididymidis). Immunofluorescence assay showed that the CYP11A1 protein was mainly located in Leydig cells and epididymal epithelial cells. In addition, positive signals of CYP11A1 protein were observed in germ cells, epididymal connective tissue and sperms stored in the epididymal lumen. Collectively, these results suggested that the CYP11A1 gene might be mainly involved in regulating spermatogenesis and androgen synthesis in developmental Tibetan sheep testis and epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Taotao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Nana Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huibin Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Manchun Su
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Keyan Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ziyun Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinming Duan
- Nongfayuan (Zhejiang) Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Biotechnology Engineering Laboratory of Gansu Province, Minqin, China
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33
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Dip AS, Martín E, Andrada RA, Hernández MB, Miotti MD. Sperm morphology and comparison morphometry measurements of two species of bats, Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1626-1634. [PMID: 37572016 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24396] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm morphology is considered a species-specific character and has been used as a tool in the classification of numerous mammalian taxa. Neotropical bats have been poorly studied, and important aspects on sperm morphology have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii. A total of 14 adults specimens were analyzed from the Colección Mamíferos Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán: five M. molossus and nine M. temminckii. The epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by a coloration with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The length and width of the head, midpiece and tail were taken as variables. Sperm from M. molossus and M. temminckii were practically identical, both morphologically and morphometrically. In both species, a distal bulge was observed at the end of the intermediate piece in a percentage greater than 85%. The main characteristics shared between the species were: presence of acrosomal blebs in the upper half of the head of the spermatozoa; cephalic equatorial segment with filiform ornamentations; intermembrane space of head apex wedge-shaped; helical middle piece and annulus at the end of middle piece. In the present study, SEM allowed us to visualize structures, such as acrosomal vesicles, that were not detected with other types of microscopy. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The similarities in the sperm morphology between M. molossus and M. temminckii were observed with three types of microscopy: optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron, and supported by morphometric and statistical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Dip
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- CONICET NOA Sur (Centro Científico Tecnológico-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Martín
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética y Microbiología, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Rubén Aldo Andrada
- Instituto de Genética y Microbiología, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - María Daniela Miotti
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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34
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Zeng J, Gao W, Tang Y, Wang Y, Liu X, Yin J, Su X, Zhang M, Kang E, Tian Y, Ni B, He W. Hypoxia-sensitive cells trigger NK cell activation via the KLF4-ASH1L-ICAM-1 axis, contributing to impairment in the rat epididymis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113442. [PMID: 37952156 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113442] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global health problem especially prevalent in high-altitude regions. The epididymis is essential for sperm maturation, but the influence of environmental cues on its reshaping remains poorly understood. Here, we use single-cell transcriptomics to track the cellular profiles of epidydimal cells in rats raised under normoxia or extended hypoxia. The results show that hypoxia impairs epididymal function, evident in reduced epithelial cells, compromised blood-epididymis barrier integrity, and increased natural killer cells. Through combined analysis of gene-regulatory networks and cell-cell interaction maps, we identify epididymal hypoxia-sensitive cells that communicate with natural killer (NK) cells via increased intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) driven by KLF4 recruitment of the histone methyltransferase ASL1L to the Icam1 promoter. Taken together, our study offers a detailed blueprint of epididymal changes during hypoxia and defines a KLF4-ALSH1L-ICAM-1 axis contributing to NK cell activation, yielding a potential treatment targeting hypoxia-induced infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwu Gao
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High-Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingxing Su
- Hepatological Surgery Department, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High-Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Enchuan Kang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High-Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei He
- Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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35
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Myers C, Cornwall GA. Host defense amyloids: Biosensors of the immune system? Andrology 2023. [PMID: 37963844 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13555] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable evidence showing that highly ordered aggregate structures known as amyloids carry out essential biological roles in species ranging from bacteria to humans. Indeed, many antimicrobial peptides/proteins form amyloids to carry out their host defense functions and many amyloids are antimicrobial. The similarity of host defense amyloids from bacterial biofilms to the mammalian epididymal amyloid matrix implies highly conserved host defense structures/functions. With an emphasis on the epididymal amyloid matrix, here we review the common properties of host defense amyloids including unique traits that would allow them to function as powerful biosensors of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Myers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gail A Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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36
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Marzi A, Hanley PW, Furuyama W, Haddock E, Martens CA, Scott DP, Feldmann H. Atypical Ebola Virus Disease in a Rhesus Macaque. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S617-S625. [PMID: 37477943 PMCID: PMC10651074 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad283] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV)-Makona infected more than 30 000 people from 2013 to 2016 in West Africa, among them many health care workers including foreign nationals. Most of the infected foreign nationals were evacuated and treated in their respective home countries, resulting in detailed reports of the acute disease following EBOV infection as well as descriptions of symptoms now known as post-Ebola syndrome, which occurred months after the infection. Symptoms associated with this syndrome include uveitis and neurological manifestations. In 1 of our EBOV-Makona nonhuman primate (NHP) studies, 1 NHP was euthanized on day 28 after infection having completely recovered from the acute disease. During convalescence, this NHP developed neurological signs and acute respiratory distress requiring euthanasia. The organ tropism had changed with high virus titers in lungs, brain, eye, and reproductive organs but no virus in the typical target organs for acute EBOV infection. This in part reflects sequelae described for EBOV survivors albeit developing quicker after recovery from acute disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marzi
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Patrick W Hanley
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Wakako Furuyama
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Elaine Haddock
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Craig A Martens
- Research Technology Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Dana P Scott
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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37
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Kiyozumi D. Lumicrine signaling: Extracellular regulation of sperm maturation in the male reproductive tract lumen. Genes Cells 2023; 28:757-763. [PMID: 37696504 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The behaviors of cells, tissues, and organs are controlled by the extracellular environment in addition to their autonomous regulatory system. Dysfunction of extracellular regulatory mechanisms affects not only the development and survival of organisms but also successful reproduction. In this review article, a novel extracellular regulatory mechanism regulating the mammalian male reproductive ability will be briefly summarized. In terrestrial vertebrates, spermatozoa generated in the testis are transported through the lumen of the male reproductive tract and become functionally mature during the transport. Recent studies with gene-modified animals are unveiling the luminal extracellular environment of the reproductive tract to function not only as the pathway of sperm transport and the site of sperm maturation but also as the channel for cellular communication to regulate sperm maturation. Of special interest is the molecular mechanism of lumicrine signaling, a transluminal secreted signal transduction in the male reproductive tract lumen as a master regulator of sperm maturation and male reproductive ability. The general significance of such transluminal signaling in the context of cell biology will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
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38
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Al Khodair KM, Moqbel MS, Elseory AMA, Elsebaei MG, Al-Thnaian TA, Elhassan MMO. Immunolocalization and expression of Siglec5 protein in the male reproductive tract of dromedary camel during rutting season. Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:874-881. [PMID: 37431856 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12944] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that are highly selective for sugar groups on other molecules. Siglec5 is a cell-surface lectin that belongs to the sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectins (Siglecs) and acts as a suppressor of immune responses. In this study, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of Siglec5 in the male reproductive tract of dromedary camels during the rutting season. Siglec5 displayed strong immunostaining in the cranial and caudal testicular regions and moderate immunostaining in the rete testis. Different parts of the epididymis showed varying immunoreactions to Siglec5. The spermatozoa in the testes and epididymis also showed positive immunostaining for Siglec5, whereas, the vas deferens showed negative immunostaining for the protein. The results obtained by western blotting confirmed the immunohistochemical detection of the protein in the testicular and epididymal tissues. The results of qRT-PCR showed that Siglec mRNA was expressed differently in each part of the testis and epididymis; the highest levels of expression were observed in the caudal part of the testis and in the head of the epididymis. In conclusion, the present study revealed that Siglec5 is mainly located in the testis and epididymis, where sperm production and maturation occur. Therefore, this protein may play an essential role in the development, maturation and protection of camel sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Mohamed Al Khodair
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Salem Moqbel
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelrahman Mohamed Ali Elseory
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mahmoud Gamil Elsebaei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Thnaian A Al-Thnaian
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mortada M O Elhassan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan
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39
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Kiyozumi D, Ikawa M. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2 is dispensable for lumicrine signaling regulating epididymal initial segment differentiation and gene expression†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:474-481. [PMID: 37531264 PMCID: PMC10577274 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis is the organ for functional sperm maturation. In rodents, the initial segment, the most proximal region of the epididymis, plays a critical role in sperm maturation. The luminal epithelial differentiation and the following gene expression of the initial segment are regulated by the lumicrine signaling, a testis-epididymis transluminal secreted signaling. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2 (ADGRG2) is expressed in the efferent duct and the initial segment epididymis. In the preceding study, Adgrg2 ablation decreased the expression of several genes expressed in the initial segment. Such downregulated genes include those known to be regulated by lumicrine signaling, suggesting the involvement of ADGRG2 in lumicrine signaling. The present study examined whether ADGRG2 is associated with the lumicrine signaling regulating epididymal initial segment differentiation and gene expression. Adgrg2-null mice were generated by CRISPR/CAS9-mediated genome editing. The postnatal differentiation of the Adgrg2-null male epididymal initial segment was histologically comparable with that of control wild-type animals. The RNA-seq of Adgrg2-null mice was performed together with those of efferent duct-ligated and W/Wv mice in both of which lumicrine signaling is defective. The comparative transcriptome analyses clarified that the expressions of genes expressed in the initial segment and regulated by lumicrine signaling were decreased by Adgrg2 nullification. However, the extent of such downregulations observed in Adgrg2-null epididymis was not so prominent compared with those of lumicrine signaling deficient Nell2-/-, efferent duct-ligated, or W/Wv mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that ADGRG2 is dispensable for the lumicrine regulation of epididymal initial segment differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi
, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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40
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Yadav S. Tuberculous Epididymitis in an Immunocompetent Indian Male: A Report of a Rare Case. Cureus 2023; 15:e46340. [PMID: 37920620 PMCID: PMC10618627 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46340] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genitourinary tuberculosis is a relatively rare type of tuberculosis. Tuberculous epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This report describes the case of a 32-year-old Indian male who presented with a small lump in his left scrotum. A diagnosis of genitourinary tuberculosis was established with radiometric investigations and the isolation of the bacteria from the cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test. He was managed conservatively with anti-tuberculous drugs for six months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankalp Yadav
- Medicine, Shri Madan Lal Khurana Chest Clinic, New Delhi, IND
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41
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Pierce DP, Chen B, Taylor L. Ovarian Serous Cystadenoma of the Epididymis: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e46886. [PMID: 37954785 PMCID: PMC10638638 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46886] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Paratesticular cystadenomas remain a very rare entity, typically presenting as a painless mass, often indistinguishable from the testicle. As such, the predominant management seems to be complete excision via various approaches, which often proves curative. Given its rarity, post-operative surveillance has not been standardized; most patients and providers elect a more conservative surveillance approach. Based on the available literature, this seems appropriate, given the lack of morbidity or recurrence associated with these types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Pierce
- Urology, University of South Florida (USF) Health, Tampa, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
| | - Laura Taylor
- Urology, University of South Florida (USF) Health, Tampa, USA
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Farah M, Song M, Mahmalji W. Epididymal Adenomatoid Tumour: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e47505. [PMID: 37908693 PMCID: PMC10614083 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47505] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomatoid tumours are rare benign neoplasm involving the para testicular region, mostly the tail of the epididymis. They are typically small, firm and asymptomatic masses in the scrotal region and often discovered incidentally during physical examination or imaging studies. It is very challenging to differentiate them clinically and radiologically from malignant intratesticular solid tumours, which may lead to unnecessary orchidectomies. This case report presents the clinical management of a 57-year-old male patient with adenomatoid tumour of the epididymis, highlighting the diagnostic workup, surgical approach and postoperative outcomes. In addition, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to discuss the morphological and immunohistochemical features to improve understanding of these rare lesions and assist in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mosea Song
- Urology, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, GBR
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Parisi X, Feinstein A, Merkulova Y, Rodriguez M, Sun Y. Papillary Cystadenofibroma of the Epididymis: A Case Report. Int J Surg Pathol 2023:10668969231201412. [PMID: 37715657 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231201412] [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] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
To date, only 1 example of cystadenofibroma of the epididymis has been reported in the English literature. Here, we present a second cystadenofibroma originating from the epididymis of a 54-year-old man who presented with painful swelling in the scrotum. The scrotal mass measured 6.3 cm and contained a clear yellow, serous to gelatinous fluid-filled cyst with internal papillae. Microscopically, the mass contained both stromal and epithelial components. The stromal component consisted of spindle cells arranged in small intervening fascicles, forming simple cyst and papillae. The cyst and papillae were lined by cuboidal to columnar and ciliated epithelium. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the stromal component was positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and CD10, which are characteristic of ovarian-type stroma. However, the epithelium lining was positive for keratin cocktail AE1/3&CAM5.2, CD10, PAX8, androgen receptor, and alpha-1 antitrypsin, suggesting a possible Wolffian duct origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Parisi
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Marc Rodriguez
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2023. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
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Shi H, Korejo NA, Kamboh AA, Korejo RA, Shi F. Effects of hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus on spermatogenesis in peri- and post-pubertal mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1191571. [PMID: 37654561 PMCID: PMC10465343 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1191571] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction often co-exist. One autoimmune disorder always invites another and it has been reported that such co-morbid ailments always become detrimental to the health of the patients. Materials and methods In our previous work, we elucidated the interactions of diabetes and hypothyroidism on testicular development and spermatogenesis. However, the present study illuminates the interface between diabetes and hyperthyroidism, where 16 ICR pregnant primiparous mice were used and subsequently 48 male pups were randomly selected (n=12/group) and separated into 4 groups: control (C), diabetic (D), diabetic + hyperthyroidism (DH) and hyperthyroidism (H). Results Computerized sperm analyses showed significant reductions in count by 20% and increases of 15% in D and H animals, respectively, vs. controls. However, rapid progressive sperm motility was significantly lower only in D (30%) compared with C mice. Our histomorphometric investigation depicted damaging effects on testicular and epididymal tissues; the stroma adjacent to the seminiferous tubules of the D mice revealed edematous fluid and unstructured material. However, in the epididymis, germ cell diminution contraction of tubules, compacted principal and clear cells, lipid vacuolization, atypical cellular connections, exfoliated epithelial cells, and round spermatids were conspicuous in DH mice. Discussion Collectively, our experiment was undertaken to ultimately better recognize male reproductive disorders in diabetic-hyperthyroid patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhao Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Nazar Ali Korejo
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Hyderabad, Pakistan
| | - Asghar Ali Kamboh
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Hyderabad, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Ali Korejo
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Crossen MJ, Wilbourne J, Fogarty A, Zhao F. Epithelial and mesenchymal fate decisions in Wolffian duct development. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:462-473. [PMID: 37330364 PMCID: PMC10524679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.05.007] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian ducts (WDs) are the paired embryonic structures that give rise to internal male reproductive tract organs. WDs are initially formed in both sexes but have sex-specific fates during sexual differentiation. Understanding WD differentiation requires insights into the process of fate decisions of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which are tightly coordinated by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signals. In this review, we discuss current advances in understanding the fate-decision process of WD epithelial and mesenchymal lineages from their initial formation at the embryonic stage to postnatal differentiation. Finally, we discuss aberrant cell differentiation in WD abnormalities and pathologies and identify opportunities for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna J Crossen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Humpfle L, Hachem NE, Simon P, Weinhold B, Galuska SP, Middendorff R. Knockout of the polysialyltransferases ST8SiaII and ST8SiaIV leads to a dilatation of rete testis during postnatal development. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1240296. [PMID: 37520830 PMCID: PMC10382229 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1240296] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polysialic acid (polySia) is a carbohydrate polymer that modulates several cellular processes, such as migration, proliferation and differentiation processes. In the brain, its essential impact during postnatal development is well known. However, in most other polySia positive organs, only its localization has been described so far. For instance, in the murine epididymis, smooth muscle cells of the epididymal duct are polysialylated during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. To understand the role of polySia during the development of the epididymis, the consequences of its loss were investigated in postnatal polySia knockout mice. As expected, no polysialylation was visible in the absence of the polysialyltransferases ST8SiaII and ST8SiaIV. Interestingly, cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PGK1), which is essentially involved in smooth muscle cell relaxation, was not detectable in peritubular smooth muscle cells when tissue sections of polySia knockout mice were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In contrast to this signaling molecule, the structural proteins smooth muscle actin (SMA) and calponin were expressed. As shown before, in the duct system of the testis, even the expression of these structural proteins was impaired due to the loss of polySia. We now found that the rete testis, connecting the duct system of the testis and epididymis, was extensively dilated. The obtained data suggest that less differentiated smooth muscle cells of the testis and epididymis result in disturbed contractility and thus, fluid transport within the duct system visible in the enlarged rete testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Humpfle
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadim E. Hachem
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Simon
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Birgit Weinhold
- Institute of Cellular Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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Damon-Soubeyrand C, Bongiovanni A, Chorfa A, Goubely C, Pirot N, Pardanaud L, Piboin-Fragner L, Vachias C, Bravard S, Guiton R, Thomas JL, Saez F, Kocer A, Tardivel M, Drevet JR, Henry-Berger J. Three-dimensional imaging of vascular development in the mouse epididymis. eLife 2023; 12:82748. [PMID: 37310207 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82748] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Long considered an accessory tubule of the male reproductive system, the epididymis is proving to be a key determinant of male fertility. In addition to its secretory role in ensuring functional maturation and survival of spermatozoa, the epididymis has a complex immune function. Indeed, it must manage both peripheral tolerance to sperm antigens foreign to the immune system and the protection of spermatozoa as well as the organ itself against pathogens ascending the epididymal tubule. Although our knowledge of the immunobiology of this organ is beginning to accumulate at the molecular and cellular levels, the organization of blood and lymphatic networks of this tissue, important players in the immune response, remains largely unknown. In the present report, we have taken advantage of a VEGFR3:YFP transgenic mouse model. Using high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging and organ clearing coupled with multiplex immunodetections of lymphatic (LYVE1, PDPN, PROX1) and/or blood (PLVAP/Meca32) markers, we provide a simultaneous deep 3D view of the lymphatic and blood epididymal vasculature in the mature adult mouse as well as during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Areski Chorfa
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Chantal Goubely
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nelly Pirot
- Réseau d'Histologie Expérimentale de Montpellier, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Inserm U1194 - Université Montpellier - ICM, Campus Val d'Aurelle, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Caroline Vachias
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Stephanie Bravard
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rachel Guiton
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Leon Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, Inserm, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Meryem Tardivel
- Université Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, US 41 - UAR 2014-PLBS, Lille, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joelle Henry-Berger
- Institut « Génétique Reproduction & Développement », UMR CNRS 6293 - Inserm U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Zhang X, Zuo Y, Zhang J, Zhang D, Naeem M, Chang Y, Shi Z. Sevoflurane inhibited reproductive function in male mice by reducing oxidative phosphorylation through inducing iron deficiency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1184632. [PMID: 37346174 PMCID: PMC10279888 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1184632] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sevoflurane (Sev) is one of the commonly used inhalation anesthetic chemicals in clinics. It has great impact on spermatogenesis and fertilization in male animals. The underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. Based on our previous research, we hypothesized that Sev induced iron metabolism disturbance in the testis and epididymis and inhibited the spermatogenesis. In this study, two-month-old C57BL/6 male mice were treated with 3% Sev for 6 h, and their fertility (including sperm concentration, sperm mobility, and the number of offspring) was evaluated. Mice testis, epididymis, and sperm were harvested and subjected to Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence analysis. Iron levels were reflected by the gene expression of iron metabolism-related proteins (including ferritin, TfR1, and FpN1) and ICP-MS and Perl's iron staining. Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation levels were measured by Oxygraph-2k and ATP contents. The activity of ribonucleotide reductase was evaluated by assay kit. DNA synthesis status in testis and/or epididymis was marked with BrdU. Cell proliferation was evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining of specific protein marker expression. Our results revealed that the mice exposed to Sev showed damaged testicular and epididymis structure and significantly reduced the sperm concentration, sperm motility, and fertility. Sev decreases the iron levels through down-regulating the expression of H-ferritin, L-ferritin, and FpN1, and up-regulating the expression of TfR1 in the testis and epididymis. Iron levels also significantly reduced in germ cells which decrease the number of germ cells, including sperm, Sertoli cells, and primary spermatocyte. Iron deficiency not only decreases electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation level, and ATP production but also suppresses the activity of ribonucleotide reductase and the expression of Ki67, DDX4, GATA1, and SCP3, indicating that Sev affects the spermatogenesis and development. Meanwhile, Sev impaired the blood-testis barrier by decreasing the ZO1 expression in the testis and epididymis. The damage effect induced by Sev can be significantly ameliorated by iron supplementation. In conclusion, our study illustrates a new mechanism by which Sev inhibits spermatogenesis and fertility through an oxidative phosphorylation pathway due to iron deficiency of epididymis and testis or sperm. Furthermore, the damaging effects could be ameliorated by iron supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhenhua Shi
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Zhang, ; Zhenhua Shi,
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50
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Li T, Lv Y, Wu Z, Guo M, Liu R, Zeng W, Zheng Y. Systematic assessment of hexavalent chromium-induced damage to male fertility and the preventive role of melatonin: a longitudinal study from the translational point of view. Mol Hum Reprod 2023:7180283. [PMID: 37233400 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) and its compounds are closely associated with individuals' lives and extensively used in industry. Excessive exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) induces oxidative damage of various organs including the testes, posing a serious threat to male reproductive fitness. As an endogenous antioxidant, melatonin holds potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, becoming a potential candidate for treatment of a variety of diseases, including reproductive disorders. Here, by using a mouse model, we systematically assessed Cr (VI)-induced damage to male fertility as well as the preventive role of melatonin. We analyzed the histology and pathology of the testis and epididymis, the density, viability and malformation of caudal epididymal sperm, the proliferative activity and apoptosis of various spermatogenic subtypes and Sertoli cells, as well as the fertility of mice at five timepoints within one cycle of spermatogenesis (days 0, 14, 21, 28 and 35) post 14 days of Cr (VI) and/or melatonin intraperitoneal injection. We identified that the testicular damage caused by Cr (VI) persisted to day 21 after administration and then started to be alleviated, with clear alleviation on day 35. Pretreatment with melatonin evidently reduced Cr (VI)-induced testicular damage and accelerated spermatogenic restoration, generating an almost normal phenotype on day 35. Melatonin pretreatment also retained the sperm quality at all time points investigated. Moreover, melatonin to some extent preserved the fertility of Cr (VI)-treated mice without apparent side effects. The findings shed light on the future clinical application of melatonin as a therapeutic agent for environmental heavy metal toxicant-induced male subfertility or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yinghua Lv
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhili Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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