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Bryan ER, Redgrove KA, Mooney AR, Mihalas BP, Sutherland JM, Carey AJ, Armitage CW, Trim LK, Kollipara A, Mulvey PBM, Palframan E, Trollope G, Bogoevski K, McLachlan R, McLaughlin EA, Beagley KW. Chronic testicular Chlamydia muridarum infection impairs mouse fertility and offspring development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:888-901. [PMID: 31965142 PMCID: PMC7124966 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With approximately 131 million new genital tract infections occurring each year, Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen worldwide. Male and female infections occur at similar rates and both cause serious pathological sequelae. Despite this, the impact of chlamydial infection on male fertility has long been debated, and the effects of paternal chlamydial infection on offspring development are unknown. Using a male mouse chronic infection model, we show that chlamydial infection persists in the testes, adversely affecting the testicular environment. Infection increased leukocyte infiltration, disrupted the blood:testis barrier and reduced spermiogenic cell numbers and seminiferous tubule volume. Sperm from infected mice had decreased motility, increased abnormal morphology, decreased zona-binding capacity, and increased DNA damage. Serum anti-sperm antibodies were also increased. When both acutely and chronically infected male mice were bred with healthy female mice, 16.7% of pups displayed developmental abnormalities. Female offspring of chronically infected sires had smaller reproductive tracts than offspring of noninfected sires. The male pups of infected sires displayed delayed testicular development, with abnormalities in sperm vitality, motility, and sperm-oocyte binding evident at sexual maturity. These data suggest that chronic testicular Chlamydia infection can contribute to male infertility, which may have an intergenerational impact on sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Bryan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate A Redgrove
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison R Mooney
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison J Carey
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charles W Armitage
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,Peter Goher Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Logan K Trim
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Avinash Kollipara
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter B M Mulvey
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ella Palframan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gemma Trollope
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kristofor Bogoevski
- Scientific Services, Histology Services, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert McLachlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Science, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Bryan ER, McLachlan RI, Rombauts L, Katz DJ, Yazdani A, Bogoevski K, Chang C, Giles ML, Carey AJ, Armitage CW, Trim LK, McLaughlin EA, Beagley KW. Detection of chlamydia infection within human testicular biopsies. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1891-1898. [PMID: 31586185 PMCID: PMC6810529 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can Chlamydia be found in the testes of infertile men? SUMMARY ANSWER Chlamydia can be found in 16.7% of fresh testicular biopsies and 45.3% of fixed testicular biopsies taken from a selection of infertile men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Male chlamydial infection has been understudied despite male and female infections occurring at similar rates. This is particularly true of asymptomatic infections, which occur in 50% of cases. Chlamydial infection has also been associated with increased sperm DNA damage and reduced male fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We collected diagnostic (fixed, n = 100) and therapeutic (fresh, n = 18) human testicular biopsies during sperm recovery procedures from moderately to severely infertile men in a cross-sectional approach to sampling. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The diagnostic and therapeutic biopsies were tested for Chlamydia-specific DNA and protein, using real-time PCR and immunohistochemical approaches, respectively. Serum samples matched to the fresh biopsies were also assayed for the presence of Chlamydia-specific antibodies using immunoblotting techniques. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Chlamydial major outer membrane protein was detected in fixed biopsies at a rate of 45.3%. This was confirmed by detection of chlamydial DNA and TC0500 protein (replication marker). C. trachomatis DNA was detected in fresh biopsies at a rate of 16.7%, and the sera from each of these three positive patients contained C. trachomatis-specific antibodies. Overall, C. trachomatis-specific antibodies were detected in 72.2% of the serum samples from the patients providing fresh biopsies, although none of the patients were symptomatic nor had they reported a previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis including Chlamydia. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION No reproductively healthy male testicular biopsies were tested for the presence of Chlamydia DNA or proteins or Chlamydia-specific antibodies due to the unavailability of these samples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FINDINGS Application of Chlamydia-specific PCR and immunohistochemistry in this human male infertility context of testicular biopsies reveals evidence of a high prevalence of previously unrecognised infection, which may potentially have a pathogenic role in spermatogenic failure. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding for this project was provided by the Australian NHMRC under project grant number APP1062198. We also acknowledge assistance from the Monash IVF Group and Queensland Fertility Group in the collection of fresh biopsies, and the Monash Health and co-author McLachlan (declared equity interest) in retrieval and sectioning of fixed biopsies. E.M. declares an equity interest in the study due to financing of fixed biopsy sectioning. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Bryan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Monash IVF Group, 89 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Monash IVF Group, 89 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Darren J Katz
- Men's Health Melbourne, 233 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Western Health, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Anusch Yazdani
- Queensland Fertility Group, 55 Little Edward Street, Spring Hill, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Kristofor Bogoevski
- Histology Services, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Crystal Chang
- Histology Services, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Michelle L Giles
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Alison J Carey
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Charles W Armitage
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Logan K Trim
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,School of Science Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Kirinari Street, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
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Bogoevski K, Woloszyk A, Blackwood K, Woodruff MA, Glatt V. Tissue Morphology and Antigenicity in Mouse and Rat Tibia: Comparing 12 Different Decalcification Conditions. J Histochem Cytochem 2019; 67:545-561. [PMID: 31090479 DOI: 10.1369/0022155419850099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional bone decalcification is a time-consuming process and is therefore unsuitable for clinical applications and time-limited research projects. Consequently, we compared the effect of four different decalcification solutions applied at three different temperatures, and assessed the rate of decalcification and the implications on tissue morphology and antigenicity of mouse and rat tibiae. Bones were decalcified with 10% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 10% formic acid, 5% hydrochloric acid, and 5% nitric acid at 4C, 25C, and 37C. Decalcification in both species was fastest in nitric acid at 37C and slowest in EDTA at 4C. Histological and immunohistochemical staining confirmed that the conventional protocols of EDTA at 4C and 25C remain the best option regarding the quality of tissue preservation. Whereas formic acid at 4C is a good alternative saving about 90% of the decalcification time, hydrochloric and nitric acids should be avoided particularly in case of rat tibia. By contrast, due to their smaller size, mouse tibiae had shorter decalcification times and tolerated higher temperatures and exposure to acids much better. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that depending on the specific research question and sample size, alternative decalcification methods could be used to decrease the time of decalcification while maintaining histological accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofor Bogoevski
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Woloszyk
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Keith Blackwood
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria A Woodruff
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vaida Glatt
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Kirby GTS, White LJ, Steck R, Berner A, Bogoevski K, Qutachi O, Jones B, Saifzadeh S, Hutmacher DW, Shakesheff KM, Woodruff MA. Microparticles for Sustained Growth Factor Delivery in the Regeneration of Critically-Sized Segmental Tibial Bone Defects. Materials (Basel) 2016; 9:ma9040259. [PMID: 28773384 PMCID: PMC5502923 DOI: 10.3390/ma9040259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study trialled the controlled delivery of growth factors within a biodegradable scaffold in a large segmental bone defect model. We hypothesised that co-delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) followed by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) could be more effective in stimulating bone repair than the delivery of BMP-2 alone. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA ) based microparticles were used as a delivery system to achieve a controlled release of growth factors within a medical-grade Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold. The scaffolds were assessed in a well-established preclinical ovine tibial segmental defect measuring 3 cm. After six months, mechanical properties and bone tissue regeneration were assessed. Mineralised bone bridging of the defect was enhanced in growth factor treated groups. The inclusion of VEGF and PDGF (with BMP-2) had no significant effect on the amount of bone regeneration at the six-month time point in comparison to BMP-2 alone. However, regions treated with VEGF and PDGF showed increased vascularity. This study demonstrates an effective method for the controlled delivery of therapeutic growth factors in vivo, using microparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles T S Kirby
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, University Park, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Lisa J White
- School of Pharmacy, University Park, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Roland Steck
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Arne Berner
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93164, Germany.
| | - Kristofor Bogoevski
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Omar Qutachi
- School of Pharmacy, University Park, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Brendan Jones
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Siamak Saifzadeh
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Dietmar W Hutmacher
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Kevin M Shakesheff
- School of Pharmacy, University Park, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Maria A Woodruff
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisban, QLD 4006, Australia.
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