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Huang X, Liu X, Zhang X, Yang Y, Gao H, Gao J, Bao H, Zhao L, Yang G, Zhang Y, Liu D. The long noncoding RNA CIRBIL is a regulator of steroidogenesis in mice. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100783. [PMID: 37336146 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects roughly 8-12 % of couples worldwide, and in above 50 % of couples, male factors are the primary or contributing cause. Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are detected in the testis, but their functions are not well understood. CIRBIL was 862 nucleotides in length and was found to be localized mostly in the cytosol of Leydig cell, a small portion was positioned inside the seminiferous tubules. Loss of CIRBIL in mice resulted in male subfertility, characterized by smaller testis and increased germ cell apoptosis. Deletion of CIRBIL significant decreased the number of sperm and impaired the integrity of sperm head and tail. In CIRBIL KO mice, testosterone levels in serum and expression of testosterone biosynthesis genes (STAR and 3β-HSD) were both reduced. Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were primarily enriched in steroid synthesis process in CIRBIL-binding proteins. Protein-protein (PPI) interaction networks revealed that both cis- and trans-regulated target genes of CIRBIL were associated with testosterone synthesis. Collectively, our results strongly suggest that CIRBIL is a regulator of steroid hormone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- The Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, PR China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Haiyu Gao
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Jianjun Gao
- The Department of Hepatopancreatobility, Surgery Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150086, PR China
| | - Hairong Bao
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Lexin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Guohui Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China; North Translational Medicine Research Cooperation Center, 2019 Research Unit 070, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, PR China.
| | - Donghua Liu
- The Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, PR China.
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Mohammadzadeh M, Montazeri F, Poodineh J, Vatanparast M, Rahmanian Koshkaki E, Ghasemi Esmailabad S, Mohseni F, Talebi AR. Therapeutic potential of testosterone on sperm parameters and chromatin status in fresh and thawed normo and asthenozoospermic samples. Rev Int Androl 2023; 21:100352. [PMID: 37244225 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2023.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormonal changes alter the physiological level of ROS and cause oxidative stress in the cell. As estimated, hormonal deficiencies, environmental and ideological factors make up about 25% of male infertility. Pathogenic reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a chief cause of unexplained infertility. Limited studies exist on the effects of testosterone on human sperm culture. Therefore, in the current study, the effect of different doses of testosterone on sperm parameters and chromatin quality was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen samples from 15 normospermic and 15 asthenospermic patients were prepared by swim up method, and then were divided into four groups by exposing to different concentrations of testosterone (1, 10, and 100nM) for 45min. Samples without any intervention were considered as control group. All samples were washed twice. Sperm parameters and chromatin protamination were assessed in each group and the remains were frozen. After two weeks, all tests were repeated for sperm thawed. Also, the MSOM technique was used to determine the sperm morphology of class 1. RESULTS Although sperm parameters were not show any significant differences in normospermic and asthenospermic samples exposed to different concentrations of testosterone before and after freezing, chromatin protamination was significantly decreased in the normospermic samples exposed to 10nM of testosterone before freezing (p<0.006), as well as 1 and 10nM of testosterone after freezing compared to control samples (p=0.001 and p=0.0009, respectively). Similarly, chromatin protamination in the asthenospermic samples was significantly decreased at concentration of 1nM of testosterone before and after freezing (p=0.0014 and p=0.0004, respectively), and at concentration of 10nM of testosterone before and after freezing (p=0.0009, p=0.0007) compared to control samples. CONCLUSION Using a low dose of testosterone in the sperm culture medium, has positive effects on chromatin quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoomeh Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, and Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Montazeri
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jafar Poodineh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Vatanparast
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Elham Rahmanian Koshkaki
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghasemi Esmailabad
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, and Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohseni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nursing School, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, and Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Calamai C, Ammar O, Rosta V, Farnetani G, Zimmitti S, Giovannelli L, Vignozzi L, Krausz C, Muratori M. Testicular and Haematological Cancer Induce Very High Levels of Sperm Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1145. [PMID: 37371875 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer impairs spermatogenesis, whereas results on sperm DNA integrity are controversial and no data are available about sperm oxidative stress. In cancer patients, we detected sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) and both viable (ROS production in viable sperm fraction/viable spermatozoa) and total (ROS production in viable sperm fraction/total spermatozoa) oxidative stress. We found that cancer (22.50 (17.00-26.75)%, n = 85) increased sDF with respect to the control groups in both normozoospermic subfertile patients (NSP) (12.75 (8.63-14.88)%, n = 52, p < 0.001) and in healthy donors (HD) (8.50 (7.00-14.00)%, n = 19, p < 0.001). The induction of viable oxidative stress (n = 96) with cancer was even higher: 36.60 (24.05-58.65)% versus 11.10 (8.63-14.90)% in NSP (p < 0.001) and 9.60 (8.00-14.03)% in HD (p < 0.001). Similar, albeit lower, differences were found for total oxidative stress. SDF sharply correlated to viable oxidative stress when we considered all subjects (cancer patients and controls) (r = 0.591, p < 0.001, n = 134), but no correlation was found when only cancer patients were studied (r = 0.200; p > 0.05, n = 63). In conclusion, cancer significantly increases sDF and sperm oxidative stress levels. Additional mechanisms to oxidative attack might be responsible for increased sDF in cancer patients. Because sperm oxidative stress might affect the outcomes of sperm cryopreservation, of cancer treatments and of sperm epigenoma, the detection of oxidative stress could be of help in managing the reproductive issues of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Calamai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Oumaima Ammar
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Viktoria Rosta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Ginevra Farnetani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zimmitti
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Lisa Giovannelli
- Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Hussain T, Kandeel M, Metwally E, Murtaza G, Kalhoro DH, Yin Y, Tan B, Chughtai MI, Yaseen A, Afzal A, Kalhoro MS. Unraveling the harmful effect of oxidative stress on male fertility: A mechanistic insight. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1070692. [PMID: 36860366 PMCID: PMC9968806 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1070692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widely debated issue that affects males globally. There are several mechanisms involved. Oxidative stress is accepted to be the main contributing factor, with sperm quality and quantity affected by the overproduction of free radicals. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) cannot be controlled by the antioxidant system and, thus, potentially impact male fertility and hamper sperm quality parameters. Mitochondria are the driving force of sperm motility; irregularities in their function may lead to apoptosis, alterations to signaling pathway function, and, ultimately, compromised fertility. Moreover, it has been observed that the prevalence of inflammation may arrest sperm function and the production of cytokines triggered by the overproduction of ROS. Further, oxidative stress interacts with seminal plasma proteomes that influence male fertility. Enhanced ROS production disturbs the cellular constituents, particularly DNA, and sperms are unable to impregnate the ovum. Here, we review the latest information to better understand the relationship between oxidative stress and male infertility, the role of mitochondria, the cellular response, inflammation and fertility, and the interaction of seminal plasma proteomes with oxidative stress, as well as highlight the influence of oxidative stress on hormones; collectively, all of these factors are assumed to be important for the regulation of male infertility. This article may help improve our understanding of male infertility and the strategies to prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique Hussain
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Tarique Hussain, ; Bie Tan,
| | - Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelshikh University, Kafrelshikh, Egypt
| | - Elsayed Metwally
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Dildar Hussain Kalhoro
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Yulong Yin
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bie Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Tarique Hussain, ; Bie Tan,
| | - Muhammad Ismail Chughtai
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Anjaleena Yaseen
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Afzal
- Department of Zoology, Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem Kalhoro
- Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand
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Zhao C, Sun L, Zhao P. Effects of sperm processing techniques on IVF pregnancy rates: a mini-review. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2023; 17:26334941231188656. [PMID: 37497119 PMCID: PMC10366343 DOI: 10.1177/26334941231188656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many factors associated with assisted reproductive technologies significantly influence the success of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) either directly or indirectly. These factors include sperm processing techniques, egg retrieval, intrauterine artificial insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and embryo transfer. Among these technologies, sperm quality is one of the most critical factors for a successful IVF pregnancy. The method used for sperm processing plays a crucial role in determining the quality of sperm. Several widely used sorting techniques, such as conventional swim-up, density gradient centrifugation, magnetic activated cell sorting, and hyaluronic acid, have been extensively compared in various studies. Previous studies have shown that each sperm processing method causes varying degrees of sperm damage, particularly in sperm motility, concentration, morphological features, viability, and DNA integrity. However, sperm processing techniques have been developed slowly, and the impact of these methods on pregnancy rates is still unclear. Further exploration is needed. In this review, we aim to compare the results of different sperm processing techniques concerning sperm quality and IVF pregnancy rates. We will also discuss possible clinical approaches, such as microfluidics and integrated approaches, for testing and improving sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhao
- Department of Prevention, Health Care and Fertility, Xinfuli Community Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lanming Sun
- Department of Prevention, Health Care and Fertility, Xinfuli Community Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, 29th Bulan Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, 518112, China
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Endocrinopathies and Male Infertility. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:life12010010. [PMID: 35054403 PMCID: PMC8779600 DOI: 10.3390/life12010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is approaching a concerning prevalence worldwide, and inflicts various impacts on the affected couple. The hormonal assessment is a vital component of male fertility evaluation as endocrine disorders are markedly reversible causatives of male infertility. Precise hormonal regulations are prerequisites to maintain normal male fertility parameters. The core male reproductive event, spermatogenesis, entails adequate testosterone concentration, which is produced via steroidogenesis in the Leydig cells. Physiological levels of both the gonadotropins are needed to achieve normal testicular functions. The hypothalamus-derived gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is considered the supreme inducer of the gonadotropins and thereby the subsequent endocrine reproductive events. This hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis may be modulated by the thyroidal or adrenal axis and numerous other reproductive and nonreproductive hormones. Disruption of this fine hormonal balance and their crosstalk leads to a spectrum of endocrinopathies, inducing subfertility or infertility in men. This review article will discuss the most essential endocrinopathies associated with male factor infertility to aid precise understanding of the endocrine disruptions-mediated male infertility to encourage further research to reveal the detailed etiology of male infertility and perhaps to develop more customized therapies for endocrinopathy-induced male infertility.
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Hildorf S, Cortes D, Thorup J, Clasen-Linde E, Hutson J, Li R. During infancy low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone may result in high rate of germ cell apoptosis. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:2399-2406. [PMID: 33691939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a role in preventing germ cell apoptosis. We aimed to compare apoptotic rate of boys with cryptorchidism having different levels of FSH in order to investigate its role in apoptosis. METHODS Hormonal profiles and testicular biopsies from 30 boys with unilateral cryptorchidism (age range: 4-14 months) were included. Based on FSH level, the boys were grouped into three (3 × 10) having high (>97.5percentile), low (<2.5percentile), or within normal range. Sections underwent immunohistochemical staining to analyze the number of germ cells and type A dark spermatogonia per cross-sectional tubule. One section was co-stained with immunofluorescent antibodies against an apoptotic marker (cleaved caspase-3), proliferation marker (Ki67), Sertoli cell marker (anti-Müllerian hormone) and processed by confocal imaging for analysis. Germ cell apoptosis was calculated as the apoptosis index (percentage caspase-3+ germ cells/total germ cell number). RESULTS Fifty percent (5/10) of the boys with low FSH had an apoptosis index above 90% compared with 15% (3/20) of the boys with normal or high FSH (p = 0.04). Caspase-3+ germ cells were most likely to be located on the basement membrane (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings lead to trends proposing that FSH may play a role in preventing apoptosis. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hildorf
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatric Surgery, Surgical Clinic C, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Cortes
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Thorup
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Surgical Clinic C, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Clasen-Linde
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Asadi A, Ghahremani R, Abdolmaleki A, Rajaei F. Role of sperm apoptosis and oxidative stress in male infertility: A narrative review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:493-504. [PMID: 34401644 PMCID: PMC8350854 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i6.9371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of caspase, externalization of phosphatidyl serine, change in the mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation are apoptosis markers found in human ejaculated spermatozoa. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in the different types of male infertility. In this review, data sources including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct were searched for publications with no particular time restriction to get a holistic and comprehensive view of the research. Apoptosis regulates the male germ cells, correct function and development from the early embryonic stages of gonadal differentiation to fertilization. In addition to maintaining a reasonable ratio between the Sertoli and germ cells, apoptosis is one of the well-known quality control mechanisms in the testis. Also, high ROS levels cause a heightened and dysregulated apoptotic response. Apoptosis is one of the well-known mechanisms of quality control in the testis. Nevertheless, increased apoptosis may have adverse effects on sperm production. Recent studies have shown that ROS and the consequent oxidative stress play a crucial role in apoptosis. This review aims to assimilate and summarize recent findings on the apoptosis in male reproduction and fertility. Also, this review discusses the update on the role of ROS in normal sperm function to guide future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asadollah Asadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Rozita Ghahremani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Namin, Iran.,BioScience and Biotechnology Research Center (BBRC), Sabalan University of Advanced Technologies (SUAT), Namin, Iran
| | - Farzad Rajaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Aly HAA. Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Resveratrol. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6121684. [PMID: 33506262 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism underlying diabetes-induced testicular damage has not been thoroughly elucidated. The present study was conducted to elucidate the role of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in rats and to explore the ameliorative effect of resveratrol. Diabetes suppressed sperm count, motility, and viability and increased sperm abnormalities. It decreased serum testosterone level and testicular mitochondrial membrane potential. The level of Bax and caspase-3 and -9 activities were increased in the testicular cytosol, while the level of Bcl-2 was decreased. Diabetes increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The cytochrome C level was decreased in the mitochondrial fraction, while its level was increased in the cytosol, a result that was supported by the immunohistochemistry of cytochrome C. Diabetes resulted in deleterious alterations in the architecture of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes, and increased H2O2 production, protein carbonyl content, and lipid peroxidation. However, administration of resveratrol at a dose of 50 mg kg/day for 4 successive weeks post diabetic induction, successfully ameliorated the testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, these findings strongly reveal that diabetes induces testicular damage, at least in part, by inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress. Administration of resveratrol to diabetic rats improves the diabetes-induced testicular damage. These impacts could be mediated through resveratrol antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamdy A A Aly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
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10
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Liu W, Leng J, Hou JG, Jiang S, Wang Z, Liu Z, Gong XJ, Chen C, Wang YP, Li W. Saponins derived from the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng attenuate scrotal heat-induced spermatogenic damage via inhibiting the MAPK mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice. Phytother Res 2020; 35:311-323. [PMID: 32767418 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) reaction is a stress response caused by adverse conditions. Currently, the incidence of reproductive malignancies particularly in males has been constantly increasing. This work investigated the effects of saponins derived from the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng (GSLS) on testicular injury induced by scrotal hyperthermia in mice. GSLS (150, 300 mg/kg) were administered intragastrically to mice for 14 days, then exposed to a single scrotal heat treatment at 43°C for 18 min on seventh day. HS induced a significant loss of multinucleate giant cells, desquamation of germ cells in destructive seminiferous tubules. Moreover, HS reduced the serum testosterone, testicular tissue superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione (GSH) content, while significantly enhanced the production of malondialdehyde (p < .05). GSLS exhibited the protective potential against HS-induced injury not only by modulating Bcl-2 family and caspase protease family, but also by suppressing the protein levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and activation of Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (p < .05). In conclusion, we clearly demonstrated that GSLS exhibited a significant protective effect against HS-induced testicular dysfunction, mainly the inhibition of oxidative stress associated apoptosis partly via regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Leng
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin-Gang Hou
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Intelligent Synthetic Biology Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shuang Jiang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, China
| | - Zi Wang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Gong
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization, College of Life Science, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian, China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ying-Ping Wang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, China
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Tesarik J. Acquired Sperm DNA Modifications: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10312990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA of human spermatozoa can be subject to various kinds of modifications acquired throughout life. Put simply, two basic types of acquired sperm DNA modifications can be distinguished: genetic and epigenetic. Genetic modifications cause alterations of the DNA sequence and mainly result from the formation of breakpoints leading to sperm DNA fragmentation. Epigenetic modifications include a vast spectrum of events that influence the expression of different genes without altering their DNA sequence. Both the genetic and the epigenetic modifications of sperm DNA can negatively influence embryonic development, cause miscarriages, and be the origin of different health problems for the offspring. As to sperm DNA fragmentation, reliable diagnostic methods are currently available. On the other hand, the detection of potentially harmful epigenetic modifications in spermatozoa is a much more complicated issue. Different treatment options can be chosen to solve problems associated with sperm DNA fragmentation. Some are relatively simple and noninvasive, based on oral treatments with antioxidants and other agents, depending on the underlying cause. In other cases, the recourse to different micromanipulation-assisted in vitro fertilisation techniques is necessary to select spermatozoa with minimal DNA damage to be injected into oocytes. The treatment of cases with epigenetic DNA modifications is still under investigation. Preliminary data suggest that some of the techniques used in cases of extensive DNA fragmentation can also be of help in those of epigenetic modifications; however, further progress will depend on the availability of more reliable diagnostic methods with which it will be possible to evaluate the effects of different therapeutic interventions.
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Siam EM, Tawfeek M, Hassan M. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sperm DNA damage due to the oxidative stress associated with varicocele. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1295. [PMID: 21229385 PMCID: PMC6603077 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9532-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emad Mustafa Siam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, El-Minya University Hospital, El-Minya, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Tawfeek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, El-Minya University Hospital, El-Minya, Egypt
| | - Momen Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, El-Minya University Hospital, El-Minya, Egypt
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13
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Leng J, Hou JG, Fu CL, Ren S, Jiang S, Wang YP, Chen C, Wang Z, Li W. Platycodon grandiflorum Saponins attenuate scrotal heat-induced spermatogenic damage via inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice. J Funct Foods 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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14
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Darbandi M, Darbandi S, Agarwal A, Sengupta P, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R, Sadeghi MR. Reactive oxygen species and male reproductive hormones. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:87. [PMID: 30205828 PMCID: PMC6134507 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0406-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports of the increasing incidence of male infertility paired with decreasing semen quality have triggered studies on the effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on the male reproductive potential. There are numerous exogenous and endogenous factors that are able to induce excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) beyond that of cellular antioxidant capacity, thus causing oxidative stress. In turn, oxidative stress negatively affects male reproductive functions and may induce infertility either directly or indirectly by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and/or disrupting its crosstalk with other hormonal axes. This review discusses the important exogenous and endogenous factors leading to the generation of ROS in different parts of the male reproductive tract. It also highlights the negative impact of oxidative stress on the regulation and cross-talk between the reproductive hormones. It further describes the mechanism of ROS-induced derangement of male reproductive hormonal profiles that could ultimately lead to male infertility. An understanding of the disruptive effects of ROS on male reproductive hormones would encourage further investigations directed towards the prevention of ROS-mediated hormonal imbalances, which in turn could help in the management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Darbandi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jalan SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Navya H, Yajurvedi HN. Obesity causes weight increases in prepubertal and pubertal male offspring and is related to changes in spermatogenesis and sperm production in rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:815-823. [PMID: 26876883 DOI: 10.1071/rd15480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of obesity on testicular activity in prepubertal and pubertal rats was investigated in the present study. Obesity was induced in adult females by feeding a high-calorie diet (HCD). These females were mated with normal males and were fed an HCD during pregnancy and lactation. The male offspring born to obese mothers and fed an HCD after weaning were found to be obese. Seminiferous tubules of offspring from control mothers (OCM) and offspring from HCD-fed mothers (OHCDM) had the same set of germ cells at different age intervals, namely spermatogonia, leptotene spermatocytes, zygotene spermatocytes, pachytene spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids on postnatal days (PND) 7, 13, 17, 24 and 36, and on the day of preputial separation, respectively. However, there was a significant decrease in round and elongated spermatids and the epididymal sperm count, coupled with a significant decrease in testosterone and an increase in leptin serum concentrations in OHCDM compared with OCM. These results show that obesity in prepubertal rats does not affect the age-dependent appearance of germ cells according to developmental hierarchy, but it does interfere with spermatid formation, resulting in a reduced sperm count, which may be due to a deficiency of testosterone mediated by hyperleptinaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Navya
- Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570 006, Karnataka, India
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16
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Khushboo M, Murthy MK, Devi MS, Sanjeev S, Ibrahim KS, Kumar NS, Roy VK, Gurusubramanian G. Testicular toxicity and sperm quality following copper exposure in Wistar albino rats: ameliorative potentials of L-carnitine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:1837-1862. [PMID: 29103113 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0624-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Copper is a persistent toxic and bio-accumulative heavy metal of global concern. Continuous exposure of copper compounds of different origin is the most common form of copper poisoning and in turn adversely altering testis morphology and function and affecting sperm quality. L-carnitine has a vital role in the spermatogenesis, physiology of sperm, sperm production and quality. This study was designed to examine whether the detrimental effects of long-term copper consumption on sperm quality and testis function of Wistar albino rat could be prevented by L-carnitine therapy. The parameters included were sperm quality (concentration, viability, motility, and morphology), histopathology, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum urea, serum creatinine, serum testosterone and testis antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase), and biomarkers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and expression of heat shock protein 70 in testis). Three-month-old male Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into six groups as group 1 (G1, 0.9% saline control), group 2 (G2, CuSO4 200 mg/kg dissolved in 0.9% saline water), groups 3 and 4 (G3 and G4, L-carnitine 50 and 100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.9% saline water, respectively), and groups 5 and 6 (G5 and G6, CuSO4 200 mg/kg plus L-carnitine, 50 and 100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.9% saline water, respectively). Doses of copper (200 mg/kg) and L-carnitine (50 and 100 mg/kg) alone and in combinations along with untreated control were administered orally for 30 days. The following morphological, physiological, and biochemical alterations were observed due to chronic exposure of copper (200 mg/kg) to rats in comparison with the untreated control: (1) generation of oxidative stress through rise in testis lipid peroxidation (12.21 vs 3.5 nmol MDA equivalents/mg protein) and upregulation of heat shock protein (overexpression of HSP70 in testis), (2) liver and kidney dysfunction [elevation in serum ALT (81.65 vs 48.08 IU/L), AST (156.82 vs 88.25 IU/L), ALP (230.54 vs 148.16 IU/L), urea (12.65 vs 7.45 mmol/L), and creatinine (80.61 vs 48.25 μmol/L) levels], (3) significant decrease in body (99.64 vs 106.09 g) and organ weights (liver-3.48 vs 4.99 g; kidney-429.29 vs 474.78 mg; testes-0.58 vs 0.96 g), (4) imbalance in hormonal and antioxidant enzyme concentrations [significant decline in serum testosterone (0.778 vs 3.226 ng/mL), superoxide dismutase (3.07 vs 8.55 μmol/mg protein), and glutathione-S-transferase (59.28 vs 115.58 nmol/mg protein) levels], (5) severe alterations in the testis histomorphology [sloughed cells (90.65%, score 4 vs 15.65%, score 1), vacuolization (85.95%, score 4 vs 11.45%, score 1), cellular debris along with degenerative characteristics, accentuated germ cell depletion in the seminiferous epithelium, severe damage of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells (73.56%, score 3 vs 0%, score 1)], (6) suppression of spermatogenic process [hypospermatogenesis (low Jhonsen testicular biopsy score 4 vs 9.5), decrease in tubules size (283.75 vs 321.25 μm in diameter), and no. of germ cells (81.8 vs 148.7/100 tubules), Leydig cells (5.2 vs 36.65/100 tubules), and Sertoli cells (8.1 vs 13.5/100 tubules)], (7) sperm transit time was shorter in caput and cauda and ensued in incomplete spermatogenic process and formation of immature sperm leading to infertility, (8) sperm quality was affected significantly [decreased daily sperm production (13.21 vs 26.9 × 106 sperms/mL), sperm count (96.12 vs 154.25 × 106/g), sperm viability (26.88 vs 91.65%), and sperm motility (38.48 vs 64.36%)], and (9) increase of head (32.82 vs 2.01%) and tail (14.85 vs 0.14%) morphologic abnormalities and DNA fragmentation index (88.37 vs 11.11%). Oxidative stress and their related events appear to be a potential mechanism involved in copper testicular toxicity and L-carnitine supplementation significantly modulated the possible adverse effects of copper on seminiferous tubules damage, testes function, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. It was validated that the use of L-carnitine at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg protects against copper-induced testicular tissue damage and acts as a therapeutic agent for copper heavy metal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurya Khushboo
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram Central University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | | | - Maibam Sunita Devi
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram Central University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Sanasam Sanjeev
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram Central University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | | | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram Central University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India.
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17
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Muratori M, Baldi E. Effects of FSH on Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Review of Clinical Studies and Possible Mechanisms of Action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:734. [PMID: 30619081 PMCID: PMC6297197 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) is an important reproductive problem, associated to an increased time-to-pregnancy and a reduced success rate in natural and in vitro fertilization. sDF may virtually originate at any time of sperm's life: in the testis, in the epididymis, during transit in the ejaculatory ducts and even following ejaculation. Studies demonstrate that an apoptotic pathway, mainly occurring in the testis, and oxidative stress, likely acting in the male genital tract, are responsible for provoking the DNA strand breaks present in ejaculated spermatozoa. Although several pharmacological anti-oxidants tools have been used to reduce sDF, the efficacy of this type of therapies is questioned. Clearly, anti-apoptotic agents cannot be used because of the ubiquitous role of the apoptotic process in the body. A notable exception is represented by Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulates testis development and function and has been demonstrated to exert anti-apoptotic actions on germ cells. Here, we review the existing clinical studies evaluating the effect of FSH administration on sDF and discuss the possible mechanisms through which the hormone may reduce sDF levels in infertile subjects. Although there is evidence for a beneficial effect of the hormone on sDF, further studies with clear and univocal patient inclusion criteria, including sDF cut-off levels and considering the use of a pharmacogenetic approach for patients selection are warranted to draw firm conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Monica Muratori
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Elisabetta Baldi
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18
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Marouani N, Hallegue D, Sakly M, Benkhalifa M, Ben Rhouma K, Tebourbi O. p,p'-DDT induces testicular oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in adult rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:40. [PMID: 28549437 PMCID: PMC5446748 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p'-DDT) is a known persistent organic pollutant and male reproductive toxicant. The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress mediates p,p'-DDT-induced apoptosis in testis. METHODS Male Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of the pesticide at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg for 10 consecutive days. The oxidative stress was evaluated by biomarkers such lipid peroxidation (LPO) and metallothioneins (MTs) levels. Antioxidant enzymes activities was assessed by determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. In addition, glutathione-dependent enzymes and reducing power in testis was evaluated by glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH - GSSG) levels. Apoptosis was evaluated by DNA fragmentation detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Germinal cells apoptosis and the apoptotic index was assessed through the TUNEL assay. RESULTS After 10 days of treatment, an increase in LPO level and H2O2 production occurred, while MTs level, SOD and CAT activities were decreased. Also, the Gpx, GR, GST, and GSH activities were decreased, whereas GSSG activity was increased. Testicular tissues of treated rats showed pronounced degradation of the DNA into oligonucleotides as seen in the typical electrophoretic DNA ladder pattern. Intense apoptosis was observed in germinal cells of DDT-exposed rats. In addition, the apoptotic index was significantly increased in testis of DDT-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS These results clearly suggest that DDT sub-acute treatment causes oxidative stress in rat testis leading to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neila Marouani
- 0000 0001 2295 3249grid.419508.1Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University Tunisia, Bizerte, Jarzouna Tunisia
| | - Dorsaf Hallegue
- 0000 0001 2295 3249grid.419508.1Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University Tunisia, Bizerte, Jarzouna Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Sakly
- 0000 0001 2295 3249grid.419508.1Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University Tunisia, Bizerte, Jarzouna Tunisia
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- 0000 0001 0789 1385grid.11162.35Reproductive Medicine and Medical Cytogenetics Department, Regional University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Khémais Ben Rhouma
- 0000 0001 2295 3249grid.419508.1Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University Tunisia, Bizerte, Jarzouna Tunisia
| | - Olfa Tebourbi
- 0000 0001 2295 3249grid.419508.1Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University Tunisia, Bizerte, Jarzouna Tunisia
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19
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Moshari S, Nejati V, Najafi G, razi M. Nanomicelle curcumin-induced DNA fragmentation in testicular tissue; Correlation between mitochondria dependent apoptosis and failed PCNA-related hemostasis. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:372-381. [PMID: 28385400 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Current study was done to assess possible anti-proliferative effect of nanomicelle curcumin (NMCM) against germ cells in testicular tissue. For this purpose, 24 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control and test groups. The animals in test groups received 7.5mg/kg, 15mg/kg and 30mg/kg of NMC (NO=6 rats in each group). Following 48days, the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, P53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated by using reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Histological changes, tubular differentiation index (TDI), tissue cellularity and serum level of testosterone were analyzed. Finally, the DNA laddering test was used to assess the DNA fragmentation as hallmark for apoptosis. The NMCM significantly (P<0.05) diminished the Bcl-2, p53 and PCNA and enhanced the Bax and caspase-3 mRNA levels. The NMCM significantly (P<0.05) elevated the percentage of Bax and caspase-3-positive tubules and remarkably reduced the percentage of tubules with positive reaction for Bcl-2, p53 and PCNA. The NCMN-received animals exhibited remarkable (P<0.05) reduction in cell population, TDI ratio and serum level of testosterone. Severe DNA fragmentation was observed in 30mg/kg NMCM-received group. In conclusion, the NMCM by reducing the testicular endocrine status, down-regulating Bcl-2 expression and by enhancing the Bax and caspase-3 expression initiates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. On the other hand, inhibited expression of p53 and PCNA (at dose level of 30mg/kg) suppresses the p53 and PCNA-related hemostasis/preservative reactions. All these alterations adversely affect the spermatogenesis.
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20
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Antibacterial activity of curcumin via apoptosis-like response in Escherichia coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:5505-14. [PMID: 26960318 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc., but the mechanism remains unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the novel antibacterial mechanism of curcumin that shows an apoptosis-like response in E. coli. We found that curcumin induces membrane damage at relatively high concentrations, but there was no effect at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). At the MIC, curcumin-treated cells displayed various apoptotic markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, membrane depolarization, and Ca(2+) influx. Expression of RecA protein, which mediates a bacterial apoptosis-like response, was also increased by curcumin. In order to evaluate the influence of RecA on the appearance of other apoptotic markers, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and DNA fragmentation were examined and compared with a RecA deletion strain (ΔRecA). These markers were detected in E. coli wild-type cells, but not in ΔRecA cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that curcumin induces an apoptosis-like response in E. coli that involves RecA.
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21
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Sargent KM, McFee RM, Spuri Gomes R, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A: just one of multiple mechanisms for sex-specific vascular development within the testis? J Endocrinol 2015; 227:R31-50. [PMID: 26562337 PMCID: PMC4646736 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Testis development from an indifferent gonad is a critical step in embryogenesis. A hallmark of testis differentiation is sex-specific vascularization that occurs as endothelial cells migrate from the adjacent mesonephros into the testis to surround Sertoli-germ cell aggregates and induce seminiferous cord formation. Many in vitro experiments have demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a critical regulator of this process. Both inhibitors to VEGFA signal transduction and excess VEGFA isoforms in testis organ cultures impaired vascular development and seminiferous cord formation. However, in vivo models using mice which selectively eliminated all VEGFA isoforms: in Sertoli and germ cells (pDmrt1-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)); Sertoli and Leydig cells (Amhr2-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) or Sertoli cells (Amh-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) and Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) displayed testes with observably normal cords and vasculature at postnatal day 0 and onwards. Embryonic testis development may be delayed in these mice; however, the postnatal data indicate that VEGFA isoforms secreted from Sertoli, Leydig or germ cells are not required for testis morphogenesis within the mouse. A Vegfa signal transduction array was employed on postnatal testes from Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) versus controls. Ptgs1 (Cox1) was the only upregulated gene (fivefold). COX1 stimulates angiogenesis and upregulates, VEGFA, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGD2. Thus, other gene pathways may compensate for VEGFA loss, similar to multiple independent mechanisms to maintain SOX9 expression. Multiple independent mechanism that induce vascular development in the testis may contribute to and safeguard the sex-specific vasculature development responsible for inducing seminiferous cord formation, thus ensuring appropriate testis morphogenesis in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renee M McFee
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renata Spuri Gomes
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
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22
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Caprio F, De Franciscis P, Trotta C, Ianniello R, Mele D, Colacurci N. Seminal anti-Müllerian hormone levels during recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone treatment in men with idiopathic infertility undergoing assisted reproduction cycles. Andrology 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Caprio
- Outpatient Fertility Unit; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - P. De Franciscis
- Outpatient Fertility Unit; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - C. Trotta
- Outpatient Fertility Unit; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - R. Ianniello
- Outpatient Fertility Unit; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - D. Mele
- Outpatient Fertility Unit; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - N. Colacurci
- Outpatient Fertility Unit; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
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23
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Memudu AE, Akinrinade ID, Ogundele OM. Retention of testicular integrity and testosterone levels upon ingestion of garlic cloves (Allium sativum) in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(15)30351-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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24
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Kaur S, Bansal MP. Protective role of dietary-supplemented selenium and vitamin E in heat-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in mice testes. Andrologia 2014; 47:1109-19. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Kaur
- Department of Biophysics; Punjab University; Chandigarh India
| | - M. P. Bansal
- Department of Biophysics; Punjab University; Chandigarh India
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25
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Poels J, Abou-Ghannam G, Herman S, Van Langendonckt A, Wese FX, Wyns C. In Search of Better Spermatogonial Preservation by Supplementation of Cryopreserved Human Immature Testicular Tissue Xenografts with N-acetylcysteine and Testosterone. Front Surg 2014; 1:47. [PMID: 25593971 PMCID: PMC4286969 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2014.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlled slow-freezing is the procedure currently applied for immature testicular tissue (ITT) cryobanking in clinical practice. Vitrification has been proposed as a promising alternative, with a view to better preserve the spermatogonial stem cells for future fertility restoration by autografting in young boys suffering from cancer. It appears that besides the potential influence of the cryopreservation technique used, the transplantation procedure itself has a significant impact on spermatogonial loss observed in ITT xenografts. Eighteen ITT pieces issued from 6 patients aged 2–15 years were used. Fragments of fresh tissue (serving as ungrafted controls), frozen-thawed tissue, frozen-thawed tissue supplemented with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and frozen-thawed tissue supplemented with testosterone xenografted to nude mice for 5 days were compared. Upon graft removal, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate spermatogonia, intratubular proliferation, and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. A significant decrease in the integrity of intact seminiferous tubules was found in all three grafted groups. Spermatogonia were observed by immunohistochemistry in all grafted groups, with recovery rates of 67, 63, and 53%, respectively, for slow-frozen tissue, slow-frozen tissue supplemented with NAC, and slow-frozen tissue supplemented with testosterone. Apoptosis evidenced by active caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling was similar in all grafts. The study is limited by the low availability of ITT samples of human origin, and no clear impact of graft supplementation was found. The mouse xenotransplantation model needs to be refined to investigate human spermatogenesis in human ITT grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Poels
- Gynecology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium ; Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Gaël Abou-Ghannam
- Gynecology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium ; Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Sophie Herman
- Gynecology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium ; Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Anne Van Langendonckt
- Gynecology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium ; Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels , Belgium
| | | | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology Unit, Medical School, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium ; Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels , Belgium
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Lembè DM, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Synergistic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract from Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae) and Fagara tessmannii (Rutaceae) on male sexual organs and hormone level in rats. Pharmacognosy Res 2014; 6:80-6. [PMID: 24497748 PMCID: PMC3897015 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.121451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lepidium meyenii is a plant, which has been used in folk medicine to treat infertility and to increase sexual desire. However, few reports have investigated the administration of this plant with other plants having the same properties. OBJECTIVE The present investigation was designed to evaluate whether the combination of Lepidium meyenii and Fagara tessmannii can improve spermatogenesis and testosterone level in rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD Twenty male rats were treated daily for 2 weeks with the hydroalcoholic extract of Fagara tessmannii and Lepidium meyenii (Fag + MN) as follow: (vehicle), (0.01 g + 0.5 mg), (0.1 g + 5 mg) and (1 g+ 50 mg)/kg BW. RESULTS At doses Fag 0.01 g/MN 0.5 mg and Fag 0.1 g/MN 5 mg, the weight of seminal vesicle, prostate, and testis significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while at dose Fag 1 g/MN 50 mg, the weight of epididymis and testis significantly increased (P < 0.05) when compared to the control. We noticed a significant increase of the number of spermatids/test (P < 0.05), epididymis sperm count (P < 0.05), and DSP/test of the rats at dose Fag 1 g/MN 50 mg while at dose Fag 0.01 g/MN 0.5 mg and Fag 0.1 g/MN 5 mg, sperm count was reduced in male organs, particularly in vas deferens (P < 0.05) and epididymis (P < 0.001). The serum testosterone concentration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at lowest dose Fag 0.01 g/MN 0.5 mg. However, at highest dose Fag 1 g/MN 50 mg, the serum testosterone concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05). The length of stage VII-VIII and IX-I of the seminiferous tubule significantly (P < 0.05) increased while the length of stage II-VI significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the combination of Lepidium meyenii (Black Maca) with Fagara tessmannii can improve male reproductive organs activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Gasco
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - G F Gonzales
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru ; Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Simões VL, Alves MG, Martins AD, Dias TR, Rato L, Socorro S, Oliveira PF. Regulation of apoptotic signaling pathways by 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol in immature rat Sertoli cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 135:15-23. [PMID: 23220551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is an important regulatory event in testicular homeostasis and optimization of sperm production. Sertoli cells (SCs) form the blood-testis barrier creating a special microenvironment where germ cells develop and are under strict hormonal control. Estrogens and androgens are known to play critical roles in SCs functioning, improving their in vitro survival by preventing apoptotic progression. Herein, we studied the influence of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the apoptotic signaling pathways of immature rat cultured SCs. For that we chose key points of the apoptotic pathway that interact with the mitochondria and evaluated the mRNA expression and/or protein levels of several apoptotic markers such as p53, the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member Bax, the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and caspase-3 and 9. Caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation were also evaluated as endpoint markers of apoptosis. E2 and DHT down-regulated the mRNA transcript levels of p53, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3. The protein levels of AIF were reduced after DHT treatment while E2-treated cells presented decreased levels of cleaved caspase-9 protein. Moreover, Bax/Bcl2 ratio was significantly decreased in E2-treated cells. The apoptotic endpoints caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation presented significant decreased levels after hormonal treatment. Taken together, these results show that E2 and DHT act as apoptotic signaling modulators in in vitro immature rat SCs suggesting that androgens and estrogens may be capable of modulating independent pathways of the apoptotic event by regulating different pro-apoptotic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Simões
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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Ruvolo G, Roccheri MC, Brucculeri AM, Longobardi S, Cittadini E, Bosco L. Lower sperm DNA fragmentation after r-FSH administration in functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:497-503. [PMID: 23435529 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-9951-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An observational clinical and molecular study was designed to evaluate the effects of the administration of recombinant human FSH on sperm DNA fragmentation in men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. METHODS In the study were included 53 men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. In all patients, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) in situ DNA nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay, was evaluated before starting the treatment with 150 IU of recombinant human FSH, given three times a week for at least 3 months. Patients' semen analysis and DNA fragmentation index were re-evaluated after the 3-month treatment period. RESULTS After recombinant human FSH therapy, we did not find any differences in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology. The average DNA fragmentation index was significantly reduced (21.15 vs 15.2, p<0.05), but we found a significant reduction in patients with high basal DFI values (>15 %), while no significant variation occurred in the patients with DFI values ≤ 15 %. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant human FSH administration improves sperm DNA integrity in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men with DNA fragmentation index value >15 % .
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ruvolo
- Centro di Biologia della Riproduzione, via V. Villareale 54, 90141, Palermo, Italy.
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29
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Aly HAA, Domènech O, Banjar ZM. Effect of nonylphenol on male reproduction: analysis of rat epididymal biochemical markers and antioxidant defense enzymes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 261:134-41. [PMID: 22421104 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which nonylphenol (NP) interferes with male reproduction is not fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of NP on male reproductive organ's weight, sperm characteristics, and to elucidate the nature and mechanism of action of NP on the epididymis. Adult male Wistar rats were gavaged with NP, dissolved in corn oil, at 0, 100, 200 or 300mg/kg/day for 30 consecutive days. Control rats were gavaged with vehicle (corn oil) alone. Body weight did not show any significant change while, absolute testes and epididymides weights were significantly decreased. Sperm count in cauda and caput/corpus epididymides, and sperm motility was significantly decreased. Daily sperm production was significantly decreased in a dose-related manner. Sperm transit time in cauda epididymis was significantly decreased by 300mg/kg, while in the caput/corpus epididymis it was significantly decreased by 200 and 300mg/kg of NP. Plasma LDH was significantly increased while; plasma testosterone was significantly decreased in a dose-related pattern. In the epididymal sperm, NP decreased acrosome integrity, Δψm and 5'-nucleotidase activity. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production and LPO were significantly increased in a dose-related pattern. The activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were significantly decreased in the epididymal sperm. In conclusion, this study revealed that NP treatment impairs spermatogenesis and has a cytotoxic effect on epididymal sperm. It disrupts the prooxidant and antioxidant balance. This leads oxidative stress in epididymal sperms of rat. Moreover, the reduction in sperm transit time may affect sperm quality and fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamdy A A Aly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Dehnugara T, Dhar S, Rao MRS. An in vitro, short-term culture method for mammalian haploid round spermatids amenable for molecular manipulation. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:19-30. [PMID: 21953649 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Extensive chromatin remodeling is a characteristic feature of mammalian spermiogenesis. To date, methods for the molecular manipulation of haploid spermatids are not available as there is a lack of a well-established culture system. Biochemical experiments and knockout studies reveal only the final outcome; studying the incremental details of the intricate mechanisms involved is still a challenge. We have established an in vitro culture system for pure haploid round spermatids isolated from rat testes that can be maintained with good viability for up to 72 hr. Changes in cell morphology and flagellar growth were also studied in the cultured spermatids. Further, we have demonstrated that upon treatment of cells with specific histone deacetylase inhibitors, sodium butyrate and trichostatin A, there is an increase in the hyperacetylation status of histone H4, mimicking an important event characteristic of histone replacement process that occurs during later stages of spermiogenesis. We have also tried various methods for introducing DNA and protein into these round spermatids in culture, and report that while DNA transfection is still a challenging task, protein transfection could be achieved using Chariot™ peptide as a transfection reagent. Thus, the method described here sets a stage to study the molecular roles of spermatid-specific proteins and chromatin remodelers in the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushna Dehnugara
- Chromatin Biology Lab, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
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Laurentino SS, Correia S, Cavaco JE, Oliveira PF, Rato L, Sousa M, Barros A, Socorro S. Regucalcin is broadly expressed in male reproductive tissues and is a new androgen-target gene in mammalian testis. Reproduction 2011; 142:447-56. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium (Ca2+)-binding protein which regulates intracellular Ca2+homeostasis by modulating the activity of enzymes regulating Ca2+concentration and enhancing Ca2+-pumping activity. Several studies have described the pivotal role of proper Ca2+homeostasis regulation to spermatogenesis and male fertility. Recently,RGNwas identified as a sex steroid-regulated gene in prostate and breast; however, a possible role of RGN in spermatogenesis has not been examined. In this study, the expression and localization of RGN in rat and human testis, and other rat reproductive tissues was analyzed. Moreover, we studied whether RGN protein was present in seminiferous tubule fluid (STF). Finally, we examined the effect of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the expression ofRgnmRNA in rat seminiferous tubules (SeT) culturedex vivo. The results presented in this study show that RGN is expressed in Leydig and Sertoli cells, as well as in all types of germ cells of both rat and human testis. RGN is also expressed in rat prostate, epididymis, and seminal vesicles. Moreover, RGN protein is present in rat STF. The results also demonstrate thatRgnexpression is age dependent in rat testis, and is upregulated by the non-aromatizable androgen DHT in rat SeT culturedex vivo. Taken together, these findings indicate thatRgnis a novel androgen-target gene in rat testis and that it may have a role in male reproductive function, particularly in the control of spermatogenesis.
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Curaba M, Poels J, van Langendonckt A, Donnez J, Wyns C. Can prepubertal human testicular tissue be cryopreserved by vitrification? Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2123.e9-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 12/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Histological and ultrastructural changes in the adult male albino rat testes following chronic crude garlic consumption. Ann Anat 2011; 193:134-41. [PMID: 21333510 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have presented Garlic (Allium sativum) as a restoring agent for testicular cells after exposure to different types of toxins, however, others have shown that it modified spermatogenesis and might have spermicidal effects. This work has been to assess the positive or negative effect of chronic crude garlic consumption on rat testes using light and transmission electron microscopy with reference to plasma testosterone and LH levels. Forty albino male rats were divided into group A (control) and group B (treated rats). Group B was further subdivided into B1, B2, and B3 subgroups which were administer crude garlic as 20% of their daily food for two, three and four months, respectively. The current study has been the first, to the best of our knowledge, to describe the apoptotic effect of chronic crude garlic consumption targeting Sertoli cells, germ cells and peritubular tissue including interstitial Leydig cells and myoid cells. This might be better explained by inflammatory than degenerative changes in the peritubular tissue and Leydig cells leading to a decrease in testosterone level. Consequently, Sertoli cells degenerate due to a decrease in testosterone and detachment from the basal lamina. Germ cells, which are completely dependent upon Sertoli cells and testosterone to complete there spermatogenesis will be affected. Testicular apoptosis with disruption in spermatogenesis following chronic crude garlic consumption could be correlated with two possible theories; being an anti-hypercholesterolemic agent, it might inhibit steroidogenesis resulting in a decrease in testosterone level and being one of the famous phytoestrogens it possibly has direct estrogen-like actions on adult male rat testes.
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Shaha C, Tripathi R, Mishra DP. Male germ cell apoptosis: regulation and biology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:1501-15. [PMID: 20403866 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular apoptosis appears to be a constant feature in the adult testis and during early development. This is essential because mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex process that requires precise homeostasis of different cell types. This review discusses the latest information available on male germ cell apoptosis induced by hormones, toxins and temperature in the context of the type of apoptotic pathway either the intrinsic or the extrinsic that may be used under a variety of stimuli. The review also discusses the importance of mechanisms pertaining to cellular apoptosis during testicular development, which is independent of exogenous stimuli. Since instances of germ cell carcinoma have increased over the past few decades, the current status of research on apoptotic pathways in teratocarcinoma cells is included. One other important aspect that is covered in this review is microRNA-mediated control of germ cell apoptosis, a field of research that is going to see intense activity in near future. Since knockout models of various kinds have been used to study many aspects of germ cell development, a comprehensive summary of literature on knockout mice used in reproduction studies is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrima Shaha
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Grunewald S, Sharma R, Paasch U, Glander HJ, Agarwal A. Impact of caspase activation in human spermatozoa. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 72:878-88. [PMID: 19455684 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Caspases are central components in the apoptosis signaling cascade. The family of cysteine proteases transduces and enhances the apoptosis signal, and activation of effector caspases results in controlled cellular degradation. Although initially the presence of caspases in spermatozoa was controversially discussed in recent years, many studies demonstrated their activation in male germ cells. Activated apoptosis signaling results in decreased fertilizing capacity of the sperm. This review presents the current knowledge on the role of caspases in human sperm. Techniques of caspase monitoring are highlighted. With regard to the high impact of caspases on the sperm fertilizing potential, physiological and pathological settings of caspase activation and inactivation are discussed. Finally, the effects of depletion of caspase-positive sperm are shown with various standard and molecular sperm preparation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Grunewald
- Department of Dermatology/Andrology Unit, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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36
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Tripathi R, Mishra DP, Shaha C. Male germ cell development: turning on the apoptotic pathways. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:31-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Status of the executioner step of apoptosis in human with normal spermatogenesis and azoospermia. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1723-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Revised: 08/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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38
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Hammami I, Nahdi A, Mauduit C, Benahmed M, Amri M, Amar AB, Zekri S, May AE, May MVE. The inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic (Allium sativum) feeding. Asian J Androl 2008; 10:593-601. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Sharma CS, Sarkar S, Periyakaruppan A, Ravichandran P, Sadanandan B, Ramesh V, Thomas R, Hall JC, Wilson BL, Ramesh GT. Simulated microgravity activates apoptosis and NF-kappaB in mice testis. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 313:71-8. [PMID: 18385949 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity is known to have significant effect on all aspects of reproductive function in animal models. Recent studies have also shown that microgravity induces changes at the cellular level, including apoptosis. Our effort here was to study the effect of simulated microgravity on caspase-8 and the caspase-3 activities, the effectors of the apoptotic pathway and on the transcription factor NF-kappaB a signaling molecule in mouse testis. Morey-Holton hind limb suspension model was used to simulate microgravity. Caspase-8 and 3 fluorometric assays were carried out and HLS mice testis exhibited a 51% increase in caspase-8 and caspase-3 compared to the controls. A sandwich ELISA-based immunoassay was carried out for detection of NF-kappaB which again significantly increased in the test mice. Testosterone levels were measured using an ELISA kit and in HLS mice the decrease was significant. There was also a significant decrease in testis weight in the test mice. Simulated microgravity activates caspase 8, 3 and NF-kappaB necessary to stimulate the apoptotic pathway in mice testis. This may account for the drop in testis weight and testosterone level further affecting testicular physiology and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidananda S Sharma
- Department of Biology, Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Center for Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA 23504, USA
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Chausiaux OE, Abel MH, Baxter FO, Khaled WT, Ellis PJI, Charlton HM, Affara NA. Hypogonadal Mouse, a Model to Study the Effects of the Endogenous Lack of Gonadotropins on Apoptosis1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:77-90. [PMID: 17671269 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.060970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular apoptosis is involved in the regulation of germ cell numbers, allowing optimal sperm production. Apoptosis has been described to occur in response to the absence of hormonal stimulation of the testis. Here we investigate the effect of the physiological lack of gonadotropins from birth using the hypogonadal (homozygous for the mutant allele Gnrh1(hpg)) mouse as a model. We pursued a concerted strategy using microarray analysis and RT-PCR to assess transcript levels, TUNEL to quantify the incidence of apoptosis, and Western blotting to assess the respective contribution of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Our results indicate a large increase in apoptosis of both somatic and germ cell compartments in the hpg testis, affecting Sertoli cells as well as germ cells of all ages. We confirmed our observations of Sertoli cell apoptosis using anti-Mullerian inhibiting substance staining and staining for cleaved fodrin alpha. In the somatic compartment, apoptosis is primarily regulated via the membrane receptor (extrinsic) apoptotic pathway, while in the germ cell compartment, regulation occurs via both the mitochondrial (intrinsic) and membrane receptor (extrinsic) apoptotic pathways, the latter potentially in a stage-specific manner. This study is the first report of spermatogonial apoptosis in response to gonadotropin deficiency as well as the first report of Sertoli cell apoptosis in response to gonadotropin deficiency in the mouse.
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Ranawat P, Bansal MP. Decreased glutathione levels potentiate the apoptotic efficacy of selenium: possible involvement of p38 and JNK MAPKs—in vitro studies. Mol Cell Biochem 2007; 309:21-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-007-9639-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Aziz N, Said T, Paasch U, Agarwal A. The relationship between human sperm apoptosis, morphology and the sperm deformity index. Hum Reprod 2007; 22:1413-9. [PMID: 17303629 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the relationship between apoptosis in human ejaculated spermatozoa, sperm morphology and the novel sperm deformity index (SDI). METHODS Semen specimens from 50 healthy donors were prepared by density-gradient centrifugation followed by incubating the prepared sperm with paramagnetic annexin V-conjugated microbeads and subjecting this to magnetic cell sorting (MACS). The procedure delivers two sperm fractions: annexin-negative (non-apoptotic) and annexin-positive (apoptotic). Activated caspase-3 levels and the integrity of the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed as markers of apoptosis in the annexin-negative and -positive aliquots following MACS. Sperm morphology and the SDI scores were assessed using the strict criteria. RESULTS Compared with the apoptotic sperm subpopulations, the non-apoptotic sperm subpopulations had an improved sperm morphology profile as demonstrated by significantly higher proportions of sperm with normal morphology and significantly lower SDI scores and percentages of sperm with acrosomal defects, midpiece defects, cytoplasmic droplet and tail defects. There was a significant correlation between sperm morphology attributes studied and the expressed apoptotic markers - caspase-3 activation and MMP integrity. CONCLUSIONS Non-apoptotic sperm fractions have morphologically superior quality sperm compared with apoptotic fractions as reflected by significantly lower SDI scores. The study results may support abortive apoptosis, where the apoptotic mechanism of sperm is already triggered prior to ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Aziz
- Reproduction Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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Kim SK, Yoon YD, Park YS, Seo JT, Kim JH. Involvement of the Fas-Fas ligand system and active caspase-3 in abnormal apoptosis in human testes with maturation arrest and Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Fertil Steril 2006; 87:547-53. [PMID: 17123522 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.07.1524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2006] [Revised: 07/14/2006] [Accepted: 07/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence that the Fas-mediated apoptotic process may participate in developing hypospermatogenesis, such as maturation arrest (MA) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). DESIGN Prospective clinical and descriptive study. SETTING Hospital-based infertility research laboratory and university laboratory. PATIENT(S) Twenty-two testicular biopsy specimens were obtained for routine clinical purposes from 12 men with nonobstructive azoospermia and from 10 men with obstructive azoospermia. INTERVENTION(S) In situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used for detection of apoptosis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses were used for detection of testicular expressions of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), and caspase-3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Apoptotic indices and testicular expressions of apoptosis regulators. RESULT(S) Increased apoptosis of germ cells and Sertoli cells was observed in MA and SCO compared with normal spermatogenesis. In testes with MA, increased immunostaining for FasL was observed in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, while intense immunostaining of Fas was observed in primary degenerating spermatocytes. Active caspase-3 immunostaining was detected in the cytoplasm of both Sertoli cells and germ cells. In cases of SCO, expression of Fas, FasL, and active caspase-3 was detected both in Sertoli cells and in hyperplastic interstitial cells. CONCLUSION(S) The current study demonstrates that the expression of FasL is upregulated in the testes of patients with SCO and MA, which suggests that it may be associated with apoptotic elimination or altered maturation of Fas-expressing germ cells through the activation of caspase-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suel-Kee Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Blottner S, Schön J, Roelants H. Apoptosis is not the cause of seasonal testicular involution in roe deer. Cell Tissue Res 2006; 327:615-24. [PMID: 17093922 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-006-0328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. The involution of testes in seasonal breeders might be expected to involve enhanced apoptotic cell elimination. We have compared seasonally changing testicular apoptosis in roe deer with that in non-seasonally breeding cattle. Apoptotic cells were detected as TUNEL-positive cells by both flow-cytometric analysis and in situ localisation of fragmented DNA in tissue sections. Apoptosis-induced DNA fragments were also assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in homogenised testicular parenchyma. As expected, the testis mass and the percentage of haploid cells in roe deer showed a seasonal pattern with a significant maximum during the rut (August), whereas no annual variation of these parameters was found in bulls. All three methods for determining apoptosis showed similar findings. Roe deer exhibited significant seasonal fluctuation of total apoptotic activity (ELISA, apoptotic cells per tubule cross section) with a maximum during the breeding season. However, the seasonal differences in the number of apoptotic cells corresponded to the variable total numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes per tubule cross section. Thus, the percentages of TUNEL-positive cells related to the combined number of both germ cell types showed no seasonal variance, as confirmed by percentages of apoptotic cells analysed flow-cytometrically. The maximum level of apoptosis during the rut in roe deer was similar to the values obtained during the invariably high spermatogenic activity in cattle. These results suggest that, in roe deer, apoptosis is not the cause of the seasonal involution of testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Blottner
- Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, 10252 Berlin, Germany.
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Smith R, Kaune H, Parodi D, Madariaga M, Rios R, Morales I, Castro A. Increased sperm DNA damage in patients with varicocele: relationship with seminal oxidative stress. Hum Reprod 2005; 21:986-93. [PMID: 16361286 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of the testicular damage in varicocele has not been completely understood. Oxidative stress and related sperm DNA damage have been identified as significant causes of male infertility. The current study was designed to determine the extent of sperm nuclear DNA damage in patients with varicocele and to examine its relationship with oxidative stress. METHODS Semen samples from 55 patients with clinical varicocele and 25 normozoospermic donors were examined. Varicocele sperm samples were classified as normal or abnormal according to World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm DNA damage was evaluated by the sperm chromatin structure assay/flow cytometry and by the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity were assessed by a chemiluminescence assay. RESULTS DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (percentage of sperm with denatured DNA) values and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells were significantly greater in patients with varicocele, either with normal (DFI, 20.7 +/- 4.0; TUNEL positive, 26.1 +/- 3.2) or with abnormal (DFI, 35.5 +/- 9.0; TUNEL positive, 32.2 +/- 4.1) semen profile, compared with controls (DFI, 7.1 +/- 0.9; TUNEL positive, 14.2 +/- 1.2). Similarly, ROS levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in both groups of patients with varicocele. CONCLUSIONS The presence of a varicocele is associated with high levels of DNA-damage spermatozoa even in the presence of normal semen profile. The results also indicate that oxidative damage is associated with sperm DNA damage in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Smith
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile and San Borja-Arriarán Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile.
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Abstract
AIM To study the effect of piperine on the epididymal antioxidant system of adult male rats. METHODS Adult male rats were orally administered piperine at doses of 1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight each day for 30 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the rats were weighed and killed with ether and the epididymis was dissected from the bodies. Sperm collected from the cauda region of the epididymis was used for the assessment of its count, motility and viability. Caput, corpus and cauda regions of the epididymis were separated and homogenized separately to obtain 10 % homogenates. The supernatants were used for the assays of sialic acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide generation. RESULTS Body weight of the piperine-treated rats remained unchanged. The weights of the caput, corpus and cauda regions of the epididymis significantly decreased at dose of 100 mg/kg. Epididymal sperm count and motility decreased at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, and sperm viability decreased significantly at 100 mg/kg. Sialic acid levels in the epididymis decreased significantly at 100 mg/kg while significant decrease in the cauda region alone was observed at 10 mg/kg. A significant decline in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, along with an increase in hydrogen peroxide generation and lipid peroxidation were observed at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. CONCLUSION Piperine caused a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and sialic acid levels in the epididymis and thereby increased reactive oxygen species levels that could damage the epididymal environment and sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C D'cruz
- School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, India
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Abstract
Microdamage of healthy bone leads to targeted removal and repair of the damage. This process must involve the production of specific targeting signals. The identity of these signals is unknown but constitutes a legitimate research goal since it is this targeting process which appears to become impaired in ageing and disease. Here we discuss the potential role of the matrix bound osteocyte in the sensing and targeting of microdamage. In particular we will review current understanding concerning the apoptotic death of osteocytes at sites of microdamage and discuss the potential physiological significance of these findings in the light of knowledge of the significance of apoptosis in other cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon Noble
- Scottish Mechanotransduction Consortium, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.
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Wong CH, Cheng CY. The Blood‐Testis Barrier: Its Biology, Regulation, and Physiological Role in Spermatogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2005; 71:263-96. [PMID: 16344108 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(05)71008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) in mammals, such as rats, is composed of the tight junction (TJ), the basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES), the basal tubulobulbar complex (basal TBC) (both are testis-specific actin-based adherens junction [AJ] types), and the desmosome-like junction that are present side-by-side in the seminiferous epithelium. The BTB physically divides the seminiferous epithelium into basal and apical (or adluminal) compartments, and is pivotal to spermatogenesis. Besides its function as an immunological barrier to segregate the postmeiotic germ-cell antigens from the systemic circulation, it creates a unique microenvironment for germ-cell development and confers cell polarity. During spermatogenesis, the BTB in rodents must physically disassemble to permit the passage of preleptotene and leptotene spermatocytes. This occurs at late stage VII through early stage VIII of the epithelial cycle. Studies have shown that this dynamic BTB restructuring to facilitate germ-cell migration is regulated by two cytokines, namely transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-beta3) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), via downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases. These cytokines determine the homeostasis of TJ- and basal ES-structural proteins, proteases, protease inhibitors, and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g., collagen) in the seminiferous epithelium. Some of these molecules are known regulators of focal contacts between the ECM and other actively migrating cells, such as macrophages, fibroblasts, or malignant cells. These findings also illustrate that cell-cell junction restructuring at the BTB is regulated by mechanisms involved in the junction turnover at the cell-matrix interface. This review critically discusses these latest findings in the field in light of their significance in the biology and regulation of the BTB pertinent to spermatogenesis.
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Abstract
Cell divisions in the human preimplantation embryo can be compromised by deficiencies in sperm nuclear genome or sperm-derived developmentally relevant cytoplasmic factors, oocyte activating substance and centriole. Sperm nuclear deficiencies are usually not detected before the 8-cell stage of embryo development, when a major expression of sperm-derived genes has begun. Sperm cytoplasmic deficiencies can be detected as early as the 1-cell zygote and then throughout the preimplantation development. The terms 'late paternal effect' and 'early paternal effect' have been suggested to denote these two pathological conditions. The late paternal effect is associated with an increased incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation. No association with sperm DNA damage has been found for the early paternal effect. The diagnosis of the late paternal effect is thus based on the examination of sperm DNA integrity, which should be performed in cases of repeated assisted reproduction failure even if morphologically normal embryos result from fertilization with the patient's spermatozoa. The only element leading to the diagnosis of the early paternal effect is poor zygote and embryo morphology and low cleavage speed. The absence of increased sperm DNA damage does not exclude the presence of this pathology. ICSI with testicular spermatozoa has recently been shown to be an efficient treatment for the late paternal effect. The use of oral antioxidant treatment in this indication has also given promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tesarik
- MAR&Gen, Molecular Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Gracia 36, 18002 Granada, Spain, Laboratoire d'Eylau, 55 rue Saint Didier, 75116 Paris, France.
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Taylor SL, Weng SL, Fox P, Duran EH, Morshedi MS, Oehninger S, Beebe SJ. Somatic cell apoptosis markers and pathways in human ejaculated sperm: potential utility as indicators of sperm quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 10:825-34. [PMID: 15465851 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gah099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study we extended earlier work to determine whether sperm respond to somatic cell apoptotic stimuli and whether apoptotic phenotypes are significant indicators of human sperm quality. We evaluated ejaculated sperm from fertile donors and subfertile patients following purification of fractions of high and low motility. In unstimulated conditions, caspase enzymatic activity was higher in motile fractions from subfertile patients than in donors, and was higher in low motility fractions from both groups. Staurosporine, but not a Fas ligand or H2O2, significantly increased caspase activity, but only in high motility fractions. Procaspase-3, -7 and -9 and low levels of active caspase-3, -7 and -9 were identified by immunoblot analysis. Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was present in all samples but poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) was not detected. Phosphatidylserine translocation was significantly increased only with H2O2 treatment. In ejaculates of both subfertile and fertile men, we demonstrated the presence and activation of several proteins that are key constituents of apoptosis-related pathways in somatic cells, which may serve as markers for sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Taylor
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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