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Oliveira PF, Cheng CY, Alves MG. Emerging Role for Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Male Fertility. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2017; 28:165-167. [PMID: 28063768 PMCID: PMC5499664 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Male fertility is modulated by environmental, endocrine, paracrine, and metabolic cues. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates many cellular events in response to those signals. Here, we discuss how the mTOR pathway integrates and mediates signals throughout the male reproductive system, acting as a central player in the control of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Y Cheng
- Population Council's Center for Biomedical Research, New York, USA
| | - Marco G Alves
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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102
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Male reproductive toxicity of CrVI: In-utero exposure to CrVI at the critical window of testis differentiation represses the expression of Sertoli cell tight junction proteins and hormone receptors in adult F 1 progeny rats. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:84-98. [PMID: 28192182 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effect of gestational exposure to CrVI (occupational/environmental pollutant and target to Sertoli cells(SC)) was tested in a rat model during the testicular differentiation from the bipotential gonad may interrupt spermatogenesis by disrupting SC tight junctions(TJ) and it's proteins and hormone receptors. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 50/100/200ppm CrVI through drinking water during embryonic days 9-14. On Postnatal day 120, testes were subjected to ion exchange chromatographic analysis and revealed increased level of CrIII in SCs and germ cells, serum and testicular interstitial fluid(TIF). Microscopic analyses showed seminiferous tubules atrophy and disruption of SC TJ, which also recorded decreased testosterone in TIF. mRNA and Protein expression analyses attested decreased level of Fshr, Ar, occludin and claudin-11 in SCs. Immunofluorescent detection revealed weak signal of TJ proteins. Taken together, we concluded that gestational exposure to CrVI interferes with the expression of SC TJ proteins due to attenuated expression of hormone receptors.
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103
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Jesus TT, Oliveira PF, Sousa M, Cheng CY, Alves MG. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR): a central regulator of male fertility? Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 52:235-253. [PMID: 28124577 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2017.1279120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of cellular metabolic phenotype and is involved in virtually all aspects of cellular function. It integrates not only nutrient and energy-sensing pathways but also actin cytoskeleton organization, in response to environmental cues including growth factors and cellular energy levels. These events are pivotal for spermatogenesis and determine the reproductive potential of males. Yet, the molecular mechanisms by which mTOR signaling acts in male reproductive system remain a matter of debate. Here, we review the current knowledge on physiological and molecular events mediated by mTOR in testis and testicular cells. In recent years, mTOR inhibition has been explored as a prime strategy to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and metabolic disorders. However, the physiological consequences of mTOR dysregulation and inhibition to male reproductive potential are still not fully understood. Compelling evidence suggests that mTOR is an arising regulator of male fertility and better understanding of this atypical protein kinase coordinated action in testis will provide insightful information concerning its biological significance in other tissues/organs. We also discuss why a new generation of mTOR inhibitors aiming to be used in clinical practice may also need to include an integrative view on the effects in male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tito T Jesus
- a Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior , Covilhã , Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- a Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,c i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- a Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,d Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros , Porto , Portugal
| | - C Yan Cheng
- e The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research , Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York , NY , USA
| | - Marco G Alves
- a Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior , Covilhã , Portugal
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104
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Galardo MN, Gorga A, Merlo JP, Regueira M, Pellizzari EH, Cigorraga SB, Riera MF, Meroni SB. Participation of HIFs in the regulation of Sertoli cell lactate production. Biochimie 2017; 132:9-18. [PMID: 27750035 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) are master regulators of glycolytic metabolism. HIFs consist of a constitutive HIFbeta (HIFβ) subunit and a HIFalpha (HIFα) subunit, whose half-life depends on prolyl-hydroxylases activity. Inhibition of prolyl-hydroxylases by hypoxia or transition metals, or augmentation of HIFα subunit levels by hormonal stimuli lead to a higher HIF transcriptional activity. On the other hand, it is well known that lactate produced by Sertoli cells is delivered to and used by germ cells as an energy substrate. The aim of this work was to investigate whether HIFs participate in the regulation of lactate production in rat Sertoli cells and whether they are involved in the FSH mechanism of action. In order to reach a higher HIF transcriptional activity, Sertoli cells were treated with CoCl2. We observed that a higher HIF transcriptional activity leads to an augmentation of: lactate production, glucose uptake and LDH activity. Besides, an increase in Glut1, Pkm2 and Ldha mRNA levels was observed. These findings suggested that HIFs may participate in the modulation of Sertoli cell nutritional function. As FSH regulates lactate production, we evaluated whether HIFs were involved in FSH action. Sertoli cells were stimulated with FSH in the absence or presence of LW6, a drug which promotes HIFα subunit degradation. On the one hand, we observed that FSH increases HIF1α protein, Hif1α and Hif2α mRNA levels and, on the other hand, that LW6 inhibits FSH-stimulated lactate production, glucose uptake, Glut1, Pkm2 and Ldha expression. It is proposed that HIFs are key components of the intricate pathways utilized by FSH to regulate the provision of lactate for germ cells. Considering that FSH is the master endocrine regulator of Sertoli cells, it is not surprising that this hormone may employ several regulatory mechanisms to fulfill the nourishing functions of this cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Noel Galardo
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Gorga
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Pedro Merlo
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Regueira
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Herminia Pellizzari
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Selva Beatriz Cigorraga
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Fernanda Riera
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Beatriz Meroni
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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105
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Heat stress–induced autophagy promotes lactate secretion in cultured immature boar Sertoli cells by inhibiting apoptosis and driving SLC2A3 , LDHA , and SLC16A1 expression. Theriogenology 2017; 87:339-348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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106
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Martins AD, Sá R, Monteiro MP, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho RA, Silva BM, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Ghrelin acts as energy status sensor of male reproduction by modulating Sertoli cells glycolytic metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 434:199-209. [PMID: 27392494 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide that has been suggested to interfere with spermatogenesis, though the underling mechanisms remain unknown. We studied the effect of ghrelin in human Sertoli cells (hSCs) metabolic phenotype. For that, hSCs were exposed to increasing concentrations of ghrelin (20, 100 and 500 pM) mimicking the levels reported in obese, normal weight, and severely undernourished individuals. The metabolite production/consumption was determined. The protein levels of key glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes were assessed. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured. Mitochondrial complexes protein levels and mitochondria membrane potential were also measured. We showed that hSCs express the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. At the concentration present in the plasma of normal weight men, ghrelin caused a decrease of glucose consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential in hSCs, though LDH activity and lactate production remained unchanged, illustrating an alteration of glycolytic flux efficiency. Exposure of hSCs to levels of ghrelin found in the plasma of severely undernourished individuals decreased pyruvate consumption and mitochondrial complex III protein expression. All concentrations of ghrelin decreased alanine and acetate production by hSCs. Notably, the effects of ghrelin levels found in severely undernourished individuals were more pronounced in hSCs metabolic phenotype highlighting the importance of a proper eating behavior to maintain male reproductive potential. In conclusion, ghrelin acts as an energy status sensor for hSCs in a dose-dependent manner, showing an inverse association with the production of lactate, thus controlling the nutritional support of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Martins
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (UMIB-ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Sá
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (UMIB-ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - M P Monteiro
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (UMIB-ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Department of Anatomy, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, ICBAS, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (UMIB-ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal
| | - R A Carvalho
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - B M Silva
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), University of Beira Interior, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - P F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (UMIB-ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - M G Alves
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal; Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), University of Beira Interior, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
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107
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Hu MH, Liu SY, Wang N, Wu Y, Jin F. Impact of DNA mismatch repair system alterations on human fertility and related treatments. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2016; 17:10-20. [PMID: 26739522 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1500162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is one of the biological pathways, which plays a critical role in DNA homeostasis, primarily by repairing base-pair mismatches and insertion/deletion loops that occur during DNA replication. MMR also takes part in other metabolic pathways and regulates cell cycle arrest. Defects in MMR are associated with genomic instability, predisposition to certain types of cancers and resistance to certain therapeutic drugs. Moreover, genetic and epigenetic alterations in the MMR system demonstrate a significant relationship with human fertility and related treatments, which helps us to understand the etiology and susceptibility of human infertility. Alterations in the MMR system may also influence the health of offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology in humans. However, further studies are needed to explore the specific mechanisms by which the MMR system may affect human infertility. This review addresses the physiological mechanisms of the MMR system and associations between alterations of the MMR system and human fertility and related treatments, and potential effects on the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-hao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shu-yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang), Ministry of Education, and Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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108
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Cheng YH, Xia W, Wong EWP, Xie QR, Shao J, Liu T, Quan Y, Zhang T, Yang X, Geng K, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Adjudin--A Male Contraceptive with Other Biological Activities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 9:63-73. [PMID: 26510796 DOI: 10.2174/1872214809666151029113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjudin has been explored as a male contraceptive for the last 15 years since its initial synthesis in the late 1990s. More than 50 papers have been published and listed in PubMed in which its mechanism that induces exfoliation of germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium, such as its effects on actin microfilaments at the apical ES (ectoplasmic specialization, a testis-specific actin-rich anchoring junction) has been delineated. OBJECTIVE Recent studies have demonstrated that, besides its activity to induce germ cell exfoliation from the seminiferous epithelium to cause reversible infertility in male rodents, adjudin possesses other biological activities, which include anti-cancer, anti-inflammation in the brain, and anti-ototoxicity induced by gentamicin in rodents. Results of these findings likely spark the interest of investigators to explore other medical use of this and other indazole-based compounds, possibly mediated by the signaling pathway(s) in the mitochondria of mammalian cells following treatment with adjudin. In this review, we carefully evaluate these recent findings. METHODS Papers published and listed at www.pubmed.org and patents pertinent to adjudin and its related compounds were searched. Findings were reviewed and critically evaluated, and summarized herein. RESULTS Adjudin is a novel compound that possesses anti-spermatogenetic activity. Furthermore, it possesses anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-neurodegeneration, and anti-ototoxicity activities based on studies using different in vitro and in vivo models. CONCLUSION Studies on adjudin should be expanded to better understand its biological activities so that it can become a useful drug for treatment of other ailments besides serving as a male contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chuen-Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States of America.
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109
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Meneses M, Bernardino R, Sá R, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva B, Oliveira P, Alves M. Pioglitazone increases the glycolytic efficiency of human Sertoli cells with possible implications for spermatogenesis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 79:52-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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110
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Bernardino RL, Marinelli RA, Maggio A, Gena P, Cataldo I, Alves MG, Svelto M, Oliveira PF, Calamita G. Hepatocyte and Sertoli Cell Aquaporins, Recent Advances and Research Trends. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071096. [PMID: 27409609 PMCID: PMC4964472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are proteinaceous channels widespread in nature where they allow facilitated permeation of water and uncharged through cellular membranes. AQPs play a number of important roles in both health and disease. This review focuses on the most recent advances and research trends regarding the expression and modulation, as well as physiological and pathophysiological functions of AQPs in hepatocytes and Sertoli cells (SCs). Besides their involvement in bile formation, hepatocyte AQPs are involved in maintaining energy balance acting in hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism, and in critical processes such as ammonia detoxification and mitochondrial output of hydrogen peroxide. Roles are played in clinical disorders including fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity, cholestasis, hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. In the seminiferous tubules, particularly in SCs, AQPs are also widely expressed and seem to be implicated in the various stages of spermatogenesis. Like in hepatocytes, AQPs may be involved in maintaining energy homeostasis in these cells and have a major role in the metabolic cooperation established in the testicular tissue. Altogether, this information represents the mainstay of current and future investigation in an expanding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel L Bernardino
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Raul A Marinelli
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas-Universidad Nacional de Rosario, 531 S2002LRK Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Anna Maggio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gena
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
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111
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Al-Maghrebi M, Renno WM. Altered expression profile of glycolytic enzymes during testicular ischemia reperfusion injury is associated with the p53/TIGAR pathway: effect of fructose 1,6-diphosphate. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2195. [PMID: 27441124 PMCID: PMC4941766 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Testicular ischemia reperfusion injury (tIRI) is considered the mechanism underlying the pathology of testicular torsion and detorsion. Left untreated, tIRI can induce testis dysfunction, damage to spermatogenesis and possible infertility. In this study, we aimed to assess the activities and expression of glycolytic enzymes (GEs) in the testis and their possible modulation during tIRI. The effect of fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP), a glycolytic intermediate, on tIRI was also investigated. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, unilateral tIRI, and tIRI + FDP (2 mg/kg). tIRI was induced by occlusion of the testicular artery for 1 h followed by 4 h of reperfusion. FDP was injected peritoneally 30 min prior to reperfusion. Histological and biochemical analyses were used to assess damage to spermatogenesis, activities of major GEs, and energy and oxidative stress markers. The relative mRNA expression of GEs was evaluated by real-time PCR. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of p53 and TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR). Results. Histological analysis revealed tIRI-induced spermatogenic damage as represented by a significant decrease in the Johnsen biopsy score. In addition, tIRI reduced the activities of hexokinase 1, phosphofructokinase-1, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase C. However, mRNA expression downregulation was detected only for hexokinase 1, phosphoglycerate kinase 2, and lactate dehydrogenase C. ATP and NADPH depletion was also induced by tIRI and was accompanied by an increased Malondialdehyde concentration, reduced glutathione level, and reduced superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. The immunoexpression of p53 and TIGAR was markedly increased after tIRI. The above tIRI-induced alterations were attenuated by FDP treatment. Discussion. Our findings indicate that tIRI-induced spermatogenic damage is associated with dysregulation of GE activity and gene expression, which were associated with activation of the TIGAR/p53 pathway. FDP treatment had a beneficial effect on alleviating the damaging effects of tIRI. This study further emphasizes the importance of metabolic regulation for proper spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Al-Maghrebi
- Faculty of Medicine—Department of Biochemistry, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
| | - Waleed M. Renno
- Faculty of Medicine—Department of Anatomy, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
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Schrade A, Kyrönlahti A, Akinrinade O, Pihlajoki M, Fischer S, Rodriguez VM, Otte K, Velagapudi V, Toppari J, Wilson DB, Heikinheimo M. GATA4 Regulates Blood-Testis Barrier Function and Lactate Metabolism in Mouse Sertoli Cells. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2416-31. [PMID: 26974005 PMCID: PMC4891789 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Conditional deletion of Gata4 in Sertoli cells (SCs) of adult mice has been shown to increase permeability of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and disrupt spermatogenesis. To gain insight into the molecular underpinnings of these phenotypic abnormalities, we assessed the impact of Gata4 gene silencing in cell culture models. Microarray hybridization identified genes dysregulated by siRNA-mediated inhibition of Gata4 in TM4 cells, an immortalized mouse SC line. Differentially expressed genes were validated by quantitative RT-PCR analysis of primary cultures of Gata4(flox/flox) mouse SCs that had been subjected to cre-mediated recombination in vitro. Depletion of GATA4 in TM4 cells and primary SCs was associated with altered expression of genes involved in key facets of BTB maintenance, including tight/adherens junction formation (Tjp1, Cldn12, Vcl, Tnc, Csk) and extracellular matrix reorganization (Lamc1, Col4a1, Col4a5, Mmp10, Mmp23, Timp2). Western blotting and immunocytochemistry demonstrated reduced levels of tight junction protein-1, a prototypical tight junction protein, in GATA4-depleted cells. These changes were accompanied by a loss of morphologically recognizable junctional complexes and a decline in epithelial membrane resistance. Furthermore, Gata4 gene silencing was associated with altered expression of Hk1, Gpi1, Pfkp, Pgam1, Gls2, Pdk3, Pkd4, and Ldhb, genes regulating the production of lactate, a key nutrient that SCs provide to developing germ cells. Comprehensive metabolomic profiling demonstrated impaired lactate production in GATA4-deficient SCs. We conclude that GATA4 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of BTB function and lactate metabolism in mouse SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schrade
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Antti Kyrönlahti
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Oyediran Akinrinade
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Simon Fischer
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Verena Martinez Rodriguez
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Kerstin Otte
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Vidya Velagapudi
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - David B Wilson
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital (A.S., A.K., O.A., M.P., M.H.), University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Applied Biotechnology (S.F., K.O.), University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach 88400, Germany; Metabolomics Unit (V.V.), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics (J.T.), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku 20520, Finland; and Departments of Pediatrics (A.S., V.M.R., D.B.W., M.H.) and Developmental Biology (D.B.W.), Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110
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113
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Sun Y, Shi Z, Lian H, Cai P. Energy metabolic dysfunction as a carcinogenic factor in cancer cells. Clin Transl Med 2016; 5:14. [PMID: 27053249 PMCID: PMC4823226 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-016-0094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as a leading cause of death, has attracted enormous public attention. Reprogramming of cellular energy metabolism is deemed to be one of the principal hallmarks of cancer. In this article, we reviewed the mutual relationships among environmental pollution factors, energy metabolic dysfunction, and various cancers. We found that most environmental pollution factors could induce cancers mainly by disturbing the energy metabolism. By triggering microenvironment alteration, energy metabolic dysfunction can be treated as a factor in carcinogenesis. Thus, we put forward that energy metabolism might be as a key point for studying carcinogenesis and tumor development to propose new methods for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Sun
- Physical Environment Laboratory, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Avenue, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Shi
- Environmental Bioelectrochemistry Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyong Lian
- Physical Environment Laboratory, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Avenue, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Cai
- Physical Environment Laboratory, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Avenue, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
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114
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França LR, Hess RA, Dufour JM, Hofmann MC, Griswold MD. The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity. Andrology 2016; 4:189-212. [PMID: 26846984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular 'nurse cell', not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - R A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J M Dufour
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - M C Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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115
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Alves MG, Martins AD, Jarak I, Barros A, Silva J, Sousa M, Oliveira PF. Testicular lactate content is compromised in men with Klinefelter Syndrome. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:208-16. [PMID: 26676340 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of human infertility, but the mechanism(s) responsible for its phenotype remain largely unknown. KS is associated with alterations in body composition and with a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases. We therefore hypothesized that KS men seeking fertility treatment possess an altered testicular metabolism profile that may hamper the nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Testicular biopsies from control (46, XY) (n = 6) and KS (47, XXY) (n = 6) individuals were collected and analyzed by proton high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The mRNA and protein expression of crucial glycolysis-associated enzymes and transporters were evaluated in parallel by quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. Our data revealed altered regulation of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3); phosphofructokinase 1, liver isoform (PFKL); and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression in the testis of KS patients. Moreover, we detected a severe reduction in lactate and creatine accumulation within testicular tissue from KS men. The aberrant levels of the biomarkers detected in testicular biopsies of KS men may therefore be associated with the infertility phenotypes presented by these men. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 208-216, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana D Martins
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Centre for Research in Ceramics and Composite Materials (CICECO), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,I3S - Institute of Health Research and Innovation, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Silva
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,I3S - Institute of Health Research and Innovation, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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116
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Jesus TT, Oliveira PF, Silva J, Barros A, Ferreira R, Sousa M, Cheng CY, Silva BM, Alves MG. Mammalian target of rapamycin controls glucose consumption and redox balance in human Sertoli cells. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:825-833.e3. [PMID: 26698679 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the regulation of human Sertoli cell (hSC) metabolism, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING University research center and private assisted reproductive technology centers. PATIENT(S) Six men with anejaculation (psychological, vascular, neurologic) and conserved spermatogenesis. INTERVENTION(S) Testicular biopsies were used from patients under treatment for recovery of male gametes. Primary hSCs cultures were established from each biopsy and divided into a control group and one treated with rapamycin, the inhibitor of mTOR, for 24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cytotoxicity of hSCs to rapamycin was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay. The glycolytic profile of hSCs was assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and by studying protein expression of key glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes. Expression of mitochondrial complexes and citrate synthase activity were determined. Protein carbonylation, nitration, lipid peroxidation, and sulfhydryl protein group contents were quantified. The mTOR signaling pathway was studied. RESULT(S) Rapamycin increased glucose consumption by hSCs, maintaining lactate production. Alanine production by rapamycin-exposed hSCs was affected, resulting in an unbalanced intracellular redox state. Rapamycin-exposed hSCs had decreased expression of mitochondrial complex III and increased lipid peroxidation, whereas other oxidative stress markers were unaltered. Treatment of hSCs with rapamycin down-regulated phospho-mTOR (Ser-2448) levels, illustrating an effective partial inhibition of mTORC1. Protein levels of downstream signaling molecule p-4E-BP1 were not altered, suggesting that during treatment it became rephosphorylated. CONCLUSION(S) We show that mTOR regulates the nutritional support of spermatogenesis by hSCs and redox balance in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tito T Jesus
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Health Research an Innovation, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Silva
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Institute of Health Research an Innovation, Portugal; Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- Organic Chemistry, Natural and Agrofood Products Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Branca M Silva
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã
| | - Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã.
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117
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Dias TR, Alves MG, Almeida SP, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva BM, Silvestre SM, Oliveira PF. Dehydroepiandrosterone and 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in male reproductive health: Implications of differential regulation of human Sertoli cells metabolic profile. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 154:1-11. [PMID: 26134425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor of androgen synthesis whose action is partially exerted through its metabolites. 7-Oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone (7-oxo-DHEA) is a common DHEA metabolite, non-convertible to androgens, which constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple conditions. Sertoli cells (SCs) are responsible for the support of spermatogenesis, having unique metabolic characteristics strongly modulated by androgens. Consequently, disruptions in androgen synthesis compromise SCs function and hence male fertility. We aimed to evaluate the effects of DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA in human SCs (hSCs) metabolism and oxidative profile. To do so, hSCs were exposed to increasing concentrations of DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA (0.025, 1 and 50 μM) that revealed to be non-cytotoxic in these experimental conditions. We measured hSCs metabolites consumption/production by (1)H NMR, the protein expression levels of key players of the glycolytic pathway by Western blot as well as the levels of carbonyl groups, nitration and lipid peroxidation by Slot blot. The obtained data demonstrated that 7-oxo-DHEA is a more potent metabolic modulator than DHEA since it increased hSCs glycolytic flux. DHEA seem to redirect hSCs metabolism to the Krebs cycle, while 7-oxo-DHEA has some inhibitory effect in this path. The highest 7-oxo-DHEA concentrations (1 and 50 μM) also increased lactate production, which is of extreme relevance for the successful progression of spermatogenesis in vivo. None of these steroids altered the intracellular oxidative profile of hSCs, illustrating that, at the concentrations used they do not have pro- nor antioxidant actions in hSCs. Our study represents a further step in the establishment of safe doses of DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA to hSCs, supporting its possible use in hormonal and non-hormonal therapies against male reproductive problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia R Dias
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Susana P Almeida
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Silva
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Institute of Health Research and Innovation, University of Porto, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal
| | - Branca M Silva
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Samuel M Silvestre
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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118
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Cheng YH, Jenardhanan P, Mathur PP, Qian X, Xia W, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Interaction of oligomeric breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) with adjudin: a male contraceptive with anti-cancer activity. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2015; 7:147-53. [PMID: 25620224 DOI: 10.2174/1874467208666150126154049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, which together with two other ABC efflux drug pumps, namely P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and multidrug resistance-related protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) is the most important multidrug resistance protein foun d in eukaryotic cells including cells in the testis. However, unlike P-gp and MRP1, which are components of the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB), BCRP is not expressed at the BTB in rodents and human testes. Instead, BCRP is expressed by peritubular myoid cells and endothelial cells of the lymphatic vessel in the tunica propria, residing outside the BTB. As such, the testis is equipped with two levels of defense against xenobiotics or drugs, preventing these harmful substances from entering the adluminal compartment to perturb meiosis and post-meiotic spermatid development: one at the level of the BTB conferred by P-gp and MRP1 and one at the tunica propria conferred by BCRP. The presence of drug transporters at the tunica propria as well as at the Sertoli cell BTB thus poses significant obstacles in developing non-hormonal contraceptives if these drugs (e.g., adjudin) exert their effects in germ cells behind the BTB, such as in the adluminal (apical) compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. Herein, we summarize recent findings pertinent to adjudin, a non-hormonal male contraceptive, and molecular interactions of adjudin with BCRP so that this information can be helpful to devise delivery strategies to evade BCRP in the tunica propria to improve its bioavailability in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chuen Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York 10065, USA.
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119
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Testosterone deficiency induced by progressive stages of diabetes mellitus impairs glucose metabolism and favors glycogenesis in mature rat Sertoli cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 66:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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120
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Regueira M, Artagaveytia SL, Galardo MN, Pellizzari EH, Cigorraga SB, Meroni SB, Riera MF. Novel molecular mechanisms involved in hormonal regulation of lactate production in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2015. [PMID: 26224098 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze molecular mechanisms involved in FSH and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulation of lactate production in rat Sertoli cells. The regulation of the availability of pyruvate, which is converted to lactate, could be a mechanism utilized by hormones to ensure lactate supply to germ cells. On one hand, the regulation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase (PFKFB) expression could result in increased glycolysis, while an increase in pyruvate availability may also result from a lower conversion to acetyl-CoA by negative regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) activity by phosphorylation. Sertoli cell cultures obtained from 20-day-old rats were used. Stimulation of the cultures with FSH or bFGF showed that FSH increases Pfkfb1 and Pfkfb3 expression while bFGF increases Pfkfb1 mRNA levels. Additionally, we observed that FSH-stimulated lactate production was inhibited in the presence of a PFKFB3 inhibitor, revealing the physiological relevance of this mechanism. As for the regulation of PDC, analysis of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (Pdk) expression showed that FSH increases Pdk3 and decreases Pdk4 mRNA levels while bFGF increases the expression of all Pdks. In addition, we showed that bFGF increases phosphorylated PDC levels and that bFGF-stimulated lactate production is partially inhibited in the presence of a PDK inhibitor. Altogether, these results add new information regarding novel molecular mechanisms involved in hormonal regulation of lactate production in Sertoli cells. Considering that lactate is essential for the production of energy in spermatocytes and spermatids, these mechanisms might be relevant in maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Regueira
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvana Lucía Artagaveytia
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Noel Galardo
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Herminia Pellizzari
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Selva Beatriz Cigorraga
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Beatriz Meroni
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Fernanda Riera
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE/CONICET-FEI-GCBA)Hospital de Niños R Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330, C1425EDF Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Di Bussolo V, Calvaresi EC, Granchi C, Del Bino L, Frau I, Lang MCD, Tuccinardi T, Macchia M, Martinelli A, Hergenrother PJ, Minutolo F. Synthesis and biological evaluation of non-glucose glycoconjugated N-hydroyxindole class LDH inhibitors as anticancer agents. RSC Adv 2015; 5:19944-19954. [PMID: 26167277 PMCID: PMC4497792 DOI: 10.1039/c5ra00946d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of human lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) are promising therapeutic agents against cancer. The development of LDH-A inhibitors that possess cellular activities has so far proved to be particularly challenging, since the enzyme's active site is narrow and highly polar. In the recent past, we were able to develop a glucose-conjugated N-hydroxyindole-based LDH-A inhibitor designed to exploit the sugar avidity expressed by cancer cells (the Warburg effect). Herein we describe a structural modulation of the sugar moiety of this class of inhibitors, with the insertion of α-D-mannose, β-D-gulose, or β-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine portions in their structures. Their stereospecific chemical synthesis, which involves a substrate-dependent stereospecific glycosylation step, and their biological activity in reducing lactate production and proliferation in cancer cells are reported. Interestingly, the α-D-mannose conjugate displayed the best properties in the cellular assays, demonstrating an efficient antiglycolytic and antiproliferative activity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Di Bussolo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emilia C. Calvaresi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Carlotta Granchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Linda Del Bino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ileana Frau
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Adriano Martinelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paul J. Hergenrother
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 33, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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122
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The progression from a lower to a higher invasive stage of bladder cancer is associated with severe alterations in glucose and pyruvate metabolism. Exp Cell Res 2015; 335:91-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Leptin modulates human Sertoli cells acetate production and glycolytic profile: a novel mechanism of obesity-induced male infertility? Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:1824-32. [PMID: 26071642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human feeding behavior and lifestyle are gradually being altered, favoring the development of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and obesity. Leptin is produced by the adipose tissue acting as a satiety signal. Its levels have been positively correlated with fat mass and hyperleptinemia has been proposed to negatively affect male reproductive function. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by which this hormone affects male fertility remain unknown. Herein, we hypothesize that leptin acts on human Sertoli cells (hSCs), the "nurse cells" of spermatogenesis, altering their metabolism. To test our hypothesis, hSCs were cultured without or with leptin (5, 25 and 50ng/mL). Leptin receptor was identified by qPCR and Western blot. Protein levels of glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT2 and GLUT3), phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) were determined by Western Blot. LDH activity was assessed and metabolite production/consumption determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Oxidative damage was evaluated by assessing lipid peroxidation, protein carbonilation and nitration. Our data shows that leptin receptor is expressed in hSCs. The concentration of leptin found in lean, healthy patients, upregulated GLUT2 protein levels and concentrations of leptin found in lean and obese patients increased LDH activity. Of note, all leptin concentrations decreased hSCs acetate production illustrating a novel mechanism for this hormone action. Moreover, our data shows that leptin does not induce or protect hSCs from oxidative damage. We report that this hormone modulates the nutritional support of spermatogenesis, illustrating a novel mechanism that may be linked to obesity-induced male infertility.
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124
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Metabolic fingerprints in testicular biopsies from type 1 diabetic patients. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 362:431-40. [PMID: 26051285 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that has grown to pandemic proportions. Recent reports have highlighted the effect of DM on male reproductive function. Here, we hypothesize that testicular metabolism is altered in type 1 diabetic (T1D) men seeking fertility treatment. We propose to determine some metabolic fingerprints in testicular biopsies of diabetic patients. For that, testicular tissue from five normal and five type 1 diabetic men was analyzed by high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. mRNA and protein expression of glucose transporters and glycolysis-related enzymes were also evaluated. Our results show that testes from diabetic men presented decreased levels of lactate, alanine, citrate and creatine. The mRNA levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) were decreased in testes from diabetic men but only GLUT3 presented decreased mRNA and protein levels. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) protein levels were also found to be decreased in testes from diabetic men. Overall, our results show that T1D alters glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes, compromising lactate content in the testes. Moreover, testicular creatine content was severely depressed in T1D men. Since lactate and creatine are essential for germ cells development and support, the data discussed here open new insights into the molecular mechanism by which DM promotes subfertility/infertility in human males.
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125
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Reis MMS, Moreira AC, Sousa M, Mathur PP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Sertoli cell as a model in male reproductive toxicology: Advantages and disadvantages. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 35:870-83. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M. S. Reis
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, UMIB-FCT, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS); University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Ana C. Moreira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, UMIB-FCT, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS); University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, UMIB-FCT, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS); University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Premendu P. Mathur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India & KIIT University; Bhubaneswar India
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre; University of Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
| | - Marco G. Alves
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre; University of Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
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Rato L, Alves MG, Dias TR, Cavaco JE, Oliveira PF. Testicular Metabolic Reprogramming in Neonatal Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats Impairs Glycolytic Flux and Promotes Glycogen Synthesis. J Diabetes Res 2015; 2015:973142. [PMID: 26064993 PMCID: PMC4443934 DOI: 10.1155/2015/973142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in testicular metabolism are directly implicated with male infertility, but most of the mechanisms associated with type 2 diabetes- (T2DM) induced male infertility remain unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effects of T2DM on testicular glucose metabolism by using a neonatal-streptozotocin- (n-STZ) T2DM animal model. Plasma and testicular hormonal levels were evaluated using specific kits. mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR and Western Blot, respectively. Testicular metabolic profile was assessed by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. T2DM rats showed increased glycemic levels, impaired glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Both testicular and serum testosterone levels were decreased, whereas those of 17β-estradiol were not altered. Testicular glycolytic flux was not favored in testicles of T2DM rats, since, despite the increased expression of both glucose transporters 1 and 3 and the enzyme phosphofructokinase 1, lactate dehydrogenase activity was severely decreased contributing to lower testicular lactate content. However, T2DM enhanced testicular glycogen accumulation, by modulating the availability of the precursors for its synthesis. T2DM also affected the reproductive sperm parameters. Taken together these results indicate that T2DM is able to reprogram testicular metabolism by enhancing alternative metabolic pathways, particularly glycogen synthesis, and such alterations are associated with impaired sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Rato
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - M. G. Alves
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - T. R. Dias
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - J. E. Cavaco
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Portugal
- *Pedro F. Oliveira:
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