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Pampal A, Ozturk Fincan GS, Özen IO, Isli F, Yildirim S, Ercan S, Sarioglu Y. The effects of different vasovasostomy techniques on motility of vas deferens (vas motility following vasovasostomy). World J Urol 2023; 41:3795-3800. [PMID: 37880539 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04668-6] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vasovasostomy is used to correct vas deferens (VD) transections encountered during surgery or to reverse sterilization vasectomies. Achieving vasal patency is the primary goal and the success is assessed on various factors including VD patency, flow rates, and pregnancy rates. While preserving vas motility is not a major concern in surgical practice, it is worth noting that VD has peristaltic activity which plays crucial role during ejaculation. Any disruption in its motility could potentially lead to negative outcomes in the future. We conducted an experimental study to assess vas motility changes following vasovasostomy. METHODS The study was approved by Gazi University, Animals Ethic Committee. Twenty-four rats were allocated to four groups. Left-sided VD was harvested in control group (Gr1). The rest of the animals were subjected to transection of VD. Gr2 and 3 underwent microscopic and macroscopic anastomosis, respectively, while Gr4 underwent vasal approximation. After 12 weeks, all left-sided VD were resected, electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous drugs were applied to induce contractions. Statistical analyses were performed and p value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS The first and second phases of EFS-induced contractile responses(CR) increased for Gr3 and decreased for Gr4 at submaximal and maximal frequencies. An increase only at maximal frequency for second phase EFS-induced CR was encountered for Gr2. α-β-methylene-ATP-induced CR decreased for Gr3 and 4. Noradrenaline-induced CR increased for Gr2, and 3 and decreased for Gr4. CONCLUSION The results suggest that vasovasostomy performed using a surgical technique that minimizes disruption or damage to VD may have a favorable impact on motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Pampal
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Hacettepe Mah. Ulucanlar Cad. No:89, Altındağ, 06230, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | - Ibrahim Onur Özen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatma Isli
- Department of Rational Drug Use, Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seniz Yildirim
- Ankara Numune Health Application and Research Centre, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Yusuf Sarioglu
- Departmentof Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Gao S, Chen Z, Shi J, Chen Z, Yun D, Li X, Wu X, Sun F. Sperm immotility is associated with epididymis metabolism disorder in mice under obstructive azoospermia. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23081. [PMID: 37410071 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201862rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Obstructive azoospermia (OA) accounts for approximately 40% of males who suffer from azoospermia of male infertility. Currently, available treatment for OA consists of reproductive tract surgical reconstruction and sperm retrieval from the testis. However, both treatments result in low fertility compared to normal pregnancy, and the main reason remains largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that the quality of sperm retrieved from OA patients is poor compared with normal adult males but without an in-depth study. Herein, we generated a mouse OA model with vasectomy to evaluate sperm quality systematically. Our results showed that the testis had normal spermatogenesis but increased apoptotic activity in both OA patients and mice. More importantly, epididymal morphology was abnormal, with swollen epididymal tubules and vacuole-like principal cells. Especially, sperm retrieved from the epididymis of OA mice showed poor motility and low fertilization ability in vitro. Using mass spectrometry in epididymal fluid, we found differences in the expression of key proteins for sperm maturation, such as Angiotensinogen (AGT), rhophilin-associated tail protein 1 (ROPN1), NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2), and prominin 1 (PROM1). Furthermore, our results demonstrated that AGT, secreted by epididymal principal cells, could regulate sperm motility by managing PKCα expression to modify sperm phosphorylation. In conclusion, our data evaluate sperm quality systematically in OA mice and contribute to the understanding between the sperm and epididymis, which may provide novel insight into treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhengru Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zifeng Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Belardin LB, Légaré C, Sullivan R, Belleannée C, Breton S. Expression of the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor in the non-vasectomized and vasectomized human epididymis. Andrology 2022; 10:1522-1539. [PMID: 36029226 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasectomy causes spermatozoa accumulation in the epididymis, which may cause epididymitis. Inflammation is triggered by alert molecules released following tissue stress or injury. These include UDP-glucose, which activates the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14), and induces immune cell recruitment. However, little is known about P2Y14 in the epididymis and its potential activation following vasectomy. OBJECTIVES (i) to localize P2Y14 in the human excurrent duct; and (ii) to examine the effect of vasectomy on P2Y14 protein and P2RY14 mRNA content, the production of selected cytokines and chemokines, and immune cell recruitment in the epididymis. MATERIAL AND METHODS in situ hybridization, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed in banked human epididymis samples. RESULTS P2RY14 mRNA and P2Y14 protein were detected in epithelial cells in the efferent duct, epididymis and vas deferens in non-vasectomized men. Keratin 5 (KRT5)-positive basal cells were strongly labeled for P2Y14 in all epididymal segments. A progressive apical localization was detected in principal cells (negative for the proton pump V-ATPase) from the corpus to the cauda. A subset of V-ATPase-positive clear cells also showed strong P2Y14 labeling. Vasectomy induced an increase in P2RY14 mRNA in the corpus and cauda, and stronger apical labeling in principal cells in the corpus. CXCL10 mRNA increased in the cauda and CCL2 mRNA decreased in the corpus of vasectomized versus non-vasectomized men. No change in IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA was detected. Numerous CD45+ leukocytes were detected in the interstitium of the corpus and cauda following vasectomy, while only a few were seen in non-vasectomized men. Several CD45+ leukocytes, some of which containing spermatozoa, were detected in the corpus lumen following vasectomy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study indicates that vasectomy-induced spermatozoa congestion may lead to an inflamed-prone local environment characterized by potential activation of P2Y14 and recruitment of immune cells in the epididymis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Berloffa Belardin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Ribas-Maynou J, Nguyen H, Valle R, Wu H, Yeste M, Ward WS. Sperm degradation after vasectomy follows a sperm chromatin fragmentation dependent mechanism causing DNA breaks in the toroid linker regions. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 29:6656359. [PMID: 35929777 PMCID: PMC9422300 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasectomy is a widely used surgical technique creating an obstructive azoospermia. Although sperm cannot be ejaculated, the testis maintains sperm production in vasectomized males. The continuous accumulation of sperm deposited in the epididymis and the vas deferens fraction necessarily need to be degraded and eliminated. While the elimination process is carried out by granulomas that form after vasectomy, the detailed mechanisms of sperm degradation are still not known. The aim was to assess whether sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF), a mechanism that degrades the entire sperm genome at the toroid linker regions (TLRs), is activated after vasectomy in sperm cells. We vasectomized mice and evaluated the presence of TLR-specific double-strand breaks through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the Comet assay at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. Results for DNA damage (Olive tail moment) at single-cell level showed an increase of double-strand breaks after vasectomy for vas deferens sperm after 1, 2 and 3 weeks postvasectomy (21.78 ± 2.29; 19.71 ± 1.79 and 32.59 ± 1.81, respectively), compared to mock surgery (7.04 ± 1.03; 10.10 ± 1.29 and 8.64 ± 0.85, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained for cauda epididymis sperm (P < 0.001), but not for caput epididymis (P > 0.05). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed the presence of double-stranded breaks between 15 and 145 kb, indicating that DNA breaks were produced mainly in the sperm TLRs. Results presented here suggest that SCF is a mechanism activated in vas deferens after vasectomy to degrade sperm DNA when they cannot be ejaculated, preventing their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Hieu Nguyen
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Raquel Valle
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Hongwen Wu
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, ES-08010, Spain
| | - W Steven Ward
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Araujo SC, Bertolla RP. Protein markers of spermatogenesis and their potential use in the management of azoospermia. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:939-948. [PMID: 34812697 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Azoospermia, absence of sperm in the ejaculate is classified as obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In OA, sperm are produced, but due to physical obstruction in the male reproductive tract, they are not released in the ejaculate. NOA, on the other hand, is defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular dysfunction. In NOA, spermatogenesis is frequently preserved in specific sites, and proteomics studies have been employed in order to identify men with preserved spermatogenesis. AREAS COVERED Differential protein expression in patients with male infertility is an indicator of impaired spermatogenesis. Here, we reviewed proteins with a potential role as biomarkers of spermatogenesis that could help in the management of non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. The following keywords were used for bibliographic research: seminal plasma, proteomics, male infertility, nonobstructive, obstructive, azoospermia, oligospermia. EXPERT OPINION Biopsy is an invasive and potentially harmful technique for detecting spermatogenesis in men with OA and NOA. Seminal plasma proteins are highly promising as biomarkers for spermatogenesis. Current literature presents a number of potential candidate biomarkers for determining preserved spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Costa Araujo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Sullivan R, Légaré C, Lamontagne‐Proulx J, Breton S, Soulet D. Revisiting structure/functions of the human epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:748-757. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sullivan
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Faculty Medicine Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - C. Légaré
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Faculty Medicine Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - J. Lamontagne‐Proulx
- Faculty Pharmacy Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Neurosciences Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - S. Breton
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - D. Soulet
- Faculty Pharmacy Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Neurosciences Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
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7
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Sullivan R, Mieusset R. The human epididymis: its function in sperm maturation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:574-87. [PMID: 27307387 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility properties during epididymal transit. Our knowledge of gamete physiology is based on studies conducted in laboratory and domestic species; our knowledge of these processes in humans is limited. Medical indications for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have progressed to include male infertility. Surgical procedures allow collection of spermatozoa from all along the human excurrent ducts, and the former have been used with some success in reproductive medicine. This has raised questions over the role of the epididymis in human sperm physiology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To reanalyze what we now know about epididymal physiology in humans and to assess the relevance of laboratory animal models for understanding human physiology and the pathophysiology of the epididymis. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographic search of PubMed for articles published in English before May 2015 was carried out using the search terms 'epididymis' and 'sperm maturation'. Literature on the consequences of vasectomy on the epididymis was also searched. OUTCOMES Whereas the proximal epididymis is almost exclusively occupied by efferent ducts, the sperm reservoir capacity is poorly developed in humans. At the molecular level, the human transcriptome and proteome show some segment specificity; conflicting results persist with regard to secretome variation along the tubule. The number of genes regulated along the excurrent ducts in men is lower when compared to rodent species, but remains significant. It is challenging to reconcile biochemical and physiological studies with clinical data obtained from men undergoing reanastomosis of the vas deferens at different points along the excurrent duct. We propose that vasectomy/vasovasostomy is a model to understand the consequences of obstruction on epididymis function in humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the scarcity of biological material available, the interspecies variability of the male reproductive tract urges us to use modern molecular and cellular biology tools to better understand human epididymis physiology in order to apply ART in a more responsible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant,
| | - Roger Mieusset
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Chotwiwatthanakun C, Sangatit J, Santimanawong W, Surinlert P, Prommoon J, Weerachatyanukul W, Withyachumnarnkul B, Vanichviriyakit R. Expression of Penaeus monodon
ortholog of Niemann-Pick type C-2 in the spermatic tract, and its role in sperm cholesterol removal. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:259-70. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jutharat Sangatit
- Faculty of Science, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp); Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
- Faculty of Science, Department of Anatomy; Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Wanida Santimanawong
- Faculty of Science, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp); Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Surinlert
- Faculty of Science, Department of Anatomy; Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
| | | | | | - Boonsirm Withyachumnarnkul
- Faculty of Science, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp); Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
- Faculty of Science, Department of Anatomy; Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
- Aquatic Animal Biotechnology Research Center; Prince of Songkla University Surat Thani Campus; Surat Thani Thailand
| | - Rapeepun Vanichviriyakit
- Faculty of Science, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp); Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
- Faculty of Science, Department of Anatomy; Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
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Busso D, Oñate-Alvarado MJ, Balboa E, Castro J, Lizama C, Morales G, Vargas S, Härtel S, Moreno RD, Zanlungo S. Spermatozoa from mice deficient in Niemann-Pick disease type C2 (NPC2) protein have defective cholesterol content and reduced in vitro fertilising ability. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:609-21. [PMID: 24709320 DOI: 10.1071/rd12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol content of the sperm membrane is regulated during both maturation in the epididymis and capacitation in the female tract, two processes required for the spermatozoa to acquire their fertilising ability. Because Niemann-Pick disease, type C2 (NPC2) protein is one of the most abundant components of the epididymal fluid and contains a functional cholesterol-binding site that can transfer cholesterol between membranes, it has been suggested for years that NPC2 could be involved in the regulation of cholesterol levels in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. In the present study, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated significant levels of NPC2 in the mouse epididymal epithelium. Epididymal spermatozoa obtained from NPC2(-/-) mice were morphologically normal and had normal motility parameters, but had a reduced cholesterol content compared with that of wild-type (WT) spermatozoa, as determined by both biochemical and by flow cytometry analyses. These results suggest that NPC2 could be involved in regulating cholesterol levels in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. To understand the relevance of epididymal NPC2 for sperm function, the ability of spermatozoa to undergo events influenced by epididymal maturation, such as capacitation and fertilisation, were compared between WT and NPC2(-/-) mice. Capacitated NPC2(-/-) spermatozoa exhibited defective tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and a reduced ability to fertilise cumulus-oocyte complexes compared with WT spermatozoa, supporting the relevance of mouse epididymal NPC2 for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Busso
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - María José Oñate-Alvarado
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Elisa Balboa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Castro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Lizama
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Morales
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Susana Vargas
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Independencia 1027. 8389100 Santiago, Chile
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Independencia 1027. 8389100 Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Silvana Zanlungo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
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Bernie AM, Osterberg EC, Stahl PJ, Ramasamy R, Goldstein M. Vasectomy reversal in humans. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:273-278. [PMID: 23248768 PMCID: PMC3521749 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.22591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vasectomy is the most common urological procedure in the United States with 18% of men having a vasectomy before age 45. A significant proportion of vasectomized men ultimately request vasectomy reversal, usually due to divorce and/or remarriage. Vasectomy reversal is a commonly practiced but technically demanding microsurgical procedure that restores patency of the male excurrent ductal system in 80–99.5% of cases and enables unassisted pregnancy in 40–80% of couples. The discrepancy between the anastomotic patency rates and clinical pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal suggests that some of the biological consequences of vasectomy may not be entirely reversible in all men. Herein we review what is known about the biological sequelae of vasectomy and vasectomy reversal in humans, and provide a succinct overview of the evaluation and surgical management of men desiring vasectomy reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Bernie
- Department of Urology and Institute of Reproductive Medicine; Weill Cornell Medical College; New York-Presbyterian Hospital; New York, NY USA
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Influence of reproductive tract obstruction on expression of epididymal proteins and their restoration after patency. Asian J Androl 2012; 15:105-9. [PMID: 22922320 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasectomy is a simple and reliable method of male contraception. A growing number of men after vasectomy request vasectomy reversal due to various reasons. The pregnancy rate is lower than the patency rate after vasovasostomy and the pregnancy rate is time dependent. In this study, we evaluated the influence of reproductive tract obstruction on expression of epididymal proteins and their restoration after patency. Adult male Wistar rats were studied 30, 60 and 120 days after vasectomy, 30 days after vasovasostomy or after sham operations. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass-spectrometric technique, multidatabase search, Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to analyze the expression regulation of epididymal proteins. Total integrated intensity and total spot area of autoradiograms showed a consistent downward trend with time after obstruction, and this trend remained after patency. The intensity of the autoradiographic spots in three patency groups showed three trends: a downward trend, similar intensity and an upward trend compared with the correspondent obstruction group, respectively. Further verified experiments on human epididymis 2 (HE2), fertilization antigen-1 (FA-1), clusterin and PH20 demonstrated that compared with the correspondent obstruction group, the translation levels of HE2 and the mRNA transcription levels of HE2 showed an upward trend in patency groups, especially in the groups of obstruction for 60 days where the expression levels of HE2 were significantly upregulated after patency (P<0.05). Reproductive tract obstruction provokes a disregulation of gene expression in the epididymis and this disregulation remained after patency. Successful reversal may recover some proteins and the recovery is time dependent. Obstruction differentially alters mRNA transcription of different proteins and the content of proteins seemed to be easier to be influenced than the gene transcription.
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Hardiyanto L, Hasegawa A, Komori S. The N-linked carbohydrate moiety of male reproductive tract CD52 (mrt-CD52) interferes with the complement system via binding to C1q. J Reprod Immunol 2012; 94:142-50. [PMID: 22386526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Antisperm antibody detected in infertile female patients' sera has been shown to correlate with reduced fertility. The antibody showed strong complement-dependent cytotoxicity as determined by the sperm immobilization test (SIT). CD52 is a human glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored antigen present in lymphocytes and male reproductive tracts (mrt), including mature sperm and seminal plasma. Recently, purified mrt-CD52 from human seminal plasma has been reported to interfere with the classical complement pathway, but not lectin binding or alternative pathways of the complement system. The purpose of this study is to determine which stage of the classical pathway mrt-CD52 regulates. mrt-CD52 was purified from human seminal plasma or intact sperm membrane. Immunoprecipitation assay was performed with the reaction of mrt-CD52, human complement and mAb H6-3C4. Immunoprecipitate was formed by the carbohydrate moiety of mrt-CD52, but not by the GPI-anchor peptide. The C1q molecule (29 kDa) was detected in the immunoprecipitates by Western blotting analysis probed with anti C1q antibody, indicating that the carbohydrate moiety of mrt-CD52 binds to C1q. Also, the complement-dependent SIT revealed that purified CD52 inhibited sperm immobilization activity by antisperm antibody. These results suggest that mrt-CD52 protects sperm function from complement attack if antisperm antibody is generated in the female reproductive tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi Hardiyanto
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, 663-8501 Hyogo, Japan
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Ren L, Weng Q, Kishimoto M, Watanabe G, Jaroenporn S, Taya K. Effect of short period vasectomy on FSH, LH, inhibin and testosterone secretions, and sperm motility in adult male rats. Exp Anim 2011; 60:47-56. [PMID: 21325751 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.60.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to clarify changes in secretions of FSH, LH, inhibin and testosterone, and sperm motility after bilateral vasectomy in adult male rats. Bilateral vasectomy was created surgically (treated group) and intact rats were used as control (control group). On days 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 after surgery, plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, inhibin, and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay, and sperm motility characteristics were measured by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The results show that weights of epididymides significantly increased in vasectomized rats as compared to control rats. Histologically, damage to spermatogenesis was observed in vasectomized rats. Multinucleated giant cells were observed in the lumen of some seminiferous tubules, and there were degenerative spermatids in the epididymides of vasectomized rats. Plasma levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone only decreased on day 3 after vasectomy; however, plasma levels of ir-inhibin significantly increased on day 3 after vasectomy. In addition, the sperm motility parameters, straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, deviation of the sperm head from the mean trajectory and the maximum amplitude of lateral head displacement were decreased from day 60 after vasectomy. These results suggest that vasectomy reduces sperm motility starting from day 60 after vasectomy, and early bilateral vasectomy does not strongly affect the endocrine function of the testis, though it may result in damage to spermatogenesis in vasectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longquan Ren
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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14
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis performs an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa including their acquisition of progressive motility and fertilizing ability. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern these maturational events are still poorly defined. This review focuses on recent progress in our understanding of epididymal function including its development, role of the luminal microenvironment in sperm maturation, regulation and novel mechanisms the epididymis utilizes to carry out some of its functions. METHODS A systematic search of Pubmed was carried out using the search term 'epididymis'. Articles that were published in the English language until the end of August 2008 and that focused on the specific topics described above were included. Additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included. RESULTS While the majority of these findings were the result of studies in animal models, recent studies in the human epididymis are also presented including gene profiling studies to examine regionalized expression in normal epididymides as well as in those from vasectomized patients. CONCLUSIONS Significant progress has been made in our understanding of epididymal function providing new insights that ultimately could improve human health. The data also indicate that the human epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation but has unique properties compared with animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail A Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, 79430, USA.
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Thimon V, Calvo E, Koukoui O, Légaré C, Sullivan R. Effects of Vasectomy on Gene Expression Profiling along the Human Epididymis1. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:262-73. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.066449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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16
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Thimon V, Frenette G, Saez F, Thabet M, Sullivan R. Protein composition of human epididymosomes collected during surgical vasectomy reversal: a proteomic and genomic approach. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1698-707. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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17
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Aktuğ H, Ozdedeli K, Altay B, Cüreklibatir I, Yilmaz O, Albay S, Ergin K, Turgut M. Postpubertal testicular/epididymal epithelial thickness alterations in unilateral epididymal/vasal obstruction of prepubertal rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 52:417-21. [PMID: 17050322 DOI: 10.1080/01485010600840723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate postpubertal testicular and epididymal epithelial changes induced by unilateral epididymal and vasal obstruction in rats by measuring epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubuli (MSTet) and epithelium thickness of ductus epididymis (MDEet). Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group I underwent unilateral epididymal ligation; group II underwent unilateral vasal ligation and group III received sham operations. MDEet on the ipsilateral side of the epididymal ligation group significantly decreased compared to the contralateral side and sham group. For the contralateral side of the ligated vas, MDEet significantly decreased compared to the ipsilateral side and sham group. MSTet was less on the side of the operation than the contra lateral side and the sham group after both surgical procedures. The obstruction point of the male genital tract affect sperm parameters for clinical extraction or aspiration procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Aktuğ
- Department of Embryology & Histology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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