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Crisóstomo L, Videira RA, Jarak I, Starčević K, Mašek T, Rato L, Raposo JF, Batterham RL, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Inherited Metabolic Memory of High-fat Diet Impairs Testicular Fatty Acid Content and Sperm Parameters. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 66:e2100680. [PMID: 34939729 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) from early-life is associated with a testicular metabolic signature linked to abnormal sperm parameters up to two generations after exposure in mice. Hereby, we describe a testicular lipid signature associated with "inherited metabolic memory" of exposure to HFD, persisting up to two generations in mice. Diet-challenged mice (n = 36) were randomly fed after weaning with standard chow (CTRL); HFD for 200 days or transient HFD (HFDt ) (60 days of HFD+140 days of standard chow). Subsequent generations (36 mice per generation) were fed with chow diet. Mice were euthanized 200 days post-weaning. Glucose homeostasis, serum hormones, testicular bioenergetics and antioxidant enzyme activity were evaluated. Testicular lipid-related metabolites and fatty acids were characterized by 1 H-NMR and GC-MS. Sons of HFD display impaired choline metabolism, mitochondrial activity and antioxidant defenses, while grandsons show a shift in testicular ω3/ω6 ratio towards a pro-inflammatory environment. Grandsons of HFDt raise 3-hydroxybutyrate levels with possible implications to testicular insulin resistance. Sperm counts decrease in grandsons of HFD-exposed mice, regardless of the duration of exposure. HFD-induced "inherited metabolic memory" alters testicular fatty acid metabolism with consequences to sperm parameters up to two generations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Romeu A Videira
- REQUINTE/LAQV, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kristina Starčević
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Mašek
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luís Rato
- Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - João F Raposo
- NOVA Medical School - New University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,APDP - Diabetes Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rachel L Batterham
- UCL Centre for Obesity Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute of Health Research, UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Portugal
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2
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Silva-Vaz P, Jarak I, Rato L, Oliveira PF, Morgado-Nunes S, Paulino A, Castelo-Branco M, Botelho MF, Tralhão JG, Alves MG, Abrantes AM. Plasmatic Oxidative and Metabonomic Profile of Patients with Different Degrees of Biliary Acute Pancreatitis Severity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060988. [PMID: 34205667 PMCID: PMC8234183 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with variable involvement of the pancreatic and peripancreatic tissues and remote organ systems. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress (OS), and plasma metabolome of patients with different degrees of biliary AP severity to improve its prognosis. Twenty-nine patients with biliary AP and 11 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We analyzed several inflammatory biomarkers, multifactorial scores, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants defenses, and the plasma metabolome of biliary AP and healthy controls. Hepcidin (1.00), CRP (0.94), and SIRI (0.87) were the most accurate serological biomarkers of AP severity. OS played a pivotal role in the initial phase of AP, with significant changes in ROS and antioxidant defenses relating to AP severity. Phenylalanine (p < 0.05), threonine (p < 0.05), and lipids (p < 0.01) showed significant changes in AP severity. The role of hepcidin and SIRI were confirmed as new prognostic biomarkers of biliary AP. OS appears to have a role in the onset and progression of the AP process. Overall, this study identified several metabolites that may predict the onset and progression of biliary AP severity, constituting the first metabonomic study in the field of biliary AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Silva-Vaz
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Amato Lusitano, Unidade Local de Saúde de Castelo Branco, 6000-085 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Beiras (CACB), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-966-498-337
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Luís Rato
- Health School of the Polytechnic of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal;
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Sara Morgado-Nunes
- Clinical Academic Centre of Beiras (CACB), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Escola Superior de Gestão, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Aida Paulino
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Amato Lusitano, Unidade Local de Saúde de Castelo Branco, 6000-085 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Beiras (CACB), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Beiras (CACB), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicina, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.B.); (J.G.T.); (A.M.A.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicina, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium/Center for Innovation Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Guilherme Tralhão
- Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicina, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.B.); (J.G.T.); (A.M.A.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicina, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium/Center for Innovation Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Surgery Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Faculty of Medicina, University Hospital, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco G. Alves
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ana Margarida Abrantes
- Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicina, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.B.); (J.G.T.); (A.M.A.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicina, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium/Center for Innovation Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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Exploring the Physiological Role of Transthyretin in Glucose Metabolism in the Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116073. [PMID: 34199897 PMCID: PMC8200108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR), a 55 kDa evolutionarily conserved protein, presents altered levels in several conditions, including malnutrition, inflammation, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s Disease. It has been shown that TTR is involved in several functions, such as insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, recovery of blood glucose and glucagon levels of the islets of Langerhans, food intake, and body weight. Here, the role of TTR in hepatic glucose metabolism was explored by studying the levels of glucose in mice with different TTR genetic backgrounds, namely with two copies of the TTR gene, TTR+/+; with only one copy, TTR+/−; and without TTR, TTR−/−. Results showed that TTR haploinsufficiency (TTR+/−) leads to higher glucose in both plasma and in primary hepatocyte culture media and lower expression of the influx glucose transporters, GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4. Further, we showed that TTR haploinsufficiency decreases pyruvate kinase M type (PKM) levels in mice livers, by qRT-PCR, but it does not affect the hepatic production of the studied metabolites, as determined by 1H NMR. Finally, we demonstrated that TTR increases mitochondrial density in HepG2 cells and that TTR insufficiency triggers a higher degree of oxidative phosphorylation in the liver. Altogether, these results indicate that TTR contributes to the homeostasis of glucose by regulating the levels of glucose transporters and PKM enzyme and by protecting against mitochondrial oxidative stress.
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Crisóstomo L, Jarak I, Rato LP, Raposo JF, Batterham RL, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Inheritable testicular metabolic memory of high-fat diet causes transgenerational sperm defects in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9444. [PMID: 33941835 PMCID: PMC8093209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of energy-dense diets has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities worldwide. The adoption of unhealthy feeding habits often occurs at early age, prompting the early onset of metabolic disease with unknown consequences for reproductive function later in life. Recently, evidence has emerged regarding the intergenerational and transgenerational effects of high-fat diets (HFD) on sperm parameters and testicular metabolism. Hereby, we study the impact of high-fat feeding male mice (F0) on the testicular metabolome and function of their sons (F1) and grandsons (F2). Testicular content of metabolites related to insulin resistance, cell membrane remodeling, nutritional support and antioxidative stress (leucine, acetate, glycine, glutamine, inosine) were altered in sons and grandsons of mice fed with HFD, comparing to descendants of chow-fed mice. Sperm counts were lower in the grandsons of mice fed with HFD, even if transient. Sperm quality was correlated to testicular metabolite content in all generations. Principal Component Analysis of sperm parameters and testicular metabolites revealed an HFD-related phenotype, especially in the diet-challenged generation and their grandsons. Ancestral HFD, even if transient, causes transgenerational "inherited metabolic memory" in the testicular tissue, characterized by changes in testicular metabolome and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís P Rato
- Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - João F Raposo
- NOVA Medical School - New University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,APDP - Diabetes Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rachel L Batterham
- UCL Centre for Obesity Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute of Health Research, UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Intermittent Hypoxic Conditioning Rescues Cognition and Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Profile in the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010461. [PMID: 33466445 PMCID: PMC7796478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective disease-modifying therapeutics to tackle Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unsettling considering the actual prevalence of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Intermittent hypoxic conditioning (IHC) is a powerful non-pharmacological procedure known to enhance brain resilience. In this context, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential long-term protective impact of IHC against AD-related phenotype, putting a special focus on cognition and mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics. For this purpose, six-month-old male triple transgenic AD mice (3×Tg-AD) were submitted to an IHC protocol for two weeks and the behavioral assessment was performed at 8.5 months of age, while the sacrifice of mice occurred at nine months of age and their brains were removed for the remaining analyses. Interestingly, IHC was able to prevent anxiety-like behavior and memory and learning deficits and significantly reduced brain cortical levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) in 3×Tg-AD mice. Concerning brain energy metabolism, IHC caused a significant increase in brain cortical levels of glucose and a robust improvement of the mitochondrial bioenergetic profile in 3×Tg-AD mice, as mirrored by the significant increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and respiratory control ratio (RCR). Notably, the improvement of mitochondrial bioenergetics seems to result from an adaptative coordination of the distinct but intertwined aspects of the mitochondrial quality control axis. Particularly, our results indicate that IHC favors mitochondrial fusion and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and transport and mitophagy in the brain cortex of 3×Tg-AD mice. Lastly, IHC also induced a marked reduction in synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP-25) levels and a significant increase in both glutamate and GABA levels in the brain cortex of 3×Tg-AD mice, suggesting a remodeling of the synaptic microenvironment. Overall, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the IHC paradigm in forestalling the AD-related phenotype in the 3×Tg-AD mouse model, offering new insights to AD therapy and forcing a rethink concerning the potential value of non-pharmacological interventions in clinical practice.
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Crisóstomo L, Videira RA, Jarak I, Starčević K, Mašek T, Rato L, Raposo JF, Batterham RL, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Diet during early life defines testicular lipid content and sperm quality in adulthood. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E1061-E1073. [PMID: 33044846 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00235.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a serious concern associated with ill health later in life. Emerging data suggest that obesity has long-term adverse effects upon male sexual and reproductive health, but few studies have addressed this issue. We hypothesized that exposure to high-fat diet during early life alters testicular lipid content and metabolism, leading to permanent damage to sperm parameters. After weaning (day 21 after birth), 36 male mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with a different diet regimen for 200 days: a standard chow diet (CTRL), a high-fat diet (HFD) (carbohydrate: 35.7%, protein: 20.5%, and fat: 36.0%), and a high-fat diet for 60 days, then replaced by standard chow (HFDt). Biometric and metabolic data were monitored. Animals were then euthanized, and tissues were collected. Epididymal sperm parameters and endocrine parameters were evaluated. Testicular metabolites were extracted and characterized by 1H-NMR and GC-MS. Testicular mitochondrial and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Our results show that mice fed with a high-fat diet, even if only until early adulthood, had lower sperm viability and motility, and higher incidence of head and tail defects. Although diet reversion with weight loss during adulthood prevents the progression of metabolic syndrome, testicular content in fatty acids is irreversibly affected. Excessive fat intake promoted an overaccumulation of proinflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the testis, which is strongly correlated with negative effects upon sperm quality. Therefore, the adoption of high-fat diets during early life correlates with irreversible changes in testicular lipid content and metabolism, which are related to permanent damage to sperm quality later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Romeu A Videira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Kristina Starčević
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Mašek
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luís Rato
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João F Raposo
- NOVA Medical School, New University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associação Protectora dos Diabéticos de Portugal, Diabetes Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rachel L Batterham
- Centre for Obesity Research, Rayne Institute; Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery and National Institute of Health Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Unidade de Investigação em Química Orgânica, Produtos Naturais e Agroalimentares (QOPNA) and Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde | Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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7
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Pereira SS, Monteiro MP, Costa MM, Moreira Â, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Jarak I, Pignatelli D. IGF2 role in adrenocortical carcinoma biology. Endocrine 2019; 66:326-337. [PMID: 31378849 PMCID: PMC6838304 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-02033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical outcomes of adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) could be improved by using novel treatment targets based on the recent advances of tumor biology knowledge. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) protein expression is usually 8-80 fold higher in ACC when compared to normal adrenal glands (N-AG) or adrenocortical adenomas (ACA), despite the fact that the biological features of high vs. low IGF2 expressing ACC have not yet been well characterized. Our goal was to understand the IGF2 role in ACC biology by focusing in several cancer hallmarks, including cell proliferation, viability, invasion, and metabolism. METHODS IGF2 immunohistochemistry expression was evaluated in ACC (n = 13), non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma (ACAn) (n = 14), and N-AG (n = 9). The effects of IGF2 (50, 100 ng/mL) in cell proliferation, viability, invasion, and metabolism, as well as in MAPK/ERK and mTOR pathways activation and N-cadherin expression, were evaluated in the ACC human cell line H295R. RESULTS IGF2 expression was increased in ACC compared to ACAn and N-AG. Exposure to 100 ng/mL of IGF2 increased H295R cell proliferation and viability. mTOR inhibition reverted IGF2 triggered cell proliferation and viability while MEK/MAPK/ERK inhibition only reverted IGF2 effects on cell proliferation. IGF2 at a 50 ng/mL concentration increased the glycolytic flux and decreased glutamine consumption. CONCLUSIONS IGF2 is an excellent marker to differentiate ACC from ACAn. In addition, IGF2 was demonstrated to influence adrenocortical cancer cell proliferation, metabolism, and viability, but not the cell invasion. These data support that different IGF2 concentrations in ACC can be responsible for different biological behaviors of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia S Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Department of Anatomy, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Department of Anatomy, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena M Costa
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Department of Anatomy, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela Moreira
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Department of Anatomy, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Biology and Genetics of Reproduction, Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital S.João, Porto, Portugal.
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8
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Luis C, Duarte F, Faria I, Jarak I, Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Soares R, Fernandes R. Warburg Effect Inversion: Adiposity shifts central primary metabolism in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Life Sci 2019; 223:38-46. [PMID: 30862570 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Obesity is a complex health disorder and a trigger to many diseases like Diabetes mellitus (DM) and breast cancer (BrCa), both leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Also evidence demonstrates that abnormal glucose metabolism termed 'the Warburg effect' in cancer cell is closely associated with malignant phenotypes and promote the aggressiveness of several types of cancer, including BrCa. In this study, we evaluated the breast cancer cell metabolism in normoglycemia, hyperglycemia and in an obesity condition in order to clarify the potential underlined mechanisms that link these disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS MCF-7 cells were exposed to low and high glucose levels, the latter either in the presence of 3T3-L1 adipocyte conditioned medium (CM), thus mimicking the adiposity observed in obese patients. Cell viability, migration, proliferation, cytotoxicity and cell death assays were performed under the different culture conditions. Hormonal and lipid profile were also characterized by biochemical assays and primary metabolism was determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics. RESULTS Our results show an increased aggressiveness in the condition mimicking diabetogenic obesity with an altered energy/lipid metabolism. Interestingly in the experimental obesity-mimicking status, lipids and amino acids were expended while glucose was produced by tumor cells from lactate. These findings reveal a shift on tumor cells metabolism that is opposite to 'the Warburg effect'. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this experimentally obesity-mimicking condition not only revealed an increased tumor proliferation and aggressiveness but also disclosed a new mechanism of cancer metabolism, the 'Warburg Effect Inversion'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Luis
- School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal; Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde (I3S), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Duarte
- School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal; CoreLab, Hospital Centre of Porto University (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Faria
- School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, Coimbra; Laboratory of Cell Biology, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde (I3S), University of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory of Cell Biology, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Soares
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde (I3S), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Rúben Fernandes
- School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde (I3S), University of Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Galiza, Spain.
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9
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Bernardino RL, Dias TR, Moreira BP, Cunha M, Barros A, Oliveira E, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Carbonic anhydrases are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and control the production of lactate by human Sertoli cells. FEBS J 2019; 286:1393-1406. [PMID: 30724485 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The process that allows cells to control their pH and bicarbonate levels is essential for ionic and metabolic equilibrium. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyse the conversion of CO2 to HCO 3 - and H+ and are thus essential for this process. Herein, we inhibited CAs with acetazolamide - ACT and SLC-0111 - to study their involvement in the metabolism, mitochondrial potential, mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism of human Sertoli cells (hSCs), obtained from biopsies from men with conserved spermatogenesis. We were able to identify three isoforms of CAs, one mitochondrial isoform (CA VB) and two cell membrane-bound isoforms (CA IX and CA XII) in hSCs. When assessing the expression of markers for mitochondrial biogenesis, we observed a decrease in HIF-1α, SIRT1, PGC1α and NRF-1 mRNAs after all CAs were inhibited, resulting in decreased mitochondrial DNA copy numbers. This was followed by an increased production of lactate and alanine in the same conditions. In addition, consumption of glucose was maintained after inhibition of all CAs in hSCs. These results indicate a reduced conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-coA, possibly due to decreased mitochondrial function, caused by CA inhibition in hSCs. Inhibition of CAs also caused alterations in lipid metabolism, since we detected an increased expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in hSCs. Our results suggest that CAs are essential for mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose and lipid metabolism in hSCs. This is the first report showing that CAs play an essential role in hSC metabolic dynamics, being involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and controlling lactate production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel L Bernardino
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia R Dias
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal.,University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,LAQV/REQUINTE - Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno P Moreira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cunha
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Elsa Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), University of Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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10
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Martins AD, Monteiro MP, Silva BM, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho RA, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Metabolic dynamics of human Sertoli cells are differentially modulated by physiological and pharmacological concentrations of GLP-1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 362:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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11
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Senescence and declining reproductive potential: Insight into molecular mechanisms through testicular metabolomics. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3388-3396. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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12
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Pereira SS, Monteiro MP, Costa MM, Ferreira J, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Jarak I, Pignatelli D. MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition is a promising treatment target for adrenocortical tumors. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:894-906. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia S Pereira
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto Portugal
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP) Portugal
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Madalena M Costa
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Jorge Ferreira
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Biology and Genetics of Reproduction, Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS, University of Porto Porto Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Center University of Beira Interior Covilhã Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Health Sciences Research Center University of Beira Interior Covilhã Portugal
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto Portugal
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP) Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology Hospital S João Porto Portugal
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13
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Dias TR, Alves MG, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Casal S, Silva BM, Oliveira PF. Implications of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in cultured human Sertoli cells glycolytic and oxidative profile. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 41:214-222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Barba I, Miró-Casas E, Torrecilla JL, Pladevall E, Tejedor S, Sebastián-Pérez R, Ruiz-Meana M, Berrendero JR, Cuevas A, García-Dorado D. High-fat diet induces metabolic changes and reduces oxidative stress in female mouse hearts. J Nutr Biochem 2017; 40:187-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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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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16
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Dias TR, Alves MG, Rato L, Casal S, Silva BM, Oliveira PF. White tea intake prevents prediabetes-induced metabolic dysfunctions in testis and epididymis preserving sperm quality. J Nutr Biochem 2016; 37:83-93. [PMID: 27637002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prediabetes has been associated with alterations in male reproductive tract, especially in testis and epididymis. Moreover, in vitro studies described a promising action of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) against metabolic dysfunctions. Herein, we hypothesized that white tea (WTEA) ingestion by prediabetic animals could ameliorate the metabolic alterations induced by the disease in testicular and epididymal tissues, preserving sperm quality. WTEA infusion was prepared and its phytochemical profile was evaluated by 1H-NMR. A streptozotocin-induced prediabetic rat model was developed and three experimental groups were defined: control, prediabetic (PreDM) and prediabetic drinking WTEA (PreDM+WTEA). Metabolic profiles of testis and epididymis were evaluated by determining the metabolites content (1H-NMR), protein levels (western blot) and enzymatic activities of key metabolic intervenient. The quality of spermatozoa from cauda epididymis was also assessed. Prediabetes increased glucose transporter 3 protein levels and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity in testis, resulting in a lower lactate content. WTEA ingestion led to a metabolic adaptation to restore testicular lactate content. Concerning epididymis, prediabetes decreased the protein levels of several metabolic intervenient, resulting in decreased lactate and alanine content. WTEA consumption restored most of the evidenced alterations, however, not lactate content. WTEA also improved epididymal sperm motility and restored sperm viability. Prediabetes strongly affected testicular and epididymal metabolic status and most of these alterations were restored by WTEA consumption, resulting in the improvement of sperm quality. Our results suggest that WTEA consumption can be a cost-effective strategy to improve prediabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia R Dias
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal; Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; LAQV/REQUIMTE - Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4150-755, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Rato
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Susana Casal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE - Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4150-755, Porto, Portugal
| | - Branca M Silva
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Aufhauser DD, Wang Z, Murken DR, Bhatti TR, Wang Y, Ge G, Redfield RR, Abt PL, Wang L, Svoronos N, Thomasson A, Reese PP, Hancock WW, Levine MH. Improved renal ischemia tolerance in females influences kidney transplantation outcomes. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1968-77. [PMID: 27088798 DOI: 10.1172/jci84712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimentally, females show an improved ability to recover from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) compared with males; however, this sex-dependent response is less established in humans. Here, we developed a series of murine renal ischemia and transplant models to investigate sex-specific effects on recovery after IRI. We found that IRI tolerance is profoundly increased in female mice compared with that observed in male mice and discovered an intermediate phenotype after neutering of either sex. Transplantation of adult kidneys from either sex into a recipient of the opposite sex followed by ischemia at a remote time resulted in ischemia recovery that reflected the sex of the recipient, not the donor, revealing that the host sex determines recovery. Likewise, renal IRI was exacerbated in female estrogen receptor α-KO mice, while female mice receiving supplemental estrogen before ischemia were protected. We examined data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to determine whether there is an association between sex and delayed graft function (DGF) in patients who received deceased donor renal transplants. A multivariable logistic regression analysis determined that there was a greater association with DGF in male recipients than in female recipients. Together, our results demonstrate that sex affects renal IRI tolerance in mice and humans and indicate that estrogen administration has potential as a therapeutic intervention to clinically improve ischemia tolerance.
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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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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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20
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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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21
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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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Alves MG, Martins AD, Teixeira NF, Rato L, Oliveira PF, Silva BM. White tea consumption improves cardiac glycolytic and oxidative profile of prediabetic rats. J Funct Foods 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Daily consumption of white tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)) improves the cerebral cortex metabolic and oxidative profile in prediabetic Wistar rats. Br J Nutr 2015; 113:832-42. [PMID: 25716141 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514004395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem and its incidence is rising dramatically. The brain, particularly the cerebral cortex, is very susceptible to glucose fluctuations and hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress. Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)) is widely consumed; however, the antidiabetic properties of white tea remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effects of daily consumption of white tea on the cerebral cortex of prediabetic rats. The cerebral cortex metabolic profile was evaluated, and the expression levels of GLUT, phosphofructokinase-1, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 were assessed. LDH activity was also determined. The cerebral cortex oxidative profile was determined by evaluating its antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation levels. Catalase, glutathione, glutamate, N-acetylaspartate, aspartate, choline, γ-aminobutyric acid, taurine and valine contents were determined. Daily consumption of white tea ameliorated glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Moreover, white tea altered the cortex glycolytic profile, modulating GLUT expression and lactate and alanine contents. Finally, white tea consumption restored protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation levels and catalase expression, and improved antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, daily consumption of white tea improved the cerebral cortex metabolic and oxidative profile in prediabetic rats, suggesting it as a good, safe and inexpensive strategy to prevent DM-related effects in the cerebral cortex.
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Dose-dependent effects of caffeine in human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile: Relevance for male fertility. Toxicology 2015; 328:12-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Battiprolu PK, Rodnick KJ. Dichloroacetate selectively improves cardiac function and metabolism in female and male rainbow trout. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 307:H1401-11. [PMID: 25217653 PMCID: PMC4233302 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00755.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue from female rainbow trout demonstrates a sex-specific preference for exogenous glucose and glycolysis, impaired Ca(2+) handling, and a greater tolerance for hypoxia and reoxygenation than cardiac tissue from male rainbow trout. We tested the hypothesis that dichloroacetate (DCA), an activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase, enhances cardiac energy metabolism and Ca(2+) handling in female preparations and provide cardioprotection for hypoxic male tissue. Ventricle strips from sexually immature fish with very low (male) and nondetectable (female) plasma sex steroids were electrically paced in oxygenated or hypoxic Ringer solution with or without 1 mM DCA. In the presence of 5 mM glucose, aerobic tissue from male trout could be paced at a higher frequency (1.79 vs. 1.36 Hz) with lower resting tension and less contractile dysfunction than female tissue. At 0.5 Hz, DCA selectively reduced resting tension below baseline values and lactate efflux by 75% in aerobic female ventricle strips. DCA improved the functional recovery of developed twitch force, reduced lactate efflux by 50%, and doubled citrate in male preparations after hypoxia-reoxygenation. Independent of female sex steroids, reduced myocardial pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and impaired carbohydrate oxidation might explain the higher lactate efflux, compromised function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and reduced mechanical performance of aerobic female tissue. Elevated oxidative metabolism and reduced glycolysis might also underlie the beneficial effects of DCA on the mechanical recovery of male cardiac tissue after hypoxia-reoxygenation. These results support the use of rainbow trout as an experimental model of sex differences of cardiovascular energetics and function, with the potential for modifying metabolic phenotypes and cardioprotection independent of sex steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan K Battiprolu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
| | - Kenneth J Rodnick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
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Franconi F, Rosano G, Campesi I. Need for gender-specific pre-analytical testing: the dark side of the moon in laboratory testing. Int J Cardiol 2014; 179:514-35. [PMID: 25465806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Many international organisations encourage studies in a sex-gender perspective. However, research with a gender perspective presents a high degree of complexity, and the inclusion of sex-gender variable in experiments presents many methodological questions, the majority of which are still neglected. Overcoming these issues is fundamental to avoid erroneous results. Here, pre-analytical aspects of the research, such as study design, choice of utilised specimens, sample collection and processing, animal models of diseases, and the observer's role, are discussed. Artefacts in this stage of research could affect the predictive value of all analyses. Furthermore, the standardisation of research subjects according to their lifestyles and, if female, to their life phase and menses or oestrous cycle, is urgent to harmonise research worldwide. A sex-gender-specific attention to pre-analytical aspects could produce a decrease in the time for translation from the bench to bedside. Furthermore, sex-gender-specific pre-clinical pharmacological testing will enable adequate assessment of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic actions of drugs and will enable, where appropriate, an adequate gender-specific clinical development plan. Therefore, sex-gender-specific pre-clinical research will increase the gender equity of care and will produce more evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Franconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy; Vicepresident of Basilicata Region.
| | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy
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Alves MG, Martins AD, Vaz CV, Correia S, Moreira PI, Oliveira PF, Socorro S. Metformin and male reproduction: effects on Sertoli cell metabolism. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1033-42. [PMID: 24261663 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). While new clinical applications have been ascribed to metformin, including treatment of anovulatory infertility, its effects on male reproduction have not been investigated. The Sertoli cell (SC) is crucial for germ cell development, exerting metabolic control of spermatogenesis, therefore, we investigated the effects of metformin on SC metabolism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rat SCs were cultured in the absence and presence of metformin (5, 50 and 500 μM). mRNA and protein levels of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK 1), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) were determined by quantitative PCR and Western blot respectively. LDH activity was assessed and metabolite production/consumption determined by (1) H-NMR. KEY RESULTS Metformin (50 μM) decreased mRNA and protein levels of GLUT1, GLUT3, MCT4 and PFK 1 but did not affect LDH mRNA or protein levels. However, although glucose consumption was maintained in metformin-treated cells, LDH activity, lactate and alanine production were increased, indicating an enhanced glycolytic flux. No metabolic cytotoxicity was detected in SCs exposed to supra-pharmacological concentration of metformin. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that metformin: (i) decreases mRNA and protein levels of glycolysis-related transporters in SCs but increases their activity; and (ii) stimulates alanine production, which induces antioxidant activity and maintains the NADH/NAD(+) equilibrium. The increased lactate in metformin-treated SCs provides nutritional support and has an anti-apoptotic effect in developing germ cells. Thus, metformin can be considered as a suitable antidiabetic drug for male patients of reproductive age with T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Rocha CS, Martins AD, Rato L, Silva BM, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Melatonin alters the glycolytic profile of Sertoli cells: implications for male fertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:1067-76. [PMID: 25205674 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin co-operates with insulin in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Within the testis, glucose metabolism in the somatic Sertoli cells (SCs) is pivotal for spermatogenesis. Since the effects of melatonin on male reproductive physiology remain largely unknown, we hypothesized that melatonin may affect spermatogenesis by modulating SC metabolism, interacting with insulin. To test our hypothesis, rat SCs were maintained in culture for 24 h in the presence of insulin, melatonin or both and metabolite production/consumption was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR). Protein levels of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3), phosphofructokinase 1, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 were determined by western blot. LDH activity was also assessed. SCs treated with melatonin showed an increase in glucose consumption via modulation of GLUT1 levels, but decreased LDH protein expression and activity, which resulted in lower lactate production. Moreover, SCs exposed to melatonin produced and accumulated less acetate than insulin-exposed cells. The combined treatment (insulin plus melatonin) increased acetate production by SCs, but intracellular acetate content remained lower than in insulin exposed cells. Finally, the intracellular redox state, as reflected by intracellular lactate/alanine ratio, was maintained at control levels in SCs by melatonin exposure (i.e. melatonin, alone or with insulin, increased the lactate/alanine ratio versus cells treated with insulin). Furthermore, SCs exposed to insulin plus melatonin produced more lactate and maintained the protein levels of some glycolysis-related enzymes and transporters at control levels. These findings illustrate that melatonin regulates SCs metabolism, and thus may affect spermatogenesis. Since lactate produced by SCs provides nutritional support and has an anti-apoptotic effect in developing germ cells, melatonin supplementation may be an effective therapy for diabetic male individuals facing subfertility/infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia S Rocha
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana D Martins
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Rato
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Branca M Silva
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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Dias TR, Alves MG, Tomás GD, Socorro S, Silva BM, Oliveira PF. White tea as a promising antioxidant medium additive for sperm storage at room temperature: a comparative study with green tea. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:608-617. [PMID: 24372402 DOI: 10.1021/jf4049462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Storage of sperm under refrigeration reduces its viability, due to oxidative unbalance. Unfermented teas present high levels of catechin derivatives, known to reduce oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of white tea (WTEA) on epididymal spermatozoa survival at room temperature (RT), using green tea (GTEA) for comparative purposes. The chemical profiles of WTEA and GTEA aqueous extracts were evaluated by (1)H NMR. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate was the most abundant catechin, being twice as abundant in WTEA extract. The antioxidant power of storage media was evaluated. Spermatozoa antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation, and viability were assessed. The media antioxidant potential increased the most with WTEA supplementation, which was concomitant with the highest increase in sperm antioxidant potential and lipid peroxidation decrease. WTEA supplementation restored spermatozoa viability to values similar to those obtained at collection time. These findings provide evidence that WTEA extract is an excellent media additive for RT sperm storage, to facilitate transport and avoid the deleterious effects of refrigeration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia R Dias
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior , 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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Effect of white tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)) extract in the glycolytic profile of Sertoli cell. Eur J Nutr 2013; 53:1383-91. [PMID: 24363139 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-013-0640-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many health benefits have been attributed to tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)), and tea infusions are used as dietary agent and included in food supplements. Herein, we report the effect of a white tea (WTEA) extract in Sertoli cell (SC) metabolism. The SC is responsible for the nutritional support of the developing germ cells. METHODS An aqueous WTEA extract was prepared and analyzed by (1)H-NMR. Rat SCs were cultured with or without the WTEA extract. mRNA and protein levels of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3), phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 were determined by qPCR and western blot. LDH activity was assessed and metabolite production/consumption determined by (1)H-NMR. RESULTS WTEA-exposed SCs presented decreased protein and mRNA levels of GLUT1 and decreased glucose uptake. However, intracellular LDH activity was increased and SC lactate production was stimulated by the presence of the WTEA extract. Interestingly, alanine production was also found to be stimulated in WTEA extract-exposed SCs. CONCLUSION WTEA extract altered the glycolytic profile of cultured SCs, stimulating lactate production. Since lactate is used as metabolic substrate and has an anti-apoptotic effect in the developing germ cells, the supplementation with WTEA extract may be advantageous to improve male reproductive health.
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Chen C, Hu LX, Dong T, Wang GQ, Wang LH, Zhou XP, Jiang Y, Murao K, Lu SQ, Chen JW, Zhang GX. Apoptosis and autophagy contribute to gender difference in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in rats. Life Sci 2013; 93:265-70. [PMID: 23827240 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gender difference in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induced injury has been reported in animal models. However, a large-scale clinical trial found an increase in cardiovascular incidents in women with hormone replacement therapy. The present study is aimed to explore possible mechanisms of gender difference in cardiac IR induced injury. MAIN METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a 30-min coronary arterial occlusion followed by reperfusion. The infarct size and apoptotic cell number at 24h after reperfusion were significantly lower in female rats than in male rats. KEY FINDINGS Male rats expressed higher anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 levels compared with female rats under physiological conditions. However, levels of Bcl2 were reduced significantly after IR in male rats but not in, female rats. Levels of pro-apoptotic protein, Bax and phospho-p38, showed similar under physiological conditions. In response to IR expression of Bax was markedly reduced in female rats but not in male rats, and expression of phospho-p38 was significantly increased in male rats but not in female rats. In addition, female rats showed marked increase of autophagy marker, ratio of LC3B to LC3A, while male rats significantly decreased the ratio in response to IR. SIGNIFICANCE Gender difference in IR injury is due to the different regulation of anti-apoptotic protein, pro-apoptotic protein and autophagy protein levels in male rats and levels in female rats. Our results provide better understanding of sex differences in cardiac IR injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Ren-Ai Road, Dushu Lake Campus, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, PR China
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Rato L, Alves MG, Dias TR, Lopes G, Cavaco JE, Socorro S, Oliveira PF. High-energy diets may induce a pre-diabetic state altering testicular glycolytic metabolic profile and male reproductive parameters. Andrology 2013; 1:495-504. [PMID: 23495257 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00071.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that may arise from diet habits and is growing to epidemic proportions. Young male diabetic patients present high infertility/subfertility prevalence resulting from impaired reproductive function and poor semen quality. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a high-energy diet (HED) on glucose tolerance/insulin levels and correlate the observed effects on male reproductive function with overall testicular metabolism. After 1 month, HED fed rats showed increased glycaemic levels, impaired glucose tolerance and hypoinsulinaemia. Moreover, an imbalance of intratesticular and serum testosterone levels was observed, whereas those of 17β-estradiol were not altered. High-energy diet also affected the reproductive parameters, with HED rats exhibiting a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology. Glycolytic metabolism was favoured in testicles of HED rats with an increased expression of both glucose transporters 1 (GLUT1) and 3 (GLUT3) and the enzyme phosphofrutokinase 1. Moreover, lactate production and the expression of metabolism-associated genes and proteins involved in lactate production and transport were also enhanced by HED. Alanine testicular content was decreased and thus intratesticular lactate/alanine ratio in HED rats was increased, suggesting increased oxidative stress. Other energetic substrates such as acetate and creatine were not altered in testis from HED rats, but intratesticular glycine content was increased in those animals. Taken together, these results suggest that HED induces a pre-diabetic state that may impair reproductive function by modulating overall testicular metabolism. This is the first report on testicular metabolic features and mechanisms related with the onset of a pre-diabetic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rato
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior CICS-UBI, Covilhã 6201-506, Portugal
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Gender-dependent Metabolic Remodeling During Heart Preservation in Cardioplegic Celsior and Histidine Buffer Solution. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2012; 60:227-33. [DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0b013e3182391d17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Metabolic modulation induced by oestradiol and DHT in immature rat Sertoli cells cultured in vitro. Biosci Rep 2012; 32:61-9. [PMID: 21671886 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells actively metabolize glucose that is converted into lactate, which is used by developing germ cells for their energy metabolism. Androgens and oestrogens have general metabolic roles that reach far beyond reproductive processes. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sex hormones on metabolite secretion/consumption in primary cultures of rat Sertoli cells. Sertoli cell-enriched cultures were maintained in a defined medium for 50 h. Glucose and pyruvate consumption, and lactate and alanine secretion were determined, by 1H-NMR (proton NMR) spectra analysis, in the presence or absence of 100 nM E2 (17β-oestradiol) or 100 nM 5α-DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Cells cultured in the absence (control) or presence of E2 consumed the same amount of glucose (29±2 pmol/cell) at similar rates during the 50 h. After 25 h of treatment with DHT, glucose consumption and glucose consumption rate significantly increased. Control and E2-treated cells secreted similar amounts of lactate during the 50 h, while the amount of lactate secreted by DHT-treated cells was significantly lower. Such a decrease was concomitant with a significant decrease in LDH A [LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) chain A] and MCT4 [MCT (monocarboxylate transporter) isoform 4] mRNA levels after 50 h treatment in hormonally treated groups, being more pronounced in DHT-treated groups. Finally, alanine production was significantly increased in E2-treated cells after 25 h treatment, which indicated a lower redox/higher oxidative state for the cells in those conditions. Together, these results support the existence of a relation between sex hormones action and energy metabolism, providing an important assessment of androgens and oestrogens as metabolic modulators in rat Sertoli cells.
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Oliveira P, Alves M, Rato L, Laurentino S, Silva J, Sá R, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho R, Cavaco J, Socorro S. Effect of insulin deprivation on metabolism and metabolism-associated gene transcript levels of in vitro cultured human Sertoli cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1820:84-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Alves MG, Machado NG, Sardão VA, Carvalho RA, Oliveira PJ. Anti-apoptotic protection afforded by cardioplegic celsior and histidine buffer solutions to hearts subjected to ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion. J Cell Biochem 2011; 112:3872-81. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Rato L, Silva J, Sá R, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho RA, Cavaco JE, Socorro S. Influence of 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol on human Sertoli cells metabolism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e612-20. [PMID: 21812787 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells metabolize glucose, converting it to lactate that is used by developing germ cells for their energy metabolism. Androgens and oestrogens have metabolic roles that reach far beyond reproductive processes. So, the main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sex steroid hormones on metabolite secretion/consumption in human Sertoli cells. Human Sertoli cell-enriched primary cultures were maintained in a defined medium for 50 h and glucose, pyruvate, lactate and alanine variations were determined using (1) H-NMR spectra analysis, in the absence or presence of 100 nm 17β-estradiol (E(2) ) or 100 nm 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The mRNA expression levels of glucose transporters, lactate dehydrogenase and monocarboxylate transporters were also determined using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Cells cultured in the absence (control) or presence of E(2) consumed the same amounts of glucose at similar rates during the 50 h. During the first 15 h of treatment with DHT, glucose consumption and glucose consumption rate were significantly higher. Nevertheless, DHT-treated cells secreted a significantly lower amount of lactate than control and E(2) -treated cells. Such a decrease was concomitant with a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase A mRNA levels after 50 h treatment in DHT-treated groups. Finally, alanine production was significantly increased in E(2) -treated cells after 25 h treatment, which indicated a lower redox/higher oxidative state for the cells on those conditions. These results support the existence of a relationship between sex steroid hormones action and energy metabolism, providing the first assessment of androgens and oestrogens as metabolic modulators of human Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Oliveira
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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