1
|
Omar NN, Mosbah RA, Sarawi WS, Rashed MM, Badr AM. Rifaximin Protects against Malathion-Induced Rat Testicular Toxicity: A Possible Clue on Modulating Gut Microbiome and Inhibition of Oxidative Stress by Mitophagy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134069. [PMID: 35807317 PMCID: PMC9267953 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction is caused by chronic exposure to environmental pollution, such as malathion, which causes oxidative stress, promoting cell damage. Autophagy is a key cellular process for eliminating malfunctioning organelles, such as the mitochondria (mitophagy), an eminent source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Autophagy is crucial for protection against testicular damage. Rifaximin (RFX) is a non-absorbable antibiotic that can reshape the gut microbiome, making it effective in different gastrointestinal disorders. Interestingly, the gut microbiome produces short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the circulation, which act as signal molecules to regulate the autophagy. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of RFX on gut microbiota and its circulating metabolites SCFA and linked them with the autophagy in testicular tissues in response to malathion administration. Moreover, we divided the groups of rats that used malathion and RFX into a two-week group to investigate the mitophagy process and a four-week group to study mitochondriogenesis. The current study revealed that after two weeks of cotreatment with RFX, apoptosis was inhibited, oxidative stress was improved, and autophagy was induced. More specifically, PINK1 was overexpressed, identifying mitophagy activation. After four weeks of cotreatment with RFX, there was an increase in acetate and propionate-producing microflora, as well as the circulating levels of SCFAs. In accordance with this, the expression of PGC-1α, a downstream to SCFAs action on their receptors, was activated. PGC-1α is an upstream activator of mitophagy and mitochondriogenesis. In this sense, the protein expression of TFAM, which regulates the mitochondrial genome, was upregulated along with a significant decrease in apoptosis and oxidative stress. Conclusion: we found that RFX has a positive regulatory effect on mitophagy and mitochondria biogenesis, which could explain the novel role played by RFX in preventing the adverse effects of malathion on testicular tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen Nabil Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo 11585, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Rasha A. Mosbah
- Infection Control Unit, Zagazig University Hospital, Zagazig University, El Sharkia 44519, Egypt;
| | - Wedad S. Sarawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.S.); or (A.M.B.)
| | - Marwa Medhet Rashed
- National Center for Social & Criminological Research, Expert, Crime Investigation Department, Giza 3755153, Egypt;
| | - Amira M. Badr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.S.); or (A.M.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang S, Xia J, Zhang X, Zhou T, Wang J, Liu T, Xu S, Liang G. 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether disrupts spermatogenesis in mice by interfering with the ER-Nrf1-Tfam-mitochondria pathway. Toxicol Ind Health 2022; 38:182-191. [PMID: 35238255 DOI: 10.1177/07482337221081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
2,2',4,4' -tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), a well-known endocrine disruptor of the estrogen receptor (ER) is toxic to the mitochondria and spermatogenesis. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of BDE47 on spermatogenesis in mammals. Adult male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were gavaged daily with BDE47 (0, 1, or 10 mg/kg bw) for 8 weeks. Testicular weight, sperm production and motility, morphology of spermatogenic cells, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) level, and its expression in testes were determined. In vitro, cell viability, and key molecules in the ER-Nrf1-mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam)-mitochondria pathway in the immortalized mouse spermatogonia line (GC1) were determined at 48 h and 0-5 h after exposure; RNA interference (RNAi) was also performed to verify that the decreased Nrf1 was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the impaired viability of germ cells. The results indicated that BDE47 impaired testis weight and spermatogenesis, impaired mitochondria and germ cells, and decreased Nrf1 in the testes of mice. In vitro, after 48 h exposure, BDE47 reduced cell viability, Nrf1 protein, and mRNA of Nrf1, Tfam, ATP synthase subunit β (Atp5b), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mt-CO1) in GC1 while also reducing mRNA of Nrf1 and Tfam promptly (from 1 to 5 h) after exposure. Furthermore, Nrf1 RNA interference decreased viability and mitochondrial function in GC1. These results indicated that BDE47 disrupts spermatogenesis in mice, probably by interfering with the ER-Nrf1-Tfam-mitochondria pathway, and Nrf1 is a target molecule of BDE47 estrogen receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangyan Xia
- Zhong Da Hospital, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Zhong Da Hospital, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Public Health, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyi Xu
- School of Public Health, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- School of Public Health, 12579Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Eid N, Ito Y, Horibe A, Otsuki Y, Kondo Y. Ethanol-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Sertoli Cells is Associated with Parkin Overexpression and Activation of Mitophagy. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030283. [PMID: 30934625 PMCID: PMC6468925 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to elucidate the involvement of the PINK1-Parkin pathway in ethanol-induced mitophagy among Sertoli cells (SCs). In the research, adult rats were given intraperitoneal injections of ethanol (5 gm/kg) and sacrificed at various time periods within 24 h. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to reveal enhanced mitochondrial damage in SCs of the ethanol-treated rats (ETRs) in association with a significant increase in numbers of mitophagic vacuoles (mitophagosomes and autolysosomes) in contrast to very low levels in a control group treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). This enhancement was ultra-structurally verified via observation of trapped mitochondria within LC3-labeled membranes, upregulation of LC3 protein levels, colocalization of LC3 and cytochrome c, and reduced expression of mitochondrial proteins. Importantly, Parkin expression was found to be upregulated in ETR SCs, specifically in mitochondria and mitophagosomes in addition to colocalization with PINK1 and pan-cathepsin, indicating augmented mitophagy. Transcription factor EB (TFEB, a transcription factor for autophagy and mitophagy proteins) was also found to be upregulated in nuclei of ETR SCs and associated with enhanced expression of iNOS. Enhanced Parkin-related mitophagy in ETR SCs may be a protective mechanism with therapeutic implications. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the ultrastructural characteristics and molecular mechanisms of Parkin-related mitophagy in ETR SCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Eid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
| | - Yuko Ito
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
| | - Akio Horibe
- Kubomizuki lady's clinic 3-13-8, Mikatadai, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2277, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Otsuki
- Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan.
| | - Yoichi Kondo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Horibe A, Eid N, Ito Y, Otsuki Y, Kondo Y. Ethanol-Induced Autophagy in Sertoli Cells Is Specifically Marked at Androgen-Dependent Stages of the Spermatogenic Cycle: Potential Mechanisms and Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20010184. [PMID: 30621351 PMCID: PMC6337509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a recent study, we reported that acute ethanol exposure enhanced autophagy in Sertoli cells (SCs) of adult rats. However, further research is needed to clarify the specific spermatogenic stage exhibiting the highest autophagic response, the mechanisms behind such specificity, and the related relevance to sperm. This brief report provides results indicating that stages VII–VIII (androgen-dependent or spermiation stages) of the spermatogenic cycle exhibited more marked autophagic response in acute-ethanol treated rats (ETRs) than other stages based on suppression of androgen receptor (AR), analysis of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) (an autophagosomal marker) immunostaining in SCs, double labeling of LC3 and lysosomal proteins and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural observations and TUNEL method revealed a notable presence of phagocytosed apoptotic germ cells and retained sperm in SCs of ETRs at these specific stages—a finding rarely observed in control testes. In addition, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 ( PINK1) (a sensor of mitochondrial damage and mitophagy) and giant lipid droplets were found to have accumulated in SCs of ETRs at same stages. Our data show novel findings indicating that stages VII–VIII of the spermatogenic cycle exhibit high levels of autophagy, specifically under stress conditions, as expressed by the term autophagic stages. This stage-specific upregulation of autophagy in SCs may be related to AR suppression, mitochondrial damage, lipid accumulation, and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. The phenomenon may be an essential part of ensuring the viability of SCs and supporting germ cells in toxic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akio Horibe
- Kubomizuki Lady's Clinic 3-13-8, Mikatadai, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2277, Japan.
| | - Nabil Eid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
| | - Yuko Ito
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
| | | | - Yoichi Kondo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|