1
|
Ceraolo C, Rubano A, Gabrielsen JS. Obesity and Male Infertility: True, True, and Unrelated? Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:70-79. [PMID: 38198791 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
While the prevalence of obesity has rapidly increased worldwide, there has also been a notable decline in semen parameters over the last several decades. While obesity can negatively impact reproductive hormones, many studies have sought a link between rising obesity and decreased male fertility potential. Nonetheless, few data support a direct link between the two. The focus on obesity as a causative factor in male infertility can potentially result in patient harm through delayed fertility treatment and missed diagnoses. This review investigates the associations between obesity and male infertility and why a potential direct link has been elusive and may not exist. Additionally, indirect mechanisms that may link the two will be reviewed and treatment options for obese infertile men presenting for evaluation will briefly be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl Ceraolo
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Amanda Rubano
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Grigorova N, Ivanova Z, Bjørndal B, Berge RK, Vachkova E, Milanova A, Penchev G, Georgiev IP. Diet restriction alone improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity than its coadministration with krill or fish oil in a rabbit model of castration‐induced obesity. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2022; 106:1396-1407. [DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Grigorova
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Trakia University Stara Zagora Bulgaria
| | - Zhenya Ivanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Trakia University Stara Zagora Bulgaria
| | - Bodil Bjørndal
- Department of Clinical Science University of Bergen Bergen Norway
- Department of Sports, Food, and Natural Sciences Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Bergen Norway
| | - Rolf Kristian Berge
- Department of Clinical Science University of Bergen Bergen Norway
- Department of Heart Disease Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
| | - Ekaterina Vachkova
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Trakia University Stara Zagora Bulgaria
| | - Aneliya Milanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Trakia University Stara Zagora Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Penchev
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Trakia University Stara Zagora Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Penchev Georgiev
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Trakia University Stara Zagora Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leisegang K. Oxidative Stress in Men with Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms and Management of Reproductive Dysfunction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:237-256. [PMID: 35641873 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical physiological mediators of cellular function, including male fertility. When ROS exceed antioxidant regulation, oxidative stress occurs which is detrimental to cellular function. Oxidative stress has been found to be a central mediator of obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as with male infertility. Human studies have correlated testicular oxidative stress in obese males, and animal studies have further provided insight into potential mechanisms of action. Management of oxidative stress is not well defined. Appropriate nutrition and exercise can be recommended for all diabetic patients, and weight loss for obese patients with MetS and T2DM. Consideration of dietary supplements including micronutrients, antioxidants or medicinal herbs are recommended. Metformin may also offer benefits on testicular oxidative stress and fertility parameters. Significantly more research on causation, mechanisms, clinical assessments and appropriate management of infertility on obesity, MetS and T2DM is still required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang M, Liu J, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Wang N, Chen X, Han X, Lu Q, Chi S. Effects of Dietary Intervention on Inflammatory Markers in Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:846591. [PMID: 35433780 PMCID: PMC9008568 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.846591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary interventions may modulate inflammatory indicators, but the correlations between dietary intervention and inflammatory markers in metabolic syndrome (MetS) settings remain opaque. Objective To evaluate the effects of dietary intervention on interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with MetS by systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google scholar, were searched from June 2011 to June 2021 for relevant available articles. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was generated as effect size by meta-analysis for continuous variants, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels. Then, according to study characteristics by dietary patterns of the intervention, subgroup analyses were performed. Results Finally, 13 studies comprising a total of 1,101 participants were included for the meta-analysis. IL-6 levels in dietary patients were significantly lower than controls (SMD = -0.30, 95% CI = -0.55, 0.04, p = 0.02, I2 = 64%). However, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CRP levels did not change significantly compared with the control group. Sensitivity analyses further yielded similar results. Conclusions Dietary intervention may help decrease IL-6 rather than IL-1β, TNF-α, or CRP levels in patients with MetS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junliang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, Xi'an, China
| | - Haixiong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, Xi'an, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Han
- Department of Endocrinology, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, Xi'an, China
| | - Shanshan Chi
- Department of Endocrinology, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Effect of Chronic Moderate Caloric Restriction on the Reproductive Function in Aged Male Wistar Rats. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061256. [PMID: 35334913 PMCID: PMC8952234 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to be an effective nutritional intervention for increasing longevity in some animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate CR’s effects on metabolic and reproductive parameters in 12-month-old male Wistar rats. The rats were distributed in three groups: control, CR at 15%, and CR at 35% for 6 (up to 18 months of age) and 12 months (up to 24 months of age). At the end of CR treatment, we evaluated reproductive (male sexual behavior (MSB), sperm quality) and biochemical parameters (plasma glucose, glucose-regulating hormone, and sex steroid levels), and quantified annexin V in the seminiferous epithelium. Results showed that MSB and sperm quality were improved after 6 months of CR associated with increases in plasma testosterone and decrease annexin V in the seminiferous epithelium of the testicles compared to their control group. The metabolic profile of the CR rats also improved compared to controls. However, these effects of CR on reproductive parameters were not maintained after 12 months of CR. Findings suggest that beginning CR at the age of maturity reestablishes the behavioral sexual response and reproductive function in older animals after 6 months of CR and improves endocrine functioning during aging.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hidalgo-Cabrera A, Bustos P, Vidal-Pérez D, Schmitt P, Brokordt K, Brown DI, Farlora R. Analysis and gonadal localization of Speedy A mRNA transcript, a novel gene associated with early germline cells in the scallop, Argopecten purpuratus. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 236:106909. [PMID: 34954527 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Speedy A (spdya) gene is a member of the Speedy/RINGO family, encoding a spdya protein associated with cellular cycle and meiosis in vertebrates. Results from genetic analyses indicated spdya conditional knockout mice are sterile, suggesting that this protein has essential functions in mammalian reproduction. There, however, are no published reports on the localization of spdya mRNA in the germline or in somatic cell lineages within the gonads from mollusks or other invertebrate species. Using a previously obtained transcriptome assembly from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus, an economically important hermaphroditic scallop species from Chile and Peru, there was identification of a complete coding sequence of the spdya mRNA. Phylogenetically spdya protein has sequence conservation homology with other scallops and mollusks. The relative mRNA transcript abundances at different gametogenic stages was assessed using quantitative PCR procedures. Results indicated there was an increase of spdya mRNA transcript abundance in testicular region samples at the late active stage, followed by a decrease in testis of reproductively mature individuals. To gain insight into the cellular localization of ap-spdya transcript within the gonads, specific RNA probes were synthesized for in situ hybridization analyses of gonad histological sections. Results indicated spdya mRNA is located exclusively in early germline (previtellogenic oocytes and spermatogonia) and somatic proliferative tissues of A. purpuratus ovarian and testicular regions. Overall, these results indicate there are putative functions of spdya in the early oogenesis and spermatogenesis of A. purpuratus and will contribute to furthering the understanding of gametogenesis in this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Hidalgo-Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Acuática y Genómica Reproductiva (LABYGER), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - P Bustos
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Acuática y Genómica Reproductiva (LABYGER), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - D Vidal-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Acuática y Genómica Reproductiva (LABYGER), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - P Schmitt
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - K Brokordt
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Departamento de Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - D I Brown
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción y del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - R Farlora
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Acuática y Genómica Reproductiva (LABYGER), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Centro de Investigación y Gestión de Recursos Naturales (CIGREN), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leisegang K, Roychoudhury S, Slama P, Finelli R. The Mechanisms and Management of Age-Related Oxidative Stress in Male Hypogonadism Associated with Non-communicable Chronic Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1834. [PMID: 34829704 PMCID: PMC8615233 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens have diverse functions in muscle physiology, lean body mass, the regulation of adipose tissue, bone density, neurocognitive regulation, and spermatogenesis, the male reproductive and sexual function. Male hypogonadism, characterized by reduced testosterone, is commonly seen in ageing males, and has a complex relationship as a risk factor and a comorbidity in age-related noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and malignancy. Oxidative stress, as a significant contributor to the ageing process, is a common feature between ageing and NCDs, and the related comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress may also be a mediator of hypogonadism in males. Consequently, the management of oxidative stress may represent a novel therapeutic approach in this context. Therefore, this narrative review aims to discuss the mechanisms of age-related oxidative stress in male hypogonadism associated with NCDs and discusses current and potential approaches for the clinical management of these patients, which may include conventional hormone replacement therapy, nutrition and lifestyle changes, adherence to the optimal body mass index, and dietary antioxidant supplementation and/or phytomedicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | | | - Petr Slama
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Colman K, Andrews RN, Atkins H, Boulineau T, Bradley A, Braendli-Baiocco A, Capobianco R, Caudell D, Cline M, Doi T, Ernst R, van Esch E, Everitt J, Fant P, Gruebbel MM, Mecklenburg L, Miller AD, Nikula KJ, Satake S, Schwartz J, Sharma A, Shimoi A, Sobry C, Taylor I, Vemireddi V, Vidal J, Wood C, Vahle JL. International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND): Non-proliferative and Proliferative Lesions of the Non-human Primate ( M. fascicularis). J Toxicol Pathol 2021; 34:1S-182S. [PMID: 34712008 PMCID: PMC8544165 DOI: 10.1293/tox.34.1s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for
Lesions Project (www.toxpath.org/inhand.asp) is a joint initiative of the Societies of
Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP) and North
America (STP) to develop an internationally accepted nomenclature for proliferative and
nonproliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to
provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying microscopic lesions observed in most
tissues and organs from the nonhuman primate used in nonclinical safety studies. Some of
the lesions are illustrated by color photomicrographs. The standardized nomenclature
presented in this document is also available electronically on the internet
(http://www.goreni.org/). Sources of material included histopathology databases from
government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes
spontaneous lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. Relevant
infectious and parasitic lesions are included as well. A widely accepted and utilized
international harmonization of nomenclature for lesions in laboratory animals will provide
a common language among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different
countries and increase and enrich international exchanges of information among
toxicologists and pathologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Colman
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rachel N Andrews
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hannah Atkins
- Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Alys Bradley
- Charles River Laboratories Edinburgh Ltd., Tranent, Scotland, UK
| | - Annamaria Braendli-Baiocco
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raffaella Capobianco
- Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - David Caudell
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mark Cline
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Takuya Doi
- LSIM Safety Institute Corporation, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | - Jeffrey Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andew D Miller
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Shigeru Satake
- Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories, Ltd., Kagoshima and Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Alok Sharma
- Covance Laboratories, Inc., Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles Wood
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - John L Vahle
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dal Magro BM, Stone V, Klein CP, Maurmann RM, Saccomori AB, Dos Santos BG, August PM, Rodrigues KS, Conrado L, de Sousa FAB, Dreimeier D, Mello F, Matté C. Developmental programming: intrauterine caloric restriction promotes upregulation of mitochondrial sirtuin with mild effects on oxidative parameters in the ovaries and testes of offspring. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:763-773. [PMID: 32389177 DOI: 10.1071/rd19384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, changes in the maternal environment are known to reprogram the metabolic response of offspring. Known for its redox modulation, caloric restriction extends the lifespan of some species, which contributes to diminished cellular damage. Little is known about the effects of gestational caloric restriction, in terms of antioxidant parameters and molecular mechanisms of action, on the reproductive organs of offspring. This study assessed the effects of moderate (20%) caloric restriction on redox status parameters, molecular expression of sirtuin (SIRT) 1 and SIRT3 and histopathological markers in the ovaries and testes of adult rats that were subjected to gestational caloric restriction. Although enzyme activity was increased, ovaries from female pups contained high levels of oxidants, whereas testes from male pups had decreased antioxidant enzyme defences, as evidenced by diminished glyoxalase I activity and reduced glutathione content. Expression of SIRT3, a deacetylase enzyme related to cellular bioenergetics, was increased in both ovaries and testes. Previous studies have suggested that, in ovaries, diminished antioxidant metabolism can lead to premature ovarian failure. Unfortunately, there is little information regarding the redox profile in the testis. This study is the first to assess the redox network in both ovaries and testes, suggesting that, although intrauterine caloric restriction improves molecular mechanisms, it has a negative effect on the antioxidant network and redox status of reproductive organs of young adult rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B M Dal Magro
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - V Stone
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - C P Klein
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - R M Maurmann
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - A B Saccomori
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - B G Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - P M August
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - K S Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - L Conrado
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - F A B de Sousa
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 90650-001, Brazil
| | - D Dreimeier
- Setor de Anatomia Patológica Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 90650-001, Brazil
| | - F Mello
- Centro de Reprodução e Experimentação Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Campus do Vale, Prédio 43.300, Agronomia, RS, 91509-900, Brazil
| | - C Matté
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil; and Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Prédio Anexo, Floresta, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil; and Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, R. Sarmento Leite, n° 500, Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leisegang K, Sengupta P, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Obesity and male infertility: Mechanisms and management. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13617. [PMID: 32399992 DOI: 10.1111/and.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is considered a global health problem affecting more than a third of the population. Complications of obesity include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, malignancy (including prostatic cancer), neurodegeneration and accelerated ageing. In males, these further include erectile dysfunction, poor semen quality and subclinical prostatitis. Although poorly understood, important mediators of obesity that may influence the male reproductive system include hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Obesity is known to disrupt male fertility and the reproduction potential, particularly through alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, disruption of testicular steroidogenesis and metabolic dysregulation, including insulin, cytokines and adipokines. Importantly, obesity and its underlying mediators result in a negative impact on semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, viability and normal morphology. Moreover, obesity inhibits chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, increases apoptosis and epigenetic changes that can be transferred to the offspring. This review discusses the impact of obesity on the male reproductive system and fertility, including associated mechanisms. Furthermore, weight management strategies, lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and complementary and alternative medicine in the management of obesity-induced subfertility is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Leisegang K, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Obesity and metabolic syndrome associated with systemic inflammation and the impact on the male reproductive system. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13178. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine University of the Western Cape Bellville Cape Town South Africa
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences University of the Western Cape Bellville Cape Town South Africa
- Department of Urology American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chou W, Lin Y, Lee Y. Short-term starvation stress at young adult stages enhances meiotic activity of germ cells to maintain spermatogenesis in aged male Caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12930. [PMID: 30816005 PMCID: PMC6516166 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To survive and reproduce, living organisms must evolve numerous mechanisms to re‐adjust their physiology when encountering adverse conditions that subject them to severe stress. We found that short‐term starvation (STS) stress in young adult male Caenorhabditis elegans can significantly improve their vitality (relative to nonstressed males) when they are aged. In addition, we found that stress‐treated aged males maintained reproductive activity equivalent to young males, whereas nonstressed aged males quickly lost reproductive ability. STS stress can preserve sperm number and quality in aged male worms. Spermatogenesis involves germ cell mitosis and meiosis. We found that germ cell meiotic activity is more sensitive to aging than mitotic activity and is declining rapidly with age. We examined the role of numerous factors important for spermatogenesis on STS‐preserved spermatogenesis during aging. Our results show that mutant strains deficient in anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) function fail to exhibit the STS stress‐enhanced spermatogenesis found in wild‐type N2 worms, suggesting that the mechanism underlying starvation‐induced spermatogenesis involves the APC/C complex, a conserved ubiquitin‐protein ligase E3 complex. Furthermore, transgenic expression of FZY‐1/CDC‐20, a coactivator of APC/C, ameliorated the age‐associated decline of meiosis, similar to the hormetic effect of STS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan‐Yi Chou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Biology Academia Sinica Taipei Taiwan
| | - Yu‐Chun Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Biology Academia Sinica Taipei Taiwan
| | - Ying‐Hue Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Biology Academia Sinica Taipei Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bishop CV, Mishler EC, Takahashi DL, Reiter TE, Bond KR, True CA, Slayden OD, Stouffer RL. Chronic hyperandrogenemia in the presence and absence of a western-style diet impairs ovarian and uterine structure/function in young adult rhesus monkeys. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:128-139. [PMID: 29190387 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does chronic hyperandrogenemia beginning at menarche, in the absence and presence of a western-style diet (WSD), alter ovarian and uterine structure-function in young adult rhesus monkeys? SUMMARY ANSWER Phenotypic alterations in ovarian and uterine structure/function were induced by exogenous testosterone (T), and compounded in the presence of a WSD (T+WSD). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Hyperandrogenemia is a well-established component of PCOS and is observed in adolescent girls, indicating a potential pubertal onset of disease symptoms. Obesity is often associated with hyperandrogenemia and it is hypothesized that metabolic dysfunction exacerbates PCOS symptoms. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Macaque females (n = 40) near the onset of menarche (~2.5 years of age) were assigned to a 2 by 2 factorial cohort design. Effects on reproductive characteristics were evaluated after 3 years of treatment. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were fed either a normal balanced diet (n = 20) or a WSD (n = 20). Additionally, implants containing cholesterol (n = 20) or T (n = 20) were implanted subcutaneously to elevate serum T approximately 5-fold. This resulted in treatment groups of controls (C), T, WSD and T+WSD (n = 10/group). Vaginal swabbing was performed daily to detect menses. After 3 years of treatment, daily serum samples from one menstrual cycle were assayed for hormone levels. Ovarian structure was evaluated in the early follicular phase by 3D/4D ultrasound. Uterine endometrial size and ovarian/luteal vascular function was also evaluated in subgroups (n = 6/group) in the late follicular and mid-luteal phases by 3D/4D ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, respectively. Expression of steroid hormone receptors and markers of decidualization and endometrial receptivity were assessed in endometrial biopsies at mid-luteal phase. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Approximately 90% of menstrual cycles appeared ovulatory with no differences in frequency or duration between groups. Serum estradiol (E2) levels during the early follicular phase were greatest in the T alone group, but reduced in T+WSD (P < 0.02). Serum LH was elevated in the T group (P < 0.04); however, there were no differences among groups in FSH levels (P > 0.13). Ovarian size at menses tended to be greater in the WSD groups (P < 0.07) and antral follicles ≥1 mm were more numerous in the T+WSD group (P < 0.05). Also, females in T and T+WSD groups displayed polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) at greater frequency than C or WSD groups (P < 0.01). Progesterone (P4) levels during the luteal phase were reduced in the T+WSD group compared to C and T groups (P < 0.05). Blood volume (BV) and vascular flow (VF) within the corpus luteum was reduced in all treatment groups compared to C (P < 0.01, P = 0.03), with the WSD alone group displaying the slowest BV and VF (P < 0.05). C and WSD groups displayed endometrial glands at mid-luteal phase with low estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) mRNA and immunohistochemical staining in the functionalis zone, but appreciable PGR in the stroma. In contrast, T and T+WSD treatment resulted in glands with less secretory morphology, high ESR1 expression in the glandular epithelium and low PGR in the stroma. Endometrial levels of TIMP3 and MMP26 mRNA and immunostaining were also decreased in the T and T+WSD groups, whereas AR expression was unchanged. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Females are young adults, so effects could change as they reach prime reproductive age. The T level generated for hyperandrogenemia may be somewhat greater than the 3-4-fold increase observed in adolescent girls, but markedly less than those observed in male monkeys or adolescent boys. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Alterations to ovarian and uterine structure-function observed in T and, in particular, T+WSD-treated female macaques are consistent with some of the features observed in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and suggest impaired fertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Award Number P50HD071836 (to RLS). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. Additional funding was provided by Office of the Director, NIH under Award Number P51OD011092 (Support for National Primate Research Center). Authors declare no competing interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecily V Bishop
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Emily C Mishler
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Diana L Takahashi
- Cardiometabolic Health Division, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Taylor E Reiter
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Kise R Bond
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Cadence A True
- Cardiometabolic Health Division, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Ov D Slayden
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Cardiometabolic Health Division, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Richard L Stouffer
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Cardiometabolic Health Division, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Eghlidi DH, Garyfallou VT, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Age-associated gene expression changes in the arcuate nucleus of male rhesus macaques. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:141-149. [PMID: 28615280 PMCID: PMC5553588 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) represents a major component of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis and plays an important role in controlling the onset of puberty as well as age-associated reproductive senescence. Although significant gene expression changes have been observed in the ARC during sexual maturation, it is unclear what changes occur during aging, especially in males. Therefore, in the present study, we profiled the expression of reproduction-related genes in the ARC of young and old male rhesus macaques, as well as old males that had received 6 months of hormone supplementation (HS) in the form of daily testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone; we also compared morning vs night ARC gene expression in the old males. Using Affymetrix gene microarrays, we found little evidence for age-associated expression changes for genes associated with the neuroendocrine reproductive axis, whereas using qRT-PCR, we detected a similar age-associated decrease in PGR (progesterone receptor) that we previously observed in postmenopausal females. We also detected a sex-steroid-dependent and age-associated decrease in androgen receptor (AR) expression, with highest AR levels being expressed at night (i.e., coinciding with the natural peak in daily testosterone secretion). Finally, unlike previous observations made in females, we did not find a significant age-associated increase in KISS1 (Kisspeptin) or TAC3 (Neurokinin B) expression in the ARC of males, most likely because the attenuation of circulating sex-steroid levels in the males was much less than that in postmenopausal females. Taken together, the data highlight some similarities and differences in ARC gene expression between aged male and female nonhuman primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique H Eghlidi
- Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep MedicineHarvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vasilios T Garyfallou
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Steven G Kohama
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental SciencesOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyOregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Backlund PS, Urbanski HF, Doll MA, Hein DW, Bozinoski M, Mason CE, Coon SL, Klein DC. Daily Rhythm in Plasma N-acetyltryptamine. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:195-211. [PMID: 28466676 PMCID: PMC5571864 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417700458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Normal physiology undergoes 24-h changes in function that include daily rhythms in circulating hormones, most notably melatonin and cortical steroids. This study focused on N-acetyltryptamine, a little-studied melatonin receptor mixed agonist-antagonist and the likely evolutionary precursor of melatonin. The central issue addressed was whether N-acetyltryptamine is physiologically present in the circulation. N-acetyltryptamine was detected by LC-MS/MS in daytime plasma of 3 different mammals in subnanomolar levels (mean ± SEM: rat, 0.29 ± 0.05 nM, n = 5; rhesus macaque, 0.54 ± 0.24 nM, n = 4; human, 0.03 ± 0.01 nM, n = 32). Analysis of 24-h blood collections from rhesus macaques revealed a nocturnal increase in plasma N-acetyltryptamine (p < 0.001), which varied from 2- to 15-fold over daytime levels among the 4 animals studied. Related RNA sequencing studies indicated that the transcript encoding the tryptamine acetylating enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) is expressed at similar levels in the rhesus pineal gland and retina, thereby indicating that either tissue could contribute to circulating N-acetyltryptamine. The evidence that N-acetyltryptamine is a physiological component of mammalian blood and exhibits a daily rhythm, together with known effects as a melatonin receptor mixed agonist-antagonist, shifts the status of N-acetyltryptamine from pharmacological tool to candidate for a physiological role. This provides a new opportunity to extend our understanding of 24-h biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter S. Backlund
- Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Intramural Research Program,
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1580
| | - Henryk F. Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center,
Beaverton, OR 97006
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National
Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science
University, Portland, OR 97006
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science
University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Mark A. Doll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and James Graham Brown
Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202
| | - David W. Hein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and James Graham Brown
Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202
| | - Marjan Bozinoski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical
College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical
College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for
Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell
Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven L. Coon
- Section on Neuroendocrinology, Program in Developmental
Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, MD 20892-1830
- Molecular Genomics Core Facility, Office of the Scientific
Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1830
| | - David C. Klein
- Section on Neuroendocrinology, Program in Developmental
Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, MD 20892-1830
- Office of the Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program,
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1830
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Urbanski HF. Effect of androgen supplementation on 24-hour activity-rest patterns of aged male rhesus macaques. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 54:100-102. [PMID: 28359034 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Like elderly men, old male rhesus macaques show attenuated circulating levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and many of them also show reduced levels of daytime activity. It is unclear, however, if this age-associated behavioral change is causally related to the underlying decrease in circulating androgen levels. To test this possibility, old male rhesus macaques were given daily supplements of testosterone and DHEA for 6 months, designed to mimic the mean 24-hour circulating hormone patterns of young adults. Compared with the young adults, the old controls showed attenuated daytime activity levels. However, there was no difference between the androgen-supplemented old animals and the aged-matched controls, even after 6 months of treatment. The data suggest that age-associated decreases in circulating androgen levels are unlikely to be a primary reason for altered activity-rest patterns in elderly men, and that androgen supplementation paradigms might not provide any obvious therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kelly B, Maguire-Herring V, Rose CM, Gore HE, Ferrigno S, Novak MA, Lacreuse A. Short-term testosterone manipulations do not affect cognition or motor function but differentially modulate emotions in young and older male rhesus monkeys. Horm Behav 2014; 66:731-42. [PMID: 25308086 PMCID: PMC4262694 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human aging is characterized by declines in cognition and fine motor function as well as improved emotional regulation. In men, declining levels of testosterone (T) with age have been implicated in the development of these age-related changes. However, studies examining the effects of T replacement on cognition, emotion and fine motor function in older men have not provided consistent results. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are excellent models for human cognitive aging and may provide novel insights on this issue. We tested 10 aged intact male rhesus monkeys (mean age=19, range 15-25) on a battery of cognitive, motor and emotional tasks at baseline and under low or high T experimental conditions. Their performance was compared to that of 6 young males previously tested in the same paradigm (Lacreuse et al., 2009; Lacreuse et al., 2010). Following a 4-week baseline testing period, monkeys were treated with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Depot Lupron, 200 μg/kg) to suppress endogenous T and were tested on the task battery under a 4-week high T condition (injection of Lupron+T enanthate, 20 mg/kg, n=8) or 4-week low T condition (injection of Lupron+oil vehicle, n=8) before crossing over to the opposite treatment. The cognitive tasks consisted of the Delayed Non-Matching-to-Sample (DNMS), the Delayed Response (DR), and the Delayed Recognition Span Test (spatial-DRST). The emotional tasks included an object Approach-Avoidance task and a task in which monkeys were played videos of unfamiliar conspecifics in different emotional context (Social Playbacks). The fine motor task was the Lifesaver task that required monkeys to remove a Lifesaver candy from rods of different complexity. T manipulations did not significantly affect visual recognition memory, working memory, reference memory or fine motor function at any age. In the Approach-Avoidance task, older monkeys, but not younger monkeys, spent more time in proximity of novel objects in the high T condition relative to the low T condition. In both age groups, high T increased watching time of threatening social stimuli in the Social Playbacks. These results suggest that T affects some aspects of emotional processing but has no effect on fine motor function or cognition in young or older male macaques. It is possible that the duration of T treatment was not long enough to affect cognition or fine motor function or that T levels were too high to improve these outcomes. An alternative explanation for the discrepancies of our findings with some of the cognitive and emotional effects of T reported in rodents and humans may be the use of a chemical castration, which reduced circulating gonadotropins in addition to T. Further studies will investigate whether the luteinizing hormone LH mediates the effects of T on brain function in male primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kelly
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, MA 01772, USA; Behavioral Sciences, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg MA 01420, USA
| | | | - Christian M Rose
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Heather E Gore
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Stephen Ferrigno
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Melinda A Novak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, MA 01772, USA
| | - Agnès Lacreuse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Urbanski HF, Sorwell KG, Garyfallou VT, Garten J, Weiss A, Renner L, Neuringer M, Kohama SG. Androgen supplementation during aging: development of a physiologically appropriate protocol. Rejuvenation Res 2014; 17:150-3. [PMID: 24134213 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2013.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Men show an age-related decline in the circulating levels of testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Consequently, there is interest in developing androgen supplementation paradigms for old men that replicate the hormone profiles of young adults. In the present study, we used old (21-26 years old) male rhesus monkeys as a model to examine the efficacy of an androgen supplementation paradigm that comprised oral T administration (12 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in sesame oil/chocolate) in the evening, and two oral DHEA administrations, 3 hr apart (0.04 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in sesame oil/chocolate) in the morning. After 5 days of repeated hormone supplementation, serial blood samples were remotely collected from each animal hourly across the 24-hr day, and assayed for cortisol, DHEAS, T, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), and 17β-estradiol (E2). Following androgen supplementation, T levels were significantly elevated and this was associated with a more sustained nocturnal elevation of T's primary bioactive metabolites, DHT and E1 and E2. Plasma DHEAS levels were also significantly elevated after androgen supplementation; DHEAS levels rose in the early morning and gradually declined during the course of the day, closely mimicking the profiles observed in young adults (7-12 years old); in contrast, cortisol levels were unaltered by the supplementation. Together the data demonstrate a non-invasive androgen supplementation paradigm that restores youthful circulating androgen levels in old male primates. Because this paradigm preserves the natural circulating circadian hormone patterns, we predict that it will produce fewer adverse side effects, such as perturbed sleep or cognitive impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henryk F Urbanski
- 1 Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University , Beaverton, Oregon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sorwell KG, Urbanski HF. Causes and consequences of age-related steroid hormone changes: insights gained from nonhuman primates. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1062-9. [PMID: 23796387 PMCID: PMC3883982 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Similar to humans, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are large, long-lived diurnal primates, and show similar age-related changes in the secretion of many steroid hormones, including oestradiol, testosterone, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Consequently, they represent a pragmatic animal model in which to examine the mechanisms by which these steroidal changes contribute to perturbed sleep-wake cycles and cognitive decline in the elderly. Using remote serial blood sampling, we have found the circulating levels of DHEA sulphate, as well as oestradiol and testosterone, decline markedly in old monkeys. Furthermore, using the real-time polymerase chain reaction, we have shown that the genes for the enzymes associated with the conversion of DHEA to oestradiol and testosterone (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase) are highly expressed in brain areas associated with cognition and behaviour, including the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Taken together, these findings suggest that the administration of supplementary DHEA in the elderly may have therapeutic potential for cognitive and behavioural disorders, although with fewer negative side effects outside of the central nervous system. To test this, we have developed a novel steroid supplementation paradigm for use in old animals; this involves the oral administration of DHEA and testosterone at physiologically relevant times of the day to mimic the circadian hormone patterns observed in young adults. We are currently evaluating the efficacy of this steroid supplementation paradigm with respect to reversing age-associated disorders, including perturbed sleep-wake cycles and cognitive decline, as well as an impaired immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K G Sorwell
- Departments of Neuroscience and Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|