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Khan MZ, Khan A, Huang B, Wei R, Kou X, Wang X, Chen W, Li L, Zahoor M, Wang C. Bioactive Compounds Protect Mammalian Reproductive Cells from Xenobiotics and Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Distress via Nrf2 Signaling Activation: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:597. [PMID: 38790702 PMCID: PMC11118937 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. It poses a significant threat to the physiological function of reproductive cells. Factors such as xenobiotics and heat can worsen this stress, leading to cellular damage and apoptosis, ultimately decreasing reproductive efficiency. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress and protecting reproductive cells via enhancing antioxidant responses. Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been associated with infertility and suboptimal reproductive performance in mammals. Recent advancements in therapeutic interventions have underscored the critical role of Nrf2 in mitigating oxidative damage and restoring the functional integrity of reproductive cells. In this narrative review, we delineate the harmful effects of heat and xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress on reproductive cells and explain how Nrf2 signaling provides protection against these challenges. Recent studies have shown that activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway using various bioactive compounds can ameliorate heat stress and xenobiotic-induced oxidative distress and apoptosis in mammalian reproductive cells. By comprehensively analyzing the existing literature, we propose Nrf2 as a key therapeutic target for mitigating oxidative damage and apoptosis in reproductive cells caused by exposure to xenobiotic exposure and heat stress. Additionally, based on the synthesis of these findings, we discuss the potential of therapies focused on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve mammalian reproductive efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Adnan Khan
- Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 511464, China
| | - Bingjian Huang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Ren Wei
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Xiyan Kou
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien, 90372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Changfa Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
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Bi F, Xiang H, Li J, Sun J, Wang N, Gao W, Sun M, Huan Y. Astaxanthin enhances the development of bovine cloned embryos by inhibiting apoptosis and improving DNA methylation reprogramming of pluripotency genes. Theriogenology 2023; 209:193-201. [PMID: 37423043 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Low cloning efficiency limits the wide application of somatic cell nuclear transfer technology. Apoptosis and incomplete DNA methylation reprogramming of pluripotency genes are considered as the main causes for low cloning efficiency. Astaxanthin (AST), a powerfully antioxidative and antiapoptotic carotenoid, is recently shown to improve the development of early embryos, however, the potential role of AST during the development of cloned embryos remains unclear. This study displayed that treating cloned embryos with AST significantly increased the blastocyst rate and total blastocyst cell number in a concentration dependent manner, and also alleviated the damage of H2O2 to the development of cloned embryos. In addition, compared with the control group, AST significantly reduced the apoptotic cell number and rate in cloned blastocysts, and the significantly upregulated expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2l1 and antioxidative genes (Sod1 and Gpx4) and downregulated transcription of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, P53 and Caspase3) were observed in the AST group. Moreover, AST treatment facilitated DNA demethylation of pluripotency genes (Pou5f1, Nanog and Sox2), in accompany with the improved transcription levels of DNA methylation reprogramming genes (Tet1, Tet3, Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b) in cloned embryos, and then, the significantly upregulated expression levels of embryo development related genes including Pou5f1, Nanog, Sox2 and Cdx2 were observed in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, these results revealed that astaxanthin enhanced the developmental potential of bovine cloned embryos by inhibiting apoptosis and improving DNA methylation reprogramming of pluripotency genes, and provided a promising approach to improve cloning efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Bi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongxiao Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ning Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenju Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingju Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanjun Huan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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Abd El-Hay RI, Hamed WHE, Mostafa Omar N, Refat El-Bassouny D, Gawish SA. The impact of busulfan on the testicular structure in prepubertal rats: A histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study. Ultrastruct Pathol 2023; 47:424-450. [PMID: 37455400 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2023.2234470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Busulfan is a widely used cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Temporary or permanent sterility in male patients is one of the most common side effects of this drug. The present study was performed to evaluate the changes in the microscopic structure of the testes of prepubertal rats, as well as the changes in PCNA and caspase-3 immune expression, at different durations after busulfan administration. The rats were 5 weeks old and were divided into two main groups. Control group and busulfan treated group. Busulfan treated group received a single dose of busulfan (40 mg/kg), then animals were subdivided to three subgroups; IIa, IIb, IIc which were sacrificed after four, ten and twenty weeks, respectively, from the beginning of the experiment. Light and electron microscopic studies were done. Serum testosterone level and relative testes weight were assessed. Immunohistochemical staining for anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and anti-caspase-3 antigen was also done. Morphometric and statistical studies were carried out. Group II revealed histological and ultrastructural degenerative changes including congested blood vessels and degenerated spermatogenic epithelium, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. These changes were more evident after 10 weeks of busulfan administration and were accompanied by absence of mature sperms in the lumen of seminiferous tubules. These changes were associated with a significant reduction in relative testes weight, testosterone level, germinal epithelial height and seminiferous tubule diameter. Moreover, PCNA and caspase-3 immune expression was significantly altered in busulfan treated group. Mild improvement in testicular structure was observed 20 weeks after busulfan treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Ibrahim Abd El-Hay
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Walaa H E Hamed
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nesreen Mostafa Omar
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Dalia Refat El-Bassouny
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Salwa A Gawish
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Wang B, Wang Y, Chen Y, Sun X, Xu J, Zhu J, Zhang Y. Red-Fleshed Apple Flavonoids Extract Alleviates Male Reproductive Injury Caused by Busulfan in Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3288. [PMID: 37571225 PMCID: PMC10420934 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this research, we analyzed the protective effects of red-fleshed apple flavonoid extracts (RAFEs) on male reproductive injury induced by busulfan, using both in vitro and in vivo models. In the cell-based experiments, RAFEs significantly improved cell viability and proliferation rates compared to control groups. Similarly, in vivo testing with male mice showed that RAFEs and whole apple flavonoid extracts (WAFEs) enhanced various biochemical and liver function-related indicators in the testes; however, RAFEs demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating testicular damage. Through immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting, we found that RAFEs notably enhanced the expression of spermatogenesis-related genes. Moreover, RAFEs increased the expression of oxidative stress- and apoptosis-related genes, thereby effectively reducing oxidative damage in the testes. These findings highlight the potential of RAFEs as natural agents for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive injury, paving the way for future research and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (B.W.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (J.Z.)
- China Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (B.W.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yizhou Chen
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (B.W.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (X.S.); (J.X.)
| | - Jihua Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (X.S.); (J.X.)
| | - Jun Zhu
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (B.W.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yugang Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (B.W.); (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (J.Z.)
- China Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Academy of Dongying Efficient Agricultural Technology and Industry on Saline and Alkaline Land in Collaboration with Qingdao Agricultural University, Dongying 257300, China
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Afzali A, Nazari H, Ahmadi E, Davoodian N, Amidi F, Taheri F, Bashiri Z, Kadivar A, Nemati Dehkordi M. The protective effects of astaxanthin on pre-antral follicle degeneration in ovine vitrified/warmed ovarian tissue. Cryobiology 2023:S0011-2240(23)00024-X. [PMID: 36925029 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.03.002] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the protective effects of astaxanthin (AST) against vitrification/warming-induced cryoinjuries of ovarian tissue slices in sheep. Cortical slices of slaughterhouse acquired-ovine ovaries were randomly distributed in different groups: fresh, toxicity, and five vitrification groups including vitrification in presence of 0 (control group), 1, 10 and 100 μM astaxanthin or 100 μM vitamin E. After vitrification/warming and 24 h culturing, the samples were subjected to histological studies, antioxidant evaluation by TAC and TBAR assays, and assessment of relative expression of BMP4, BMP15, GDF9 and KITLG genes related to folliculogenesis and follicular growth regulation. According to the results, vitrification reduced the percentage of morphologically intact follicles compared to the fresh and toxicity groups (p < 0.05). In vitrification groups, vitamin E and all three concentrations of AST increased the percentage of intact pre-antral follicles and antioxidant activity relative to the vitrified control (p < 0.05). This enhancement significantly occurred in 10 μM AST group more than vitamin E (p < 0.05). Also, 10 μM concentration of AST enhanced the expression of all the examined genes compared to the control (p < 0.05), while the expression of BMP4, BMP15 and KITLG was higher in the AST than vitamin E (p < 0.05). The latter could increase only the expression of GDF9 compared to the control group (p = 0.011). In conclusion, AST is a highly effective antioxidant for maintaining the survival of pre-antral follicles, retaining cell density, increasing total antioxidant capacity, and increasing the expression of some genes related to follicular development after short-term culture of vitrified/warmed ovarian tissue slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azita Afzali
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hassan Nazari
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Ebrahim Ahmadi
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Najmeh Davoodian
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Taheri
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Bashiri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Omid Fertility and Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Ali Kadivar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati Dehkordi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Xiang D, Jia B, Zhang B, Liang J, Hong Q, Wei H, Wu G. Astaxanthin Supplementation Improves the Subsequent Developmental Competence of Vitrified Porcine Zygotes. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:871289. [PMID: 35433903 PMCID: PMC9011099 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.871289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of embryos has been confirmed to cause oxidative stress as a factor responsible for impaired developmental competence. Currently, astaxanthin (Ax) raises considerable interest as a strong exogenous antioxidant and for its potential in reproductive biology. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Ax supplementation during in vitro culture of vitrified porcine zygotes and the possible underlying mechanisms. First, the parthenogenetic zygotes were submitted to vitrification and then cultured in the medium added with various concentrations of Ax (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 μM). Supplementation of 1.5 μM Ax achieved the highest blastocyst yield and was considered as the optimal concentration. This concentration also improved the blastocyst formation rate of vitrified cloned zygotes. Moreover, the vitrified parthenogenetic zygotes cultured with Ax exhibited significantly increased mRNA expression of CDX2, SOD2, and GPX4 in their blastocysts. We further analyzed oxidative stress, mitochondrial and lysosomal function in the 4-cell embryos and blastocysts derived from parthenogenetic zygotes. For the 4-cell embryos, vitrification disturbed the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH), and the activities of mitochondria, lysosome and cathepsin B, and Ax supplementation could fully or partially rescue these values. The blastocysts obtained from vitrified zygotes showed significantly reduced ATP content and elevated cathepsin B activity, which also was recovered by Ax supplementation. There were no significant differences in other parameters mentioned above for the resultant blastocysts. Furthermore, the addition of Ax significantly enhanced mitochondrial activity and reduced lysosomal activity in resultant blastocysts. In conclusion, these findings revealed that Ax supplementation during the culture period improved subsequent embryonic development and quality of porcine zygotes after vitrification and might be used to ameliorate the recovery culture condition for vitrified embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decai Xiang
- National Regional Genebank (Yunnan) of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Baoyu Jia
- Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation in Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- National Regional Genebank (Yunnan) of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Jiachong Liang
- National Regional Genebank (Yunnan) of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Qionghua Hong
- National Regional Genebank (Yunnan) of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation in Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- National Regional Genebank (Yunnan) of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Guoquan Wu
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