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Li Y, Zhou Y, Ma T, Dai J, Li H, Pan Q, Luo W. Research progress on the role of autophagy in the development of varicocele. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100894. [PMID: 38776742 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100894] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is a common cause of infertility in men. Pathophysiological changes caused by VC, such as testicular hypoxia, high temperatures, oxidative stress, abnormal reproductive hormones, and Cd accumulation, can induce autophagy, thus affecting the reproductive function in patients with this condition. Autophagy regulators can be classified as activators or inhibitors. Autophagy activators upregulate autophagy, reduce the damage to the testis and epididymis, inhibit spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and protect fertility. In contrast, autophagy inhibitors block autophagy and aggravate the damage to the reproductive functions. Therefore, elucidating the role of autophagy in the occurrence, development, and regulation of VC may provide additional therapeutic options for men with infertility and VC. In this review, we briefly describe the progress made in autophagy research in the context of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Li
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianzhong Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaze Dai
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Pan
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenying Luo
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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Hekim N, Gunes S, Ergun S, Barhan EN, Asci R. Investigation of sperm hsa-mir-145-5p and MLH1 expressions, seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation in varicocele. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:588. [PMID: 38683237 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09534-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms by which varicocele causes infertility are not clear and few studies have reported that some miRNAs show expression alterations in men with varicocele. Recently, sperm promoter methylation of MLH1 has been shown to be higher in men diagnosed with varicocele. This study aimed to assess the potential effects of miR-145, which was determined to target MLH1 mRNA in silico on sperm quality and function in varicocele. METHODS Sperm miR-145 and MLH1 expressions of six infertile men with varicocele (Group 1), nine idiopathic infertile men (Group 2), and nine fertile men (control group) were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated by TUNEL and the levels of seminal oxidative damage and total antioxidant capacity were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS Our results have shown that sperm expression of miR-145 was decreased in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (P = 0.029). MLH1 expression was significantly higher in Group 2 than the controls (P = 0.048). Total antioxidant level and sperm DNA fragmentations of Group 1 and Group 2 were decreased (P = 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). Total antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (ρ = 0.475, P = 0.019), total sperm count (ρ = 0.427, P = 0.037), motility (ρ = 0.716, P < 0.0001) and normal morphological forms (ρ = 0.613, P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with the seminal oxidative damage (ρ=-0.829, P = 0.042) in varicocele patients. CONCLUSION This is the first study investigating the expressions of sperm miR-145 and MLH1 in varicocele patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential effect of miR-145 on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Hekim
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, 55139, Turkey.
- Graduate Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, 55139, Turkey
- Graduate Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sercan Ergun
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, 55139, Turkey
- Graduate Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Elzem Nisa Barhan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, 55139, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Asci
- Graduate Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Hu J, Wu J, Liu X, Zhang Y, Mo L, Liu L, Liu S, Ou C, He Y. Hypoxia enhances autophagy level of human sperms. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8465. [PMID: 38605082 PMCID: PMC11009268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between oxygen sensing and autophagy in human sperms was explored in this study. Health semen and asthenozoospermia (astheno) semen were incubated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) interferents, i.e., lificiguat (YC-1) or cobalt chloride (CoCl2), respectively. Label-free quantitative proteomic technology was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins in human semen under the hypoxia condition. Selected proteins were detected with ELISA. It was found that the autophagy levels of sperm in the YC-1 + health group or CoCl2 + astheno group increased while the vitality decreased. A total of 17, 34 and 35 differentially expressed proteins were observed in the Astheno group, the YC-1 + health group and the CoCl2 + astheno group, respectively. These proteins were primarily associated with protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, Th17 cell differentiation, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, HIF-1 signaling pathway, biosynthesis of amino acids, and carbon metabolism. The expression levels of protein HIF-1α, LC3B, histone H4, cathepsin L and ENO1 changed significantly in the groups. The study suggests that hypoxia can increase sperm autophagy level and reduce their vitality through HIF-1 signaling pathway and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway. Furthermore, proteins histone H4, cathepsin L, glutathione synthetase and ENO1 are proposed as potential biomarkers of autophagy and vitality in asthenozoospermia sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiwei Wu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinge Liu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Linfeng Mo
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
- Medicine and Health Science College, Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangzhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengxue Liu
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Yiwu Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaoyan Ou
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yonghua He
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China.
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Munoz-Lopez C, Wong A, Lewis K, Bole R, Vij SC, Lundy SD. The Evolving Landscape of Male Varicocele Pathophysiology in the Era of Multi-Omics: A Narrative Review of the Current Literature. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:80. [PMID: 38392299 PMCID: PMC10886418 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Male-factor infertility is implicated in over half of the millions of cases of infertility worldwide, and varicoceles are the most common correctable cause of male-factor infertility. The pathophysiologic mechanism for varicoceles is complex and next-generation technologies offer promising insights into the molecular underpinnings of this condition. In this narrative review, we highlight historical and contemporary paradigms associated with varicoceles, with an emphasis on the biological underpinnings of this disease. Specifically, we review the literature describing the underlying causes of varicoceles, discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms causing pathological changes in some (but not all) men, and highlight key articles regarding the next-generation analyses (e.g., transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and microbiome) being applied to better understand the condition and its treatment. These data demonstrate an ongoing evolution of the knowledge of varicoceles and the potential for improved personalized care in the future for men with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Munoz-Lopez
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anne Wong
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kieran Lewis
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Raevti Bole
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sarah C Vij
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Huyghe E, Methorst C, Faix A. [Varicocele and male infertility]. Prog Urol 2023; 33:624-635. [PMID: 38012908 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.003] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility. It was the subject of recent Association française d'urologie (AFU) Comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle (CAMS) recommendations. Since then, the literature has provided additional information. This review will comprehensively reassess current indications for the treatment of varicocele, and revisit contemporary issues in the light of current advances. METHODS Update of the literature search carried out as part of the CAMS recommendations for the period between 2020 and 2023. RESULTS Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy remains the surgical treatment of choice for infertile men with clinical varicocele and abnormal sperm parameters. It offers recurrence rates of less than 4%. It significantly improves both natural and in vitro fertilization live birth and pregnancy rates, as well as sperm count, total and progressive motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation rates. All in all, it modifies the MPA strategy in around one in two cases. Varicocele grade and bilaterality are predictive of improved sperm parameters and pregnancy rate. Treatment of subclinical varicocele is not recommended. Complications are rare, notably hydroceles (0.5%), unilateral testicular atrophy due to arterial damage (1/1000), hematomas, delayed healing and postoperative pain. Retrograde embolization is an alternative to surgery. CONCLUSION Whenever possible, the urologist should present and discuss treatment options for varicocele with the MPA team and the patient, taking a personalized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, hôpital de Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; UMR DEFE, Inserm 1203, université de Toulouse, université de Montpellier, Toulouse, France.
| | - C Methorst
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital des Quatre Villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - A Faix
- Clinique Saint-Roch, 560, avenue du Colonel-Pavelet-dit-Villars, 34000 Montpellier, France
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Freni J, Pallio G, Marini HR, Micali A, Irrera N, Romeo C, Puzzolo D, Mannino F, Minutoli L, Pirrotta I, Scarfone A, Antonuccio P. Positive Effects of the Nutraceutical Association of Lycopene and Selenium in Experimental Varicocele. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13526. [PMID: 37686330 PMCID: PMC10488142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713526] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Many natural substances commonly found in healthy diets have been studied for their potential to reduce male infertility associated with varicocele. A positive role of selenium (Se) or lycopene alone was demonstrated in experimental varicocele, while no data are available on their association. One group of male Sprague-Dawley rats was sham operated and daily treated with Se (3 mg/kg, i.p.), lycopene (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or their association. A second group underwent surgery to induce varicocele. Sham and half of the varicocele animals were sacrificed after twenty-eight days, while the residual animals were treated for one more month and then sacrificed. In varicocele animals, testosterone levels and testes weight were reduced, Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression was absent in the tubules and increased in Leydig cells, caspare-3 was increased, seminiferous epithelium showed evident structural changes, and many apoptotic germ cells were demonstrated with TUNEL assay. The treatment with lycopene or Se alone significantly increased testis weight and testosterone levels, reduced apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, improved the tubular organization, decreased HIF-1α positivity of Leydig cells, and restored its tubular positivity. Lycopene or Se association showed a better influence on all biochemical and morphological parameters. Therefore, the nutraceutical association of lycopene plus Se might be considered a possible therapeutic tool, together with surgery, in the treatment of male infertility. However, long-term experimental and clinical studies are necessary to evaluate sperm quantity and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Freni
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (J.F.); (D.P.)
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Herbert Ryan Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Human Adult and Childhood Pathology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (C.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Carmelo Romeo
- Department of Human Adult and Childhood Pathology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (C.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (J.F.); (D.P.)
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Igor Pirrotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandro Scarfone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (H.R.M.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (I.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Pietro Antonuccio
- Department of Human Adult and Childhood Pathology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (C.R.); (P.A.)
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Wu J, Wang X, Chen L, Wang J, Zhang J, Tang J, Ji Y, Song J, Wang L, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Li T, Sheng J, Chen D, Zhang Q, Liang T. Oxygen microcapsules improve immune checkpoint blockade by ameliorating hypoxia condition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Bioact Mater 2023; 20:259-270. [PMID: 35702611 PMCID: PMC9168385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Lv D, Ji Y, Zhang Q, Shi Z, Chen T, Zhang C, Wang X, Ren T, Gao Z, Zhong C. Mailuoshutong pill for varicocele-associated male infertility—Phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:961011. [PMID: 36160417 PMCID: PMC9500298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.961011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Varicocele (VC) is a relatively common and treatable cause of male infertility. Mailuoshutong pill (MLST), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used for treating varicose vein disease, but the underlying mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility is unclear. Objective: To reveal the phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility. Methods: The components in MLST were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS. Through network analysis, we constructed the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network and predicted the potential biological functions and signaling pathways of MLST. Finally, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of MLST were discovered by pharmacological experiments. Results: By network analysis, the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network was constructed, 62 components such as apigenin, limonin, kaempferol, and obacunoic acid may be the main active components of MLST for varicocele-associated male infertility, 28 targets such as VEGFA, PIK3CA, AKT1, and MTOR are considered as hub targets, signaling pathways such as HIF-1, Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR may be key pathways for MLST against varicocele-associated male infertility. Through pharmacological experiments, we found that MLST ameliorated VC-induced testicular atrophy. Further histomorphology showed that MLST reduced VC-induced damage to testicular spermatogonia and seminiferous tubule, while MLST reduced ROS and MDA levels and increased antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT) levels. TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence showed that MLST reduced VC-induced apoptosis in testicular tissue, decreased BAX, and increased BCL2. Western blot results showed that MLST decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins, and decreased the expression of HIF1α. Conclusion: The phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility were discovered using network analysis and pharmacological experiments. We verified that MLST can inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the expression of HIF1α, and further attenuate VC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis. These findings provide evidence for the therapeutic role of MLST in varicocele-associated male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Lv
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Ji
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuozhuo Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyun Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Taotao Ren
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaowang Gao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chongfu Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chongfu Zhong,
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Babaei A, Asadpour R, Mansouri K, Sabrivand A, Kazemi‐Darabadi S. Lycopene improves testicular damage and sperm quality in experimentally induced varicocele: Relationship with apoptosis, hypoxia, and hyperthermia. Food Sci Nutr 2022; 10:1469-1480. [PMID: 35592276 PMCID: PMC9094497 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2762] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is considered the main reason for male infertility. Antioxidants are common drugs used to reduce the complications of varicocele in these patients. So, we investigated the effects of lycopene on sperm quality, testicular histology, and the expression of some genes in experimentally induced varicocele. Fifty adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 12), sham (n = 5), and varicocele (n = 33) groups. After 2 months of induced varicocele, five rats were randomly sacrificed and induced varicocele was investigated in each group. Finally, 35 rats were divided into five groups: the control, varicocele, varicocele reserving solvent, and varicocele reserving lycopene (4 and 10 mg/kg) for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, sperm viability, membrane integrity, the expression of Bax, Bcl2, hypoxia (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α [HIF1‐α]), heat‐shock protein (heat‐shock protein A2 [HSPA2]) genes, and the histology of testes were measured. The results showed a significant decrease in the sperm viability, membrane integrity, Johnson's score, and the expression of the Bcl2 gene in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in Bax, HSPA2, and HIF1‐α expressions in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Although the administration of lycopene (10 mg/kg) in rats with varicocele improved sperm viability and membrane integrity, Johnson's score, and Bax expression compared to the varicocele group. Our findings indicated that the administration of lycopene in the varicocele group improved sperm quality and testicular injury induced by varicocele via decreasing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Babaei
- Department of Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TabrizTabrizIran
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TabrizTabrizIran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research CenterHealth Technology InstituteKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Adel Sabrivand
- Department of Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TabrizTabrizIran
| | - Siamak Kazemi‐Darabadi
- Department of Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TabrizTabrizIran
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