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Wu L, Qu J, Mou L, Liu C. Apigenin improves testosterone synthesis by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117075. [PMID: 38964181 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117075] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing epidemic among reproductive-age men, which can cause and exacerbate male infertility by means of associated comorbidities, endocrine abnormalities, and direct effects on the fidelity and throughput of spermatogenesis. A prominent consequence of male obesity is a reduction in testosterone levels. Natural products have shown tremendous potential anti-obesity effects in metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential of apigenin (AP) to alleviate testicular dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and testosterone synthesis. A murine model of obesity was established using HFD-fed mice. The effects of AP on obesity, lipid metabolism, testicular dysfunction, and ERS were assessed through various physiological, histological, and molecular techniques. Administration of AP (10 mg/kg) ameliorated HFD-induced obesity and testicular dysfunction in a mouse model, as evidenced by decreased body weight, improved lipid profiles and testicular pathology, and restored protein levels related to testosterone. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that AP relieved ERS and recovered testosterone synthesis in murine Leydig cells (TM3) treated with free fatty acids (FFAs). It was also observed that AP rescued testosterone synthesis enzymes in TM3 cells, similar to that observed with the inhibitor of the PERK pathway (GSK2606414). In addition, ChIP, qPCR, and gene silencing showed that the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) bound directly to the promoter region of steroidogenic STAR and negatively modulated its expression. Collectively, AP has remarkable potential to alleviate HFD-induced obesity and testicular dysfunction. Its protective effects are attributable partly to mitigating ERS and restoring testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401120, China; Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 400021, China; Department of Pharmacy, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical School of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, China; Nanchong Key Laboratory of Individualized Drug Therapy, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, China
| | - Jiayuan Qu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Li Mou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Changjiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401120, China.
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Ortiz-Vallecillo A, Santamaría-López E, García-Ruiz D, Martín-Lozano D, Candenas L, Pinto FM, Fernández-Sánchez M, González-Ravina C. Influence of BMI, Cigarette Smoking and Cryopreservation on Tyrosine Phosphorylation during Sperm Capacitation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7582. [PMID: 39062825 PMCID: PMC11276716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147582] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Capacitation involves tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) as a key marker. Lifestyle-related factors, such as obesity and smoking, are recognized for their adverse effects on semen quality and male fertility, yet the underlying mechanisms, including their potential impact on TP, remain unclear. Moreover, the effect of sperm cryopreservation on TP at the human sperm population level is unexplored. Flow cytometry analysis of global TP was performed on pre-capacitated, post-capacitated and 1- and 3-hours' incubated fresh and frozen-thawed samples from sperm donors (n = 40). Neither being overweight nor smoking (or both) significantly affected the percentage of sperm showing TP. However, elevated BMI and smoking intensity correlated with heightened basal TP levels (r = 0.226, p = 0.003) and heightened increase in TP after 3 h of incubation (r = 0.185, p = 0.017), respectively. Cryopreservation resulted in increased global TP levels after capacitation but not immediately after thawing. Nonetheless, most donors' thawed samples showed increased TP levels before and after capacitation as well as after incubation. Additionally, phosphorylation patterns in fresh and frozen-thawed samples were similar, indicating consistent sample response to capacitation stimuli despite differences in TP levels. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential impacts of lifestyle factors and cryopreservation on the dynamics of global TP levels during capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ortiz-Vallecillo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106-Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.O.-V.); (C.G.-R.)
| | | | - Diego García-Ruiz
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106-Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.O.-V.); (C.G.-R.)
| | - David Martín-Lozano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Calle Américo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Seville, Spain; (D.M.-L.); (L.C.); (F.M.P.)
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Calle Américo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Seville, Spain; (D.M.-L.); (L.C.); (F.M.P.)
| | - Francisco M. Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Calle Américo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Seville, Spain; (D.M.-L.); (L.C.); (F.M.P.)
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- VIDA RECOLETAS Seville, Calle Américo Vespucio, 19, 41092 Seville, Spain;
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Sánchez Pizjuán, S/N, 41009 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera, 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina González-Ravina
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106-Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.O.-V.); (C.G.-R.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera, 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
- IVI-RMA Global Headquarters, Calle Américo Vespucio, 5, 41092 Seville, Spain
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Babenko AN, Krepkova LV, Borovkova MV, Kuzina OS, Mkhitarov VA, Job KM, Enioutina EY. Effects of Chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.) Extract on Male Rat Reproductive System, Pregnancy and Offspring Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:700. [PMID: 38931367 PMCID: PMC11206608 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060700] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported that extract prepared from the aerial part of Cichorium intybus L. (CE) possesses hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. This paper focuses on the effects of CE on the male rat reproductive system and the effects of this treatment on pregnancy and offspring development. METHODS The experimental male rats received 100 mg/kg bw/day, 500 mg/kg bw/day, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day of CE orally for 60 consecutive days. Rats that received tap water were used as controls. After treatment, we evaluated the effects of CE on the male reproductive system, fertility, and offspring development. RESULTS For CE-treated male rats, there was a significant increase in the (1) diameter of seminiferous tubules, (2) spermatogenic index, (3) number of total and motile spermatozoa, and (4) testosterone levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in the pre- and post-implantation death of the embryos in the CE-treated group. All pups born from CE-treated males demonstrated normal development. CONCLUSIONS CE treatment significantly improved male reproductive functions. No adverse effects on pregnancy and offspring development were observed when males were treated with CE. Further clinical evaluation of CE should lead to the development of a safe and effective phytodrug for treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N. Babenko
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | - Lubov V. Krepkova
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | - Marina V. Borovkova
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | - Olga S. Kuzina
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | | | - Kathleen M. Job
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
| | - Elena Y. Enioutina
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
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Dong J, Tong X, Xu J, Pan M, Wang L, Xu F, Wang Y, Li L, Wang T. Metformin improves obesity-related oligoasthenospermia via regulating the expression of HSL in testis in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176388. [PMID: 38367685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176388] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Researches have proposed that obesity might contribute to development of oligoasthenospermia. This study was performed to confirm whether obesity contributes to oligoasthenospermia as well as the underlying mechanisms in mice fed with a high fat diet (HFD). Meanwhile, the actions of metformin, a drug of well-known weight-lowering effect, on sperm quality in obese mice were investigated. Our results showed that HFD feeding reduced sperm quality and steroid hormone levels in mice, associated with disruptions in testicular histomorphology and spermatogenesis. Moreover, obesity increased sperm apoptosis. These effects could be prevented by metformin treatment in HFD-fed mice. Mechanistically, an increasement in lipid contents associated with decreased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) protein expression in testes in HFD-fed mice was observed, which could be improved by metformin treatment. Then, the model of TM4 mouse Sertoli cells stimulated with palmitic acid (PA) was used to investigate the potential effect of lipid retention on testicular apoptosis and sperm quality reduction. In consistent, PA exposure elevated lipid contents as well as apoptosis in TM4 cells, which could also be improved by metformin treatment. Of note, the protein expression of HSL was reduced stimulated by PA in TM4 cells, also rescued by metformin. Then, anti-apoptosis effect of metformin would be lost with the deficiency of HSL. In summary, our study propose that obesity contributes to oligoasthenospermia by increasing sperm apoptosis induced by impaired lipid hydrolysis due to HSL down-regulation, which could be prevented with metformin treatment via regulating the expression of HSL in testis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Dong
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Xiaohui Tong
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Yajuan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Tongsheng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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Varnum AA, Pozzi E, Deebel NA, Evans A, Eid N, Sadeghi-Nejad H, Ramasamy R. Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Male Reproductive Health-A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:50. [PMID: 38256311 PMCID: PMC10820247 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and objective-Obesity is a prevalent health concern that notably impairs male fertility through hormonal disruptions and other pathophysiological alterations. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can significantly reduce weight. This narrative review synthesizes the existing literature discussing the impact of glucagon-like peptide-GLP-1 RAs on the male reproductive system, particularly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis, highlighting their potential impact on male fertility. Material and methods-PubMed database was used for the retrieval of English-language articles published up to November 2023. This non-systematic literature review predominantly concentrates on both pre-clinical and clinical studies pertaining to GLP-1 RAs, specifically exploring their impact on male reproductive hormones and sperm parameters. Results-GLP-1 receptors have been identified within the male reproductive system according to the existing literature. While the exact mechanisms are not well understood, they appear to be involved in glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism, both vital processes in spermatogenesis. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of GLP-1 RAs for promoting weight loss. Recent studies show that the use of GLP-1 RAs in obese males may enhance sperm metabolism, motility, and insulin secretion in vitro, along with positive effects on the human Sertoli cells. Recent clinical trials discussed in this review demonstrate weight loss associated with GLP-1 RAs is correlated with improvements in sperm count, concentration, and motility. However, the direct impact of GLP-1 RAs on male reproductive hormones remains unclear, necessitating further research to confirm their potential role in treating male infertility. Conclusions-This narrative review summarizes the existing literature discussing the potential impact of GLP-1 RA on the male reproductive system, emphasizing their potential therapeutic role in addressing idiopathic infertility in obese men. Despite numerous studies exploring the influence of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on reproductive hormones, testicular function, and spermatogenesis, further clinical trials are crucial to validate initial evidence. Longer follow-up periods are essential to address uncertainties regarding the long-term repercussions and outcomes of GLP-1 RA use. While this holds true, the current literature suggests that GLP-1RAs show promise as a potential therapeutic approach for improving sperm parameters in obese men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Aponte Varnum
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.A.V.); (E.P.); (A.E.)
| | - Edoardo Pozzi
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.A.V.); (E.P.); (A.E.)
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicholas Allen Deebel
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA;
| | - Aymara Evans
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.A.V.); (E.P.); (A.E.)
| | - Nathalie Eid
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.E.); (H.S.-N.)
| | | | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.A.V.); (E.P.); (A.E.)
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LaPointe S, Mehta A, Gaskins AJ. Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1089-1097. [PMID: 37838140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.013] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Diet and lifestyle interventions present promising avenues for the improvement of male fertility. Our objective was to review and synthesize the existing observational and experimental studies among humans on the associations of diet and recreational drug use with semen quality and fertility outcomes. The available data on this topic are limited and, at times, conflicting. Nevertheless, on the basis of this review, dietary patterns that are composed of higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lower intakes of red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as having the strongest evidence for associations with better sperm quality. However, whether these dietary patterns translate into positive associations with clinical fertility endpoints such as assisted reproductive technology success rates or time-to-pregnancy among couples trying to conceive without medical assistance remains unclear. Male caffeine and alcohol intake, within low-to-moderate ranges of intake, do not appear to be detrimental to semen quality. Yet high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility endpoints, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to be beneficial for male reproductive health and should be avoided or ceased. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lacking in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid recreational drug use for improved male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah LaPointe
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
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