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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Jia X, Hoskins TD, Lu L, Han Y, Zhang X, Lin H, Shen L, Feng Y, Zheng Y, Hu C, Zhang H. Microcystin-LR Induces Estrogenic Effects at Environmentally Relevant Concentration in Black-Spotted Pond Frogs ( Pelophylax nigromaculatus): In Situ, In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Investigations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9559-9569. [PMID: 38710655 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are frequent and intense worldwide, creating hazards for aquatic biodiversity. The potential estrogen-like effect of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a growing concern. In this study, we assessed the estrogenic potency of MC-LR in black-spotted frogs through combined field and laboratory approaches. In 13 bloom areas of Zhejiang province, China, the MC-LR concentrations in water ranged from 0.87 to 8.77 μg/L and were correlated with sex hormone profiles in frogs, suggesting possible estrogenic activity of MC-LR. Tadpoles exposed to 1 μg/L, an environmentally relevant concentration, displayed a female-biased sex ratio relative to controls. Transcriptomic results revealed that MC-LR induces numerous and complex effects on gene expression across multiple endocrine axes. In addition, exposure of male adults significantly increased the estradiol (E2)/testosterone (T) ratio by 3.5-fold relative to controls. Downregulation of genes related to male reproductive endocrine function was also identified. We also showed how MC-LR enhances the expression of specific estrogen receptor (ER) proteins, which induce estrogenic effects by activating the ER pathway and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In aggregate, our results reveal multiple lines of evidence demonstrating that, for amphibians, MC-LR is an estrogenic endocrine disruptor at environmentally relevant concentrations. The data presented here support the need for a shift in the MC-LR risk assessment. While hepatoxicity has historically been the focus of MC-LR risk assessments, our data clearly demonstrate that estrogenicity is a major mode of toxicity at environmental levels and that estrogenic effects should be considered for risk assessments on MC-LR going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiquan Liu
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Xiuying Jia
- Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Tyler D Hoskins
- Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Liping Lu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yu Han
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Huikang Lin
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Lilai Shen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yixuan Feng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yueyue Zheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Chao Hu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
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Blaustein MP, Hamlyn JM. Sensational site: the sodium pump ouabain-binding site and its ligands. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1120-C1177. [PMID: 38223926 PMCID: PMC11193536 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00273.2023] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids (CTS), used by certain insects, toads, and rats for protection from predators, became, thanks to Withering's trailblazing 1785 monograph, the mainstay of heart failure (HF) therapy. In the 1950s and 1960s, we learned that the CTS receptor was part of the sodium pump (NKA) and that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was critical for the acute cardiotonic effect of digoxin- and ouabain-related CTS. This "settled" view was upended by seven revolutionary observations. First, subnanomolar ouabain sometimes stimulates NKA while higher concentrations are invariably inhibitory. Second, endogenous ouabain (EO) was discovered in the human circulation. Third, in the DIG clinical trial, digoxin only marginally improved outcomes in patients with HF. Fourth, cloning of NKA in 1985 revealed multiple NKA α and β subunit isoforms that, in the rodent, differ in their sensitivities to CTS. Fifth, the NKA is a cation pump and a hormone receptor/signal transducer. EO binding to NKA activates, in a ligand- and cell-specific manner, several protein kinase and Ca2+-dependent signaling cascades that have widespread physiological effects and can contribute to hypertension and HF pathogenesis. Sixth, all CTS are not equivalent, e.g., ouabain induces hypertension in rodents while digoxin is antihypertensinogenic ("biased signaling"). Seventh, most common rodent hypertension models require a highly ouabain-sensitive α2 NKA and the elevated blood pressure is alleviated by EO immunoneutralization. These numerous phenomena are enabled by NKA's intricate structure. We have just begun to understand the endocrine role of the endogenous ligands and the broad impact of the ouabain-binding site on physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mordecai P Blaustein
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - John M Hamlyn
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Pei S, Wang Z, Liu Y, Xu Y, Bai J, Li W, Li F, Yue X. Transcriptomic analysis of the HPG axis-related tissues reveals potential candidate genes and regulatory pathways associated with testicular size in Hu sheep. Theriogenology 2024; 216:168-176. [PMID: 38185016 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.002] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Testicular size is an excellent proxy for selecting high-fertility rams. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis plays an important role in regulating reproductive capacity in vertebrates, while key genes and regulatory pathways within the HPG axis associated with testicular size remain largely unknown in sheep. This study comprehensively compared the transcriptomic profiles in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis of rams after sexual maturity between the large-testis group (LTG, testicular weight = 454.29 ± 54.24 g) and the small-testis group (STG, testicular weight = 77.29 ± 10.76 g). In total, 914, 795 and 10518 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis between LTG and STG, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the biological processes of reproduction, biological regulation, and development process. Notably, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and cAMP signaling pathways, commonly enriched by the DEGs in the hypothalamus and pituitary between two groups, were considered as two key signal pathways regulating testicular development through the HPGs axis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified two modules that were significantly associated with testicular size, and 97 key genes were selected with high module membership (MM) and gene significance (GS) in these two modules. Finally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and ten genes with the highest degree were represented as hub genes, including FOS, NPY, SST, F2, AGT, NTS, OXT, EDN1, VIP and TAC1. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the HPG axis regulating testicular size of Hu sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Yangkai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Yanli Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Quality Standards, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830057, China
| | - Jingjing Bai
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Extension Station of Wuwei City, Wuwei, 733000, China
| | - Wanhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Fadi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Xiangpeng Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China.
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Zheng X, Guo C, Lv Z, Li J, Jiang H, Li S, Yu L, Zhang Z. Novel findings from arsenic‑lead combined exposure in mouse testicular TM4 Sertoli cells based on transcriptomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169611. [PMID: 38157908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) exist widespread in daily life, and they are common harmful substances in the environment. As and Pb pollute the environment more often in combination than in isolation. The TM4 Sertoli cell line is one of the most common normal mouse testicular Sertoli cell lines. In vitro, we found that the type of combined action of As and Pb on TM4 Sertoli cells was additive action by using the isobologram analysis. To further investigate the combined toxicity of As and Pb, we performed mRNA and miRNA sequencing on TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to As alone (4 μM NaAsO2) and AsPb combined (4 μM NaAsO2 and 150 μM PbAc), respectively. Compared with the control group, 1391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 6 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the As group. Compared with the control group, 2384 DEGs and 44 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Compared with the As group, 387 DEGs and 4 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Through data analysis, we discovered for the first time that As caused the dysfunction of cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, and disrupted cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway in TM4 Sertoli cells. In addition to affecting cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, AsPb combined exposure also up-regulated the antioxidant reaction level of TM4 Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, the Wnt signaling pathway of TM4 Sertoli cells was relatively normal when exposed to AsPb. In conclusion, at the transcription level, the combined action of AsPb is not merely additive effect, but involves synergistic and antagonistic effects. The new discovery of the joint toxic mechanism of As and Pb breaks the stereotype of the combined action and provides a good theoretical basis and research clue for future study of the combined-exposure of harmful materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Changming Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zhanjun Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Huijie Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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Jin J, Li K, Du Y, Gao F, Wang Z, Li W. Multi-omics study identifies that PICK1 deficiency causes male infertility by inhibiting vesicle trafficking in Sertoli cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:114. [PMID: 38001535 PMCID: PMC10675906 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility affects approximately 10-15% of reproductive-age men worldwide, and genetic causes play a role in one-third of cases. As a Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) domain protein, protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) deficiency could lead to impairment of acrosome maturation. However, its effects on auxiliary germ cells such as Sertoli cells are unknown. PURPOSE The present work was aimed to use multi-omics analysis to research the effects of PICK1 deficiency on Sertoli cells and to identify effective biomarkers to distinguish fertile males from infertile males caused by PICK1 deficiency. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 20 infertility patients with oligozoospermia to identify pathogenic PICK1 mutations. Multi-omics analysis of a PICK1 knockout (KO) mouse model was utilized to identify pathogenic mechanism. Animal and cell function experiments of Sertoli cell-specific PICK1 KO mouse were performed to verify the functional impairment of Sertoli cells. RESULTS Two loss-of-function deletion mutations c.358delA and c.364delA in PICK1 resulting in transcription loss of BAR functional domain were identified in infertility patients with a specific decrease in serum inhibin B, indicating functional impairment of Sertoli cells. Multi-omics analysis of PICK1 KO mouse illustrated that targeted genes of differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs are significantly enriched in the negative regulatory role in the vesicle trafficking pathway, while metabolomics analysis showed that the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, cofactors, vitamins, and endocrine factors changed. The phenotype of PICK1 KO mouse showed a reduction in testis volume, a decreased number of mature spermatozoa and impaired secretory function of Sertoli cells. In vitro experiments confirmed that the expression of growth factors secreted by Sertoli cells in PICK1 conditional KO mouse such as Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were decreased. CONCLUSIONS Our study attributed male infertility caused by PICK1 deficiency to impaired vesicle-related secretory function of Sertoli cells and identified a variety of significant candidate biomarkers for male infertility induced by PICK1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Center for Clinical Laboratories, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiqiang Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Allergy Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaoqiang Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Allergy Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Allergy Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Weixing Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Center for Clinical Laboratories, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
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Mestre VDF, Martins CCN, Brito LVD, Zeffa AC, Sestário CS, Salles MJS. Pregabalin alters reproductive performance in male mice and causes congenital anomalies in offspring. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 35:750-759. [PMID: 37995339 DOI: 10.1071/rd22287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug with analgesic activity for the treatment of neuropathic pain. AIMS To valuate the toxicity of pregabalin in reproductive parameters, spermatogenesis, and teratogenicity in the offspring of mice. METHODS Twenty male mice were randomly distributed into two groups: PGB group and group C (n =10 per group). The animals in the PGB group received, via gavage, 200mg/kg of pregabalin diluted in distilled water daily, for a period of 45days. Group C received distilled water under the same experimental design. KEY RESULTS In the paternal parameters of the PGB group, there was a significant increase in the size of the testicles, morphological alterations in the spermatozoa, a decrease in the Johnsen score, an increase in the Leydig cells, and a decrease in the serum level of testosterone. In the intrauterine development parameters of females mated with males from the PGB group, a significant decrease in placental weight, weight and length of fetuses, and fetal viability rate was observed. There was a significant increase in the number of resorptions and post-implantation losses. The significant anomalies observed in the offspring were alteration in the size of the kidneys, absent metacarpals and phalanges, alteration in the sternum, and supernumerary thoracic vertebrae. CONCLUSION Results suggest that pregabalin had toxic effects on the reproductive function of male mice and teratogenic potential. IMPLICATIONS The findings of this study may provide new hypotheses, taking into account the risk-benefit ratio for male reproduction and offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane de Fátima Mestre
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; and Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Caio Cezar Nantes Martins
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Lorrany Victor de Brito
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Aline Campos Zeffa
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; and Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Camila Salvador Sestário
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; and Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Maria José Sparça Salles
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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Wu Z, Trabert B, Guillemette C, Caron P, Bradwin G, Graubard BI, Weiderpass E, Ursin G, Langseth H, McGlynn KA. Prediagnostic Hormone Levels and Risk of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Nested Case-Control Study in the Janus Serum Bank. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1564-1571. [PMID: 37619591 PMCID: PMC10655159 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0772] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been hypothesized that poorly functioning Leydig and/or Sertoli cells of the testes, indicated by higher levels of serum gonadotropins and lower levels of androgens, are related to the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a nested case-control study within the Janus Serum Bank cohort. METHODS Men who developed TGCT (n = 182) were matched to men who did not (n = 364). Sex steroid hormones were measured using LC/MS. Sex hormone binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were quantified by direct immunoassay. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between hormone levels and TGCT risk. RESULTS Higher FSH levels [tertile (T) 3 vs. T2: OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.83-4.57] were associated with TGCT risk, but higher LH levels were not (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.81-1.96). The only sex steroid hormone associated with risk was androstane-3α, 17β-diol-3G (3α-diol-3G; OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.46-3.83). Analysis by histology found that increased FSH levels were related to seminoma (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 2.12-5.95) but not nonseminoma (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.38-3.13). Increased levels of 3α-diol-3G were related to seminoma (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.35-3.89) and nonsignificantly related to nonseminoma (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 0.82-8.92). CONCLUSIONS Higher FSH levels are consistent with the hypothesis that poorly functioning Sertoli cells are related to the development of TGCT. In contrast, higher levels of 3α-diol-3G do not support the hypothesis that insufficient androgenicity is related to risk of TGCT. IMPACT Clarifying the role of sex hormones in the development of TGCT may stimulate new research hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeni Wu
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Britton Trabert
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Barry I. Graubard
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Giske Ursin
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Langseth
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kumar GG, Kilari EK, Nelli G, Salleh N. Oral administration of Turnera diffusa willd. ex Schult. extract ameliorates steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis impairment in the testes of rats with type-2 diabetes mellitus. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116638. [PMID: 37187362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. (T. diffusa) has traditionally been used to treat male reproductive dysfunction and have aphrodisiac properties. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the ability of T. diffusa to ameliorate the impairment in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in DM that might help to improve testicular function, and subsequently restore male fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS DM-induced adult male rats were given 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day T. diffusa leaf extract orally for 28 consecutive days. Rats were then sacrificed; sperm and testes were harvested and sperm parameter analysis were performed. Histo-morphological changes in the testes were observed. Biochemical assays were performed to measure testosterone and testicular oxidative stress levels. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence were used to monitor oxidative stress and inflammation levels in testes as well as Sertoli and steroidogenic marker proteins' expression. RESULTS Treatment with T. diffusa restores sperm count, motility, and viability near normal and reduces sperm morphological abnormalities and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats. T. diffusa treatment also reduces testicular NOX-2 and lipid peroxidation levels, increases testicular antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) activities, ameliorates testicular inflammation via downregulating NF-ΚB, p-Ikkβ and TNF-α and upregulating IκBα expression. In diabetic rats, T. diffusa treatment increases testicular steroidogenic proteins (StAR, CYP11A1, SHBG, and ARA54, 3 and 17β-HSD) and plasma testosterone levels. Furthermore, in diabetic rats treated with T. diffusa, Sertoli cell marker proteins including Connexin 43, N-cadherin, and occludin levels in the testes were elevated. CONCLUSION T. diffusa treatment could help to ameliorate the detrimental effects of DM on the testes, thus this plant has potential to be used to restore male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowri Gopa Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eswar Kumar Kilari
- Pharmacology Division, A.U. College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530 003, India
| | - Giribabu Nelli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Wang JM, Li ZF, Qi HY, Zhao Z, Yang WX. es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 regulate spermatogenesis via microfilaments in the seminiferous tubule of Eriocheir sinensis. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:102028. [PMID: 36709695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102028] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated process that includes spermatogonia differentiation, spermatocytes meiosis, spermatids spermiogenesis and final release of spermatozoa. Actin-related protein 3 (Arp3) and epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8) are two actin binding proteins that regulate cell adhesion in seminiferous tubules during mammalian spermatogenesis. However, the functions of these two proteins during spermatogenesis in nonmammalian species, especially Crustacea, are still unknown. Here, we cloned es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 from the testis of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 were located in spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. Knockdown of es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 in vivo caused morphological changes to seminiferous tubules including delayed spermatozoa release, shedding of germ cells and vacuoles. Filamentous-actin (F-actin) filaments network was disorganized due to deficiency of es-Arp3 and es-Eps8. Accompanying this, four junctional proteins (α-catenin, β-catenin, pinin and ZO1) displayed abnormal expression levels as well as penetrating biotin signals in seminiferous tubules. We also used the Arp2/3 complex inhibitor CK666 to block es-Arp3 activity and supported es-Arp3 knockdown results. In summary, our study demonstrated for the first time that es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 are important for spermatogenesis via regulating microfilament-mediated cell adhesion in Eriocheir sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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10
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen G, Wang H. Epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 mediates lower sperm quality in male offspring induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:kfad016. [PMID: 36790081 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreased sperm quality is the main cause of male infertility. Studies have found that prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) decreases sperm quality in male offspring after birth, but the mechanism is unclear. Wistar pregnant rats were subcutaneously injected with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg.d dexamethasone at gestational day 9-20. The testes and sperm of first-generation (F1) offspring were collected, and F1 offspring were mated with wild-type female rats to obtain F2. Compared with the control group, F1 offspring in PDE group had lower sperm count and motility after birth, and the deformity rate increased. F2 fetal rats' body length and weight decreased, and the intrauterine growth retardation rate increased. Meanwhile, PDE decreased the expression of connexin 43 (CX43) in offspring testes, while T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) promoter region histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level and its expression were increased. Traced back to F1 fetus testes, PDE increased the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and P300, activated GR protein into the nucleus, and made GR act on the TBX2 promoter region. Further, a series of Sertoli cell interventions confirmed that dexamethasone promoted GR to recruit P300, increased the H3K9ac level of TBX2 promoter region and its expression, and inhibited the expression of CX43. This study confirmed that PDE decreased sperm quality of male offspring, which is related to the epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 in the Sertoli cells, provided a theoretical and experimental basis for guiding the rational use of drugs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
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11
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Liu DL, Liu SJ, Hu SQ, Chen YC, Guo J. Probing the Potential Mechanism of Quercetin and Kaempferol against Heat Stress-Induced Sertoli Cell Injury: Through Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911163. [PMID: 36232461 PMCID: PMC9570440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin and kaempferol are flavonoids widely present in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. They have attracted much attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. As the guarantee cells in direct contact with germ cells, Sertoli cells exert the role of support, nutrition, and protection in spermatogenesis. In the current study, network pharmacology was used to explore the targets and signaling pathways of quercetin and kaempferol in treating spermatogenic disorders. In vitro experiments were integrated to verify the results of quercetin and kaempferol against heat stress-induced Sertoli cell injury. The online platform was used to analyze the GO biological pathway and KEGG pathway. The results of the network pharmacology showed that quercetin and kaempferol intervention in spermatogenesis disorders were mostly targeting the oxidative response to oxidative stress, the ROS metabolic process and the NFκB pathway. The results of the cell experiment showed that Quercetin and kaempferol can prevent the decline of cell viability induced by heat stress, reduce the expression levels of HSP70 and ROS in Sertoli cells, reduce p-NF-κB-p65 and p-IκB levels, up-regulate the expression of occludin, vimentin and F-actin in Sertoli cells, and protect cell structure. Our research is the first to demonstrate that quercetin and kaempferol may exert effects in resisting the injury of cell viability and structure under heat stress.
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12
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Oliveira JM, Oliveira IM, Sleiman HK, Dal Forno GO, Romano MA, Romano RM. Consumption of soy isoflavones during the prepubertal phase delays puberty and causes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropins regulation in male rats. Toxicol Lett 2022; 369:1-11. [PMID: 35963426 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.08.004] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Isoflavones are phytoestrogens with recognized estrogenic activity but may also affect testosterone, corticosterone and thyroid hormone levels in experimental models. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these alterations are still unclear. Isoflavones are present in soy-based infant formula, in breast milk after the consumption of soy by the mother and are widely used for the preparation of beverages consumed by toddlers and teenagers. In this sense, we proposed to investigate the effects of soy isoflavone exposure during the prepubertal period, a recognized window of sensitivity for endocrine disruption, over the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. For this, 42 3-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 5 or 50 mg of soy isoflavones/kg from postnatal day (PND) 23 to PND60. We evaluated body growth, age at puberty, serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol, and the expression of the transcripts (mRNA) of genes encoding key genes controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. In the hypothalamus, we observed an increase in Esr1 mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). In the pituitary, we observed an increase in Gnrhr mRNA expression (50 mg), a reduction in Lhb mRNA expression (0.5 mg), and a reduction in Ar mRNA expression. In the testis, we observed an increase in Lhcgr mRNA expression (50 mg) and a reduction in Star mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). The serum levels of LH (5 and 50 mg) and FSH (0.5 mg) were increased, while testosterone and estradiol were reduced. Puberty was delayed in all groups. Taken together, these results suggest that prepubertal consumption of relevant levels of soy isoflavones disrupts the HPT axis, causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and altered expression levels of key genes regulating the axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeane Maria Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Isabela Medeiros Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Hanan Khaled Sleiman
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Gonzalo Ogliari Dal Forno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
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13
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Wang JM, Li ZF, Yang WX, Tan FQ. Follicle-stimulating hormone signaling in Sertoli cells: a licence to the early stages of spermatogenesis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:97. [PMID: 35780146 PMCID: PMC9250200 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone signaling is essential for the initiation and early stages of spermatogenesis. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor is exclusively expressed in Sertoli cells. As the only type of somatic cell in the seminiferous tubule, Sertoli cells regulate spermatogenesis not only by controlling their own number and function but also through paracrine actions to nourish germ cells surrounded by Sertoli cells. After follicle-stimulating hormone binds to its receptor and activates the follicle-stimulating hormone signaling pathway, follicle-stimulating hormone signaling will establish a normal Sertoli cell number and promote their differentiation. Spermatogonia pool maintenance, spermatogonia differentiation and their entry into meiosis are also positively regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone signaling. In addition, follicle-stimulating hormone signaling regulates germ cell survival and limits their apoptosis. Our review summarizes the aforementioned functions of follicle-stimulating hormone signaling in Sertoli cells. We also describe the clinical potential of follicle-stimulating hormone treatment in male patients with infertility. Furthermore, our review may be helpful for developing better therapies for treating patients with dysfunctional follicle-stimulating hormone signaling in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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14
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Misch M, Puthanveetil P. The Head-to-Toe Hormone: Leptin as an Extensive Modulator of Physiologic Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105439. [PMID: 35628271 PMCID: PMC9141226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a well-known hunger-sensing peptide hormone. The role of leptin in weight gain and metabolic homeostasis has been explored for the past two decades. In this review, we have tried to shed light upon the impact of leptin signaling on health and diseases. At low or moderate levels, this peptide hormone supports physiological roles, but at chronically higher doses exhibits detrimental effects on various systems. The untoward effects we observe with chronically higher levels of leptin are due to their receptor-mediated effect or due to leptin resistance and are not well studied. This review will help us in understanding the non-anorexic roles of leptin, including their contribution to the metabolism of various systems and inflammation. We will be able to get an alternative perspective regarding the physiological and pathological roles of this mysterious peptide hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Misch
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
| | - Prasanth Puthanveetil
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-630-960-3935
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15
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Kakoulidis I, Ilias I, Stergiotis S, Togias S, Michou A, Lekkou A, Mastrodimou V, Pappa A, Milionis C, Venaki E, Koukkou E. Study on the Interaction between Serum Thyrotropin and Semen Parameters in Men. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:medsci10020022. [PMID: 35466230 PMCID: PMC9036276 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of thyroid function on semen parameters has been studied in pathological conditions in small studies. With this research work, we aimed to study thyroid hormone effects on semen parameters in 130 men who were evaluated for couple subfertility. Our study was cross-sectional. We noted semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, testosterone levels and thyrotropin (TSH) levels. The analysis included ordinary least squares regression (OLS-R), quantile regression (QR) and segmented line regression (SR). Using OLS-R, a weak negative correlation was found between the logTSH levels and semen volume (r = −0.16, r2 = 0.03, p = 0.05). In Q-R, each incremental unit increase in logTSH decreased the mean semen volume between −0.78 ± 0.44 and −1.33 ± 0.34 mL (40–60th response quantile) and between −1.19 ± 0.71 and −0.61 ± 0.31 mL (70–90th response quantile) (p = 0.049). With SR, a biphasic relationship of sperm concentration with TSH was noted (positive turning to negative, peaking at TSH = 1.22 μIU/mL). Thus, a weak negative association between the TSH levels and semen volume was noted, showing a trough within the usual normal range for TSH. Moreover, a biphasic relationship between the sperm concentration and TSH was also noted, peaking at approximately mid-normal TSH levels. Based on our results, TSH explained slightly less than 3% of the variation in semen volume and 7% of the sperm concentration (thus, other factors, which were not studied here, have a more important effect on it).
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16
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Liu SH, Ma XY, Yue TT, Wang ZC, Qi KL, Li JC, Lin F, Rushdi HE, Gao YY, Fu T, Li M, Gao TY, Yang LG, Han XL, Deng TX. Transcriptome-Wide m6A Analysis Provides Novel Insights Into Testicular Development and Spermatogenesis in Xia-Nan Cattle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:791221. [PMID: 35004687 PMCID: PMC8728086 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.791221] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis is the primary organ of the male reproductive tract in mammals that plays a substantial role in spermatogenesis. Improvement of our knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms in testicular development and spermatogenesis will be reflected in producing spermatozoa of superior fertility. Evidence showed that N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) plays a dynamic role in post-transcription gene expression regulation and is strongly associated with production traits. However, the role of m6A in bovine testis has not been investigated yet. In this study, we conducted MeRIP-Seq analysis to explore the expression profiles of the m6A and its potential mechanism underlying spermatogenesis in nine bovine testes at three developmental stages (prepuberty, puberty and postpuberty). The experimental animals with triplicate in each stage were chosen based on their semen volume and sperm motility except for the prepuberty bulls and used for testes collection. By applying MeRIP-Seq analysis, a total of 8,774 m6A peaks and 6,206 m6A genes among the studied groups were identified. All the detected peaks were found to be mainly enriched in the coding region and 3'- untranslated regions. The cross-analysis of m6A and mRNA expression exhibited 502 genes with concomitant changes in the mRNA expression and m6A modification. Notably, 30 candidate genes were located in the largest network of protein-protein interactions. Interestingly, four key node genes (PLK4, PTEN, EGR1, and PSME4) were associated with the regulation of mammal testis development and spermatogenesis. This study is the first to present a map of RNA m6A modification in bovine testes at distinct ages, and provides new insights into m6A topology and related molecular mechanisms underlying bovine spermatogenesis, and establishes a basis for further studies on spermatogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-He Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Ma
- Guangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yue
- Henan Dairy Herd Improvement Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zi-Chen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kun-Long Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji-Chao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hossam E Rushdi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yu-Yang Gao
- Henan Dingyuan Cattle Breeding Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Teng-Yun Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Guo Yang
- China Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue-Lei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting-Xian Deng
- Guangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
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17
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Sirakov M, Claret L, Plateroti M. Thyroid Hormone Nuclear Receptor TRα1 and Canonical WNT Pathway Cross-Regulation in Normal Intestine and Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:725708. [PMID: 34956074 PMCID: PMC8705541 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.725708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A pivotal role of thyroid hormones and their nuclear receptors in intestinal development and homeostasis have been described, whereas their involvement in intestinal carcinogenesis is still controversial. In this perspective article we briefly summarize the recent advances in this field and present new data regarding their functional interaction with one of the most important signaling pathway, such as WNT, regulating intestinal development and carcinogenesis. These complex interactions unveil new concepts and will surely be of importance for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sirakov
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Leo Claret
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Interface de Recherche fondamentale et Appliquée en Cancérologie (IRFAC)/Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S1113, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Michelina Plateroti
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Interface de Recherche fondamentale et Appliquée en Cancérologie (IRFAC)/Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S1113, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
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18
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Long-Term Maintenance of Viable Adult Rat Sertoli Cells Able to Establish Testis Barrier Components and Function in Response to Androgens. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092405. [PMID: 34572053 PMCID: PMC8467871 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A protocol for the isolation and long-term propagation of adult rat Sertoli cells (SCs) using conditional reprogramming (CR) was developed and the formation of tight junctions as an in vitro model for the blood testis barrier (BTB) was studied. Three pure primary SC lines were isolated successfully and maintained for several months without significant changes in expression levels of SC-typical markers such as SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), transferrin, clusterin, androgen receptor (AR), and GATA binding protein 1 (GATA1). In addition to AR expression, the tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and the junctional adhesion molecule-3 (JAM-3), were upregulated and the SC barrier integrity was enhanced by testosterone. Peritubular/myoid cells did not increase the tightness of the SC. The cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), and transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-β3), negatively affected the tightness of the SC barrier. We have established a protocol for the isolation and long-term propagation of highly pure primary adult rat SCs, which are able to respond to androgen treatments, to form tight junctions and to maintain the mRNA expression of SC-specific genes. By applying this new method, adult SCs can now be analyzed in more detail and might serve as an in vitro model for the study of many SC functions.
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19
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Anifandis G, Tempest HG, Oliva R, Swanson GM, Simopoulou M, Easley CA, Primig M, Messini CI, Turek PJ, Sutovsky P, Ory SJ, Krawetz SA. COVID-19 and human reproduction: A pandemic that packs a serious punch. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:3-23. [PMID: 33719829 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1855271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a worldwide health emergency that has impacted 188 countries at last count. The rapid community transmission and relatively high mortality rates with COVID-19 in modern times are relatively unique features of this flu pandemic and have resulted in an unparalleled global health crisis. SARS-CoV-2, being a respiratory virus, mainly affects the lungs, but is capable of infecting other vital organs, such as brain, heart and kidney. Emerging evidence suggests that the virus also targets male and female reproductive organs that express its main receptor ACE2, although it is as yet unclear if this has any implications for human fertility. Furthermore, professional bodies have recommended discontinuing fertility services during the pandemic such that reproductive services have also been affected. Although increased safety measures have helped to mitigate the propagation of COVID-19 in a number of countries, it seems that there is no predictable timeline to containment of the virus, a goal likely to remain elusive until an effective vaccine becomes available and widely distributed across the globe. In parallel, research on reproduction has been postponed for obvious reasons, while diagnostic tests that detect the virus or antibodies against it are of vital importance to support public health policies, such as social distancing and our obligation to wear masks in public spaces. This review aims to provide an overview of critical research and ethics issues that have been continuously emerging in the field of reproductive medicine as the COVID-19 pandemic tragically unfolds.Abbreviations: ACE2: angiotensin- converting enzyme 2; ART: Assisted reproductive technology; ASRM: American Society for Reproductive Medicine; CCR9: C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 9; CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19: Coronavirus disease 2019; Ct: Cycle threshold; CXCR6: C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 6; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ESHRE: European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology; ET: Embryo transfer; FSH: Follicle Stimulating Hormone; FFPE: formalin fixed paraffin embedded; FYCO1: FYVE And Coiled-Coil Domain Autophagy Adaptor 1; IFFS: International Federation of Fertility Societies; IUI: Intrauterine insemination; IVF: In vitro fertilization; LH: Luteinizing Hormone; LZTFL1: Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor Like 1; MAR: medically assisted reproduction services; MERS: Middle East Respiratory syndrome; NGS: Next Generation Sequencing; ORF: Open Reading Frame; PPE: personal protective equipment; RE: RNA Element; REDa: RNA Element Discovery algorithm; RT-PCR: Reverse=trascriptase transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; SARS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome; SARS-CoV-2: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2; SLC6A20: Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 20; SMS: Single Molecule Sequencing; T: Testosterone; TMPRSS2: transmembrane serine protease 2; WHO: World Health Organization; XCR1: X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Helen G Tempest
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat De Barcelona, and Hospital Clinic from Barcelona, Spain
| | - Grace M Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Experimental Physiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael Primig
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut De Recherche En Santé, Environnement Et Travail), Rennes, France
| | - Christina I Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Paul J Turek
- It is a private Clinic, The Turek Clinic, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences and the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Steve J Ory
- It is a private Clinic, IVF Florida Reproductive Institutes, Margate, FL, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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20
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Oyenihi OR, Afolabi BA, Oyenihi AB, Ojo GB. Toxicity assessment of watermelon seed supplemented diet in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:1891-1898. [PMID: 33682546 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1894699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Health benefits have been attributed to the consumption of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) seeds in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia but the potential toxicity especially on chronic use remains to be investigated. Here, diets containing watermelon seeds (WMSs) at 2.5% or 5% were eaten ad libitum daily for 21 d by male and female Wistar rats. Changes in body and organ (liver, kidney, brain, testis, and ovary) weights following diet supplementation were monitored. Biomarkers of organ injury, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TRI), urea, and creatinine (CRE) were measured. WMS-formulated diet led to a decrease in body weight in male but not in female rats compared to the control group. Also, testes weight significantly increased, whereas a decrease in that of the ovaries was noted. Although the ingestion of WMS did not significantly alter the weights of the liver and brain, a trend toward reduction was noticed. No significant changes were observed for the serum levels of ALT, ALP, CHO, and TRI in all rats. However, the kidney may be targeted for toxicity as indicated by significant elevations in serum urea and CRE levels in male and female rats when compared to controls. Furthermore, the sperm morphology anomalies observed after WMS supplementation demonstrate the potentially detrimental effects of high consumption of the seeds on the male reproductive system. We conclude that WMSs at 2.5% or 5% dose in the diet may elicit negative effects in organs particularly on the kidney and testes in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omolola R Oyenihi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Ayodeji B Oyenihi
- Functional Foods Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Gideon B Ojo
- Department of Anatomy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Exogenous Oestrogen Impacts Cell Fate Decision in the Developing Gonads: A Potential Cause of Declining Human Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8377. [PMID: 33171657 PMCID: PMC7664701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome-related conditions and overall decline in human fertility has been linked to the prevalence of oestrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Ectopic activation of oestrogen signalling by EDCs in the gonad can impact testis and ovary function and development. Oestrogen is the critical driver of ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, and in its absence a testis will form. In contrast, oestrogen is not required for mammalian ovarian differentiation, but it is essential for its maintenance, illustrating it is necessary for reinforcing ovarian fate. Interestingly, exposure of the bi-potential gonad to exogenous oestrogen can cause XY sex reversal in marsupials and this is mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of the testis-determining factor SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box transcription factor 9). Oestrogen can similarly suppress SOX9 and activate ovarian genes in both humans and mice, demonstrating it plays an essential role in all mammals in mediating gonad somatic cell fate. Here, we review the molecular control of gonad differentiation and explore the mechanisms through which exogenous oestrogen can influence somatic cell fate to disrupt gonad development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining the effects of oestrogenic EDCs on the developing gonads and ultimately their impacts on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (D.M.M.); (A.J.P.)
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The role of estrogen receptors in rat Sertoli cells at different stages of development. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05363. [PMID: 33163677 PMCID: PMC7609458 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) on the expression of the proteins involved with proliferation (CCND1) and differentiation (CDKN1B and CTNNB) of Sertoli cells from rat in different stages of development. ESR1-selective agonist PPT, but not ESR2-selective agonist DPN, increased CCND1 expression in Sertoli cells from 5- and 15-day old rats. PPT did not have any effect on CCND1 expression in Sertoli cells from 20- and 30-day-old rats. DPN, but not PPT, increased CDKN1B expression in Sertoli cells from 15-, 20-, 30-day-old rats. DPN did not have any effect on Sertoli cells from 5-day-old rats. 17β-estradiol (E2) and PPT enhanced the [Methyl-3H] thymidine incorporation in Sertoli cells from 15-day-old rats, whereas the treatment did not have any effect in 20-day-old rats. E2 and DPN, but not PPT, increased non-phosphorylated CTNNB expression in Sertoli cells from 20-day-old rats. This upregulation was blocked by ESR2-selective antagonist PHTPP. The activation of ESR1 and ESR2, respectively, plays a role in the proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells in a critical period of testicular development. Furthermore, in Sertoli cells from 20-day-old rats, upregulation of non-phosphorylated CTNNB by E2/ESR2, via c-SRC/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT, may play a role in the interaction between Sertoli cells and/or in cell-germ cell adhesion and/or in the stabilization and accumulation of CTNNB in the cytosol. CTNNB could be translocated to the nucleus and modulate the transcriptional activity of specific target genes. The present study reinforces the important role of estrogen in normal testis development.
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