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Feng S, Yan L, Lou Y, Ying L. The protective effect of curcumin on testicular tissue in a cryptorchid rat model. J Pediatr Urol 2022; 18:409.e1-409.e7. [PMID: 35803866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is the most common abnormality of male sexual development. For the protection of testicular functions, antioxidants have emerged as novel options. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin (Cur), a strong antioxidant, on the Flutamide-induced cryptorchidism testicular tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant rats were randomly allocated to 3 groups (n = 10, each): a control, a model, and a Cur-treated group (100 mg/kg/d). All offspring were delivered by days 21-22 of gestation and the male rats were sacrificed at postnatal birth days (PNDs) PND60. The testicles were separated and weighed, followed by TUNEL staining to detect germ cell apoptosis, an ELISA kit to measure SOD and MDA, and Western blot analysis to evaluate the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and PCNA. RESULTS Curcumin administration ameliorated the histological appearance of the testis and greatly reduced the level of apoptosis in cryptorchidism rats' testicular cells. After curcumin treatment, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was restored in the testis tissues of cryptorchidism rats. Curcumin therapy reduced Bax expression while increasing Bcl-2 expression, according to the molecular study. Curcumin therapy also reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in cryptorchidism rats' testis tissue. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that curcumin administration significantly reduced the germ cell apoptosis in rats with cryptorchidism, which provides new insight for antioxidant therapy in preserving testicular functions before or after surgery in cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoguang Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hangzhou Children's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Lou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hangzhou Children's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Ying
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Vikraman J, Sarila G, O'Conner L, Menheniott T, Hutson JM. BDNF is upregulated by androgen in the inguinal fat pad of immature mice and may regulate inguinoscrotal testicular descent. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:846-852. [PMID: 33927345 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgens control rodent inguinoscrotal testicular descent during a "programming window" (E12-17). It is proposed that androgen masculinises the genitofemoral nerve, but the mechanism remains unknown. We investigate androgen receptor (AR)-containing target organs: inguinal fat pad (IFP) and mammary bud (MB), supplied by the genitofemoral nerve, hypothesizing that neurotrophic factors may retrogradely masculinise the GFN. METHODS The IFP, MB and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscle were collected at E12.5/E17.5 from androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Immunofluorescence and gene expression (RT-qPCR; n = 8/group) for Bdnf, active (TrkB) and inactive (truncated TrkB) receptors, Cntf and Cntf receptor were performed. RESULTS In the IFP at E12.5, ARKO TrkB mRNA expression was significantly downregulated compared to WT males (p < 0.0026). By E17.5, there was increased Bdnf expression (p < 0.0233). The MB had no differences at E12.5 and had regressed in WT males by E17.5. The BC had no differences at E12.5, but at E17.5 had significant upregulation of Bdnf expression in ARKO, compared to WT males. There were no differences in CNTF or CNTF receptor expression. CONCLUSIONS Androgen alters active TrkB and Bdnf expression in the IFP. IFP Bdnf signalling may regulate "masculinisation" of the GFN sensory nerves to indirectly control inguinoscrotal testicular descent. IMPACT Androgen mediates neurotrophin release in the inguinal fat pad in mice, which may facilitate normal testicular descent by masculinising the GFN by peripheral uptake of neurotrophin. This is the first study to examine the role of neurotrophins in testicular descent. This suggests novel steps in the mechanical process of normal testicular descent that may be abnormal in some children with undescended testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Vikraman
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Laboratory, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gulcan Sarila
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Laboratory, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise O'Conner
- Tumour Immunology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevelyan Menheniott
- Tumour Immunology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John M Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Laboratory, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Urology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Development of a putative adverse outcome pathway network for male rat reproductive tract abnormalities with specific considerations for the androgen sensitive window of development. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:254-271. [PMID: 34401750 PMCID: PMC8350458 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.07.002] [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: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Structured approaches like the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework offer great potential for depicting complex toxicological processes in a manner that can facilitate informed integration of mechanistic information in regulatory decisions. While this concept provides a structure for organizing evidence and facilitates consistency in evidence integration; the process, inputs, and manner in which AOPs and AOP networks are developed is still evolving. Following the OECD guiding principles of AOP development, we propose three AOPs for male reproductive tract abnormalities and derive a putative AOP network. The AOPs were developed using a fundamental understanding of the developmental biology of the organs of interest, paying close attention to the gestational timing of key events (KEs) to very specifically inform the domain of life stage applicability for the key event relationships (KERs). Chemical stressor data primarily from studies on low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) served to 'bound' the pathways of focus in this dynamic period of development and were integrated with the developmental biology data through an iterative process to define KEs and conclude on the extent of evidence in support of the KERs. The AOPs developed describe the linkage between 1) a decrease in Insl3 gene expression and cryptorchidism, 2) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and hypospadias and 3) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and altered Wolffian duct development/ epididymal agenesis. A putative AOP network linking AOP2 and AOP3 through decreased steroidogenic biosynthetic protein expression and converging of all AOPS at the population level impaired fertility adverse outcome is proposed. The network depiction specifies and displays the KEs aligned with their occurrence in gestational time. The pathways and network described herein are intended to catalyze collaborative initiatives for expansion into a larger network to enable effective data collection and inform alternative approaches for identifying stressors impacting this sensitive period of male reproductive tract development.
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Key Words
- AGD, Anogenital distance
- AO, Adverse Outcome
- AOP, Adverse Outcome Pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway network
- DBP, Dibutyl phthalate
- DEHP, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
- DHT, 5α-dihydrotestosterone
- DPP, Dipentyl phthalate
- E, Embryonic day (ED1=GD1 gestational day 1)
- GD, Gestational day (GD1=ED1 embryonic day 1)
- KE, Key event
- KER, Key event relationship
- LMWP, low molecular weight phthalate straight chain length of the esterified alcohols between 3 and 6 carbon atoms
- MPW, male programming window
- Male programming window
- Phthalate
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Walker WH. Androgen Actions in the Testis and the Regulation of Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:175-203. [PMID: 34453737 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. In this review, topics related to testosterone control of spermatogenesis are covered including testosterone production and levels in the testis, classical and nonclassical testosterone signaling pathways, cell- and temporal-specific expression of the androgen receptor in the testis and autocrine and paracrine signaling of testis cells in the testis. Also discussed are the contributions of testosterone to testis descent, the blood-testis barrier, control of gonocyte numbers and spermatogonia expansion, completion of meiosis and attachment and release of elongaed spermatids. Testosterone-regulated genes identified in various mouse models of idsrupted Androgen receptor expression are discussed. Finally, examples of synergism and antagonism between androgen and follicle-stimulating hormone signaling pathways are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Sarila G, Bao T, Abeydeera SA, Li R, Mell B, Joe B, Catubig A, Hutson J. Interplay between collagenase and undescended testes in Adamts16 knockout rats. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:1952-1958. [PMID: 32037220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inguinoscrotal stage of testicular descent is characterized by an increase in cell density and collagen fibers as the gubernaculum undergoes cell division and increases Extracellular Matrix (ECM) activity. Rats that lack the enzyme Adamts16, a known ECM proteinase, develop cryptorchidism postnatally and are infertile. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the link between the Adamts16 enzyme and congenital undescended testes (UDT) in Adamts16 knockout (KO) rats during postnatal development. METHODS Formalin-fixed specimens of Wild-Type, Adamts16 heterozygous and Adamts16 homozygous KO rats post birth were sectioned and used for standard H&E histology and Masson's trichrome staining. A quantitative analysis on image J was performed to determine the intensity of collagen fibers within the inguinoscrotal fat pad (IFP) (n = 3 age/genotype). RESULTS The migration of the gubernaculum within the Adamts16 heterozygous and Adamts16 KO rat was considerably disrupted. Furthermore, the Masson's trichrome staining demonstrated a significant increase in collagen fibers around the gubernaculum of rats that lacked Adamts16 enzyme at day 8. CONCLUSION This study reports a failure of gubernacular migration leading to UDT in Adamts16 KO rats during development, suggesting that the expression of Adamts16 gene is critical for normal gubernacular migration through the breakdown of collagen fibers within the IFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcan Sarila
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tuya Bao
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Jinshan Street, Jinshan Development Zone Huhhot, Inner Mongolia 010110, PR China
| | - Sanduni Amaya Abeydeera
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Blair Mell
- Centre for hypertension and precision medicine and program in physiological genomics, department of physiology and pharmacology, University of Toledo college of medicine and life sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Bina Joe
- Centre for hypertension and precision medicine and program in physiological genomics, department of physiology and pharmacology, University of Toledo college of medicine and life sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Angelique Catubig
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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Zhou Y, Zhang D, Hu D, Liu B, Peng J, Shen L, Long C, Yu Y, Zhang Y, Liu X, Tao X, Timashev P, Lin T, He D, Wei G. Retinoic acid: A potential therapeutic agent for cryptorchidism infertility based on investigation of flutamide-induced cryptorchid rats in vivo and in vitro. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 87:108-117. [PMID: 31170451 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a common disorder in children and may cause infertility in adults. The BTB is essential for maintaining the microenvironment necessary for normal spermatogenesis. This study investigated whether retinoic acid (RA) may regulate the proteins that are essential for integrity of the BTB in cryptorchidism. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administrated flutamide during late pregnancy to induce a model of cryptorchidism in male offspring. The concentrations of RA and BTB tight and gap junction protein levels were significantly lower in untreated cryptorchid pups compared with normal pups, but almost normal in cryptorchid pups given RA. Studies in vitro corroborated these findings. The sperm quality of RA-treated model pups was better compared with the untreated model. RA treatment may have therapeutic potential to restore retinoic acid and proteins associated with integrity of the BTB in cryptorchid testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Deying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China.
| | - Dong Hu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Jinpu Peng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
| | - Yihang Yu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Xu Tao
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China.
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De Toni L, Šabovic I, Cosci I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Garolla A. Testicular Cancer: Genes, Environment, Hormones. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:408. [PMID: 31338064 PMCID: PMC6626920 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) represents one of the most peculiar clinical challenges at present. In fact, currently treatments are so effective ensuring a 5 years disease-free survival rate in nearly 95% of patients. On the other hand however, TC represents the most frequent newly diagnosed form of cancer in men between the ages of 14 and 44 years, with an incidence ranging from <1 to 9.9 affected individuals per 100,000 males across countries, while the overall incidence is also increasing worldwide. Furthermore, cancer survivors show a 2% risk of developing cancer in the contralateral testis within 15 years of initial diagnosis. This complex and multifaceted scenario requires a great deal of effort to understand the clinical base of available evidence. It is now clear that genetic, environmental and hormonal risk factors concur and mutually influence both the development of the disease and its prognosis, in terms of response to treatment and the risk of recurrence. In this paper, the most recent issues describing the relative contribution of the aforementioned risk factors in TC development are discussed. In addition, particular attention is paid to the exposure to environmental chemical substances and thermal stress, whose role in cancer development and progression has recently been investigated at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Iva Šabovic
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cosci
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Ghezzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Carlo Foresta
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Barthold JS, Ivell R. Perspective: A Neuro-Hormonal Systems Approach to Understanding the Complexity of Cryptorchidism Susceptibility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:401. [PMID: 30083133 PMCID: PMC6065160 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsyndromic cryptorchidism is a common multifactorial, condition with long-term risks of subfertility and testicular cancer. Revealing the causes of cryptorchidism will likely improve prediction and prevention of adverse outcomes. Herein we provide our current perspective of cryptorchidism complexity in a synthesis of cumulative clinical and translational data generated by ourselves and others. From our recent comparison of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of cryptorchidism with or without testicular germ cell tumor, we identified RBFOX family genes as candidate susceptibility loci. Notably, RBFOX proteins regulate production of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide linked to testicular descent in animal models. We also re-analyzed existing fetal testis transcriptome data from a rat model of inherited cryptorchidism (the LE/orl strain) for enrichment of Leydig cell progenitor genes. The majority are coordinately downregulated, consistent with known reduced testicular testosterone levels in the LE/orl fetus, and similarly suppressed in the gubernaculum. Using qRT-PCR, we found dysregulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory transcripts ipsilateral to undescended testes. These data suggest that LE/orl cryptorchidism is associated with altered signaling in possibly related cell types in the testis and gubernaculum as well as DRG. Complementary rat and human studies thus lead us to propose a multi-level, integrated neuro-hormonal model of testicular descent. Variants in genes encoding RBFOX family proteins and/or their transcriptional targets combined with environmental exposures may disrupt this complex pathway to enhance cryptorchidism susceptibility. We believe that a systems approach is necessary to provide further insight into the causes and consequences of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Julia S. Barthold
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences and School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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Cousinery MC, Li R, Vannitamby A, Vikraman J, Southwell BR, Hutson JM. Neurotrophin signaling in a genitofemoral nerve target organ during testicular descent in mice. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:1321-6. [PMID: 26718832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM It has been proposed that androgens control inguinoscrotal testicular descent via release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from a masculinised genitofemoral nerve (GFN). As there are androgen receptors in the inguinoscrotal fat pad (IFP) during the window of androgen sensitivity (E14-17 in mouse embryos), we tested the hypothesis that neurotrophins in the IFP may masculinise the sensory fibers of the GFN supplying the gubernaculum and IFP prior to gubernacular migration. METHODS Androgen-receptor knockout (ARKO) and wild-type (WT) mouse embryos were collected at E17, with ethical approval (AEC 734). Sagittal sections of IFP, mammary area and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscle were processed for standard histology and fluorescent immunohistochemistry for ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) and cell nuclei (DAPI). RESULTS In the ARKO mouse CNTFR immunoreactivity (CNTFR-IR) was increased in the IFP but decreased in BC. Perinuclear staining of CNTF-IR was seen in mouse sciatic nerve but only weakly in IFP. In the mammary area, also supplied by GFN, there were no differences in IR staining. CONCLUSION This study found CNTFR-IR in the IFP was negatively regulated by androgen, suggesting that CNTF signaling may be suppressed in GFN sensory nerves to enable CGRP expression for regulating gubernacular migration in the male, but not the female. The indirect action of androgen via the GFN required for testicular descent may be one of the sites of anomalies in the putative multifactorial cause of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Cousinery
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda Vannitamby
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jaya Vikraman
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bridget R Southwell
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John M Hutson
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Normal testicular descent is now recognized to occur in two steps with the first, transabdominal stage controlled by insulin-like hormone 3. The second, inguinoscrotal stage is controlled by androgens, mostly indirectly via the genitofemoral nerve, which appears to direct the migration of the gubernaculum to the scrotum. Undescended testis (UDT) is multifactorial, with only some of the genes identified. This review highlights recent developments that are leading to changes in practice. RECENT FINDINGS There is an emerging consensus among pediatric surgeons and urologists about the management of UDT with recommendations that the diagnosis of congenital UDT should be confirmed at 3-6 months of age and orchidopexy done at 6-12 months of age. With the recommendations for early surgery, recent studies focus on the complications of orchidopexy, to determine whether this is higher in infants than older children. In addition, there is general acceptance of the existence of 'acquired' UDT, which develops after about 2 years of age, but treatment for this group remains controversial. SUMMARY Evaluation of children with UDT now needs to be separated into the assessment of possible congenital UDT in infants at 0-6 months, for orchidopexy before 12 months, and preschool boys, who may be developing acquired UDT.
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Abstract
Testicular descent occurs in two morphologically distinct phases, each under different hormonal control from the testis itself. The first phase occurs between 8 and 15 weeks when insulin-like hormone 3 (Insl3) from the Leydig cells stimulates the gubernaculum to swell, thereby anchoring the testis near the future inguinal canal as the foetus grows. Testosterone causes regression of the cranial suspensory ligament to augment the transabdominal phase. The second, or inguinoscrotal phase, occurs between 25 and 35 weeks, when the gubernaculum bulges out of the external ring and migrates to the scrotum, all under control of testosterone. However, androgen acts mostly indirectly via the genitofemoral nerve (GFN), which produces calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to control the direction of migration. In animal models the androgen receptors are in the inguinoscrotal fat pad, which probably produces a neurotrophin to masculinise the GFN sensory fibres that regulate gubernacular migration. There is little direct evidence that this same process occurs in humans, but CGRP can regulate closure of the processus vaginalis in inguinal hernia, confirming that the GFN probably mediates human testicular descent by a similar mechanism as seen in rodent models. Despite increased understanding about normal testicular descent, the common causes of cryptorchidism remain elusive.
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Hutson JM, Southwell BR, Li R, Lie G, Ismail K, Harisis G, Chen N. The regulation of testicular descent and the effects of cryptorchidism. Endocr Rev 2013; 34:725-52. [PMID: 23666148 DOI: 10.1210/er.2012-1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The first half of this review examines the boundary between endocrinology and embryonic development, with the aim of highlighting the way hormones and signaling systems regulate the complex morphological changes to enable the intra-abdominal fetal testes to reach the scrotum. The genitoinguinal ligament, or gubernaculum, first enlarges to hold the testis near the groin, and then it develops limb-bud-like properties and migrates across the pubic region to reach the scrotum. Recent advances show key roles for insulin-like hormone 3 in the first step, with androgen and the genitofemoral nerve involved in the second step. The mammary line may also be involved in initiating the migration. The key events in early postnatal germ cell development are then reviewed because there is mounting evidence for this to be crucial in preventing infertility and malignancy later in life. We review the recent advances in what is known about the etiology of cryptorchidism and summarize the syndromes where a specific molecular cause has been found. Finally, we cover the recent literature on timing of surgery, the issues around acquired cryptorchidism, and the limited role of hormone therapy. We conclude with some observations about the differences between animal models and baby boys with cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Hutson
- Urology Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
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Hutson JM. Journal of Pediatric Surgery-Sponsored Fred McLoed Lecture. Undescended testis: the underlying mechanisms and the effects on germ cells that cause infertility and cancer. J Pediatr Surg 2013; 48:903-8. [PMID: 23701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Testicular descent is a complex morphological process that occurs in at least 2 stages, with different hormonal control. Insl3 controls the first step of gubernacular enlargement, although the abnormality long gubernacular cord in persistent Műllerian duct syndrome remains unexplained. Androgens control inguinoscrotal migration, which may be triggered by local signalling from the mammary line, and which requires the genitofemoral nerve. However, there is still much to learn about this phase, which when abnormal frequently leads to cryptorchidism. Orchidopexy is being recommended in the first year of age, because increasing research suggests that the stem cells for spermatogenesis form between 3 and 9 months, with surgery aiming to permit this normally, although this is not yet proven. Acquired cryptorchidism is now becoming accepted and is likely to be caused by inadequate elongation of the postnatal spermatic cord. It is not yet known whether orchidopexy is always needed, as this remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Hutson
- Urology Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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Jin Y, Wang L, Fu Z. Oral exposure to atrazine modulates hormone synthesis and the transcription of steroidogenic genes in male peripubertal mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 184:120-7. [PMID: 23376530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide and is considered an endocrine disruptor of different organisms. However, the molecular interactions of ATZ with biological targets in mammalian endocrine systems are not understood fully. In the present study, we observed that ATZ administration (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 3 weeks to peripubertal male ICR mice exerted adverse effects on several physiological features; these effects included a significant decrease in the body and liver weights and an increase in the relative testis weight. In addition, the serum testosterone (T) concentration was significantly decreased in all ATZ-treated mice, and the serum estradiol (E2) concentration and aromatase activity were significantly increased in mice exposed to 100 and 200 mg/kg ATZ. These results suggest that ATZ exposure affected hormone homeostasis in male mice. We also found that the transcript levels of the steroidogenic enzyme genes p450scc, p450 17α1 and 17β-HSD were significantly reduced in the testes of mice exposed to 100 and 200 mg/kg ATZ for 3weeks. Given the results of the present study and previous reports, it is possible that ATZ reduces the T concentration in peripubertal male mice by affecting the transcription of steroidogenic genes, such as p450scc, p450 17a1 and 17β-HSD. This study provides new insights into the mammalian toxicological mechanism of ATZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
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