1
|
Whole-Genome Profile of Greek Patients with Teratozοοspermia: Identification of Candidate Variants and Genes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091606. [PMID: 36140773 PMCID: PMC9498395 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091606] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global health problem that affects a large number of couples worldwide. It can be categorized into specific subtypes, including teratozoospermia. The present study aimed to identify new variants associated with teratozoospermia in the Greek population and to explore the role of genes on which these were identified. For this reason, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on normozoospermic and teratozoospermic individuals, and after selecting only variants found in teratozoospermic men, these were further prioritized using a wide range of tools, functional and predictive algorithms, etc. An average of 600,000 variants were identified, and of them, 61 were characterized as high impact and 153 as moderate impact. Many of these are mapped in genes previously associated with male infertility, yet others are related for the first time to teratozoospermia. Furthermore, pathway enrichment analysis and Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed the important role of the extracellular matrix in teratozoospermia. Therefore, the present study confirms the contribution of genes studied in the past to male infertility and sheds light on new molecular mechanisms by providing a list of variants and candidate genes associated with teratozoospermia in the Greek population.
Collapse
|
2
|
Vickram AS, Anbarasu K, Gulothungan G, Thanigaivel S, Nanmaran R, Palanivelu J. Characterization of human prostasomes protein Clusterin (macromolecule) – a novel biomarker for male infertility diagnosis and prognosis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:3979-3988. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1852960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, VISTAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G. Gulothungan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Thanigaivel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R. Nanmaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyanthi Palanivelu
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mendelsohn AC, Sanmarco LM, Spallanzani RG, Brown D, Quintana FJ, Breton S, Battistone MA. From initial segment to cauda: a regional characterization of mouse epididymal CD11c + mononuclear phagocytes based on immune phenotype and function. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C997-C1010. [PMID: 32991210 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00392.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful sperm maturation and storage rely on a unique immunological balance that protects the male reproductive organs from invading pathogens and spermatozoa from a destructive autoimmune response. We previously characterized one subset of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) in the murine epididymis, CX3CR1+ cells, emphasizing their different functional properties. This population partially overlaps with another subset of understudied heterogeneous MPs, the CD11c+ cells. In the present study, we analyzed the CD11c+ MPs for their immune phenotype, morphology, and antigen capturing and presenting abilities. Epididymides from CD11c-EYFP mice, which express enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) in CD11c+ MPs, were divided into initial segment (IS), caput/corpus, and cauda regions. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CD11c+ MPs with a macrophage phenotype (CD64+ and F4/80+) were the most abundant in the IS, whereas those with a dendritic cell signature [CD64- major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)+] were more frequent in the cauda. Immunofluorescence revealed morphological and phenotypic differences between CD11c+ MPs in the regions examined. To assess the ability of CD11c+ cells to take up antigens, CD11c-EYFP mice were injected intravenously with ovalbumin. In the IS, MPs expressing macrophage markers were most active in taking up the antigens. A functional antigen-presenting coculture study was performed, whereby CD4+ T cells were activated after ovalbumin presentation by CD11c+ epididymal MPs. The results demonstrated that CD11c+ MPs in all regions were capable of capturing and presenting antigens. Together, this study defines a marked regional variation in epididymal antigen-presenting cells that could help us understand fertility and contraception but also has larger implications in inflammation and disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Mendelsohn
- Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - L M Sanmarco
- Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - R G Spallanzani
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - D Brown
- Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - F J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Voisin A, Saez F, Drevet JR, Guiton R. The epididymal immune balance: a key to preserving male fertility. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:531-539. [PMID: 30924450 PMCID: PMC6859654 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_11_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 15% of male infertility has an immunological origin, either due to repetitive infections or to autoimmune responses mainly affecting the epididymis, prostate, and testis. Clinical observations and epidemiological data clearly contradict the idea that the testis confers immune protection to the whole male genital tract. As a consequence, the epididymis, in which posttesticular spermatozoa mature and are stored, has raised some interest in recent years when it comes to its immune mechanisms. Indeed, sperm cells are produced at puberty, long after the establishment of self-tolerance, and they possess unique surface proteins that cannot be recognized as self. These are potential targets of the immune system, with the risk of inducing autoantibodies and consequently male infertility. Epididymal immunity is based on a finely tuned equilibrium between efficient immune responses to pathogens and strong tolerance to sperm cells. These processes rely on incompletely described molecules and cell types. This review compiles recent studies focusing on the immune cell types populating the epididymis, and proposes hypothetical models of the organization of epididymal immunity with a special emphasis on the immune response, while also discussing important aspects of the epididymal immune regulation such as tolerance and tumour control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison Voisin
- Team Mechanisms of Posttesticular Infertility, GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- Team Mechanisms of Posttesticular Infertility, GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- Team Mechanisms of Posttesticular Infertility, GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Rachel Guiton
- Team Mechanisms of Posttesticular Infertility, GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vickram AS, Samad HA, Latheef SK, Chakraborty S, Dhama K, Sridharan TB, Sundaram T, Gulothungan G. Human prostasomes an extracellular vesicle - Biomarkers for male infertility and prostrate cancer: The journey from identification to current knowledge. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 146:946-958. [PMID: 31730983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining attention among the cell biologists and researchers over the last two decades. Prostasomes are considered to be (Evs) secreted by prostate epithelial cells into the semen during emission or ejaculation. Prostasomes contain various proteins required for immune regulation namely, amino and dipeptidyl peptidase; endopeptidase (neutral); decay accelerating factor; angiotensin-converting enzyme. Sperm cells need a few prerequisites in order to fertilize the egg. The role of prostasomes in enhancing the male fertility was reviewed extensively throughout the manuscript. Also, prostasomes have an immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory, antibacterial role in the female reproductive tract, and in some cases they can be used as immunocontraceptive agent to regulate the fertility status. This review will give insights to many active researchers in the field of prostasomal research and male infertility/fertility research. This review will open many unanswered mechanisms of prostasomes with respect to structure-function analysis, fatty acids patterns in diagnosis as well as prognosis of male infertility/fertility. More scientific reports are in need to support the mechanism of prostasomes and its role in immunomodulation. The development of prostasomes as a biomarker for the prostate cancer is still miserable with a lot of controversial results by various researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Vickram
- Saveetha School of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Nagar, Chennai 602 105, India.
| | - Hari Abdul Samad
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shyma K Latheef
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243 122, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura 799008, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - T B Sridharan
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thanigaivel Sundaram
- Saveetha School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Nagar, Chennai 602 105, India
| | - G Gulothungan
- Saveetha School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Nagar, Chennai 602 105, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guiton R, Voisin A, Henry-Berger J, Saez F, Drevet JR. Of vessels and cells: the spatial organization of the epididymal immune system. Andrology 2019; 7:712-718. [PMID: 31106984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12637] [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: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One third of infertility cases in couples worldwide has an exclusive male origin and immune disorders, essentially due to repetitive infections, are emerging an cause of male infertility. As the place of sperm maturation, epididymis must be preserved from excessive immune responses that may arise following infections of the male genital tract. At the same time, epididymis must set and maintain a tolerogenic environment in order not to destroy sperm cells that enter the tissue at puberty, long after the immune system has been taught to recognize self pathogens. The immune cells that populate the epididymis have raised growing interest over the last thirty years but they may be not sufficient to understand the immune balance existing in this organ, between immune response to pathogens and tolerance to spermatozoa. Indeed, immune cells are the most motile cells in the organism and need blood and lymphatic vessels to traffic between lymphoid organs and sites of infection to induce efficient responses. OBJECTIVES To review the literature on the blood and lymphatic vessels, and on the immune cells present at steady state in the rodent epididymis (rat and mouse). MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed database was searched for studies reporting on the spatial organization of the rodent epididymal vasculature and immune cell types at steady state. This search was combined with recent findings from our team. RESULTS At steady state, the rodent epididymis presents with dense blood and lymphatic networks, and a large panel of immune cells distributed across the interstitum and epithelium along the organ. CONCLUSIONS The immune system of the rodent epididymis is highly organized. Exploring its functions, especially in an infectious context, is the essential coming step before any transposition to human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Guiton
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - A Voisin
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J Henry-Berger
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - F Saez
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J R Drevet
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ou T, Lilly M, Jiang W. The Pathologic Role of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Prostate Cancer. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1188. [PMID: 29928275 PMCID: PMC5998742 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 is expressed on normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. The TLR4 and its downstream signaling pathways mediate innate immune responses in the host against invading pathogens. However, multiple lines of evidence shows that TLR4 expression is increased in prostate tissues from prostate cancer patients, and altered TLR4 signals may promote cancer development, as well as antitumor effects. In this review, we have summarized key features of the TLR4 signaling pathway and its associated immune responses and focused on the pathologic role of TLR4 in prostate carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongwen Ou
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Lilly
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bidne KL, Dickson MJ, Ross JW, Baumgard LH, Keating AF. Disruption of female reproductive function by endotoxins. Reproduction 2018; 155:R169-R181. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endotoxemia can be caused by obesity, environmental chemical exposure, abiotic stressors and bacterial infection. Circumstances that deleteriously impact intestinal barrier integrity can induce endotoxemia, and controlled experiments have identified negative impacts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; an endotoxin mimetic) on folliculogenesis, puberty onset, estrus behavior, ovulation, meiotic competence, luteal function and ovarian steroidogenesis. In addition, neonatal LPS exposures have transgenerational female reproductive impacts, raising concern about early life contacts to this endogenous reproductive toxicant. Aims of this review are to identify physiological stressors causing endotoxemia, to highlight potential mechanism(s) by which LPS compromises female reproduction and identify knowledge gaps regarding how acute and/or metabolic endotoxemia influence(s) female reproduction.
Collapse
|
9
|
Quintar AA, Maldonado CA. Androgen regulation of host defenses and response to inflammatory stimuli in the prostate gland. Cell Biol Int 2017; 41:1223-1233. [PMID: 28244686 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The prostate gland is a strictly androgen-dependent organ which is also the main target of infectious and inflammatory diseases in the male reproductive tract. Host defenses and immunity of the gland have unique features to maintain a constant balance between response and tolerance to diverse antigens. In this context, the effects of reproductive hormones on the male tract are thus complex and have just started to be defined. From the classical description of "the prostatic antibacterial factor," many host defense proteins with potent microbicidal and anti-tumoral activities have been described in the organ. Indeed, it has been proposed a central role for resident cells, that is, epithelial and smooth muscle cells, in the prostatic response against injuries. However, these cells also represent the target of the inflammatory damage, leading to the development of a Proliferative Inflammatory Atrophy-like process in the epithelium and a myofibroblastic-like reactive stroma. Available data on androgen regulation of inflammation led to a model of the complex control, in which the final effect will depend on the tissue microenvironment, the cause of inflammation, and the levels of androgens among other factors. In this paper, we review the current scientific literature about the inflammatory process in the gland, the modulation of host defense proteins, and the influence of testosterone on the resolution of prostatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amado A Quintar
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Pabellón de Biología Celular. E. Barros esq. Enfermera Gordillo 1 piso Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cristina A Maldonado
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Pabellón de Biología Celular. E. Barros esq. Enfermera Gordillo 1 piso Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Michel V, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Meinhardt A. Epididymitis: revelations at the convergence of clinical and basic sciences. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:756-63. [PMID: 26112484 PMCID: PMC4577585 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute epididymitis represents a common medical condition in the urological outpatient clinic. Mostly, epididymitis is caused by bacterial ascent through the urogenital tract, with pathogens originating either from sexually transmitted diseases or urinary tract infections. Although conservative antimicrobial therapy is possible in the majority of patients and is usually sufficient to eradicate the pathogen, studies have shown persistent oligozoospermia and azoospermia in up to 40% of these patients. Animal models of epididymitis are created to delineate the underlying reasons for this observation and the additional impairment of sperm function that is often associated with the disease. Accumulated data provide evidence of a differential expression of immune cells, immunoregulatory genes and pathogen-sensing molecules along the length of the epididymal duct. The evidence suggests that a tolerogenic environment exists in the caput epididymidis, but that inflammatory responses are most intense toward the cauda epididymidis. This is consistent with the need to provide protection for the neo-antigens of spermatozoa emerging from the testis, without compromising the ability to respond to ascending infections. However, severe inflammatory responses, particularly in the cauda, may lead to collateral damage to the structure and function of the epididymis. Convergence of the clinical observations with appropriate animal studies should lead to better understanding of the immunological environment throughout the epididymis, the parameters underlying susceptibility to epididymitis, and to therapeutic approaches that can mitigate epididymal damage and subsequent fertility problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baron OL, Deleury E, Reichhart JM, Coustau C. The LBP/BPI multigenic family in invertebrates: Evolutionary history and evidences of specialization in mollusks. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 57:20-30. [PMID: 26608112 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
LBPs (lipopolysaccharide binding proteins) and BPIs (bactericidal permeability increasing proteins) are important proteins involved in defense against bacterial pathogens. We recently discovered a novel biocidal activity of a LBP/BPI from the gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata and demonstrated its role in parental immune protection of eggs, highlighting the importance of LBP/BPIs in invertebrate immunity. Here we characterize four additional LBP/BPI from B. glabrata, presenting conserved sequence architecture and exon-intron structure. Searches of invertebrate genomes revealed that existence of LBP/BPIs is not a conserved feature since they are absent from phyla such as arthropods and platyhelminths. Analyses of LBP/BPI transcripts from selected mollusk species showed recent parallel duplications in some species, including B. glabrata. In this snail species, LBP/BPI members vary in their expression tissue localization as well as their change in expression levels after immune challenges (Gram-negative bacterium; Gram-positive bacterium or yeast). These results, together with the predicted protein features provide evidences of functional specialization of LBP/BPI family members in molluscs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Lucia Baron
- INRA, Univ. Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, UMR 1355-7254, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, 400 Route des Chappes, 06 900 Sophia Antipolis, France; Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UPR9022 CNRS, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
| | - Emeline Deleury
- INRA, Univ. Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, UMR 1355-7254, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, 400 Route des Chappes, 06 900 Sophia Antipolis, France.
| | - Jean-Marc Reichhart
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UPR9022 CNRS, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
| | - Christine Coustau
- INRA, Univ. Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, UMR 1355-7254, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, 400 Route des Chappes, 06 900 Sophia Antipolis, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Gregory M, Cyr DG. The blood-epididymis barrier and inflammation. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 4:e979619. [PMID: 26413391 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) is a critical structure for male fertility. It enables the development of a specific luminal environment that allows spermatozoa to acquire both the ability to swim and fertilize an ovum. The presence of tight junctions and specific cellular transporters can regulate the composition of the epididymal lumen to favor proper sperm maturation. The BEB is also at the interface between the immune system and sperm. Not only does the BEB protect maturing spermatozoa from the immune system, it is also influenced by cytokines released during inflammation, which can result in the loss of barrier function. Such a loss is associated with an immune response, decreased sperm functions, and appears to be a contributing factor to post-testicular male infertility. Alterations in the BEB may be responsible for the formation of inflammatory conditions such as sperm granulomas. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the morphological, physiological and pathological components associated with the BEB, the role of immune function on the regulation of the BEB, and how disturbance of these factors can result in inflammatory lesions of the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gregory
- INRS-Institut Armand Frappier; University of Quebec ; Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand Frappier; University of Quebec ; Laval, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Anastasiadou M, Avdi M, Michailidis G. Expression of avian β-defensins and Toll-like receptor genes in the rooster epididymis during growth and Salmonella infection. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 140:224-31. [PMID: 23830764 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis is an organ involved in the maturation, transport, and storage of sperm prior to ejaculation. As epididymis is exposed to a constant risk of inflammatory conditions that may lead to transient or permanent sterility, protection of this organ from pathogens is an essential aspect of reproductive physiology. The families of antimicrobial peptides β-defensins and the pattern-recognition receptors Toll-like (TLR) mediate innate immunity in various vertebrates including avian species. As rooster infertility is a major concern in the poultry industry, the objectives of this study were to determine the expression profile of the entire family of the avian β-defensins (AvBD) and TLR genes in the rooster epididymis, to investigate whether sexual maturation affects their epididymidal mRNA abundance and to determine the changes in their expression levels in response to Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infection in the epididymis of sexually mature roosters. RNA was extracted from the epididymis of healthy pubertal, sexually mature and aged birds, and from sexually mature SE infected birds. RT-PCR analysis revealed that 10 members of the AvBD and nine members of the TLR gene families were expressed in the epididymis. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the epididymidal mRNA abundance of certain AvBD and TLR genes was developmentally regulated with respect to sexual maturation. SE infection resulted in a significant induction of AvBD 1, 9, 10, 12 and 14, as well as TLR 1-2, 2-1, 2-2, 4, 5 and 7 genes, in the epididymis of sexually mature roosters, compared to healthy birds of the same age. These findings provide strong evidence to suggest that the rooster epididymis is capable of initiating an inflammatory response to Salmonella, through activation of certain members of the AvBD and TLR gene families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Anastasiadou
- Laboratory of Physiology of Reproduction of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kershaw-Young CM, Maxwell WMC. Seminal Plasma Components in Camelids and Comparisons with Other Species. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:369-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
16
|
Cheng J, Li J, Zhang W, Cai Y, Wang G. Mutations in lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) gene change the susceptibility to clinical mastitis in Chinese Holstein. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:9601-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
17
|
Yeung CH, Wang K, Cooper TG. Why are epididymal tumours so rare? Asian J Androl 2012; 14:465-75. [PMID: 22522502 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal tumour incidence is at most 0.03% of all male cancers. It is an enigma why the human epididymis does not often succumb to cancer, when it expresses markers of stem and cancer cells, and constitutively expresses oncogenes, pro-proliferative and pro-angiogenic factors that allow tumour cells to escape immunosurveillance in cancer-prone tissues. The privileged position of the human epididymis in evading tumourigenicity is reflected in transgenic mouse models in which induction of tumours in other organs is not accompanied by epididymal neoplasia. The epididymis appears to: (i) prevent tumour initiation (it probably lacks stem cells and has strong anti-oxidative mechanisms, active tumour suppressors and inactive oncogene products); (ii) foster tumour monitoring and destruction (by strong immuno-surveillance and -eradication, and cellular senescence); (iii) avert proliferation and angiogenesis (with persistent tight junctions, the presence of anti-angiogenic factors and misplaced pro-angiogenic factors), which together (iv) promote dormancy and restrict dividing cells to hyperplasia. Epididymal cells may be rendered non-responsive to oncogenic stimuli by the constitutive expression of factors generally inducible in tumours, and resistant to the normal epididymal environment, which mimics that of a tumour niche promoting tumour growth. The threshold for tumour initiation may thus be higher in the epididymis than in other organs. Several anti-tumour mechanisms are those that maintain spermatozoa quiescent and immunologically silent, so the low incidence of cancer in the epididymis may be a consequence of its role in sperm maturation and storage. Understanding these mechanisms may throw light on cancer prevention and therapy in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hei Yeung
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Centre, YuHuangDing Hospital, Yantai, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Old and new findings on lipopolysaccharide-binding protein: a soluble pattern-recognition molecule. Biochem Soc Trans 2011; 39:989-93. [PMID: 21787335 DOI: 10.1042/bst0390989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
LBP [LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-binding protein] was discovered approximately 25 years ago. Since then, substantial progress has been made towards our understanding of its function in health and disease. Furthermore, the discovery of a large protein family sharing functional and structural attributes has helped in our knowledge. Still, key questions are unresolved, and here an overview on the old and new findings on LBP is given. LBP is an acute-phase protein of the liver, but is also synthesized in other cells of the organism. While LBP is named after the ability to bind to LPS of Gram-negative bacteria, it also can recognize other bacterial compounds, such as lipopeptides. It has been shown that LBP is needed to combat infections; however, the main mechanism of action is still not clear. New findings on natural genetic variations of LBP leading to functional consequences may help in further elucidating the mechanism of LBP and its role in innate immunity and disease.
Collapse
|
19
|
Expression of chicken LEAP-2 in the reproductive organs and embryos and in response to Salmonella enterica infection. Vet Res Commun 2010; 34:459-71. [PMID: 20526889 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-010-9420-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years host antimicrobial peptides and proteins have been recognised as key mediators of the innate immune response in many vertebrate species, providing the first line of defense against potential pathogens. In chickens a number of cationic antimicrobial peptides have been recently identified. However, although these peptides have been studied extensively in the avian gastrointestinal tract, little is known about their function in the chicken reproductive organs and embryos. Chicken Liver Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide-2 (cLEAP-2) has been previously reported to function in protecting birds against microbial attack. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of cLEAP-2 gene in the chicken reproductive organs, as well as in chicken embryos during embryonic development, and to determine whether cLEAP-2 expression in the chicken reproductive organs was constitutive or induced as a response to Salmonella enteritidis infection. RNA was extracted from ovary, oviduct, testis and epididymis of sexually mature healthy and Salmonella infected birds, as well as from chicken embryos until day ten of embryonic development. Expression analysis data revealed that cLEAP-2 was expressed in the chicken ovary, testis and epididymis as well as in embryos during early embryonic development. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that cLEAP-2 expression was constitutive in the chicken epididymis, but was significantly up regulated in the chicken gonads, following Salmonella infection. In addition, expression of cLEAP-2 during chicken embryogenesis appeared to be developmentally regulated. These data provide evidence to suggest a key role of cLEAP-2 in the protection of the chicken reproductive organs and the developing embryos from Salmonella colonization.
Collapse
|
20
|
Biswas B, Narmadha G, Choudhary M, French FS, Hall SH, Yenugu S. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Identification of Toll-Like Receptors in the Rat (Rattus norvegicus): Messenger RNA Expression in the Male Reproductive Tract Under Conditions of Androgen Variation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2009; 62:243-52. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00732.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
21
|
Palladino MA, Savarese MA, Chapman JL, Dughi MK, Plaska D. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Localization of Toll-Like Receptors on Epididymal Epithelial Cells and Spermatozoa. Am J Reprod Immunol 2008; 60:541-55. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
|
22
|
Rodrigues A, Queiróz DBC, Honda L, Silva EJR, Hall SH, Avellar MCW. Activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by in vivo and in vitro exposure of rat epididymis to lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia Coli. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:1135-47. [PMID: 18703421 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.069930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides the first evidence that rat epididymis is fully capable of initiating an inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 functionality was demonstrated by in vivo LPS challenge, which induced a time- and dose-dependent activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) in caput and cauda epididymides. NFKB activation by LPS in caput epididymidis was abrogated when rats were pretreated with the NFKB inhibitor PDTC, confirming the specificity of this response. Within 2 h of LPS treatment (0.01 and 1 mg/kg, i.v.), NFKB activation in caput and cauda was accompanied by upregulation of Il1b, Nfkbia, and Cd14, but not Tlr4, mRNA. These effects, however, were not sustained after 24 h of LPS treatment. Lipopolysaccharide systemic effects were not restricted to epididymides, since Il1b, Nfkbia, and Cd14 mRNAs were also upregulated in other male reproductive tissues from LPS-treated rats (1 mg/kg, i.v., 2 h). Constitutive TLR4 was immunolocalized in some, but not all, epididymal epithelial cells and in interstitial cells, some of them identified as resident ED2-positive macrophages. No change in TLR4 immunostaining pattern was observed when epididymides from control and LPS-treated rats were compared (1 mg/kg, i.v., 2 h and 24 h). Significant NFKB activation was also achieved within 1 min of in vitro incubation of caput epididymidis with LPS (0.01-5 mug/ml), confirming that components for TLR4 signaling cascade activation are fully active in this tissue. This study contributes to a better understanding of the innate immune response in the epididymis and other tissues from the male reproductive tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Rodrigues
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Innate immune responses of epididymal epithelial cells to Staphylococcus aureus infection. Immunol Lett 2008; 119:84-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2008.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Revised: 05/01/2008] [Accepted: 05/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
24
|
Linge HM, Collin M, Giwercman A, Malm J, Bjartell A, Egesten A. The antibacterial chemokine MIG/CXCL9 is constitutively expressed in epithelial cells of the male urogenital tract and is present in seminal plasma. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2008; 28:191-6. [PMID: 18338951 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2007.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the urogenital tract against potentially invasive pathogens is important for the health of the individual, fertilization, and continuance of species. Antibiotic peptides with broad antimicrobial activity, among them chemokines, are part of the innate immune system. We investigated the presence of the antibacterial interferon (IFN)-dependent CXC chemokines, MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, and I-TAC/CXCL11, in the human male reproductive system. MIG/CXCL9 was detected at 25.0 nM (range 8.1-40.6 nM; n = 14), whereas IP-10/CXCL10 and I-TAC/CXCL11 were detected at lower levels (mean 1.8 nM, range 0.3-5.8 nM and mean 0.6, 0.2-1.6 nM, respectively) in seminal plasma of fertile donors. The levels of MIG/CXCL9 are more than 300-fold higher than those previously reported in blood plasma. In vasectomized donors, significantly lower levels of MIG/CXCL9 (mean 14.7 nM, range 6.6-21.8) were found, suggesting that the testis and epididymis, in addition to the prostate, significantly contribute to the MIG/CXCL9 content of seminal plasma. Strong expression of MIG/CXCL9 was found in the epithelium of testis, epididymis, and prostate, as detected by immunohistochemistry. MIG/CXCL9 at concentrations in the order of those found in seminal plasma possessed antibacterial activity against the urogenital pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The relatively high levels of MIG/CXCL9 in seminal plasma point to roles for this chemokine in both host defense of the male urogenital tract and during fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Linge
- Section for Infection, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mühlbauer M, Cheely AW, Yenugu S, Jobin C. Regulation and functional impact of lipopolysaccharide induced Nod2 gene expression in the murine epididymal epithelial cell line PC1. Immunology 2008; 124:256-64. [PMID: 18284470 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2007.02763.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymitis represents a serious threat to male fertility and usually develops following secondary bacterial infection of the epididymis such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Surprisingly, very little is known about the innate host response triggered by bacterial infection in the male reproductive tract. In this study we investigated the regulation and function of Nod2 in epididymal epithelial cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The immortalized epididymal epithelial cell line PC1 (proximal caput 1) constitutively expressed Toll-like receptor 4, MD-2, CD-14 but not Nod2 messenger RNA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 microg/ml) rapidly induced I kappaB phosphorylation and degradation, RelA nuclear translocation and phosphorylation, which correlated with enhanced transcriptional activity (four-fold) in PC1 cells. The LPS and lipid A rapidly (1 hr) induced Nod2 messenger RNA accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. RelA and RNApolII recruitment to the Nod2 gene promoter was enhanced in LPS-stimulated cells. Molecular blockade of nuclear factor-kappaB signalling with adenovirus 5 (Ad5) I kappaB AA or adenovirus 5 double-negative (Ad5dn) IKK beta prevented LPS-induced Nod2 gene expression. Functionally, Nod2 upregulation enhanced muramyl dipeptide (MDP) -induced tumour necrosis factor messenger RNA accumulation in PC1 cells. We conclude that epididymal epithelial cells mount an innate response following LPS exposure which leads to upregulation of Nod2 and enhanced responsiveness to the microbial product MDP. The rapid Nod2 upregulation in epididymal epithelial cells is probably part of a complex innate host response aimed at protecting the male reproductive tract from the deleterious impact of bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Mühlbauer
- Department of Medicine and Center for GI Biology and Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Girling JE, Hedger MP. Toll‐like receptors in the gonads and reproductive tract: emerging roles in reproductive physiology and pathology. Immunol Cell Biol 2007; 85:481-9. [PMID: 17592495 DOI: 10.1038/sj.icb.7100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between the immune system and reproductive system have important consequences for fertility and reproductive health in general. There is increasing evidence that many of the interactions between the immune and reproductive systems involve the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). While there is no doubt that TLRs are important in providing protection against infection in the reproductive tract, there is increasing evidence for the involvement of TLRs in more basic pathology and physiology of reproduction. In the female, TLRs have been implicated in critical aspects of ovarian, endometrial and placental function, as well as in ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. In the male, TLRs appear to play a role in the control of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in disease and, potentially, during normal function, as well. Recent studies also have begun to highlight the role of various TLRs in the aetiology of prostatitis and prostatic cancer. Given the nascent state of knowledge concerning this important area, it is clear that more studies are needed, which should provide valuable new insights into the biology of the TLRs and reproductive function in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Girling
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Palladino MA, Johnson TA, Gupta R, Chapman JL, Ojha P. Members of the Toll-like receptor family of innate immunity pattern-recognition receptors are abundant in the male rat reproductive tract. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:958-64. [PMID: 17314314 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.059410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Protecting developing and maturing spermatozoa and reproductive tissues from microbial damage is an emerging aspect of research in reproductive physiology. Bacterial, viral, and yeast infections of the testis and epididymis can hinder maturation and movement of spermatozoa, resulting in impaired fertility. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a broad family of innate immunity receptors that play critical roles in detecting and responding to invading pathogens. Objectives of this study were to determine if organs of the rat male reproductive tract express mRNAs for members of the TLR family, to characterize expression patterns for TLRs in different regions of the epididymis, and to determine if TLR adaptor and target proteins are present in the male reproductive tract. Messenger RNA for Tlr1-Tlr9 was abundantly expressed in testis, epididymis, and vas deferens, as determined by RT-PCR, while Tlr10 and Tlr11 were less abundantly expressed. Tlr mRNA expression showed no region-specific patterns in the epididymis. Immunoblot analysis revealed relatively equal levels of protein for TLRs 1, 2, 4, and 6 in testis, all regions of the epididymis and vas deferens, and lower levels of TLRs 3, 5, and 9-11. TLR7 was primarily detected in the testis. The TLR adapter proteins, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 and TLR adaptor molecule 1, as well as v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog and NFKBIA, were prominent in testis, epididymis, and vas deferens. The abundant expression of a majority of TLR family members together with expression of TLR adaptors and activation targets provides strong evidence that TLRs play important roles in innate immunity of the male reproductive tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Palladino
- Department of Biology, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ 07764, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|