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Mohammadi Y, Ranjbaran J, Mamashli M, Marzuni HZ, Dashtgard A, Mohsenizadeh SM. Investigating the effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on sperm parameters and serum levels of male sexual hormones: Prospective observational study. New Microbes New Infect 2024; 60-61:101432. [PMID: 38800713 PMCID: PMC11126988 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2024.101432] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the progress and prevalence of COVID-19, concerns have arisen regarding its impact on men's sexual health. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of examining the effects of COVID-19 on serum levels of sex hormones and semen. Methods Sixty participants who met the study inclusion criteria enrolled in this study between January and April 2022. The individuals were divided into three groups (n = 20): healthy, COVID-19 positive, and recovered from COVID-19. Blood and semen samples were collected from the participants. Serum levels of sex hormones and semen were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. Results Our study results showed that the most common symptoms observed in the COVID-19 group were cough (100 %), fever (100 %), fatigue (95 %), and runny nose (90 %). Serum levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and prolactin) in the COVID-19 group were significantly decreased compared to the healthy group. Microscopic examination of semen revealed significant differences in vitality, progressive, and motile parameters among the three groups, with a decrease observed in the COVID-19 group. Conclusion These results indicate that COVID-19 may have a negative impact on men's sexual health, potentially affecting hormone production and sperm quality. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on male fertility and to explore potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Mohammadi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbaran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Morteza Mamashli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare Marzuni
- Department of Nursing, Qaen School of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ali Dashtgard
- Department of Nursing, Qaen School of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Mostafa Mohsenizadeh
- Department of Nursing, Qaen School of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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2
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Doğan G, Sandıkçı M, Karagenç L. Stage-specific expression of Toll-like receptors in the seminiferous epithelium of mouse testis. Histochem Cell Biol 2024:10.1007/s00418-024-02310-z. [PMID: 39085445 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Genes encoding Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed by germ cells in the mouse testis. Nevertheless, the expression of TLRs by germ cells has only been demonstrated for TLR-3, TLR-9, and TLR-11. Furthermore, the expression of each TLR in relation to the stage of spermatogenesis remains uncertain. We aimed in the present study to examine the expression pattern of all TLRs in germ cells throughout the cycle of seminiferous epithelium in the adult mouse testis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TLRs. Results of the present study reveal the expression of TLRs by specific populations of germ cells. Expression of TLRs, except for TLR-7, at endosomal compartments, acrosomes, and/or residual bodies was another interesting and novel finding of the present study. We further demonstrate that the expression of TLR-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -11, -12, and -13 follows a distinct spatiotemporal pattern throughout the cycle of seminiferous epithelium. While TLR-1, -3, -5, -11, and -12 are expressed in all stages, TLR-4 is expressed only in early and middle stages of spermatogenic cycle. On the other hand, TLR-2, -7, and -13 are expressed only in early stage of spermatogenic cycle. Evidence demonstrating the expression of TLRs in a stage specific manner throughout spermatogenesis strengthen the hypothesis that the expression of various TLRs by germ cells is a developmentally regulated process. However, if TLRs play a role in the regulation of proliferation, growth, maturation, and differentiation of germ cells throughout the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göksel Doğan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Histology-Embryology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09000, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sandıkçı
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Histology-Embryology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09000, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Levent Karagenç
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Histology-Embryology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09000, Aydın, Turkey.
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3
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Abarikwu SO, Coimbra JLP, Campolina-Silva G, Rocha ST, Costa VV, Lacerda SMSN, Costa GMJ. Acute effects of atrazine on the immunoexpressions of sertoli and germ cells molecular markers, cytokines, chemokines, and sex hormones levels in mice testes and epididymides. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142852. [PMID: 39019188 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Atrazine is currently one of the most commonly used agrochemicals in the United States and elsewhere. Here, we studied the immunoexpression of molecular markers of mammalian testicular functions: androgen receptor (AR), promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRA1), VASA/DDX4 (DEAD-Box Helicase 4) as well as the levels of intratesticular and intra-epididymal estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6, IL-10) and testicular chemokines (CXCL-1, CCL-2 and CCL3) in BalB/c mice after a sub-acute gavage treatment with a gonado-toxin, atrazine (50 mg/kg body wt.) for three days. We found high numbers of AR immunopositive Sertoli cells and low numbers of GFRA1, PLZF and VASA/DDX4-positive germ cells in the seminiferous tubule regions of the testes. While TNF-α level in the testes fell and remained unchanged in the epididymides, IFN-γ levels in the testes remained constant but increased in the epididymides. E2 and DHT concentrations remained unaltered in the testes but were changed in the epididymides. There were no significant changes in the levels of interleukins in the testis and epididymis. Intratesticular chemokines were also not significantly altered, except for CCL-4, which was increased in the testis. Light microscopy of the epididymis showed detached epithelium and some detached cells in the lumen. It is concluded that atrazine changed the inflammatory status of the gonads and highlighted Sertoli and undifferentiated spermatogonia as important targets for atrazine's toxic effects in the testis of mice. Concerning the epididymis, atrazine altered the epididymal hormonal concentrations and promoted histopathological modifications in its parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny O Abarikwu
- Reproductive Biology and Molecular Toxicology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
| | - John L P Coimbra
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Samuel Tadeu Rocha
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samyra M S N Lacerda
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M J Costa
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Liao H, Lu D, Reisinger SN, Kleeman EA, van de Garde N, Gubert C, Hannan AJ. Mimicking bacterial infection in male mice changes sperm small RNA profiles and multigenerationally alters offspring behavior and physiology. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:520-538. [PMID: 38636562 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Paternal pre-conceptual exposures, including stress, diet, substance abuse, parasite infection, and viral immune activation via Poly I:C, have been reported to influence the brains and behavior of offspring through sperm epigenetic changes. However, the effects of paternal (F0) pre-conceptual exposure to bacterial-induced immune activation on the behavior and physiology of F1 and F2 generations remain unexplored. We examined this using C57BL/6J mice. Eight-week-old males (F0) received a single intraperitoneal injection of the bacterial mimetic lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 5 mg/kg) or 0.9 % saline (vehicle control) before mating with naïve females at four weeks post-injection. Comprehensive behavioral assessments were conducted to investigate anxiety, social behaviors, depressive-like behaviors and cognition in both the F1 and F2 generations within the age range of 8 to 14 weeks. Results demonstrated that only female offspring of LPS-exposed fathers exhibited reduced anxiety levels in the light/dark box, large open field, and novelty-suppressed feeding test. These F1 female offspring also exhibited heightened sociability in the 3-chambered social interaction test and a reduced preference for saccharin in the saccharin preference test. Additionally, the F1 male offspring of LPS-challenged males demonstrated an increased total distance traveled in the light/dark box and a longer distance covered in the light zone. They also exhibited diminished preference for social novelty in the 3-chambered social interaction test and an elevated novel arm preference index in the Y-maze. In the F2 generation, male descendants of LPS-treated fathers showed reduced latency to feed in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. Additionally, the F2 generation of LPS-challenged fathers, but not the F1 generation, displayed enhanced immune response in both sexes after an acute LPS immune challenge (5 mg/kg). Analysis of sperm small noncoding RNA profiles from LPS-treated F0 mice revealed significant changes at 4 weeks after administration of LPS. These changes included three microRNAs, eight PIWI-interacting RNAs, and two transfer RNAs, exhibiting significant upregulation (mmu-miR-146a-5p, mmu-piR-27082 and mmu-piR-29102) or downregulation (mmu-miR-5110, mmu-miR-467e-3p, mmu-piR-22583, mmu-piR-23548, mmu-piR-36341, mmu-piR-50293, mmu-piR-16583, mmu-piR-36507, Mus_musculus_tRNA-Ile-AAT-2-1 and Mus_musculus_tRNA-Tyr-GTA-1-1). Additionally, we detected 52 upregulated small noncoding RNAs (including 9 miRNAs, 41 piRNAs, and 2 tRNAs) and 7 downregulated small noncoding RNAs (3 miRNAs, 3 piRNAs, and 1 tRNA) in the sperm of F1 offspring from LPS-treated males. These findings provide compelling evidence for the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the modulation of brain function and immunity, and associated behavioral and immunological traits, across generations, in response to bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liao
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Da Lu
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sonali N Reisinger
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Kleeman
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas van de Garde
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Carolina Gubert
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Atiakshin D, Kulchenko N, Kostin A, Ignatyuk M, Protasov A, Klabukov I, Baranovskii D, Faniev M, Korovyakova E, Chekmareva I, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M. Cyto- and Histopographic Assessment of CPA3-Positive Testicular Mast Cells in Obstructive and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Cells 2024; 13:833. [PMID: 38786055 PMCID: PMC11120214 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100833] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an important personal and society disease, of which the male factor represents half of all causes. One of the aspects less studied in male infertility is the immunological testicular microenvironment. Mast cells (MCs), having high potential for regulating spermatogenesis due to fine-tuning the state of the integrative buffer metabolic environment, are one of the most crucial cellular subpopulations of the testicular interstitium. One important component of the MC secretome is proteases that can act as proinflammatory agents and in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In the testis, MCs are an important cell component of the testicular interstitial tissue (TIT). However, there are still no studies addressing the analysis of a specific MC protease-carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3)-in cases with altered spermatogenesis. The cytological and histotopographic features of testicular CPA3+ MCs were examined in a study involving 34 men with azoospermia. As revealed, in cases with non-obstructive azoospermia, a higher content of CPA3+ MCs in the TIT and migration to the microvasculature and peritubular tissue of seminiferous tubules were observed when compared with cases with obstructive azoospermia. Additionally, a high frequency of CPA3+ MCs colocalization with fibroblasts, Leydig cells, and elastic fibers was detected in cases with NOA. Thus, CPA3 seems to be of crucial pathogenetic significance in the formation of a profibrogenic background of the tissue microenvironment, which may have direct and indirect effects on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Atiakshin
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Nina Kulchenko
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Andrey Kostin
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Michael Ignatyuk
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Andrey Protasov
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Ilya Klabukov
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Koroleva St. 4, 249036 Obninsk, Russia (D.B.)
| | - Denis Baranovskii
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Koroleva St. 4, 249036 Obninsk, Russia (D.B.)
| | - Mikhail Faniev
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Elina Korovyakova
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Irina Chekmareva
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.); (A.P.); (M.F.); (E.K.); (I.C.); (I.B.)
- Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstr, 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Markus Tiemann
- Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstr, 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany;
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Zhang L, Tang X, Fan C, Ren S, Cheng Q, Zhou H, Liu K, Jia S, Zhang Y. Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiome Aggravated Male Infertility in Captivity of Plateau Pika. Biomolecules 2024; 14:403. [PMID: 38672421 PMCID: PMC11047922 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Captivity is an important and efficient technique for rescuing endangered species. However, it induces infertility, and the underlying mechanism remains obscure. This study used the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) as a model to integrate physiological, metagenomic, metabolomic, and transcriptome analyses and explore whether dysbiosis of the gut microbiota induced by artificial food exacerbates infertility in captive wild animals. Results revealed that captivity significantly decreased testosterone levels and the testicle weight/body weight ratio. RNA sequencing revealed abnormal gene expression profiles in the testicles of captive animals. The microbial α-diversity and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were drastically decreased in the captivity group. Bacteroidetes and Muribaculaceae abundance notably increased in captive pikas. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the alteration of flora increased the capacity for carbohydrate degradation in captivity. The levels of microbe metabolites' short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were significantly high in the captive group. Increasing SCFAs influenced the immune response of captivity plateau pikas; pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in captivity. The inflammation ultimately contributed to male infertility. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between Gastranaerophilales family abundance and testosterone concentration. Our results provide evidence for the interactions between artificial food, the gut microbiota, and male infertility in pikas and benefit the application of gut microbiota interference in threatened and endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (L.Z.); (X.T.); (C.F.); (S.R.); (Q.C.)
| | - Xianjiang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (L.Z.); (X.T.); (C.F.); (S.R.); (Q.C.)
| | - Chao Fan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (L.Z.); (X.T.); (C.F.); (S.R.); (Q.C.)
| | - Shi’en Ren
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (L.Z.); (X.T.); (C.F.); (S.R.); (Q.C.)
| | - Qi Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (L.Z.); (X.T.); (C.F.); (S.R.); (Q.C.)
| | - Huakun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology of Cold Area in Qinghai Province, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China;
| | - Kai Liu
- Qinghai Provincial Grassland Station, Xining 810008, China;
| | - Shangang Jia
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (L.Z.); (X.T.); (C.F.); (S.R.); (Q.C.)
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Raval K, Kumaresan A, Sinha MK, Elango K, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Nag P, Paul N, Talluri TR, Patil S. Sperm proteomic landscape is altered in breeding bulls with greater sperm DNA fragmentation index. Theriogenology 2024; 216:82-92. [PMID: 38159388 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although, it is well understood that sperm DNA damage is associated with infertility, the molecular details of how damaged sperm DNA affects fertility are not fully elucidated. Since sperm proteins play an important role in fertilization and post-fertilization events, the present study aimed to identify the sperm proteomic alterations in bulls with high sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI%). Semen from Holstein-Friesian crossbred breeding bulls (n = 50) was subjected to Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay. Based on DFI%, bulls were classified into either high- (HDFI; n = 6), or low-DFI (LDFI; n = 6) and their spermatozoa were subjected to high throughput proteomic analysis. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis identified 4567 proteins in bull spermatozoa. A total of 2660 proteins were found common to both the groups, while 1193 and 714 proteins were unique to HDFI and LDFI group, respectively. A total of 265 proteins were up regulated and 262 proteins were down regulated in HDFI group. It was found that proteins involved in capacitation [heparin binding (molecular function), ERK1 and ERK2 cascade (biological process), PI3K-Akt signalling (pathway), Jak-STAT signalling (pathway)], spermatogenesis [TLR signalling (pathway), gamete generation (biological process)] and DNA repair mechanism (biological process) were significantly altered in the bulls with high DFI%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathan Raval
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India.
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Thirumala Rao Talluri
- Equine Production Campus, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Bikaner, 334001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shivanagouda Patil
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
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8
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Azhar NA, Paul BT, Jesse FFA, Mohd-Lila MA, Chung ELT, Kamarulrizal MI. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and reproductive hormone responses in bucks post-challenge with Mannheimia haemolytica A2 and its outer membrane protein. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:291. [PMID: 37589856 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and outer membrane protein (OMP) are among the virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria responsible for inducing pathogenicity in the infected host. OMP and LPS occur on the outer membrane of M. haemolytica A2, the primary aetiological agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants. While the LPS is known to mediate Gram-negative bacterial infection by activating downstream inflammatory pathways, the potential role of OMP during inflammatory responses remained unclear. Hence, this study determined the effect of the OMP of M. haemolytica A2 on the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the male reproductive hormones (testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone). We randomly assigned twelve bucks to three groups (n = 4 bucks each): Group 1 was challenged with 2 mL PBS buffer (pH 7.0) intranasally; Group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 X 109 CFU/mL whole M. haemolytica A2 intranasally; and Group 3 received 2 mL of OMP extract obtained from 1.2 X 109 CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intramuscularly. Serum samples collected at pre-determined intervals were used for the quantitative determination of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) and reproductive hormones (testosterone and LH) using commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of IL1β was initially increased within the first-hour post-challenge in Groups 2 and 3, followed by a significant decrease in concentration at 21d and 35d (p < 0.05) in Group 3. Only mild fluctuations in IL-6 occurred in group 2, as opposed to the 1.7-fold rapid increase in TNFα within 2 h post-challenge before decreasing at 6 h. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was accompanied by an acute febrile response of 39.5 ± 0.38 °C (p < 0.05) at 2 h and 40.1 ± 0.29 °C (p < 0.05) at 4 h in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. Serum testosterone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups but remained significantly (p > 0.05) lower than in Group 1 throughout the study. There was a moderate negative association between testosterone and IL1β (r = -0.473; p > 0.05) or TNFα (r = -0.527; p < 0.05) in Group 2. Serum LH also showed moderate negative associations with TNFα in Group 2 (r = -0.63; p < 0.05) and Group 3 (r = -0.54; p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that M. haemolytica A2 and its OMP produced marked alterations in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and male reproductive hormones. The negative correlations between serum testosterone and inflammatory cytokines would suggest the potential role of OMP in causing male infertility by mediating innate inflammatory responses to suppress testosterone production in bucks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Amira Azhar
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bura Thlama Paul
- Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Campus Bintulu Sarawak, 97003, Bintulu, Malaysia
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, 600230, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Faez Firdaus Abdullah Jesse
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd-Azmi Mohd-Lila
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Eric Lim Teik Chung
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mat Isa Kamarulrizal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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9
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. A review on immunological aspects in male reproduction: An immune cells and cytokines. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103984. [PMID: 37390629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103984] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system, particularly the male gamete, offers a unique barrier to the immune system. The growing germ cells in the testis need to be shielded from autoimmune damage. Hence the testis has to establish and sustain an immune-privileged milieu. Sertoli cells create this safe space, protected by the blood-testis barrier. Cytokines are a type of immune reaction that can positively and negatively affect male reproductive health. Inflammation, disease, and obesity are just a few physiological conditions for which cytokines mediate signals. They interact with steroidogenesis, shaping the adrenals and testes to produce the hormones needed for survival. In particular pathological condition, including autoimmune disorders, contains high levels of the same cytokines in semen that play an essential role in the immunomodulation of the male gonad. This review focuses on understanding the immunological role of cytokines in the control and development of male reproduction. Also, in maintaining male reproductive health and diseases linked with their aberrant function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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10
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Kannampuzha S, Murali R, Namachivayam A, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Prabakaran DS. Insights into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030510. [PMID: 36992094 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has become a significant public health concern that has catastrophic consequences for society. Some preliminary evidence suggests that the male reproductive system may be an infection target for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually, according to preliminary research. Testicular cells exhibit a high level of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which enhances the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Some instances of COVID-19 have been documented to exhibit hypogonadism during the acute stage. Furthermore, systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown to have profoundly deleterious consequences on testicular functioning. This work gives a clear picture of how COVID-19 may affect male reproductive systems and calls attention to the many unanswered questions about the mechanisms by which this virus can be linked to men’s health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24253, Republic of Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda 151401, India
| | - D S Prabakaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1 Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Srivilliputhur Main Road, Sivakasi 626124, India
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11
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Priyam M, Gupta SK, Sarkar B, Naskar S, Kumar N, Foysal MJ, Sharma TR. Variation in immuno-reproductive milieu of testis in Clarias magur from pre-spawning to spawning phase: An indication towards non-canonical role of immune elements in testes. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103757. [PMID: 36335659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103757] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Immune mechanisms are major players in ensuring the normal functioning of testicular functions. However, apart from their role in active defence against pathogens, prior studies have also suggested a possibility for reproduction-related (non-immune) functions of certain immune elements. This study employs a comparative transcriptomics approach followed by network analysis for tracking the variation in the immuno-reproductive milieu of Clarias magur testis in spawning versus pre-spawning phase. The results show a significant modulation of both reproduction and immune-relevant genes in spawning versus pre-spawning phase. The functional enrichment of the upregulated reproduction-relevant gene network also shows immune-related biological processes which indicates a probability of involvement of these candidates in spermatogenesis-related events for switching from pre-spawning to spawning phase. The upregulated immune network is highly dense with 40 hubs, 10 cluster sub-networks and 142 functionally enriched pathways in comparison to its downregulated counterpart with only 5 hubs, 1 cluster and 1 enriched pathway. These findings indicate that the synchronisation in modulation of both reproductive and immune-related factors is critical for progression of testicular events guiding the switch from pre-spawning to spawning phase. The reproductive phase-dependent variation in plasma sex steroid levels and the selected genes for quantitative PCR also corroborated this hypothesis. The study also serves as a preliminary screening step for probable immune candidates that may be involved in reproductive functions of testis in addition to defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Priyam
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
| | - Sanjay K Gupta
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India.
| | - Biplab Sarkar
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
| | - Soumen Naskar
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- ICAR, National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Malegaon, Baramati, Pune 413115, India
| | - Md Javed Foysal
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, WA 6845 Australia
| | - T R Sharma
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
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12
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Moghaddam MH, Farrokhi S, Hasani A, Khosravi A, Pirani M, Vakili K, Fathi M, Eskandari N, Golshan A, Sadeghzadeh S, Namakin K, Aliaghaei A, Abdollahifar MA. Elderberry Diet Restores Spermatogenesis in the Transient Scrotal Hyperthermia-Induced Mice. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3373-3386. [PMID: 35088364 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, several studies have also reported the adverse effects of hyperthermia on normal testicular tissues in several species including mice, rats, and humans. These deleterious impacts include temporarily drop in relative weight of testis along with a temporary partial or complete infertility. Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry or sweet elder, is a source of bioactive compounds that has drawn growing attention for its potential beneficial effects in preventing and treating several diseases. This experimental research divided 30 mice into the following three groups: (1) control, (2) hyperthermia, and (3) hyperthermia receiving elderberry diet for 35 days. Scrotal hyperthermia was induced by water bath with 43 °C for 30 min. Then, the mice were euthanized, and their sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis. Then, we took the testis samples for histopathological experimentations, immunohistochemistry against TNF-α and caspase-3 and serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Our outputs indicated that elderberry diet could largely improve the sperms parameters and stereological parameters, like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Leydig cells together with an increasing level of the serum testosterone compared to the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice. In addition, it was found that the expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 significantly decreased in the treatment groups by elderberry diet compared to the scrotal hyperthermia-induced mice. In conclusion, it could be concluded that elderberry diet may be regarded as an alternative treatment for improving the spermatogenesis process in the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Hassani Moghaddam
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sheida Farrokhi
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Hasani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirreza Khosravi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Pirani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Eskandari
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Golshan
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kosar Namakin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Aliaghaei
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Postal code (1985717443), Tehran, Iran
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13
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Li H, Li N, Lu Q, Yang J, Zhao J, Zhu Q, Yi S, Fu W, Luo T, Tang J, Zhang Y, Yang G, Liu Z, Xu J, Chen W, Zhu J. Chronic alcohol-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and gut metabolites impairs sperm quality in mice. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1042923. [PMID: 36532416 PMCID: PMC9751024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1042923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have indicated that the ethanol exposure impairs the gut microbiota, At the same time, high levels of alcohol exposure damage sperm in mice. However, whether the gut microbiota is involved in mediating the effects of alcohol on sperm quality remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of chronic alcohol consumption on intestinal microbiota in mice and analyze the potential pathophysiological effect of altered intestinal microbiota on sperm quality. We established a mouse model of chronic alcohol consumption by allowing male C57 mice to freely ingest 10% ethanol for 10 weeks, and collected the fecal microbiota of the male mice in the chronic drinking group (alcohol) and the control group (control) and transplanted the specimens into the transplant groups (the alcohol-fecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] group and the control-FMT group). Sperm quality was significantly decreased in the alcohol-FMT group compared with the control-FMT group. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the abundance of 11 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was altered in the alcohol-FMT group. Nontargeted metabolomics identified 105 differentially altered metabolites, which were mainly annotated to amino acids, lipids, glycerophosphoethanolamine, organic oxygenic compounds, organic acids and their derivatives, steroids, and flavonoids. In particular, the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, which is the key to spermatogenesis, was significantly enriched in the alcohol-FMT group. Moreover, compared with the control-FMT group, the alcohol-FMT group presented significantly higher serum endotoxin and inflammatory cytokine levels, with more pronounced T cell and macrophage infiltration in the intestinal lamina propria and elevated levels of testicular inflammatory cytokines. In addition, RNA sequencing showed significant differences in the expression of testis-related genes between the alcohol-FMT group and the control-FMT group. In particular, the expression of genes involved in gamete meiosis, testicular mitochondrial function, and the cell division cycle was significantly reduced in alcohol-FMT mice. In conclusion, these findings indicated that intestinal dysbiosis induced by chronic alcohol consumption may be an important factor contributing to impaired sperm quality. Chronic alcohol consumption induces intestinal dysbiosis, which then leads to metabolic disorders, elevated serum endotoxin and inflammatory cytokine levels, testicular inflammation, abnormal expression of related genes, and ultimately, impaired sperm quality. These findings are potentially useful for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningshan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qudong Lu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Zhao
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanhong Yi
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihua Fu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiawei Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoliang Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingzhen Zhu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Zhong Y, Chen X, Zhao J, Deng H, Li X, Xie Z, Zhou B, Xian Z, Li X, Luo G, Li H. Integrative analyses of potential biomarkers and pathways for non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:988047. [PMID: 36506310 PMCID: PMC9730279 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.988047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA pathology have not yet been elucidated. Hence, elucidation of the mechanisms of NOA and exploration of potential biomarkers are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In the present study, we aimed to screen for biomarkers and pathways involved in NOA and reveal their potential molecular mechanisms using integrated bioinformatics. Methods: We downloaded two gene expression datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NOA and matched the control group tissues were identified using the limma package in R software. Subsequently, Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene-microRNAs network, and transcription factor (TF)-hub genes regulatory network analyses were performed to identify hub genes and associated pathways. Finally, we conducted immune infiltration analysis using CIBERSORT to evaluate the relationship between the hub genes and the NOA immune infiltration levels. Results: We identified 698 common DEGs, including 87 commonly upregulated and 611 commonly downregulated genes in the two datasets. GO analysis indicated that the most significantly enriched gene was protein polyglycylation, and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were most significantly enriched in taste transduction and pancreatic secretion signaling pathways. GSEA showed that DEGs affected the biological functions of the ribosome, focaladhesion, and protein_expor. We further identified the top 31 hub genes from the PPI network, and friends analysis of hub genes in the PPI network showed that NR4A2 had the highest score. In addition, immune infiltration analysis found that CD8+ T cells and plasma cells were significantly correlated with ODF3 expression, whereas naive B cells, plasma cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and resting mast cells showed significant variation in the NR4A2 gene expression group, and there were differences in T cell regulatory immune cell infiltration in the FOS gene expression groups. Conclusion: The present study successfully constructed a regulatory network of DEGs between NOA and normal controls and screened three hub genes using integrative bioinformatics analysis. In addition, our results suggest that functional changes in several immune cells in the immune microenvironment may play an important role in spermatogenesis. Our results provide a novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms of NOA and offer potential biomarkers for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Zhong
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaohang Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Zhongju Xie
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Bingyu Zhou
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Zhuojie Xian
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Guoqun Luo
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China,*Correspondence: Guoqun Luo, ; Huan Li,
| | - Huan Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China,*Correspondence: Guoqun Luo, ; Huan Li,
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15
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Wang F, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen Y, Han D. Viral tropism for the testis and sexual transmission. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1040172. [PMID: 36439102 PMCID: PMC9682072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1040172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian testis adopts an immune privileged environment to protect male germ cells from adverse autoimmune reaction. The testicular immune privileged status can be also hijacked by various microbial pathogens as a sanctuary to escape systemic immune surveillance. In particular, several viruses have a tropism for the testis. To overcome the immune privileged status and mount an effective local defense against invading viruses, testicular cells are well equipped with innate antiviral machinery. However, several viruses may persist an elongated duration in the testis and disrupt the local immune homeostasis, thereby impairing testicular functions and male fertility. Moreover, the viruses in the testis, as well as other organs of the male reproductive system, can shed to the semen, thus allowing sexual transmission to partners. Viral infection in the testis, which can impair male fertility and lead to sexual transmission, is a serious concern in research on known and on new emerging viruses. To provide references for our scientific peers, this article reviews research achievements and suggests future research focuses in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongmei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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16
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Shen Y, You Y, Zhu K, Fang C, Yu X, Chang D. Bibliometric and visual analysis of blood-testis barrier research. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:969257. [PMID: 36071829 PMCID: PMC9441755 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.969257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Extensive research on the blood-testis barrier has been undertaken in recent years. However, no systematic bibliometric study has been conducted on this subject. Our research aimed to identify the hotspots and frontiers of blood-testis barrier research and to serve as a guide for future scientific research and decision-making in the field.Methods: Studies on the blood-testis barrier were found in the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel were used to conduct the bibliometric and visual analyses.Results: We found 942 blood-testis barrier studies published in English between 1992 and 2022. The number of annual publications and citations increased significantly between 2011 and 2022, notably in the United States. China and the United States, the US Population Council, Endocrinology, and Cheng C. Yan were the most productive countries, institution, journal, and author, respectively. The study keywords indicated that blood-testis barrier research involves a variety of compositional features (tight junctions, cytoskeleton, adherens junctions), cell types (Sertoli cells, germ cells, Leydig cells, stem cells), reproductive toxicity (cadmium, nanoparticles, bisphenol-a), and relevant mechanisms (spermatogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, dynamics, inflammation, immune privilege).Conclusion: The composition and molecular processes of the blood-testis barrier as well as the blood-testis barrier in male infertility patients are the primary research hotspots in this field. In addition, future research will likely focus on treatment and the development of novel medications that target signal pathways in oxidative stress and apoptosis to preserve the blood-testis barrier. Further studies must extend to clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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Doganay S, Budak O, Toprak V, Erman G, Sahin A. Protective role of melatonin against testicular damage caused by polymicrobial sepsis in adult rats. ULUS TRAVMA ACIL CER 2022; 28:723-729. [PMID: 35652881 PMCID: PMC10443000 DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2021.90575] [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: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of melatonin (MEL) against the damage to testicular tissue in rats caused by polymicrobial sepsis as a result of cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). METHODS In this study, 21 male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): Sham Control (Group 1), CLP (Group 2), and CLP + MEL (Group 3). Sepsis was created using the CLP method. MEL was administered intraperitoneally in two equal doses of 10 mg/kg at 30 min before and 6 h after perforation. Tissue sections taken from paraffin blocks were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and examined histopathologically under a light microscope. Intracellular H2O2 and apoptosis evaluations were carried out using the flow cytometric method. RESULTS Sepsis caused a significant reduction in all sperm parameters. There was a significant decrease in sperm density, motility and cell numbers with normal morphology (p<0.05). Intracellular H2O2 level and apoptotic cell percentages increased in sperm cells in the CLP group. MEL treatment was found to significantly reduce sperm abnormalities, testicular damage, intracellular H2O2 levels, and apoptosis. CONCLUSION This study showed that melatonin administration could be a potential treatment option to reduce acute testicular tissue damage due to sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songul Doganay
- Department of Physiology, Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya-Turkey
| | - Ozcan Budak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya-Turkey
| | - Veysel Toprak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Tatvan Can Hospital, Bitlis-Turkey
| | - Gulay Erman
- Department of Biochemistry, Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya-Turkey
| | - Arzu Sahin
- Department of Physiology, Uşak University Faculty of Medicine, Uşak-Turkey
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18
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Echis ocellatus Venom-Induced Reproductive Pathologies in Rat Model; Roles of Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060378. [PMID: 35737039 PMCID: PMC9227802 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reported reproductive pathologies associated with Echis ocellatus venom in animal model. Twenty male Wistar rats with body weight between 180 and 220 g were selected randomly into two groups (n = 10). Rats in group 1 served as the control while rats in group 2 were envenomed with a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.055 mg/kg−1 (LD6.25) of E. ocellatus venom on the first day and a repeated dose on the twenty fifth day. Both control and envenomed rats were monitored for fifty consecutive days. The venom caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in sperm motility, count, and volume, with increased sperm anomalies in envenomed rats compared to the control. Likewise, serum concentrations of male reproductive hormones were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in envenomed rats. Increased levels of malondialdehyde were accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase activity in the epididymis and testis tissues of envenomed rats. The venom enhanced the release of epididymal and testicular tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin1-beta compared to the control. Furthermore, severe pathological defects were noticed in tissues of the testis and epididymis of envenomed rats. This study demonstrated that E. ocellatus venom toxins can induce reproductive dysfunction in male victims of snake envenoming.
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Dutta S, Sengupta P, Chakravarthi S. Oxidant-Sensitive Inflammatory Pathways and Male Reproductive Functions. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:165-180. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Shen P, Ji S, Li X, Yang Q, Xu B, Wong CKC, Wang L, Li L. LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation Caused mPOA-FSH/LH Disturbance and Impaired Testicular Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:886085. [PMID: 35813649 PMCID: PMC9259990 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.886085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive function is key to the continuation of species and is under sophisticated regulation, challenged by various stressors including inflammation. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection-induced acute systemic inflammation, male fecundity was compromised with decreased testosterone level, damaged spermatogenesis, and downregulations of testicular gene expression levels involved in steroidogenesis regulation and blood-testis barrier. It is also noteworthy that the testis is more sensitive to acute stress caused by LPS-induced systemic inflammation. LPS treatment resulted in lower testicular gene expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily B member 1 after LPS treatment, while no such decrease was found in the adrenal gland. In parallel to the significant decreases in testicular intercellular adhesion molecule 1, tight junction protein 1, and gap junction alpha-1 protein gene expression with LPS treatment, no decrease was found in the epididymis. In the brain, LPS treatment caused higher medial preoptic area (mPOA) activation in the hypothalamus, which is accompanied by elevated blood follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, suggesting a disturbed hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis function. Besides mPOA, brain c-fos mapping and quantitative analysis demonstrated a broad activation of brain nuclei by LPS, including the anterior cingulate cortex, lateral septum, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, basolateral amygdala, ventral tegmental area, lateral habenular nucleus, locus coeruleus, Barrington's nucleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract, accompanied by abnormal animal behavior. Our data showed that LPS-induced inflammation caused not only local testicular damage but also a systemic disturbance at the brain-testis axis level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilei Shen
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqin Ji
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xulin Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingning Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingxian Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Chris Kong Chu Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Chris Kong Chu Wong, ; Liping Wang, ; Lei Li,
| | - Liping Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science–Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chris Kong Chu Wong, ; Liping Wang, ; Lei Li,
| | - Lei Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science–Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chris Kong Chu Wong, ; Liping Wang, ; Lei Li,
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21
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Hu SQ, Liu DL, Li CR, Xu YH, Hu K, Cui LD, Guo J. Wuzi-Yanzong prescription alleviates spermatogenesis disorder induced by heat stress dependent on Akt, NF-κB signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18824. [PMID: 34552120 PMCID: PMC8458393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Akt and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways are involved in germ cell apoptosis and inflammation after testicular heat stress (THS). We observed that after THS induced by the exposure of rat testes to 43 °C for 20 min, their weight decreased, the fraction of apoptotic testicular germ cells significantly increased, and the proliferation of germ cells was inhibited. In addition, THS lowered serum testosterone (T) level, whereas the levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were not significantly changed. The ultrastructure of the seminiferous tubules became abnormal after THS, the structure of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) became loose, and the Sertoli cells showed a trend of differentiation. The level of phosphorylated Akt was reduced, whereas the amount of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was augmented by THS. Wuzi-Yanzong (WZYZ), a classic Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment of male reproductive dysfunctions, alleviated the changes induced by THS. In order to determine the mechanism of action of WZYZ, we investigated how this preparation modulated the levels of T, androgen receptor (AR), erythropoietin (EPO), EPO receptor, and Tyro-3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) family of tyrosine kinase receptors. We found that WZYZ activated the Akt pathway, inhibited the Toll-like receptor/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, and repaired the structure of BTB by regulating the levels of T, AR, TAM receptors, and EPO. In conclusion, these results suggest that WZYZ activates the Akt pathway and inhibits the NF-κB pathway by acting on the upstream regulators, thereby improving spermatogenesis deficit induced by THS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Qin Hu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Dian-Long Liu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Rui Li
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Hui Xu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Hu
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Dan Cui
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Guo
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176Department of Physiology, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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22
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Oxidative Stress, Testicular Inflammatory Pathways, and Male Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810043. [PMID: 34576205 PMCID: PMC8471715 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is among the core causatives of male infertility. Despite male infertility being a serious global issue, "bits and pieces" of its complex etiopathology still remain missing. During inflammation, levels of proinflammatory mediators in the male reproductive tract are greater than usual. According to epidemiological research, in numerous cases of male infertility, patients suffer from acute or chronic inflammation of the genitourinary tract which typically occurs without symptoms. Inflammatory responses in the male genital system are inextricably linked to oxidative stress (OS). OS is detrimental to male fertility parameters as it causes oxidative damage to reproductive cells and intracellular components. Multifarious male infertility causative factors pave the way for impairing male reproductive functions via the common mechanisms of OS and inflammation, both of which are interlinked pathophysiological processes, and the occurrence of any one of them induces the other. Both processes may be simultaneously found in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Thus, the present article aims to explain the role of inflammation and OS in male infertility in detail, as well as to show the mechanistic pathways that link causative factors of male reproductive tract inflammation, OS induction, and oxidant-sensitive cellular cascades leading to male infertility.
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23
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Kaur G, Wright K, Verma S, Haynes A, Dufour JM. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Testicular Immune Regulation: A Delicate Balance Between Immune Function and Immune Privilege. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:21-47. [PMID: 34453730 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The testis is one of several immune privilege sites. These sites are necessary to decrease inflammation and immune responses that could be damaging to the host. For example, inflammation in the brain, eye or placenta could result in loss of cognitive function, vision or rejection of the semi-allogeneic fetus, respectively. In the testis, immune privilege is "good" as it is necessary for protection of the developing auto-immunogenic germ cells. However, there is also a downside or "bad" part of immune privilege, where pathogens and cancers can take advantage of this privilege and persist in the testis as a sanctuary site. Even worse, the "ugly" of privilege is how re-emerging viruses, such as Ebola and Zika viruses, can establish persistence in the testes and be sexually transmitted even months after they have been cleared from the bloodstream. In this review, we will discuss the delicate balance within the testis that provides immune privilege to protect the germ cells while still allowing for immune function to fight off pathogens and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kandis Wright
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Saguna Verma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Allan Haynes
- Department of Urology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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24
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Haghpanah A, Masjedi F, Alborzi S, Hosseinpour A, Dehghani A, Malekmakan L, Roozbeh J. Potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 action on male gonadal function and fertility: Current status and future prospects. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13883. [PMID: 33108833 PMCID: PMC7645932 DOI: 10.1111/and.13883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus was recognised in December 2019 and caught humanity off guard. The virus employs the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for entry into human cells. ACE2 is expressed on different organs, which is raising concern as to whether these organs can be infected by the virus or not. The testis appears to be an organ enriched with levels of ACE2, while the possible mechanisms of involvement of the male reproductive system by SARS‐CoV‐2 are not fully elucidated. The major focus of the present studies is on the short‐term complications of the coronavirus and gains importance on studying the long‐term effects, including the possible effects of the virus on the male reproductive system. The aim of this review was to provide new insights into different possible mechanisms of involvement of male gonads with SARS‐CoV‐2 including investigating the ACE2 axis in testis, hormonal alterations in patients with COVID‐19, possible formation of anti‐sperm antibodies (ASA) and subsequently immunological infertility as a complication of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Finally, we suggest measuring the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) as a determiner of male fertility impairment in patients with COVID‐19 along with other options such as sex‐related hormones and semen analysis. Invasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 to the spermatogonia, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells can lead to sex hormonal alteration and impaired gonadal function. Once infected, changes in ACE2 signalling pathways followed by oxidative stress and inflammation could cause spermatogenesis failure, abnormal sperm motility, DNA fragmentation and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Haghpanah
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Masjedi
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Alborzi
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Hosseinpour
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anahita Dehghani
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Leila Malekmakan
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jamshid Roozbeh
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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25
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Guo L, Wu Y, Wang C, Wei H, Tan J, Sun H, Jiang S, Peng J. Gut Microbiological Disorders Reduce Semen Utilization Rate in Duroc Boars. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:581926. [PMID: 33133051 PMCID: PMC7578402 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.581926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although rising evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is closely related to host health, the effects of gut microbiota on male fertility are still rarely explored. This study was to investigate the gut microbiota composition and function, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammatory status of Duroc boar with high (H group, 100%) and low (L group, <80%) semen utilization rate. Fecal samples, analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, displayed taxonomic and functional changes between boars with high and low semen utilization rates. For the gut microbiota composition of the boars, four genera were different between the two groups. The [Ruminococcus] and Sphingobium were enriched in L group boars, then negatively correlated with the semen utilization rate. While RFN20 and Paludibacter were enhanced in the H group, only RFN20 showed a significantly positive correlation with the semen utilization rate of boars. In addition, changes in the metabolic function of the gut microbiota of the two groups were found, including altered branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) production. Significant increases in plasma endotoxin, zonulin, diamine oxidase, and lipocalin-2 levels were observed in boars with low semen utilization, and also, a similar trend in IL-6 and TNF-α was found. However, the concentration of IL-10 in plasma of boars with high semen utilization rate showed an increasing tendency. These results indicated increased intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation in boars with low semen utilization. Data showed that the composition and functions of gut microbiota varied between boars with high or low semen utilization rates, while the semen utilization rate is notably correlated with the gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory status of the boar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Guo
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinghui Wu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongkui Wei
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajian Tan
- YangXiang Joint Stock Company, Guigang, China
| | - Haiqing Sun
- YangXiang Joint Stock Company, Guigang, China
| | - Siwen Jiang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
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26
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Ding N, Zhang X, Zhang XD, Jing J, Liu SS, Mu YP, Peng LL, Yan YJ, Xiao GM, Bi XY, Chen H, Li FH, Yao B, Zhao AZ. Impairment of spermatogenesis and sperm motility by the high-fat diet-induced dysbiosis of gut microbes. Gut 2020; 69:1608-1619. [PMID: 31900292 PMCID: PMC7456731 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorders can lead to impaired sperm production. We aim to investigate if HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis can functionally influence spermatogenesis and sperm motility. DESIGN Faecal microbes derived from the HFD-fed or normal diet (ND)-fed male mice were transplanted to the mice maintained on ND. The gut microbes, sperm count and motility were analysed. Human faecal/semen/blood samples were collected to assess microbiota, sperm quality and endotoxin. RESULTS Transplantation of the HFD gut microbes into the ND-maintained (HFD-FMT) mice resulted in a significant decrease in spermatogenesis and sperm motility, whereas similar transplantation with the microbes from the ND-fed mice failed to do so. Analysis of the microbiota showed a profound increase in genus Bacteroides and Prevotella, both of which likely contributed to the metabolic endotoxaemia in the HFD-FMT mice. Interestingly, the gut microbes from clinical subjects revealed a strong negative correlation between the abundance of Bacteroides-Prevotella and sperm motility, and a positive correlation between blood endotoxin and Bacteroides abundance. Transplantation with HFD microbes also led to intestinal infiltration of T cells and macrophages as well as a significant increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the epididymis, suggesting that epididymal inflammation have likely contributed to the impairment of sperm motility. RNA-sequencing revealed significant reduction in the expression of those genes involved in gamete meiosis and testicular mitochondrial functions in the HFD-FMT mice. CONCLUSION We revealed an intimate linkage between HFD-induced microbiota dysbiosis and defect in spermatogenesis with elevated endotoxin, dysregulation of testicular gene expression and localised epididymal inflammation as the potential causes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03634644.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Xue Di Zhang
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Jinling Hospital Department Reproductive Medical Center, Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shan Shan Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Women and Children 's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Ping Mu
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Li Peng
- The School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Jing Yan
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Geng Miao Xiao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Yun Bi
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Chen
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Hong Li
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Jinling Hospital Department Reproductive Medical Center, Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China .,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Allan Z Zhao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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27
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Özbek M, Hitit M, Ergün E, Ergün L, Beyaz F, Erhan F, Yıldırım N, Kandil B, Özgenç Ö, Memili E. Expression profile of Toll-like receptor 4 in rat testis and epididymis throughout postnatal development. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13518. [PMID: 32003057 DOI: 10.1111/and.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belonging to pattern recognition receptors are involved in maintaining testicular and epididymal immune homeostasis. The purpose of the current study was to investigate TLR4 expression in rat testis and epididymis throughout postnatal development. Weak staining was detected in peritubular myoid cells and immature Sertoli cells while no staining was observed in gonocytes during prepubertal period. However, TLR4 expression began to appear in spermatocytes in pubertal period and gradually increased in spermatids. An intense staining was observed in steps 5-19 spermatids in post pubertal and mature periods. Similarly, TLR4 expression in the testes steadily increased from pubertal period to mature period. Puberty also caused a significant increase in TLR4 expression in epididymis. TLR4 expression in cauda epididymis was lower as compared to those of other epididymal segments. The majority of epididymal epithelial cells exhibited apical TLR4 expression, whereas basal cells showed intense intracytoplasmic immunoreaction. We detected an intense staining in epididymal smooth muscle cells. The expression levels of TLR4 showed dynamic changes in both spermatogenic cells, and entire testicular and epididymal tissues during postnatal development. These results suggest that TLR4 expression contributes not only to inflammation but also to the development of spermatogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Emel Ergün
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Levent Ergün
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feyzullah Beyaz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Füsun Erhan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nuh Yıldırım
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Banu Kandil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Özgenç
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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28
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Sun L, Shao H, Li M, Zhou W. Differential expression of TLRs and AKAP3 in cigarette smoked mice testis. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13309. [PMID: 31074059 DOI: 10.1111/and.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells and can initiate testicular innate immune responses. The A-kinase anchor protein 3 (AKAP3), a family of scaffolding protein, was reported to be expressed only in testis and plays important regulatory roles during spermatogenesis. Our present study aimed to investigate the differential expression of TLRs family and AKAP3 in cigarette smoked Kunming mice testis. To check the effect of cigarette smoke, mice were randomly divided (n = 5 each) and exposed to cigarette smoke (2 hr/day with 10 cigarettes) for six consecutive days followed by one exposure-free day. The exposure lasted for zero (control), 1, 3, 5 and 7 months respectively. The IHC results showed that expression of AKAP3 protein is mainly located in sperm cells and the mean density of which was significantly lower than that of control mice. Real-time PCR results showed that expression of AKAP3 was significantly increased at early CS exposure (1 month) and then returned to normal in subsequent months. TLR2-7, TLR13, Myd88 and Traf6 mRNA expression are much lower compared to control, especially after 3-month cigarette smoke exposure, the time of which is almost consistent with sperm cycle. The present study suggests that TLR signal pathway and AKAP3 may play roles in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Sun
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan, China
| | - Hua Shao
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan, China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan, China
| | - Wenshan Zhou
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan, China
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Moraes MB, Martins CN, Hauck M, Rossato DD, Corcini CD, Varela Junior AS, Signori LU. MALE ADULT RAT SPERM PARAMETERS AFTER SKELETAL MUSCLE INJURY. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-869220192504178911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Skeletal muscle injuries stimulate a systemic inflammatory response which may interfere in species reproduction. Objective: To evaluate the effects caused by skeletal muscle injuries on the inflammatory response and sperm parameters of male adult rats. Methods: The sample group was composed of 30 Wistar rats distributed evenly across control and injury groups. Muscle injury was induced by bruising, caused by the release of a 200 g weight from a height of 30 cm onto the gastrocnemius muscle. Blood (CBC and damage/muscle inflammation markers), muscle (oxidative stress) and gonad (sperm parameters) samples were collected 72h after the injury. Results: The muscle injury increased monocytes, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, the injury reduced antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), membrane integrity (36%) and sperm acrosome (33%). Membrane integrity and acrosome (p<0.05) correlate directly with ACAP (ρ=0.602; ρ=0.513 respectively) and inversely with monocytes (ρ=-0.703; ρ=-0.635, respectively), creatine kinase (ρ=-0.450; ρ=-0.603), C-reactive protein (ρ=-0.511; ρ=-0.703) and parameters of oxidative stress (ROS ρ=-0.703; ρ=-0.635; lipid peroxidation ρ=-0.494; ρ=-0.559). Conclusion: The acute systemic inflammatory response arising from skeletal muscle injury interferes in the male reproductive cell organelles (membrane and acrosome). Level of Evidence V; Experimental study.
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Avellar MCW, Ribeiro CM, Dias-da-Silva MR, Silva EJR. In search of new paradigms for epididymal health and disease: innate immunity, inflammatory mediators, and steroid hormones. Andrology 2019; 7:690-702. [PMID: 31207127 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12654] [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: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The primary job of the epididymis is to mature and protect the luminally transiting spermatozoa. Mounting evidence is showing that innate immune components [including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and antimicrobial proteins, among which are β-defensins] and inflammatory mediators, under the primary influence of androgens, participate in the cellular and molecular processes that define this tissue. Here, we present an overview of the contributions of these signaling pathway components during epididymal homeostasis and discuss the hypotheses as to their involvement in epididymitis, the most common urological inflammatory condition in men, frequently impairing their fertility. Drawing primarily from rodent models, we also focus on how the distribution and functional expression of innate immune components are differentially regulated in the prenatal developing epididymis, providing new insights into the disruption of these signaling pathways throughout the lifespan. Male infertility is caused by a variety of conditions, such as congenital malformations, genetic and endocrine disorders, exposure to environmental toxicants, and inflammatory/infectious conditions. More than one-third of infertile men with an idiopathic condition cannot currently be adequately diagnosed. Thinking about the innate immunity and inflammation context of the epididymis may provide new insights and directions as to how these systems contribute to male fertility, as well as also uncover urological and andrological outcomes that may aid clinicians in diagnosing and preventing epididymal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - C M Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M R Dias-da-Silva
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E J R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho', Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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The Postembryonic Development of the Immunological Barrier in the Chicken Spleens. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:6279360. [PMID: 31192265 PMCID: PMC6525938 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6279360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The avian immune system improves with the development of the lymphoid organs. The chickens' spleen serves as the largest peripheral lymphoid organ, but little immunological research has been conducted on that spleen during postembryonic development. We investigated the blood-spleen barrier (BSB) by developing morphological architecture, resistance to the corpuscular antigen, immunocyte distribution, gene expression levels of TLR2/4 and cytokines in the spleens of hatched chickens of differing ages. Results demonstrated that the resistance of exogenous carbon particles of the BSB improved with the morphological and structural development of the chicken spleens. The cuboidal endothelial cells which lined the sheathed capillaries were gradually visible, and the discontinuous basement membrane was thickened during postembryonic development. There was an increased number of T and B cells and antigen-presenting cells in the chicken spleen between hatching and adulthood. The mRNA expression levels of TLR2/4, IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were higher two weeks after hatching, but these decreased and remain stable between 21 and 60 days. As the age increased, the BSB developed structurally and functionally. Our findings provide a better understanding of splenic immune function and the pathogenesis of avian immunology in infectious diseases.
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Opris R, Toma V, Olteanu D, Baldea I, Baciu AM, Lucaci FI, Berghian-Sevastre A, Tatomir C, Moldovan B, Clichici S, David L, Florea A, Filip GA. Effects of silver nanoparticles functionalized with Cornus mas L. extract on architecture and apoptosis in rat testicle. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:275-299. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess ultrastructural changes, alterations in matrix metalloproteinase activity and apoptosis induced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the rat testicle. Materials & methods: For 45 days, two groups of animals received different doses of AgNPs (0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg b.w.), and a control group was given the buffer used as vehicle for AgNPs. At 7 and 15 days post-treatment, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, evaluation of NFkB, pNFkB, p53, Bcl-2 and Nrf2 expressions were performed on the removed testes. Results: Transmission electron microscopy revealed severe ultrastructural changes of interstitial tissue and seminiferous epithelium sustained by positive signal for apoptosis. The promatrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and NFkB, Bcl-2 expressions were increased, mainly at 7 days. Conclusion: AgNPs induced severe cell lesions identified even a long time after the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Opris
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology & Geology, ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University, 5–7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry & Experimental Biology, Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii Street, branch of NIRDBS Bucharest, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Molecular & Biomolecular Physics, NIRD for Isotopic & Molecular Technologies, 101 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Olteanu
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Baldea
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Mihaela Baciu
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florica Imre Lucaci
- Physico-Chemical Analysis Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University, 42 Treboniu Laurian Street, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Berghian-Sevastre
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Corina Tatomir
- Departments of Radiobiology & Tumour Biology, ‘Ion Chiricuta’ Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bianca Moldovan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University, 11. Arany Janos, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Clichici
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Luminita David
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University, 11. Arany Janos, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy 6, Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine & Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Wang LL, Li ZH, Duan YG, Yuan SQ, Mor G, Liao AH. Identification of programmed cell death 1 and its ligand in the testicular tissue of mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 81:e13079. [PMID: 30578744 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM This study aims to determine the expression and localization of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the testes of mice at different developmental stages. METHOD OF STUDY By means of RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence, the expression and localization of PD-1 and PD-L1 were detected in the testicular tissues of mice at different postnatal times: P7, P14, P21, P28, P35, and adulthood. Meanwhile, the level of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) was evaluated by ELISA in the testicular interstitial fluid (IF) of the adult mice, culture supernatants of TM4 cell lines (Sertoli cells lines), and primary Sertoli cells at P14. RESULTS Pd-1 mRNA levels were unexpectedly low. From P7 to P21, there was limited PD-1 protein detected while PD-1 was evident at P28 and afterward at significantly higher levels than at P14 and P21 (P < 0.05). Despite being found in the interstitial area at P7, P14, and P21, PD-1 was also detected in the germ cells of the seminiferous tubules after P28. Pd-l1 mRNA exhibited age-related changes, peaking at P21, while PD-L1 protein was constitutively expressed at any stage, specifically localized in the nucleus of Sertoli cells. Moreover, the level of sPD-L1 in IF was significantly higher than that in the culture supernatants of both TM4 and primary Sertoli cells at P14. CONCLUSIONS PD-1 and PD-L1 were present in the testicular tissue of adult mice. The expression and localization of PD-1 fluctuated with age, and PD-1 was mainly localized to advanced germ cells, suggesting that it may play a role in spermiogenesis. PD-L1 was constitutively expressed in the nucleus of Sertoli cells, which could secrete sPD-L1 into the testicular interstitial space and thus may be involved in testicular immune privilege.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Wang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Li
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - ShenZhen Hospital, Guangdong, China
| | - Shui-Qiao Yuan
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Reproductive Immunology Unit, Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Palladino MA, Fasano GA, Patel D, Dugan C, London M. Effects of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation on hypoxia and inflammatory gene expression pathways of the rat testis. Basic Clin Androl 2018; 28:14. [PMID: 30473791 PMCID: PMC6238406 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-018-0079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial infection and inflammation of the testis impairs fertility, yet an understanding of inflammatory responses of the testis is incomplete. We are interested in identifying gene pathways involved in the detection and clearance of infectious microbes in the male reproductive tract. In previous studies in our lab focused on hypoxia-responsive genes of the testis, preliminary experiments suggested that genes classically categorized as hypoxia genes are also activated during antimicrobial responses. The purpose of this study was to identify hypoxia and inflammatory gene pathways that contribute to antimicrobial protection of the testis and to consider possible cross-talk and interactions between these pathways. Inflammation was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using P. aeruginosa or E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) protein and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were measured, and hypoxia and inflammatory gene expression patterns in testis were analyzed by gene expression profiling using real-time quantitative PCR arrays. Results In LPS-treated rats, HIF-1α protein increased with no change in Hif-1α mRNA. Western Blot analysis also demonstrated no change in NF-κB and inhibitory NFKB alpha (IκBα) protein levels following LPS treatment. Five hypoxia pathway genes (Angptl4, Egr1, Ier3, Pai1, and Glut1), and 11 inflammatory pathway genes (Ccl12, Cc13, Cd14, Cxcl10, Icam1, Il10, Il1b, Il6, Nfkbia, Tlr2, Tnf) up-regulated after 3 h of inflammation. Angptl4, Ccl12, Cc13, Cd14, Egr1, Nfkbia, Tlr2, and Tnf remained elevated at 6 h. Six genes were up-regulated at 6 h only (Bhlhe40, C3, Jak2, Nlrp3, Slc11a1, Tlr1). One gene (Tlr5) was down-regulated after 3 h and no genes at 6 h. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay results suggest a decrease in NF-κB binding activity following LPS treatment. Conclusions Testicular HIF-1α is up-regulated following LPS-induced inflammation. In contrast to other tissues, in which HIF-1α is up-regulated through transcriptional activation via NF-κB, we conclude that HIF-1α in the testis is not up-regulated through an increase in Hif-1α mRNA or through NF-κB-dependent mechanisms. Hypoxia pathway genes and genes involved in Toll-like receptor (TLR) and cytokine-mediated signaling comprise major functional categories of up-regulated genes, demonstrating that both hypoxia and classic inflammatory pathways are involved in inflammatory responses of the testis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12610-018-0079-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dharm Patel
- Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 USA
| | - Christine Dugan
- Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 USA
| | - Marie London
- Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 USA
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Jangiam W, Udomtanakunchai C, Reungpatthanaphong P, Tungjai M, Honikel L, Gordon CR, Rithidech KN. Late Effects of Low-Dose Radiation on the Bone Marrow, Lung, and Testis Collected From the Same Exposed BALB/cJ Mice. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818815031. [PMID: 30622448 PMCID: PMC6302279 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818815031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We used 3 biological metrics highly relevant to health risks, that is, cell death, inflammation, and global DNA methylation, to determine the late effects of low doses (0.05 or 0.1 Gy) of 137Cs γ rays on the bone marrow, lung, and testis collected at 6 months post-irradiation from the same exposed BALB/cJ mouse. This integrative approach has not been used for such a purpose. Mice exposed to 0 or 1 Gy of radiation served as a sham or positive control group, respectively. The results could deliver information for better health risk assessment across tissues, including better scientific basis for radiation protection and clinical application. We found no changes in the levels of all studied biological metrics (except a significant increase in the levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, ie, interleukin 10) in tissues of 0.05-Gy exposed mice, when compared to those in sham controls. In contrast, significantly increased levels of cell death and inflammation, including a significant loss of global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, were found in all tissues of the same mice exposed to 0.1 or 1.0 Gy. Our data demonstrated not only no harm but also hormesis in the 0.05-Gy exposed mice. However, the hormetic effect appears to be dependent on biological metrics and tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witawat Jangiam
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Chatchanok Udomtanakunchai
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Paiboon Reungpatthanaphong
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Montree Tungjai
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Louise Honikel
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Chris R. Gordon
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Fijak M, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Nicolas N, Bhushan S, Michel V, Tung KSK, Schuppe HC, Meinhardt A. Infectious, inflammatory and 'autoimmune' male factor infertility: how do rodent models inform clinical practice? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:416-441. [PMID: 29648649 PMCID: PMC6016649 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract are significant causes of male factor infertility. Ascending infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary tract pathogens represent the most frequent aetiology of epididymo-orchitis, but viral, haematogenous dissemination is also a contributory factor. Limitations in adequate diagnosis and therapy reflect an obvious need for further understanding of human epididymal and testicular immunopathologies and their contribution to infertility. A major obstacle for advancing our knowledge is the limited access to suitable tissue samples. Similarly, the key events in the inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies affecting human male fertility are poorly amenable to close examination. Moreover, the disease processes generally have occurred long before the patient attends the clinic for fertility assessment. In this regard, data obtained from experimental animal models and respective comparative analyses have shown promise to overcome these restrictions in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This narrative review will focus on male fertility disturbances caused by infection and inflammation, and the usefulness of the most frequently applied animal models to study these conditions. SEARCH METHODS An extensive search in Medline database was performed without restrictions until January 2018 using the following search terms: 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'testis' and/or 'epididymis', 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'male genital tract', 'male infertility', 'orchitis', 'epididymitis', 'experimental autoimmune' and 'orchitis' or 'epididymitis' or 'epididymo-orchitis', antisperm antibodies', 'vasectomy'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional publications independently by each author. Selected articles were verified by each two separate authors and discrepancies discussed within the team. OUTCOMES There is clear evidence that models mimicking testicular and/or epididymal inflammation and infection have been instructive in a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this regard, rodent models of acute bacterial epididymitis best reflect the clinical situation in terms of mimicking the infection pathway, pathogens selected and the damage, such as fibrotic transformation, observed. Similarly, animal models of acute testicular and epididymal inflammation using lipopolysaccharides show impairment of reproduction, endocrine function and histological tissue architecture, also seen in men. Autoimmune responses can be studied in models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and vasectomy. In particular, the early stages of EAO development showing inflammatory responses in the form of peritubular lymphocytic infiltrates, thickening of the lamina propria of affected tubules, production of autoantibodies against testicular antigens or secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, replicate observations in testicular sperm extraction samples of patients with 'mixed atrophy' of spermatogenesis. Vasectomy, in the form of sperm antibodies and chronic inflammation, can also be studied in animal models, providing valuable insights into the human response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This is the first comprehensive review of rodent models of both infectious and autoimmune disease of testis/epididymis, and their clinical implications, i.e. their importance in understanding male infertility related to infectious and non-infectious/autoimmune disease of the reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kenneth S K Tung
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Strange DP, Green R, Siemann DN, Gale M, Verma S. Immunoprofiles of human Sertoli cells infected with Zika virus reveals unique insights into host-pathogen crosstalk. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8702. [PMID: 29880853 PMCID: PMC5992156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Confirmed reports of Zika virus (ZIKV) in seminal fluid months after clearance of viremia suggests that ZIKV can establish persistent infection in the seminiferous tubules, an immune privileged site of the testis. The seminiferous tubule epithelium is mainly composed of Sertoli cells that function to nourish and protect developing germ cells. We recently demonstrated that primary human Sertoli cells (hSeC) were highly susceptible to ZIKV as compared to dengue virus without causing cell death and thus may act as a reservoir for ZIKV in the testes. However, the cellular and immune responses of hSeC to infection with ZIKV or any other virus are not yet characterized. Using genome-wide RNA-seq to compare immunoprofiles of hSeC, we show that the most prominent response to ZIKV at early stage of infection was suppression of cell growth and proliferation functional pathways. Peak virus replication was associated with induction of multiple antiviral defense pathways. Unique ZIKV-associated signatures included dysregulation of germ cell-Sertoli cell junction signaling. This study demonstrates that hSeC are capable of signaling through canonical pro-inflammatory pathways and provides insights into unique cell-type-specific response induced by ZIKV in association with viral persistence in the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Strange
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Richard Green
- Department of Immunology, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David N Siemann
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Department of Immunology, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Saguna Verma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
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Toll-like receptors in immunity and inflammatory diseases: Past, present, and future. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 59:391-412. [PMID: 29730580 PMCID: PMC7106078 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is a very diverse system of the host that evolved during evolution to cope with various pathogens present in the vicinity of environmental surroundings inhabited by multicellular organisms ranging from achordates to chordates (including humans). For example, cells of immune system express various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect danger via recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and mount a specific immune response. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of these PRRs expressed by various immune cells. However, they were first discovered in the Drosophila melanogaster (common fruit fly) as genes/proteins important in embryonic development and dorso-ventral body patterning/polarity. Till date, 13 different types of TLRs (TLR1-TLR13) have been discovered and described in mammals since the first discovery of TLR4 in humans in late 1997. This discovery of TLR4 in humans revolutionized the field of innate immunity and thus the immunology and host-pathogen interaction. Since then TLRs are found to be expressed on various immune cells and have been targeted for therapeutic drug development for various infectious and inflammatory diseases including cancer. Even, Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among various TLR genes have been identified among the different human population and their association with susceptibility/resistance to certain infections and other inflammatory diseases. Thus, in the present review the current and future importance of TLRs in immunity, their pattern of expression among various immune cells along with TLR based therapeutic approach is reviewed. TLRs are first described PRRs that revolutionized the biology of host-pathogen interaction and immune response The discovery of different TLRs in humans proved milestone in the field of innate immunity and inflammation The pattern of expression of all the TLRs expressed by human immune cells An association of various TLR SNPs with different inflammatory diseases Currently available drugs or vaccines based on TLRs and their future in drug targeting along with the role in reproduction, and regeneration
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Pan Y, Liu Y, Wang L, Xue F, Hu Y, Hu R, Xu C. MKP-1 attenuates LPS-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction and inflammatory response through p38 and IκBα pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 7:84907-84923. [PMID: 27783995 PMCID: PMC5356708 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells create a local tolerogenic microenvironment to maintain testicular immune privilege especially through the formation of a blood-testis barrier (BTB). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune modulation function and BTB dynamics of Sertoli cells remained elusive. MAP phosphatase (MKP)-1 acts as a crucial negative regulator of the inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the role of MKP-1 in regulating Sertoli cells has not been elucidated. In this study, we have for the first time uncovered distinct cellular localization of MKP-1 in the cells at different stages of mouse testis, and the level of MKP-1 expression was significantly up-regulated by LPS-induced acute testis inflammation. In addition, MKP-1 staining was strongly detected in nuclei and peri-nuclear regions of cytoplasm in the Sertoli cells, and it was presented at Sertoli cell tight junctions (TJs) at stages VII-VIII after LPS treatment. Moreover, we demonstrated that MKP-1 was capable of attenuating LPS-induced decrease of occludin by interaction with p38 MAP kinase and IκBα molecules. Taken together, our data highlight that MKP-1 was an important endogenous suppressor of innate immune responses involved in the regulation of BTB barrier dynamic. This study thus might offer novel targets for treating inflammatory diseases in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Pan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Feng Xue
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,Laboratory of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yanqin Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ran Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Kenny LC, Kell DB. Immunological Tolerance, Pregnancy, and Preeclampsia: The Roles of Semen Microbes and the Father. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 4:239. [PMID: 29354635 PMCID: PMC5758600 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is widely considered, in many cases, to involve two separable stages (poor placentation followed by oxidative stress/inflammation), the precise originating causes of preeclampsia (PE) remain elusive. We have previously brought together some of the considerable evidence that a (dormant) microbial component is commonly a significant part of its etiology. However, apart from recognizing, consistent with this view, that the many inflammatory markers of PE are also increased in infection, we had little to say about immunity, whether innate or adaptive. In addition, we focused on the gut, oral and female urinary tract microbiomes as the main sources of the infection. We here marshall further evidence for an infectious component in PE, focusing on the immunological tolerance characteristic of pregnancy, and the well-established fact that increased exposure to the father's semen assists this immunological tolerance. As well as these benefits, however, semen is not sterile, microbial tolerance mechanisms may exist, and we also review the evidence that semen may be responsible for inoculating the developing conceptus (and maybe the placenta) with microbes, not all of which are benign. It is suggested that when they are not, this may be a significant cause of PE. A variety of epidemiological and other evidence is entirely consistent with this, not least correlations between semen infection, infertility and PE. Our view also leads to a series of other, testable predictions. Overall, we argue for a significant paternal role in the development of PE through microbial infection of the mother via insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C. Kenny
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Human sperm Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates acrosome reaction, oxidative stress markers, and sperm parameters in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide in infertile men. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1067-1077. [PMID: 28550386 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in human spermatozoa and to assess sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and acrosome reaction in response to the stimulation of TLR4 by its ligand, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as a major endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria. METHODS Our study was carried out in 73 sperm samples from patients undergoing semen analysis for couple infertility investigations. The studied patients were divided into three groups: normozoospermic fertile patients (n = 13), patients with abnormal and leukospermic semen (n = 13), and patients with abnormal and non-leukospermic semen (n = 47). TLR4 expression in human spermatozoa was initially analyzed by western blot. Sperm samples were incubated in the presence of LPS (200 ng/ml) for 18 h. Then, sperm motility and vitality were evaluated by microscopic observation and oxidative stress markers as malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) were spectrophotometrically assessed in neat and selected sperm. A triple-stain technique was also performed to evaluate acrosome reaction in 15 sperm samples from infertile patients. RESULTS TLR4 expression was confirmed in human spermatozoa with a molecular weight of 69 kDa. In the normozoospermic group, no significant differences in sperm parameters and oxidative stress markers were shown after incubation with LPS in neat and selected sperms. Regarding samples from the non-leukospermic group, LPS reduced spermatozoa motility and vitality rates in selected sperm (P = 0.003; P = 0.004, respectively). A significant increase of MDA and CG levels was also detected (P = 0.01; P = 0.02, respectively). However, only the MDA levels were significantly increased (P = 0.01) in neat LPS-stimulated sperm. The same results were shown within the leukospermic group. The comparison between the two groups, leukospermic and non-leukospermic, in selected sperms showed a more important LPS effect in the leukospermic group significantly on motility and MDA rates (P = 0.006; P = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, a significant decrease in reacted spermatozoa rate was detected in response to LPS in selected sperm samples from infertile men (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that human spermatozoa express TLR4 and respond to LPS stimulation with alterations in viability, motility, and the acrosome reaction implicating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in sperm samples from infertile patients.
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Loveland KL, Klein B, Pueschl D, Indumathy S, Bergmann M, Loveland BE, Hedger MP, Schuppe HC. Cytokines in Male Fertility and Reproductive Pathologies: Immunoregulation and Beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:307. [PMID: 29250030 PMCID: PMC5715375 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline development in vivo is dependent on the environment formed by somatic cells and the differentiation cues they provide; hence, the impact of local factors is highly relevant to the production of sperm. Knowledge of how somatic and germline cells interact is central to achieving biomedical goals relating to restoring, preserving or restricting fertility in humans. This review discusses the growing understanding of how cytokines contribute to testicular function and maintenance of male reproductive health, and to the pathologies associated with their abnormal activity in this organ. Here we consider both cytokines that signal through JAKs and are regulated by SOCS, and those utilizing other pathways, such as the MAP kinases and SMADs. The importance of cytokines in the establishment and maintenance of the testis as an immune-privilege site are described. Current research relating to the involvement of immune cells in testis development and disease is highlighted. This includes new data relating to testicular cancer which reinforce the understanding that tumorigenic cells shape their microenvironment through cytokine actions. Clinical implications in pathologies relating to local inflammation and to immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Loveland,
| | - Britta Klein
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dana Pueschl
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sivanjah Indumathy
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Mark P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Rithidech KN, Jangiam W, Tungjai M, Gordon C, Honikel L, Whorton EB. Induction of Chronic Inflammation and Altered Levels of DNA Hydroxymethylation in Somatic and Germinal Tissues of CBA/CaJ Mice Exposed to (48)Ti Ions. Front Oncol 2016; 6:155. [PMID: 27446801 PMCID: PMC4921787 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the lung is one of the target organs at risk for cancer induction from exposure to heavy ions found in space, information is insufficient on cellular/molecular responses linked to increased cancer risk. Knowledge of such events may aid in the development of new preventive measures. Furthermore, although it is known that germinal cells are sensitive to X- or γ-rays, there is little information on the effects of heavy ions on germinal cells. Our goal was to investigate in vivo effects of 1 GeV/n (48)Ti ions (one of the important heavy ions found in the space environment) on somatic (lung) and germinal (testis) tissues collected at various times after a whole body irradiation of CBA/CaJ mice (0, 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 Gy, delivered at 1 cGy/min). We hypothesized that (48)Ti-ion-exposure induced damage in both tissues. Lung tissue was collected from each mouse from each treatment group at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postirradiation. For the testis, we collected samples at 6 months postirradiation. Hence, only late-occurring effects of (48)Ti ions in the testis were studied. There were five mice per treatment group at each harvest time. We investigated inflammatory responses after exposure to (48)Ti ions by measuring the levels of activated nuclear factor kappa B and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in both tissues of the same mouse. These measurements were coupled with the quantitation of the levels of global 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Our data clearly showed the induction of chronic inflammation in both tissues of exposed mice. A dose-dependent reduction in global 5hmC was found in the lung at all time-points and in testes collected at 6 months postirradiation. In contrast, significant increases in global 5mC were found only in lung and testes collected at 6 months postirradiation from mice exposed to 0.5 Gy of 1 GeV/n (48)Ti ions. Overall, our data showed that (48)Ti ions may create health risks in both lung and testicular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Witawat Jangiam
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Montree Tungjai
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chris Gordon
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Louise Honikel
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Eskandari M, Ghalyanchi Langeroudi A, Zeighami H, Rostami A, Kazemi M, Eyni H, Shokri S. Co-administration of ginseng and ciprofloxacin ameliorates epididymo-orchitis induced alterations in sperm quality and spermatogenic cells apoptosis following infection in rats. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Eskandari
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; Zanjan University of Medical Sciences; Zanjan Iran
| | - A. Ghalyanchi Langeroudi
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; Zanjan University of Medical Sciences; Zanjan Iran
| | - H. Zeighami
- Department of Microbiology; Faculty of Medicine; Zanjan University of Medical Sciences; Zanjan Iran
| | - A. Rostami
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; Zanjan University of Medical Sciences; Zanjan Iran
| | - M. Kazemi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - H. Eyni
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran Iran
| | - S. Shokri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Zanjan University of Medical Sciences; Zanjan Iran
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45
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Hong F, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Q, Ge Y, Chen M, Hong J, Wang L. Exposure to TiO2 Nanoparticles Induces Immunological Dysfunction in Mouse Testitis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:346-55. [PMID: 26720763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as endocrine disruptors have been demonstrated to be able to cross the blood-testis barriers and induce reproductive toxicity in male animals, whether the reproductive toxicity of male animals due to exposure to endocrine disruptor TiO2 NPs is related to immunological dysfunction in the testis remains not well understood. This study determined whether the reproductive toxicity and immunological dysfunction induced by exposure to TiO2 NPs is associated with activation or inhibition of TAM/TLR-mediated signal pathway in mouse testis. The results showed that male mice exhibited significant reduction of fertility, infiltration of inflammatory cells, rarefaction, apoptosis, and/or necrosis of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells due to TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, these were associated with decreased expression of Tyro3 (-18.16 to -66.6%), Axl (-14.7 to -57.99%), Mer (-7.98 to -72.62%), and IκB (-11.25 to -63.16%), suppression of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 (-21.99 to -73.8%) and SOCS3 (-8.11 to -34.86%), and increased expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 (21.4-156.03%), TLR-4 (37.0-109.87%), nuclear factor-κB (14.75-69.34%), interleukin (IL)-lβ (46.15-123.08%), IL-6 (2.54-81.98%), tumor necrosis factor-α (6.95-88.39%), interferon (IFN)-α (2.54-37.25%), and IFN-β (10.19-80.56%), which are involved in the immune environment in the testis. The findings showed that reproductive toxicity of male mice induced by exposure to endocrine disruptor TiO2 NPs may be associated with biomarkers of impairment of immune environment or dysfunction of TAM/TLR3-mediated signal pathway in mouse testitis. Therefore, the potential risks to reproductive health should be attended, especially in those who are occupationally exposed to TiO2 NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fashui Hong
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
| | - Yajing Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
| | - Yingjun Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
| | - Yushuang Ge
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University , Huaian 223300, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Medical College of Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Library of Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, China
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Shi SH, Jiang L, Xie HY, Xu J, Zhu YF, Zheng SS. The effect of secondary cholestasis on the CD68-positive and CD163-positive macrophage population, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis in rat testis. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 110:36-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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47
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Collodel G, Moretti E, Brecchia G, Kuželová L, Arruda J, Mourvaki E, Castellini C. Cytokines release and oxidative status in semen samples from rabbits treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Theriogenology 2015; 83:1233-40. [PMID: 25662201 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of a lipopolysaccharide- (LPS) induced inflammation on cytokines release and oxidative status of semen samples from buck rabbits at different times after treatment. Semen analysis was performed by optical microscopy and sperm motility evaluation by the computer-assisted sperm analyzer. The presence of activated macrophages and apoptotic/necrotic sperm was evaluated by fluorescent microscopy. A panel of cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were detected and quantified in seminal plasma using the Bio-Plex Cytokine assay. Reactive oxygen metabolite and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance determinations were carried out by spectrophotometry and tocopherol analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. The sperm motility and track speed were reduced in LPS-treated rabbits. The activated macrophages in LPS-treated buck rabbits significantly increased from 0.50 × 10(6)/mL (baseline) to 27 × 10(6)/mL on Day 21; successively, there was a progressive reduction. Apoptotic and necrotic sperm in LPS rabbits followed more or less the same trend. The reactive oxygen metabolite levels in semen from LPS-treated rabbits showed higher values compared with those evaluated in controls, particularly during the lag time, Days 1 to 3. The sperm thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances highlighted a peak in LPS-treated rabbits compared with those of controls on Day 1 after LPS treatment, and the different T isoforms (α, δ, and γ+β) showed a similar trend with a significant decrease on Day 1 after injection and a recovery on Days 30 to 56. Until Days 3 to 21 from the treatment, higher levels of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected in seminal plasma of LPS-treated rabbits. Interleukin-6 showed a peak on Day 3 after LPS treatment, and on Day 7, the value was similar to the control group. In conclusion, this study confirms that the buck rabbit is a good model for mimicking and understanding the inflammation mechanisms, which may induce male infertility, in particular that a systemic inflammatory status causes alterations to the sperm cells through a shift in the balance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy.
| | - E Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - G Brecchia
- Department of Biopathological Science, Animal and Food Production Hygiene, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - L Kuželová
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - J Arruda
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - E Mourvaki
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, Section of Animal Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, Section of Animal Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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49
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Dottermusch-Heidel C, Klaus ES, Gonzalez NH, Bhushan S, Meinhardt A, Bergmann M, Renkawitz-Pohl R, Rathke C, Steger K. H3K79 methylation directly precedes the histone-to-protamine transition in mammalian spermatids and is sensitive to bacterial infections. Andrology 2014; 2:655-65. [PMID: 25079683 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In both mammalian and Drosophila spermatids, the completely histone-based chromatin structure is reorganized to a largely protamine-based structure. During this histone-to-protamine switch, transition proteins are expressed, for example TNP1 and TNP2 in mammals and Tpl94D in Drosophila. Recently, we demonstrated that in Drosophila spermatids, H3K79 methylation accompanies histone H4 hyperacetylation during chromatin reorganization. Preceding the histone-to-protamine transition, the H3K79 methyltransferase Grappa is expressed, and the predominant isoform bears a C-terminal extension. Here, we show that isoforms of the Grappa-equivalent protein in humans, rats and mice, that is DOT1L, have a C-terminal extension. In mice, the transcript of this isoform was enriched in the post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. In human and mice spermatids, di- and tri-methylated H3K79 temporally overlapped with hyperacetylated H4 and thus accompanied chromatin reorganization. In rat spermatids, trimethylated H3K79 directly preceded transition protein loading on chromatin. We analysed the impact of bacterial infections on spermatid chromatin using a uropathogenic Escherichia coli-elicited epididymo-orchitis rat model and showed that these infections caused aberrant spermatid chromatin. Bacterial infections led to premature emergence of trimethylated H3K79 and hyperacetylated H4. Trimethylated H3K79 and hyperacetylated H4 simultaneously occurred with transition protein TNP1, which was never observed in spermatids of mock-infected rats. Upon bacterial infection, only histone-based spermatid chromatin showed abnormalities, whereas protamine-compacted chromatin seemed to be unaffected. Our results indicated that H3K79 methylation is a histone modification conserved in Drosophila, mouse, rat and human spermatids and may be a prerequisite for proper chromatin reorganization.
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Shi SH, Jiang L, Xie HY, Zhu YF, Zhang WJ, Zheng SS. Secondary biliary cholestasis promotes testicular macrophage infiltration and autophagy in rats. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 73:301-12. [PMID: 25041469 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Cholestasis can cause translocation of gut bacteria, and endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation. Now, little is known about the effects of cholestasis on the testicular inflammation and autophagy. METHODS A rat biliary cholestasis model caused by common bile duct ligation (CBDL), together with biliary decompression (choledochoduodenostomy), was used. RESULTS The magnitude of MCP-1 expression and CD68(+) macrophage infiltration within testes was progressively up-regulated in rats along with increasing duration of CBDL and was maintained at relatively high level in rats with biliary decompression. The large up-regulation of testicular ATG-12, LC3II, and autophagic vacuoles was found with the extending duration of CBDL and kept at 5 weeks following biliary decompression. The autophagic contents were a large accumulation of mitophagy in testes in rats with CBDL, and cytosol components in rats with biliary decompression. CONCLUSION Secondary biliary cholestasis can promote inflammatory reaction and the activation of mitophagy and autophagy in testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hua Shi
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
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