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Hüneke H, Langeheine M, Rode K, Jung K, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Kliesch S, Brehm R. Effects of a Sertoli cell-specific knockout of Connexin43 on maturation and proliferation of postnatal Sertoli cells. Differentiation 2023; 134:31-51. [PMID: 37839230 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Adult male Sertoli cell-specific Connexin43 knockout mice (SCCx43KO) exhibit higher Sertoli cell (SC) numbers per seminiferous tubule compared to their wild type (WT) littermates. Thus, deletion of this testicular gap junction protein seems to affect the proliferative potential and differentiation of "younger" SC. Although SC have so far mostly been characterised as postmitotic cells that cease to divide and become an adult, terminally differentiated cell population at around puberty, there is rising evidence that there exist exceptions from this for a very long time accepted paradigm. Aim of this study was to investigate postnatal SC development and to figure out underlying causes for observed higher SC numbers in adult KO mice. Therefore, the amount of SC mitotic figures was compared, resulting in slightly more and prolonged detection of SC mitotic figures in KO mice compared to WT. SC counting per tubular cross section revealed significantly different time curves, and comparing proliferation rates using Bromodesoxyuridine and Sox9 showed higher proliferation rates in 8-day old KO mice. SC proliferation was further investigated by Ki67 immunohistochemistry. SC in KO mice displayed a delayed initiation of cell-cycle-inhibitor p27Kip1 synthesis and prolonged synthesis of the phosphorylated tumour suppressor pRb and proliferation marker Ki67. Thus, the higher SC numbers in adult male SCCx43KO mice may arise due to two different reasons: Firstly, in prepubertal KO mice, the proliferation rate of SC was higher. Secondly, there were differences in their ability to cease proliferation as shown by the delayed initiation of p27Kip1 synthesis and the prolonged production of phosphorylated pRb and Ki67. Immunohistochemical results indicating a prolonged period of SC proliferation in SCCx43KO were confirmed by detection of proliferating SC in 17-days-old KO mice. In conclusion, deletion of the testicular gap junction protein Cx43 might prevent normal SC maturation and might even alter also the proliferation potential of adult SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hüneke
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marion Langeheine
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Rode
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
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2
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Li Y, Overland M, Derpinghaus A, Aksel S, Cao M, Ladwig N, Cunha GR, Baskin LS. Development of the human fetal testis: Morphology and expression of cellular differentiation markers. Differentiation 2023; 129:17-36. [PMID: 35490077 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive immunohistochemical ontogeny of the developing human fetal testis has remained incomplete in the literature to date. We collected human fetal testes from 8 to 21 weeks of fetal age, as well as postnatal human testes at minipuberty, pre-pubertal, and pubertal stages. Immunohistochemistry was performed with a comprehensive panel of antigens targeting gonadocytes, Sertoli cells, fetal Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, and other hormonal and developmental targets. Testicular cords, precursor structures to seminiferous tubules, developed from 8 to 14 weeks of fetal age, separating the testis into the interstitial and intracordal compartments. Fetal gonadocytes were localized within the testicular cords and evaluated for Testis-Specific Protein Y, Octamer-binding transcription factor 4, Sal-like protein 4, and placental alkaline phosphatase expression. Fetal Sertoli cells were also localized in the testicular cords and evaluated for SRY-box Transcription Factor 9, inhibin, and anti-Mullerian hormone expression. Fetal Leydig cells were present in the interstitium and stained for cytochrome p450c17 and calretinin, while interstitial peritubular myoid cells were examined using smooth muscle α-actin staining. Androgen receptor expression was localized close to the testicular medulla at 8 weeks and then around the testicular cords in the interstitium as they matured in structure. Postnatal staining showed that Testis-Specific Protein Y remained positive of male gonadocytes throughout adulthood. Anti-Mullerian hormone, SRY-box Transcription Factor 9, and Steroidogenic factor 1 are expressed by the postnatal Sertoli cells at all ages examined. Leydig cell markers cytochrome p450c17 and calretinin are expressed during mini-puberty and puberty, but not expressed during the pre-pubertal period. Smooth muscle α-actin and androgen receptor were not expressed during mini-puberty or pre-puberty, but again expressed during the pubertal period. The ontogenic map of the human fetal and postnatal testicular structure and expression patterns described here will serve as a reference for future investigations into normal and abnormal testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Maya Overland
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Nicholas Ladwig
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Shima Y. Functional Importance of Mini-Puberty in Spermatogenic Stem Cell Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:907989. [PMID: 35573691 PMCID: PMC9096082 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.907989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells nesting in the fetal testis give rise to gonocytes. The gonocytes then transform into spermatogenic stem cells (SSCs) during the neonatal period and thereafter serve as a lifetime source of spermatogenesis. Therefore, gonocyte to SSC transformation is quite an important process that supports fertility in males. During the gonocyte to SSC transformation, morphological and transcriptomic changes sequentially occur and gonocytes migrate from the center to the peripheral region of the seminiferous tubules. However, extrinsic signals which trigger the transcriptomic changes as well as the migration are not yet fully clarified. Recent studies have drawn attention to the temporal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during the neonatal stage which occurs concurrently with SSC formation. This phenomenon is called mini-puberty, and recent studies on human cryptorchid patients as well as animal models partially support the hypothesis that mini-puberty plays pivotal roles in gonocyte-to-SSC transformation. Focusing on this point, here, we aimed to discuss the latest knowledge on the importance of mini-puberty in spermatogenesis in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
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4
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Hildorf S, Cortes D, Thorup J, Clasen-Linde E, Hutson J, Li R. During infancy low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone may result in high rate of germ cell apoptosis. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:2399-2406. [PMID: 33691939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a role in preventing germ cell apoptosis. We aimed to compare apoptotic rate of boys with cryptorchidism having different levels of FSH in order to investigate its role in apoptosis. METHODS Hormonal profiles and testicular biopsies from 30 boys with unilateral cryptorchidism (age range: 4-14 months) were included. Based on FSH level, the boys were grouped into three (3 × 10) having high (>97.5percentile), low (<2.5percentile), or within normal range. Sections underwent immunohistochemical staining to analyze the number of germ cells and type A dark spermatogonia per cross-sectional tubule. One section was co-stained with immunofluorescent antibodies against an apoptotic marker (cleaved caspase-3), proliferation marker (Ki67), Sertoli cell marker (anti-Müllerian hormone) and processed by confocal imaging for analysis. Germ cell apoptosis was calculated as the apoptosis index (percentage caspase-3+ germ cells/total germ cell number). RESULTS Fifty percent (5/10) of the boys with low FSH had an apoptosis index above 90% compared with 15% (3/20) of the boys with normal or high FSH (p = 0.04). Caspase-3+ germ cells were most likely to be located on the basement membrane (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings lead to trends proposing that FSH may play a role in preventing apoptosis. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hildorf
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatric Surgery, Surgical Clinic C, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Cortes
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Thorup
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Surgical Clinic C, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Clasen-Linde
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Chávez-Saldaña M, Landero-Huerta DA, Rojas-Castañeda JC. Reply to letter to the editor. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1257-1258. [PMID: 33715843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Margarita Chávez-Saldaña
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico
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Walker WH. Androgen Actions in the Testis and the Regulation of Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:175-203. [PMID: 34453737 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. In this review, topics related to testosterone control of spermatogenesis are covered including testosterone production and levels in the testis, classical and nonclassical testosterone signaling pathways, cell- and temporal-specific expression of the androgen receptor in the testis and autocrine and paracrine signaling of testis cells in the testis. Also discussed are the contributions of testosterone to testis descent, the blood-testis barrier, control of gonocyte numbers and spermatogonia expansion, completion of meiosis and attachment and release of elongaed spermatids. Testosterone-regulated genes identified in various mouse models of idsrupted Androgen receptor expression are discussed. Finally, examples of synergism and antagonism between androgen and follicle-stimulating hormone signaling pathways are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Burton E, Abeydeera SA, Sarila G, Cho HJ, Wu S, Tien MY, Hutson J, Li R. The role of gonadotrophins in gonocyte transformation during minipuberty. Pediatr Surg Int 2020; 36:1379-1385. [PMID: 32894332 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04737-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postnatal surge of gonadotrophins, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH) known as minipuberty, is critical for gonocyte maturation into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) in the testis. Gonadotrophins are essential for optimum fertility in men, but very little is known how they regulate germ cells during minipuberty. This study examined whether gonadotrophins play a role on gonocyte transformation in vivo. METHODS Testes from hypogonadal (hpg) mice and their wild type (WT) littermates (n = 6/group) were weighed, and processed in paraffin at postnatal days (D) 0, 3, 6 and 9. Mouse VASA homologue (germ cell marker), anti-Müllerian hormone (Sertoli cell marker) antibodies and DAPI (nuclei marker) were used for immunofluorescence followed by confocal imaging. Germ cells on or off basement membrane (BM) and Sertoli cells/tubule were counted using Image J and analyzed with GraphPad. RESULTS Comparing to WT littermates, there were significantly fewer germ cells on BM/tubule (p < 0.05) in D9 hpg mice, whereas there was no significant difference for germ cells off BM/tubule and Sertoli cells/tubule between littermates. However, testicular weight was significantly reduced in D3-D9 hpg mice comparing to WT littermates. CONCLUSION Gonadotrophin deficiency reduced D9 germ cells on BM indicating impaired gonocyte transformation into SSC. This suggests that gonadotrophins may mediate gonocyte transformation during minipuberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Burton
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sanduni Amaya Abeydeera
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gulcan Sarila
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hyun-Jung Cho
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shengde Wu
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Melissa Yixin Tien
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Loebenstein M, Thorup J, Cortes D, Clasen-Linde E, Hutson JM, Li R. Cryptorchidism, gonocyte development, and the risks of germ cell malignancy and infertility: A systematic review. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:1201-1210. [PMID: 31327540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis (UDT) occurs in 1%-4% of newborn males and leads to a risk of infertility and testicular malignancy. Recent research suggests that infertility and malignancy in UDT may be caused by abnormal development of the neonatal germ cells, or gonocytes, which normally transform into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) or undergo apoptosis during minipuberty at 2-6 months in humans (2-6 days in mice). We aimed to identify the current knowledge on how UDT is linked to infertility and malignancy. METHODS Here we review the literature from 1995 to the present to assess the possible causes of infertility and malignancy in UDT, from both human studies and animal models. RESULTS Both the morphological steps and many of the genes involved in germ cell development are now characterized, but the factors involved in gonocyte transformation and apoptosis in both normal and cryptorchid testes are not fully identified. During minipuberty there is evidence for the hypothalamic-pituitary axis stimulating gonocyte transformation, but without known direct control by LH and androgen, although FSH may have a role. An arrested gonocyte maybe the origin of later malignancy at least in syndromic cryptorchid testes in humans, which is consistent with the recent finding that gonocytes are normally absent in a rodent model of congenital cryptorchidism, where malignancy has not been reported. CONCLUSION The results of this review strengthen the view that malignancy and infertility in men with previous UDT may be caused by abnormalities in germ cell development during minipuberty. TYPE OF STUDY Systematic review (secondary, filtered) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Loebenstein
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Erik Clasen-Linde
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - John M Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Atala A. Re: AgRP to Kiss1 Neuron Signaling Links Nutritional State and Fertility. J Urol 2018; 200:501. [PMID: 30412985 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
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Loebenstein M, Hutson J, Li R. Gonocyte transformation in a congenitally cryptorchid rat is normal and may be similar to the situation reported in human acquired cryptorchidism. J Pediatr Surg 2018; 53:1770-1775. [PMID: 29429771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In congenital undescended testis (UDT) in humans, thermal insult damages early germ cell development during mini-puberty (3-6months) causing increased risk of both cancer and infertility. In rodents however, UDT causes infertility but not cancer. In the TS rat with congenital UDT we hypothesized that early germ cell development would be normal as UDT only becomes manifest at 3-4weeks (and the germ cells only become sensitive to thermal injury) after minipuberty is complete at 1week. METHODS Normal testis and potential UDT from unilateral cryptorchid TS rats were collected at week 1 and 4 and processed into paraffin sections labeled for Sertoli cells (AMH), early germ cells (MVH) and spermatogonial stem cells (PLZF). Confocal microscopic images and Fiji Image J were used to count cells in testicular tubules with paired T-test statistical analysis. RESULTS Total germ cells/tubule, basement membrane-bound germ cells/tubule, and Sertoli cells/tubule were unchanged between normally descending and future UDT at 1-4weeks old (P>0.05) Total germ cells/tubule and spermatogonial stem cells/tubule increased dramatically between weeks 1 and 4. CONCLUSION Rat gonocyte transformation is normal in both normally descending and future UDT. This suggests that congenitally cryptorchid rats may not develop testicular cancer because gonocytes (the putative origin of malignant degeneration) normally transform into spermatogonial stem cells before UDT occurs and the risk of thermal injury develops. This suggests the TS rat may be a good model for acquired UDT in human where the abnormal testicular position develops after gonocyte transformation is completed in the first year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Loebenstein
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - John Hutson
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Urology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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Li R, Vannitamby A, Yue SSK, Handelsman D, Hutson J. Mouse minipuberty coincides with gonocyte transformation into spermatogonial stem cells: a model for human minipuberty. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:2430-2436. [PMID: 28531375 DOI: 10.1071/rd17100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As the transient postnatal hormone surge in humans, known as 'minipuberty', occurs simultaneously with key steps in germ-cell development, we investigated whether similar changes occur in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis of neonatal mice at a time that would coincide with gonocyte transformation into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). Serum and testes were collected from C57Bl/6 mice at embryonic Day 17 (E17), birth (postnatal Day 0; P0) and daily until P10. Serum FSH and testosterone levels in both serum and testes were analysed and gene expression of FSH receptor (Fshr), luteinising hormone receptor (Lhr), anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), membrane type 1 metalloprotease (Mt1-mmp), proto-oncogene C-kit and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (Plzf ) was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found a transient surge of serum and testicular testosterone levels between P1 and P3 and a gradual increase in FSH from P1 to P10. Testis Lhr expression remained low from P0 until P10 but Fshr expression peaked between P3 and P6 (P<0.01). The same was found for Oct-4 expression (a gonocyte marker), which surged between P3 and P6 (P<0.01). Mt1-mmp expression peaked at P3 (P<0.05). The expression pattern of both C-kit and Plzf (SSC markers) was similar with a steady increase from P1 to P10. These results show a transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis postnatally with increases in serum and testicular testosterone at P1-P3 and testicular Fshr (but not Lhr) at P3-P6. These changes coincide with increases in gene expression of Oct4, Mt1-mmp, Plzf and C-kit, reflecting gonocyte activation, migration and transformation into SSC. In conclusion, these findings suggest that 'minipuberty' does occur in mice and that gonocyte transformation may be driven by a transient FSH signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Li
- F Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Amanda Vannitamby
- F Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Sarah S K Yue
- F Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - David Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - John Hutson
- F Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
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Gegenschatz-Schmid K, Verkauskas G, Demougin P, Bilius V, Dasevicius D, Stadler MB, Hadziselimovic F. Curative GnRHa treatment has an unexpected repressive effect on Sertoli cell specific genes. Basic Clin Androl 2018; 28:2. [PMID: 29456864 PMCID: PMC5806254 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-018-0067-1] [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: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone stimulate Sertoli cells to support germ cell function and differentiation. During mini-puberty, when gonadotropin (GnRH) stimulates increases in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, gonocytes are transformed into Ad spermatogonia. In cryptorchidism, impaired gonadotropin secretion during mini-puberty results in insufficient LH and testosterone secretion, impaired gonocyte transition to Ad spermatogonia, and perturbed Sertoli cell proliferation. Treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa/Buserelin) induced gonocytes to differentiate into Ad spermatogonia and rescued fertility. The present study evaluated the impact of low LH secretion on Sertoli cell function by comparing differential gene expression data between testes with low LH that lacked Ad spermatogonia (Ad-) and testes that completed mini-puberty (Ad+). Furthermore, we analyzed changes in the transcription of selected Sertoli cell specific genes in response to GnRHa treatment. Results Ad- testes showed reduced expression of nine out of 40 selected Sertoli cell specific genes compared to Ad+ testes. GnRHa treatment repressed most of the Sertoli cell specific genes, including the inhibins, but it increased the expression of genes that regulate apoptosis (FASLG) and proliferation (GDNF). Conclusions Impaired-minipuberty with decreased LH and testosterone levels affected Ad and Sertoli cell development through positive and negative regulation of morphoregulatory and apoptotic genes. GnRHa treatment had a repressive effect on most Sertoli cell specific genes, which suggested that Sertoli cells underwent a cellular rearrangement. We propose that gonadotropin-dependent increases in FASLG and GDNF expression drove Sertoli cell proliferation and germ cell self-renewal and supported the transition of gonocytes to Ad spermatogonia, independent of inhibins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilvydas Verkauskas
- 2Children's Surgery Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Philippe Demougin
- 3Biozentrum, Life Sciences Training Facility, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vytautas Bilius
- 2Children's Surgery Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Darius Dasevicius
- 4Institute for Pathology, National Centre of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Michael B Stadler
- 5Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,6Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Kindermedizinisches Zentrum Liestal, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
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Atala A. Re: Genome Engineering Uncovers 54 Evolutionarily Conserved and Testis-Enriched Genes That are Not Required for Male Fertility in Mice. J Urol 2016; 196:1817. [PMID: 27845141 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Promm M, Schröder A, Neissner C, Eder F, Rösch WH, Schröder J. Acquired cryptorchidism: More harm than thought? J Pediatr Urol 2016; 12:236.e1-6. [PMID: 27318547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acquired cryptorchidism (AC) has been recognized as a subgroup of undescended testes (UDT). There is growing evidence that the compromising effect equals that of congenital UDT (cUDT). This prospective study included an extensive histological examination of biopsies taken from AC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS From August 2013 to December 2014, 21 boys (3-12 years of age) underwent testicular biopsy during orchiopexy for AC. Patient and family histories were taken. The amount of germ cells (GC) per tubule (T) and the amount of adult dark spermatogonia (Ad-S) per T were determined by resin semi-thin sections examination. The samples were also scanned for signs of malformation. Immunohistochemical stains were performed as markers for atypical germ cells. RESULTS Four (19%) boys were born prematurely, two (9.5%) were small for gestational age (SGA), and nine (43%) had a positive family history of UDT. The median of GC/T was 1.06 in boys <9 years, and 0.60 in boys ≥9 years. The median of Ad-S/T was 0.02 in boys <9 years and 0.01 in boys ≥9 years. There were no signs for malformation and no atypical cells. The immunohistochemical stains were negative in all specimens. CONCLUSIONS Prematurity, SGA, and a positive family history appeared to be predictors for AC. Extensive histopathological examination of AC revealed a significant reduction of germ cell count and fertility markers, comparable with that in cUDT. The alterations were more severe in boys aged ≥9 years. It is unclear as to whether or not this was possibly caused by a longer duration of inguinal position, but this finding suggests that routine checks of testicular position throughout childhood are needed, and that there is a cause for continued efforts in educating parents and primary care physicians regarding AC. Current data support the notion of surgical correction once the diagnosis is made.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Promm
- Department of Paediatric Urology, Klinik St. Hedwig, University Medical Center of Regensburg, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, 93049 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - A Schröder
- Department of Paediatric Urology, Klinik St. Hedwig, University Medical Center of Regensburg, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, 93049 Regensburg, Germany
| | - C Neissner
- Department of Paediatric Urology, Klinik St. Hedwig, University Medical Center of Regensburg, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, 93049 Regensburg, Germany
| | - F Eder
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - W H Rösch
- Department of Paediatric Urology, Klinik St. Hedwig, University Medical Center of Regensburg, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, 93049 Regensburg, Germany
| | - J Schröder
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Vikraman J, Hutson JM, Li R, Thorup J. The undescended testis: Clinical management and scientific advances. Semin Pediatr Surg 2016; 25:241-8. [PMID: 27521715 DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Undescended testes (UDT), where one or both testes fail to migrate to the base of the scrotum, can be congenital (2-5% of newborn males) or acquired (1-2% of males). The testis may be found in any position along its usual line of descent. Cryptorchidism affects the developing testicular germ cells and increases the risk of infertility and malignancy. Clinical management aims to preserve spermatogenesis and prevent the increased risk of seminoma. Examination to document the testicular position will guide the need for imaging, medical management and the surgical approach to orchidopexy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Vikraman
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John M Hutson
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children׳s Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Ruili Li
- Douglas Stephens Surgical Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Surgical Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cousinery MC, Li R, Vannitamby A, Vikraman J, Southwell BR, Hutson JM. Neurotrophin signaling in a genitofemoral nerve target organ during testicular descent in mice. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:1321-6. [PMID: 26718832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM It has been proposed that androgens control inguinoscrotal testicular descent via release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from a masculinised genitofemoral nerve (GFN). As there are androgen receptors in the inguinoscrotal fat pad (IFP) during the window of androgen sensitivity (E14-17 in mouse embryos), we tested the hypothesis that neurotrophins in the IFP may masculinise the sensory fibers of the GFN supplying the gubernaculum and IFP prior to gubernacular migration. METHODS Androgen-receptor knockout (ARKO) and wild-type (WT) mouse embryos were collected at E17, with ethical approval (AEC 734). Sagittal sections of IFP, mammary area and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscle were processed for standard histology and fluorescent immunohistochemistry for ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) and cell nuclei (DAPI). RESULTS In the ARKO mouse CNTFR immunoreactivity (CNTFR-IR) was increased in the IFP but decreased in BC. Perinuclear staining of CNTF-IR was seen in mouse sciatic nerve but only weakly in IFP. In the mammary area, also supplied by GFN, there were no differences in IR staining. CONCLUSION This study found CNTFR-IR in the IFP was negatively regulated by androgen, suggesting that CNTF signaling may be suppressed in GFN sensory nerves to enable CGRP expression for regulating gubernacular migration in the male, but not the female. The indirect action of androgen via the GFN required for testicular descent may be one of the sites of anomalies in the putative multifactorial cause of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Cousinery
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda Vannitamby
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jaya Vikraman
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bridget R Southwell
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John M Hutson
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Urology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article summarizes the latest evidence on the risk factors, management and outcomes of undescended testes (UDTs). RECENT FINDINGS UDTs remain common, with increasing evidence that acquired UDT or the ascending testis syndrome should be considered part of the spectrum of this disease. Prompt diagnosis and early referral for surgical evaluation and treatment would seem most likely to result in an optimal functional and cosmetic outcome. Hormonal treatment, rather than orchidopexy, remains popular in some centers, despite a lack of good evidence to support its efficacy, although it may have an important adjunct role in optimizing fertility. Although often performed, ultrasound does not generally assist in the diagnosis and management of UDT, with enhanced education of primary care physicians more likely to facilitate early referral. The testis, rather than quiescent, appears biologically active in the male infant, with increasing evidence of an adverse impact on future spermatogenesis and fertility in men with a UDT. SUMMARY Male infants with a UDT should be diagnosed and referred early for surgical evaluation. It seems likely that the optimal timing for surgery should be before the boy's first birthday. There remains a need for high-quality, long-term outcomes data to guide optimal management.
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Li R, Vannitamby A, Zhang JG, Fehmel EL, Southwell BR, Hutson JM. Oct4-GFP expression during transformation of gonocytes into spermatogonial stem cells in the perinatal mouse testis. J Pediatr Surg 2015; 50:2084-9. [PMID: 26386877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM In cryptorchidism perinatal failure to switch off Oct4, a germ cell (GC) marker, may lead to carcinoma in situ. We aimed to analyze Oct4 expression during mouse gonocyte transformation into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Testes from OG2 (Oct4-promoter driven eGFP) mice at embryonic day (E) 17 and postnatal day P0-10 underwent immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Antibodies against MVH, AMH, Ki67, and c-Kit were visualized by confocal microscopy. Numbers of Oct4-GFP(+) GC and Oct4-GFP(-) GC/tubule were counted using ImageJ. Data were analyzed using nonparametric one-way ANOVA. RESULTS GC from E17-P4 were Oct4-GFP(+). Numbers of Oct4-GFP(-) GC/tubule increased from P6-10, whereas Oct4-GFP(+) GC/tubule numbers remained similar between P6 and P10. Sertoli cells proliferated from E17-P10, whereas GC only proliferated from P2. Gonocytes (Oct4-GFP(+)/c-Kit(-)) central in tubules migrated to the basement membrane to become prospermatogonia (Oct4-GFP(+)/c-Kit(-)) and then SSC (Oct4-GFP(+)/c-Kit(+)) from day 4 and further developed into Oct4-GFP(-)/c-Kit(+) at P6. CONCLUSION In Oct4-GFP mice both centrally located gonocytes and prospermatogonia located at the tubular basement membrane were Oct4-GFP(+)/c-Kit(-) before further developing into SSC (Oct4-GFP(+)/c-Kit(+)). This indicates that Oct4 is important in gonocyte transformation into SSC. Understanding this process will aid GC tumor diagnostics and fertility potential in boys with UDT undergoing orchidopexy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Li
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Amanda Vannitamby
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jian-Guo Zhang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Emma L Fehmel
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Bridget R Southwell
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - John M Hutson
- FD Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Urology Department, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Ritchey ML. This Month in Pediatric Urology. J Urol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2015.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Barthold JS. What regulates neonatal gonocyte migration? J Urol 2015; 193:1087-8. [PMID: 25596357 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2015.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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