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Gao P, Zhuang J, Chen H, Fang Z, Zheng J, Zhu D, Hou J. 5-Aminolevulinic acid combined with ferrous iron ameliorates scrotal heat stress-induced spermatogenic damage by enhancing HO-1 expression. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:4999-5011. [PMID: 37086299 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08462-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether 5-Aminolevulinic acid combined with ferrous iron (5-ALA/Fe2+) could protect testicular tissues damage of mice subjected to heat stress (HS) and provide its underlying mechanisms. METHODS 5-ALA/Fe2+ was administered intragastrically to mice for 10 days, then exposed to a scrotal heat stress at 43°C for 20 min on third day. Testes were harvested for morphologic and histopathological examination, oxidative stress, apoptosis, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and inflammation detection. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway in testis and CD4+FoxP3+regulatory T (Treg) cells in spleen were also investigated. RESULTS Compared to control group, the testis weight decreased and histological damage severed in HS group. Besides, HS also increased the oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation in testis. However, these indicators were ameliorated after 5-ALA/Fe2+ treatment but deteriorated after receiving ZnPPIX. The expression of HO-1 was increased both in HS group and 5-ALA/Fe2+ group. The protein expression levels of MAPK proteins were activated by HS and inhibited by 5-ALA/Fe2+. The CD4+FoxP3+ Treg generation was reduced by HS and increased by 5-ALA/Fe2+. CONCLUSION In this study, we have demonstrated that 5-ALA/Fe2+ ameliorated the spermatogenic damage induced by scrotal heat stress via up-regulating the expression of HO-1 and inhibiting MAPK mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis and inducing CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs to inhibit the inflammation induced by HS in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jingming Zhuang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zujun Fang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Daqian Zhu
- National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Jiangang Hou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Yüzen D, Graf I, Diemert A, Arck PC. Climate change and pregnancy complications: From hormones to the immune response. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1149284. [PMID: 37091849 PMCID: PMC10113645 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1149284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are highly vulnerable to adverse environments. Accumulating evidence highlights that increasing temperatures associated with the ongoing climate change pose a threat to successful reproduction. Heat stress caused by an increased ambient temperature can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, e.g., preterm birth, stillbirth and low fetal weight. The pathomechanisms through which heat stress interferes with pregnancy maintenance still remain vague, but emerging evidence underscores that the endocrine system is severely affected. It is well known that the endocrine system pivotally contributes to the physiological progression of pregnancy. We review – sometimes speculate - how heat stress can offset hormonal dysregulations and subsequently derail other systems which interact with hormones, such as the immune response. This may account for the heat-stress related threat to successful pregnancy progression, fetal development and long-term children’s health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Yüzen
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Graf
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Abd El-Emam MM, Ray MN, Ozono M, Kogure K. Heat stress disrupts spermatogenesis via modulation of sperm-specific calcium channels in rats. J Therm Biol 2023; 112:103465. [PMID: 36796910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103465] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Heat is a detrimental environmental stressor that disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. Previous investigations have shown that heat stress reduces the motility, number, and fertilization ability of living spermatozoa. Sperm hyperactivation, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, and chemotaxis towards the ova are regulated by the cation channel of sperm (CatSper). This sperm-specific ion channel triggers the influx of calcium ions into sperm cells. The aim of this study in rats was to investigate whether heat treatment affected the expression levels of CatSper-1 and -2, together with the sperm parameters, testicular histology and weight. The rats were exposed to heat stress for 6 days and the cauda epididymis and testis were collected 1, 14, and 35 days after heat treatment to measure sperm parameters, gene and protein expression, testicular weight, and histology. Interestingly, we found that heat treatment caused a notable downregulation of CatSper-1 and -2 expression at all three time points. In addition, there were significant reductions in sperm motility and number and an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm at 1 and 14 days, with cessation of sperm production at 35 days. Furthermore, expression of the steroidogenesis regulator, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) was upregulated in the 1-, 14- and 35-day samples. Heat treatment also upregulated the expression of the apoptosis regulator, BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), decreased testicular weight, and altered testicular histology. Therefore, our data showed for the first time that heat stress downregulated CatSper-1 and -2 in the rat testis, and that this may be a mechanism involved in heat stress-induced impairment of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahran Mohamed Abd El-Emam
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, El-Shohada, Moawwad, Qesm Awel AZ, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Manobendro Nath Ray
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Mizune Ozono
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kogure
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
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4
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Luo P, Huang XB, Zhan XZ, Yang C, Deng ZC, Zhang C, Fu XL, Tian YB, Huang YM, Liu WJ. Heat enhances the inhibitory effect of lipopolysaccharide on duck granulosa cell proliferation and steroid biosynthesis in vitro. Anim Sci J 2023; 94:e13851. [PMID: 37437892 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduces the reproductive performance of laying ducks, especially during the hot summer months. To study the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the effects of different LPS concentrations and heat on duck granulosa cell (GC) proliferation and steroid biosynthesis in vitro. We investigated GC proliferation, secretion, and activation of the MAPK pathway. The cell cycle results showed that LPS treatment alone did not significantly affect cell proliferation, whereas the mRNA expression levels of IGF2, IGFBP2, and CyclinD1 were downregulated and p27kip1 was significantly upregulated after 2000 ng/mL LPS treatment when compared to untreated cells. In steroid hormone synthesis, although LPS increased the expression of most steroid biosynthesis genes, it inhibited the expression of CYP11A1 at high LPS concentrations. High temperatures enhanced the inhibitory effect of LPS on the expression of proliferation-promoting genes. Heat significantly reduced CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 expression. In addition, the phosphorylation of P38 was significantly upregulated by high temperatures combined with LPS, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK was downregulated. The relative protein expression of Bax/BCL-2 was upregulated at high temperatures in combination with LPS. Heat treatment enhanced the inhibitory effects of LPS on the proliferation and hormone biosynthesis of duck GCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Luo
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Bing Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Zhi Zhan
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Yang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Deng
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Liang Fu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Bo Tian
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Mao Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jun Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhong kai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
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Petrusová J, Manning J, Kubovčiak J, Kolář M, Filipp D. Two complementary approaches for efficient isolation of Sertoli cells for transcriptomic analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:972017. [PMID: 36158203 PMCID: PMC9495933 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.972017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are the only somatic cells that reside in seminiferous tubules of testis. They directly interact with and support the development of germ cells, thus have an indispensable role in the process of spermatogenesis. SCs first appear in a proliferative state and then, with the initiation of the first wave of spermatogenesis, progress to a mature “nurturing” state which supports lifelong continuous sperm production. During this development, the SC transcriptome must adapt rapidly as obstacles in SC maturation often result in deficiencies in male fertility. Due to its importance in spermatogenesis, a reliable, rapid, and precise method for the isolation of high purity, viable and unadulterated SC has been largely missing. We have developed an improved method for the preparation of a testicular single cell suspension comprised of two alternative protocols to separate SCs from the rest of the testicular cells by FACS. The first sorting scheme is based on their co-expression of surface specific markers, FSHr and Occludin-1, while the second focuses on the co-staining of SCs with FSHr-specific antibody and Hoechst 33342, which discriminates DNA content of testicular cells. The entire procedure can be completed in less than 3 h which permits the analysis of the development-related transcriptional profile of these cells. Notably, our comparative study showed that this method resulted in a SC transcriptome that is largely comparable to SCs which were briskly isolated due to their cell-specific expression of fluorescent protein. Interestingly, we also show that SCs sorted as FSHr+Occludin+ cells contained a tangible portion of transcripts from all types of testicular germ cells. Sorting of SCs according to their 2C DNA content significantly reduced the presence of these transcripts, thus seems to be the most suitable approach for accurate determination of the SC transcriptome. We believe that these novel approaches for the isolation of SCs will assist researchers in the elucidation of their function as well as their role in spermatogenesis and disorders related to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Petrusová
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jasper Manning
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Kubovčiak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Dominik Filipp
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Dominik Filipp,
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Jiang Y, Li X, Liu J, Zhang W, Zhou M, Wang J, Liu L, Su S, Zhao F, Chen H, Wang C. Genome-wide detection of genetic structure and runs of homozygosity analysis in Anhui indigenous and Western commercial pig breeds using PorcineSNP80k data. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:373. [PMID: 35581549 PMCID: PMC9115978 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08583-9] [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: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are continuous homozygous regions typically located in the DNA sequence of diploid organisms. Identifications of ROH that lead to reduced performance can provide valuable insight into the genetic architecture of complex traits. Here, we systematically investigated the population genetic structure of five Anhui indigenous pig breeds (AHIPs), and compared them to those of five Western commercial pig breeds (WECPs). Furthermore, we examined the occurrence and distribution of ROHs in the five AHIPs and estimated the inbreeding coefficients based on the ROHs (FROH) and homozygosity (FHOM). Finally, we identified genomic regions with high frequencies of ROHs and annotated candidate genes contained therein. Results The WECPs and AHIPs were clearly differentiated into two separate clades consistent with their geographical origins, as revealed by the population structure and principal component analysis. We identified 13,530 ROHs across all individuals, of which 4,555 and 8,975 ROHs were unique to AHIPs and WECPs, respectively. Most ROHs identified in our study were short (< 10 Mb) or medium (10–20 Mb) in length. WECPs had significantly higher numbers of short ROHs, and AHIPs generally had longer ROHs. FROH values were significantly lower in AHIPs than in WECPs, indicating that breed improvement and conservation programmes were successful in AHIPs. On average, FROH and FHOM values were highly correlated (0.952–0.991) in AHIPs and WECPs. A total of 27 regions had a high frequency of ROHs and contained 17 key candidate genes associated with economically important traits in pigs. Among these, nine candidate genes (CCNT2, EGR2, MYL3, CDH13, PROX1, FLVCR1, SETD2, FGF18, and FGF20) found in WECPs were related to muscular and skeletal development, whereas eight candidate genes (CSN1S1, SULT1E1, TJP1, ZNF366, LIPC, MCEE, STAP1, and DUSP) found in AHIPs were associated with health, reproduction, and fatness traits. Conclusion Our findings provide a useful reference for the selection and assortative mating of pig breeds, laying the groundwork for future research on the population genetic structures of AHIPs, ultimately helping protect these local varieties. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08583-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Xiaojin Li
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Poultry) of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jieru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Linqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Shiguang Su
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Fuping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Poultry) of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongquan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Chonglong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
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7
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Ferrer MS, Palomares RA, Hurley DJ, Norton N, Bullington AC, Hoyos-Jaramillo A, Bittar JHJ. Changes in serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in bulls undergoing scrotal insulation. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106685. [PMID: 34634727 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
While changes in semen quality after heat stress are well characterized in the bull, changes in endocrine function have not been critically evaluated. It was hypothesized here that scrotal insulation results in alterations in Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function, as measured by changes in serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration. Scrotal insulation bags were placed in 10 bulls for 8 d. Blood was collected on days -22 and -2, and weekly from days 5 to 96 (day 0 = first day of scrotal insulation) for measurement of serum concentration of AMH and testosterone using ELISA. The concentration of AMH decreased on day 5, followed by an increase on day 54 (P = 0.014). When AMH concentration was normalized to pre-insulation values, the percent increase in serum concentration of AMH was significant between days 26 and 54, with another peak at 75 d (P = 0.031). The serum concentration of testosterone (P = 0.0001) and the percentage of change in testosterone concentration (P < 0.0001) increased on day 5, followed by a decrease from days 33 to 96. Scrotal insulation was associated with Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunction, as measured by serum testosterone and AMH concentration. The persistently low concentration of testosterone at the end of the study suggests a long term effect of scrotal insulation on Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Ferrer
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605.
| | - R A Palomares
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605
| | - D J Hurley
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605
| | - N Norton
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605
| | - A C Bullington
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605
| | - A Hoyos-Jaramillo
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605
| | - J H J Bittar
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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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9
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Xu YH, Li Y, Hu SQ, Li CR, Liu DL, Hu K, Cui LD, Guo J. Effect of Wuzi Yanzong Pills on Sertoli cells and blood-testis barrier in heat-stressed rats based on Akt signalling pathway. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14169. [PMID: 34197007 DOI: 10.1111/and.14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) of Sertoli cells (SCs) is an important biological barrier that maintains spermatogenesis and provides a favourable microenvironment for spermatogenesis. However, heat stress can directly damage the BTB structural proteins of testicular SCs, leading to dyszoospermia. Wuzi Yanzong Pills (WYP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used to treat male reproductive diseases. However, whether WYP could ameliorate heat stress injury in primary SCs extracted from rat testes and BTB proteins remains unknown. Here, treatment with WYP (low, medium and high dose) increased the SC viability and the proliferation of cell antigen Ki67 significantly. Additionally, it promoted SC maturation, which presented in the form of increased androgen receptors (ARs) and decreased cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) in three WYP dose groups. WYP upregulated BTB proteins such as zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin across all WYP groups and decreased phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in the middle and high-dose groups; however, ZO-1 and occludin recovery were reduced with the presence of Akt inhibitor in WYP groups. WYP improved SC viability and proliferation, and ameliorated dedifferentiation and BTB-proteins damaged by heat stress via Akt signalling. The findings present theoretical support for the effects of WYP in the management of dyszoospermia and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Qin Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Rui Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dian-Long Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Dan Cui
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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10
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Responses and coping methods of different testicular cell types to heat stress: overview and perspectives. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228844. [PMID: 34060622 PMCID: PMC8209165 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To facilitate temperature adjustments, the testicles are located outside the body cavity. In most mammals, the temperature of the testes is lower than the body temperature to ensure the normal progression of spermatogenesis. Rising temperatures affect spermatogenesis and eventually lead to a decline in male fertility or even infertility. However, the testes are composed of different cell types, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatocytes, spermatozoa, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, which have different cellular responses to heat stress. Recent studies have shown that using different drugs can relieve heat stress-induced reproductive damage by regulating different signaling pathways. Here, we review the mechanisms by which heat stress damages different cells in testes and possible treatments.
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Aldahhan RA, Stanton PG, Ludlow H, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Experimental Cryptorchidism Causes Chronic Inflammation and a Progressive Decline in Sertoli Cell and Leydig Cell Function in the Adult Rat Testis. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2916-2928. [PMID: 34008157 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism causes spermatogenic failure and reduced serum androgen levels, as well as testicular oedema and fibrosis, which are hallmarks of inflammation. However, the role of inflammation and the effects of cryptorchidism on Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function at the molecular level remain ill-defined. Bilateral cryptorchidism was surgically induced in adult rats for 7 and 14 weeks. Testis weights decreased to 40% of normal within 7 weeks, due to loss of all developing spermatogenic cells except spermatogonia, but did not decrease further at 14 weeks. Serum FSH and LH were increased at both time points, consistent with a loss of feedback by inhibin and testosterone. This damage was accompanied by progressive accumulation of interstitial fluid and peritubular fibrosis, and a progressive decline of several critical Sertoli cell genes (Sox9, Inha (inhbin α-subunit), Cldn11 (claudin 11), Gja1 (connexin 43), and Il1a (interleukin-1α)) and the Leydig cell steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Hs17b3. Activin B and the activin-binding protein, follistatin, also declined, but the intratesticular concentration of activin A, which is a regulator of inflammatory responses, was largely unaffected at either time point. Expression of genes involved in inflammation (Tnf, Il10, Il1b, Mcp1) and fibrosis (Acta2, Col1a1) were considerably elevated at both time points. These data indicate that induction of experimental cryptorchidism, which causes complete failure of spermatogenesis in the adult rat, also induces chronic testicular inflammation, manifesting in oedema and fibrosis, and a progressive decline of Sertoli and Leydig cell gene expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid A Aldahhan
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 2114, Dammam, 31541, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Aldahhan RA, Stanton PG. Heat stress response of somatic cells in the testis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 527:111216. [PMID: 33639219 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The testis is a temperature-sensitive organ that needs to be maintained 2-7 °C below core body temperature to ensure the production of normal sperm. Failure to maintain testicular temperature in mammals impairs spermatogenesis and leads to low sperm counts, poor sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology in the ejaculate. This review discusses the recent knowledge on the response of testicular somatic cells to heat stress and, specifically, regarding the relevant contributions of heat, germ cell depletion and inflammatory reactions on the functions of Sertoli and Leydig cells. It also outlines mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation, as well as the thermogenic factors that impact testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid A Aldahhan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 2114, Dammam, 31541, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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