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Zanardini M, Zhang W, Habibi HR. Arginine Vasotocin Directly Regulates Spermatogenesis in Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6564. [PMID: 38928267 PMCID: PMC11204076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126564] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide vasopressin is known for its regulation of osmotic balance in mammals. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a non-mammalian homolog of this neuropeptide that is present in fish. Limited information suggested that vasopressin and its homologs may also influence reproductive function. In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of AVT on spermatogenesis, using zebrafish as a model organism. Results demonstrate that AVT and its receptors (avpr1aa, avpr2aa, avpr1ab, avpr2ab, and avpr2l) are expressed in the zebrafish brain and testes. The direct action of AVT on spermatogenesis was investigated using an ex vivo culture of mature zebrafish testes for 7 days. Using histological, morphometric, and biochemical approaches, we observed direct actions of AVT on zebrafish testicular function. AVT treatment directly increased the number of spermatozoa in an androgen-dependent manner, while reducing mitotic cells and the proliferation activity of type B spermatogonia. The observed stimulatory action of AVT on spermiogenesis was blocked by flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist. The present results support the novel hypothesis that AVT stimulates short-term androgen-dependent spermiogenesis. However, its prolonged presence may lead to diminished spermatogenesis by reducing the proliferation of spermatogonia B, resulting in a diminished turnover of spermatogonia, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The overall findings offer an insight into the physiological significance of vasopressin and its homologs in vertebrates as a contributing factor in the multifactorial regulation of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Zanardini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB 2500, Canada;
| | - Weimin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
| | - Hamid R. Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB 2500, Canada;
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2
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Wang B, Paullada-Salmerón JA, Muñoz-Cueto JA. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and its receptors in teleosts: Physiological roles and mechanisms of actions. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 350:114477. [PMID: 38387532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114477] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was the first reported hypothalamic neuropeptide inhibiting reproduction in vertebrates. Since its discovery in the quail brain, its orthologs have been identified in a variety of vertebrate species and even protochordates. Depending on the species, the GnIH precursor polypeptides comprise two, three or four mature peptides of the RFamide family. It has been well documented that GnIH inhibits reproduction at the brain-pituitary-gonadal levels and participates in metabolism, stress response, and social behaviors in birds and mammals. However, most studies in fish have mainly been focused on the physiological roles of GnIH in the control of reproduction and results obtained are in some cases conflicting, leaving aside its potential roles in the regulation of other functions. In this manuscript we summarize the information available in fish with respect to the structural diversity of GnIH peptides and functional roles of GnIH in reproduction and other physiological processes. We also highlight the molecular mechanisms of GnIH actions on target cells and possible interactions with other neuroendocrine factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China; Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - José A Paullada-Salmerón
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain; Marine Research Institute (INMAR), Marine Campus of International Excellence (CEIMAR) and Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain; The European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Cádiz, Spain
| | - José A Muñoz-Cueto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain; Marine Research Institute (INMAR), Marine Campus of International Excellence (CEIMAR) and Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain; The European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Cádiz, Spain.
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Sang L, Sun S, Wang J, Gao C, Chen D, Xie X. Dual effects of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone on testicular development in prepubertal Minxinan Black rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1320452. [PMID: 38328257 PMCID: PMC10847550 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1320452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a neurohormone that not only suppresses reproduction at the brain level but also regulates steroidogenesis and gametogenesis at the gonad level. However, its function in gonadal physiology has received little attention in rabbits. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of GnIH on testicular development and function in prepubertal Minxinan Black rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In the present study, we investigated the serum reproductive hormone concentration, testicular parameters, morphology of seminiferous tubules, apoptosis of testicular cells, and expression of reproductive-related genes in male prepubertal Minxinan Black rabbits intraperitoneally administered with 0, 0.5, 5, or 50 μg quail GnIH-related peptides (qGnIH) for 10 days. Compared with the vehicle, administration with 5 μg of qGnIH downregulated the serum testosterone concentration and mRNA levels of spermatogenic genes (PCNA, FSHR, INHβA, HSF1, and AR) and upregulated the apoptosis rate of testicular cells; administration with 50 μg of qGnIH decreased the serum testosterone concentration and hypothalamic GnIH gene mRNA level and increased the serum LH concentration, pituitary LHβ gene mRNA level, testicular weight, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and spermatogenic cell layer thickness. It is concluded that GnIH could exert dual actions on testicular development depending on the male prepubertal rabbits receiving different intraperitoneal doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiping Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, China
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Jin C, Yan K, Wang M, Song W, Kong X, Zhang Z. Identification, Characterization and Functional Analysis of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Black Rockfish ( Sebastes schlegelii). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043626. [PMID: 36835037 PMCID: PMC9958866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are short polypeptides that play essential roles in various cellular biological processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as tissue regeneration, immune response, and organogenesis. However, studies focusing on the characterization and function of FGF genes in teleost fishes are still limited. In this study, we identified and characterized expression patterns of 24 FGF genes in various tissues of embryonic and adult specimens of the black rockfish (Sebates schlegelii). Nine FGF genes were found to play essential roles in myoblast differentiation, as well as muscle development and recovery in juvelines of S. schlegelii. Moreover, sex-biased expression pattern of multiple FGF genes was recorded in the species' gonads during its development. Among them, expression of the FGF1 gene was recorded in interstitial and sertoli cells of testes, promoting germ-cell proliferation and differentiation. In sum, the obtained results enabled systematic and functional characterization of FGF genes in S. schlegelii, laying a foundation for further studies on FGF genes in other large teleost fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kai Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mengya Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Weihao Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiangfu Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhengrui Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence:
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Ribeiro DLS, Ribeiro LSS, Bezerra NPC, Silva JM, Noleto KS, Souza FA, Carvalho-Neta AV, Almeida ZS, Chaves DP, Torres Junior JRS. Differential gene expression pattern and plasma sex steroids during testicular development in Genyatremus luteus (Perciforme: Haemulidae) (Bloch, 1790). BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 82:e262017. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.262017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The aim of the current study is to evaluate gene expression patterns of LH (lhr) and estrogen (er) receptors and plasma steroid levels during testicular development in Genyatremus luteus. Males were histologically classified as immature (n=7), maturing (n=7) and mature (n=7), based on the cellular structure of their testes. Plasma 11-KT concentration recorded peak at the final maturation stage. The highest plasma 17α-OHP concentrations were observed at the immature stage; they decreased at the maturation and mature stages. On the other hand, 17β-estradiol (E2) recorded higher concentrations at the maturation stage. Er expression has significantly increased along the maturational development of animals’ testes. The mRNA observed for the LH receptor has decreased from immature to maturing stage; it presented expression peak at the mature stage. There was high association between receptor gene expression and plasma steroid levels, mainly E2. The current study was the first to feature different reproductive maturation stages in male G. luteus specimens, based on cellular, endocrine and molecular aspects. In addition, it has shown that the gene expression profile for er and lhr receptors, as well as plasma 11-KT and E2 concentrations, are directly linked to testicular maturation, although they are not necessarily associated with the gonadosomatic index.
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Moraes ACN, Fallah HP, Magalhães VF, Habibi HR. Cylindrospermopsin directly disrupts spermatogenesis in isolated male zebrafish testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 313:113891. [PMID: 34428427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cytotoxin, and its documented effects in mammals include damage to several organs. CYN also has hormone-disrupting properties, including estrogenic activity, progesterone production inhibition, and apoptosis induction. While CYN has been reported to exert reproductive toxicity in mice, little is known about its effect on fish reproductive function. Using ex vivo organ culture, we investigated the direct action of CYN on the male reproductive system. Isolated zebrafish testis was exposed to 250, 500, and 1000 µg/L CYN for 24 h and 7 d, followed by histo-morphological analysis. The results demonstrate that exposure to CYN led to a decrease in cell types from all three phases of spermatogenesis in zebrafish testis. There were also significant changes in fshr, lhr, and igf3 transcript levels, as well as testosterone secretion following exposure to CYN. In summary, this study provides novel information on the adverse effects of CYN on testicular spermatogenesis and male reproduction in zebrafish. These results provide a framework for a better understanding of CYN toxicity and the mechanism underlying the adverse action of CYN on male reproduction in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C N Moraes
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - H P Fallah
- Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - V F Magalhães
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - H R Habibi
- Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Giommi C, Habibi HR, Candelma M, Carnevali O, Maradonna F. Probiotic Administration Mitigates Bisphenol A Reproductive Toxicity in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179314. [PMID: 34502222 PMCID: PMC8430984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the use of bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned in a number of countries, its presence in the environment still creates health issues both for humans and wildlife. So far, BPA toxicity has been largely investigated on different biological processes, from reproduction to development, immune system, and metabolism. In zebrafish, Danio rerio, previous studies revealed the ability of environmentally relevant concentrations of this contaminant to significantly impair fertility via epigenetic modification. In addition, several studies demonstrated the ability of different probiotic strains to improve organism health. This study provides information on the role of the probiotic mixture SLAb51 to counteract adverse BPA effects on reproduction. A 28-day trial was set up with different experimental groups: BPA, exposed to 10 µg/L BPA; P, receiving a dietary supplementation of SLAb51 at a final concentration of 109 CFU/g; BPA+P exposed to 10 µg/L BPA and receiving SLAb51 at a final concentration of 109 CFU/g and a C group. Since oocyte growth and maturation represent key aspects for fertility in females, studies were performed on isolated class III (vitellogenic) and IV (in maturation) follicles and liver, with emphasis on the modulation of the different vitellogenin isoforms. In males, key signals regulating spermatogenesis were investigated. Results demonstrated that in fish exposed to the combination of BPA and probiotic, most of the transcripts were closer to C or P levels, supporting the hypothesis of SLAb51 to antagonize BPA toxicity. This study represents the first evidence related to the use of SLAb51 to improve reproduction and open new fields of investigation regarding its use to reduce endocrine disrupting compound impacts on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giommi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (C.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Hamid R. Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Michela Candelma
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (C.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (C.G.); (M.C.)
- INBB—Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (O.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (C.G.); (M.C.)
- INBB—Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (O.C.); (F.M.)
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Rodrigues MS, Fallah HP, Zanardini M, Malafaia G, Habibi HR, Nóbrega RH. Interaction between thyroid hormones and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone in ex vivo culture of zebrafish testis: An approach to study multifactorial control of spermatogenesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 532:111331. [PMID: 34038752 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is under multifactorial control of neurohormones, pituitary gonadotropins, as well as of local gonadal signaling systems including sex steroids, growth factors and non-coding RNAs. Among the factors, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (Gnih) is a novel RFamide neuropeptide which directly modulates gonadotropin synthesis and release from pituitary, and in the gonads, Gnih mediated inhibitory actions on gonadotropin response of zebrafish spermatogenesis. Thyroid hormones are peripheral hormones which are also known to interact with reproductive axis, in particular, regulating testicular development and function. This study investigated the interaction between Gnih and thyroid hormones in zebrafish spermatogenesis using in vivo and ex vivo approaches. Three experimental groups were established: "control" (non-treated fish), "methimazole" and "methimazole + T4". Fish were exposed to goitrogen methimazole for 3 weeks; T4 (100 μg/L) was added in the water from the second week only in the "reversal treatment" group. After exposure, testes were dissected out and immediately incubated in Leibovitz's L-15 culture medium containing hCG, Gnih or hCG + Gnih for 7 days. Germ cell cysts and haploid cell population were evaluated by histomorphometry and flow cytometry, respectively. Our results showed that hypothyroidism affected germ cell development in basal and gonadotropin-induced spermatogenesis, in particular, meiosis and spermiogenesis. Hypothyroid testes showed lower amount of spermatozoa, and decreased potency of hCG. We also showed that goitrogen treatment nullified the inhibitory actions of Gnih on the gonadotropin-induced spermatogenesis. This study provided evidences that thyroid hormones are important regulatory factors for hCG- and Gnih-mediated functions in zebrafish spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira S Rodrigues
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hamideh P Fallah
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maya Zanardini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institution, Urata Campus, Rodovia Geraldo Silva Nascimento, 2,5 km, Zona Rural, Urutaí, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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