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Sadeghirad M, Soleimanzadeh A, Shalizar-Jalali A, Behfar M. Synergistic protective effects of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol and hydroxytyrosol in male rats against induced heat stress-induced reproduction damage. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 190:114818. [PMID: 38880467 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114818] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Testicular heat stress disrupts spermiogenesis and damages testicular tissue. The study aims to assess 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) from olive oil as antioxidants to reduce heat-induced testicular damage. Seven groups of 35 male rats were used. Group I got normal saline. Group 2 had HS (43 °C for 20 min/day) and normal saline for 60 days. Groups 3-7 had HS and DHPG/HT doses (0.5 mg/kg DHPG, 1 mg/kg DHPG, 5 mg/kg HT, 0.5 mg/kg DHPG + 5 mg/kg HT, and 1 mg/kg DHPG + 5 mg/kg HT). The evaluation included tests on testicular tissue, sperm quality, oxidative status, gene activity, and fertility after 60 days. After DHPG and HT treatment, sperm motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality, as well as levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and Bcl-2 gene expression, and in vivo fertility indexes increased. Meanwhile, abnormal morphology and DNA damage decreased, along with levels of glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 gene expression, compared to the HS group. The study found that DHPG and HT have a more substantial synergistic effect when used together, improving reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Sadeghirad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Soleimanzadeh
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Ali Shalizar-Jalali
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mehdi Behfar
- Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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2
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Cannarella R, Curto R, Condorelli RA, Lundy SD, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Molecular insights into Sertoli cell function: how do metabolic disorders in childhood and adolescence affect spermatogonial fate? Nat Commun 2024; 15:5582. [PMID: 38961093 PMCID: PMC11222552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49765-1] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major public health concern globally with unknown etiology in approximately half of cases. The decline in total sperm count over the past four decades and the parallel increase in childhood obesity may suggest an association between these two conditions. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms through which obesity during childhood and adolescence may impair future testicular function. Several mechanisms occurring in obesity can interfere with the delicate metabolic processes taking place at the testicular level during childhood and adolescence, providing the molecular substrate to hypothesize a causal relationship between childhood obesity and the risk of low sperm counts in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Mohammadi T. Effect of quercetin and mirtazapine on spermatogenesis and testis structure in phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia mice: An experimental study. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 189:114732. [PMID: 38740240 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114732] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Anemia poses a significant healthcare challenge across different socioeconomic groups and can result in reproductive system damage through the generation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. This study examines the protective effects of quercetin (QUE) and mirtazapine (MIR) against the reproductive damage caused by phenylhydrazine (PHZ) in mice. Fifty NMRI mice, aged 8-10 weeks with an average weight of 27.0 ± 2.0 g, were randomly divided into five groups. The control group (Group 1) received oral administration of 10 mL/kg/day of normal saline. Group 2 (PHZ group) received an initial intraperitoneal dose of 8 mg/100 g body weight of PHZ, followed by subsequent doses of 6 mg/100 g every 48 h. Group 3 received PHZ along with oral QUE at a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day. Group 4 received PHZ along with oral MIR at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day. Group 5 received PHZ along with oral QUE at a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day and MIR at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day. The treatment duration was 35 days. Sperm samples were collected from the caudal region of the epididymis post-euthanasia to assess the total mean sperm count, sperm viability, motility, DNA damage, and morphology. Testicular tissue was employed to quantify total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, while serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were analyzed. Additionally, various aspects, including testicular histopathology, oxidative enzyme levels, gene expression related to apoptosis and antiapoptotic pathways, and in vivo fertility index, were evaluated after 35 days. The QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR groups showed less abnormal morphology and DNA damage, as well as better total and progressive sperm motility, motility characteristics, viability, and plasma membrane function compared to the PHZ group. QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR administration increased TAC, SOD, and GPx activities in testicular tissue, while reducing MDA levels compared to the PHZ group. Furthermore, QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR significantly reduced Bax, and caspase-3 expression levels, and increased Bcl-2 expression levels, compared to the PHZ group. Mice treated with QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR exhibited an increased in vivo fertility index and plasma sex hormone levels compared to the PHZ group. These results show that QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR might be able to improve the fertility index, boost the testicular antioxidant defense system, and control the death of germ cells. This could mean that they could be used to treat mice with PHZ-induced testicular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohid Mohammadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.
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Cannarella R, Crafa A, Curto R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Obesity and male fertility disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101273. [PMID: 38593513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101273] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Mohammadi T. Ameliorative effects of omega-3 and omega-6 on spermatogenesis, testicular antioxidant status and in vivo fertility index in heat-stressed rats. J Therm Biol 2024; 122:103885. [PMID: 38861860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103885] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the use of omega-6 (ω6) or omega-3 (ω3) in reducing heat-induced damage to the testicles. This is due to the known detrimental effects of heat and the potential protective properties of ω6 and ω3. In the study, 48 male rats were divided into eight groups, each containing 6 rats. Group I (control) received normal saline. Group 2 was exposed to high temperatures (43 °C for 20 min/day) and also received normal saline for 60 days. Groups 3-7 underwent identical HS conditions and received varying doses of ω6 or ω3 (0.5 mg/kg DHPG, 1 mg/kg DHPG, 5 mg/kg HT, 0.5 mg/kg DHPG + 5 mg/kg HT, and 1 mg/kg DHPG + 5 mg/kg HT), respectively. After 60 days, various tests were conducted on the testicular tissue, sperm quality, oxidative status, gene activity, and in vivo fertility indexes to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Treatment with ω6 and ω3 could reduce abnormal morphology and DNA damage while increasing total and progressive motility, characteristics motility, viability, and plasma membrane functional impairment compared with HS-exposed groups. Antioxidant status levels in testicular tissue were improved after administration of ω6 and ω3. Furthermore, after receiving ω6 and ω3, there were significantly lower expression levels of P53 and Caspase-3 and significantly higher expression levels of Bcl-2 compared to the HS-exposed group. Furthermore, the results showed that administration of ω6 and ω3 to rats exposed to HS could increase their in vivo fertility indexes compared to the group not exposed to HS. According to our data, all doses of ω6 and ω3 (particularly doses of ω6-1.25 and ω3-300) can improve the testicular damage, testicular antioxidant defense mechanism, regulate germ cell apoptosis, and increase in vivo fertility indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohid Mohammadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.
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Baqerkhani M, Soleimanzadeh A, Mohammadi R. Effects of intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol and saline on the quality of donkey sperm, indicators of oxidative stress and testicular tissue pathology. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:99. [PMID: 38468237 PMCID: PMC10926677 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03915-1] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to examine donkey sperm quality after intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol (HM) and saline (HS). METHODS Randomly assigned to five treatment groups were 15 adult male donkeys: (1) Control group (no treatment), (2) Surgery group (surgical castration for testosterone control), (3) NS group (normal saline intratesticular injection), (4) HS group (hypertonic saline), and (5) HM group. We injected 20 mL per testicle. We took 5 mL blood from all donkeys before injection. Castration was performed under general anesthesia 60 days later. Samples included blood and testicular tissue. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), movementy features, DNA damage, morphology, viability, and plasma membrane functionality were evaluated. Hormone analyses, histomorphometric studies and oxidative stress indices including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADP+/NADPH were evaluated. Apoptosis, pyroptosis-related Bax, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and Bcl-2 expression were also assessed. RESULTS In HS and HM groups, testosterone, epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality dropped while sperm DNA damage increased. HS and HM groups had significantly lower histomorphometric parameters, TAC, GPx, SOD, GSH, and Bcl-2 gene expression. MDA, NADP+/NADPH, Bax, Caspase-1, and GSDMD gene expression were substantially higher in the HS and HM groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Toxic effects of hypertonic saline and mannitol on reproductive parameters were seen following, hence, they might be considered as a good chemical sterilizing treatment in donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Baqerkhani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, P.O. Box: 57561-51818, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Soleimanzadeh
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, P.O. Box: 57561-51818, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Rahim Mohammadi
- Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Gan M, Jing Y, Xie Z, Ma J, Chen L, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Li X, Zhu L, Shen L. Potential Function of Testicular MicroRNAs in Heat-Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108809. [PMID: 37240155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is temperature-dependent, and the increase in testicular temperature seriously affects mammalian spermatogenesis and semen quality. In this study, the testicular heat stress model of mice was made with a 43 °C water bath for 25 min, and the effects of heat stress on semen quality and spermatogenesis-related regulators were analyzed. On the 7th day after heat stress, testis weight shrank to 68.45% and sperm density dropped to 33.20%. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that 98 microRNAs (miRNAs) and 369 mRNAs were down-regulated, while 77 miRNAs and 1424 mRNAs were up-regulated after heat stress. Through gene ontology (GO) analysis of differentially expressed genes and miRNA-mRNA co-expression networks, it was found that heat stress may be involved in the regulation of testicular atrophy and spermatogenesis disorders by affecting cell meiosis process and cell cycle. In addition, through functional enrichment analysis, co-expression regulatory network, correlation analysis and in vitro experiment, it was found that miR-143-3p may be a representative potential key regulatory factor affecting spermatogenesis under heat stress. In summary, our results enrich the understanding of miRNAs in testicular heat stress and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of heat-stress-induced spermatogenesis disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mailin Gan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yunhong Jing
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhongwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jianfeng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Jeremy M, Gurusubramanian G, Kharwar RK, Roy VK. Evaluation of a single dose of intra-testicular insulin treatment in heat-stressed mice model. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14603. [PMID: 36156807 DOI: 10.1111/and.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin plays important role in testicular functions such as germ cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, despite its conventional role as a hypoglycaemic agent. It is also well known that testicular activity is severely get affected by heat stress and heat stress induces testicular pathogenesis. The effect of insulin on heat-induced testicular impairment has not been investigated. Thus, it is hypothesized that insulin might modulate testicular activity in a heat-stressed model. Experimental mice were separated into 4 groups; the first group was the normal control (CN), and the second group was subjected to heat stress (HS) by submerging the lower body part in a thermostatically controlled water bath maintained at 43°C for 15 min. The third and fourth groups were treated with a single dose of intra-testicular insulin (0.6 IU/mice) before and after heat stress. Animal tissue samples were collected after 14 days of heat treatment. Insulin treatment did not improve the sperm parameters; however, both insulin pre and post-treatment improved the markers of spermatogenesis such as Johnsen score, germinal epithelium height and the number of stages VII/VIII. The histoarchitecture of testis also showed amelioration from heat-induced pathogenesis in the insulin-treated groups. Insulin treatment has also increased the proliferation of germ cells (increased PCNA and GCN), survival (Bcl2), and decreased apoptosis (active caspase-3). Furthermore, insulin treatment decreased MDA levels, without pronounced effects on the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Heat stress also decreased the circulating testosterone and oestrogen levels, and insulin treatment significantly increased oestrogen levels only. Although testosterone showed an increasing trend, it was insignificant. The expression of aromatase, AR, ER-α, and ER-β was down regulated by heat-stress and insulin treatment up regulated these markers. In conclusion, our results showed the amelioration of heat-induced testicular impairment by pre and post-intra-testicular insulin treatments. Insulin-associated improvements in the pre-and post-treatment groups suggested a preventive mechanism of insulin against heat stress in the testis.
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Jeremy M, Kharwar RK, Roy VK. Synthetic leptin c-fragment peptide minimises heat-induced impairment of spermatogenesis in mice via Stat3 signalling. Theriogenology 2022; 178:40-49. [PMID: 34763177 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a temperature-sensitive process, and an increase in testicular temperature impairs spermatogenesis. Leptin modulates testicular activity, but the effect of leptin or its synthetic analogue on heat-induced testicular impairment is unclear. We investigated the effects of synthetic leptin peptide (116-130 amides) on testicular activity in heat-stressed mice model. 15 adult mice (25.54 ± 1.43 g) were selected for the study. Ten mice were subjected to a single heat stress treatment (HS) at 43 °C for 15 min by submerging the lower half of the body in a thermostatic water bath. After heat treatment, mice were divided into two groups, the heat-stressed HS group (n = 5) and the second group as HSL, treated with leptin peptide (116-130 amide) for 14 days. The HS group showed a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the GSI (0.25 ± 0.018), Johnsenscore (4.5 ±.19), seminiferous tubule diameter (160.75 ± 10.18 μm), germinal epithelium height, (GEH) (37.5 ± 1.59 μm) compared to the CN (GSI-0.37 ± 0.015; Johnsen score-7.9 ± 0.20; GEH- 73.25 ± 1.29 μm; tubule diameter-230.25 ± 1.39 μm) and the HSL groups (GSI-0.38 ± 0.014; Johnsen' score-8.0 ± 0.32; GEH- 37.5 ± 1.59 μm; tubule diameter-160.75 ± 10.18 μm) groups. Heat treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the intra-testicular levels of leptin (HS-20.11 ± 2.1 pg/mg protein; CN-10.50 ± 0.17 pg/mg protein; HSL-12.99 ± 0.52 pg/mg protein) with a reduced level of pStat3, suggesting leptin resistance during testicular hyperthermia. Furthermore, heat treatment was associated with significantly (p < 0.05) decreased germ cell proliferation and reduced circulating testosterone levels (HS-2.69 ± 2.01 ng/mL; CN-7.69 ± 0.32 ng/mL; HSL-5.36 ± 0.73 ng/mL). However, the circulating androstenedione levels showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the HS group (0.75 ± 0.03 ng/mL) compared to the CN (0.51 ± 0.02 ng/mL) and HSL (0.57 ± 0.07 ng/mL) groups. Immunolocalisation of 3β-HSD showed moderate to faint staining in the Leydig cells in the HS group compared to the CN and HSL groups. Treatment with leptin peptide resulted in decrease in the intra-testicular leptin levels with increased phosphorylation of Stat3, suggesting improved leptin resistance, which was positively associated with increased germ cell proliferation, elevated testosterone levels, and improved testicular histoarchitecture. Testicular hyperthermia may cause leptin resistance and impaired leptin signalling, decreased testosterone biosynthesis and suppressed spermatogenesis, which could be a manifestation of leptin resistance. Treatment with leptin peptide improves leptin signalling and testicular activity in heat-stressed mice, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malsawmhriatzuala Jeremy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India; Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur, 222 146, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Kharwar
- Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur, 222 146, India.
| | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India.
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The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011059
expr 982648605 + 846360072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are enteroendocrine peptide hormones expressed in rat X/A-like and human P/D1cells of the gastric mucosa. Besides their effect on food intake, both peptides are also implicated in various other physiological systems. One of these is the reproductive system. This present review illustrates the distribution of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 along the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, their modulation by reproductive hormones, and effects on reproductive functions as well as highlighting gaps in current knowledge to foster further research.
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11
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The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11059. [PMID: 34681721 PMCID: PMC8539660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011059&set/a 934136356+984013925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are enteroendocrine peptide hormones expressed in rat X/A-like and human P/D1cells of the gastric mucosa. Besides their effect on food intake, both peptides are also implicated in various other physiological systems. One of these is the reproductive system. This present review illustrates the distribution of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 along the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, their modulation by reproductive hormones, and effects on reproductive functions as well as highlighting gaps in current knowledge to foster further research.
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12
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Schalla MA, Stengel A. The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011059. [PMID: 34681721 PMCID: PMC8539660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are enteroendocrine peptide hormones expressed in rat X/A-like and human P/D1cells of the gastric mucosa. Besides their effect on food intake, both peptides are also implicated in various other physiological systems. One of these is the reproductive system. This present review illustrates the distribution of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 along the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, their modulation by reproductive hormones, and effects on reproductive functions as well as highlighting gaps in current knowledge to foster further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A. Schalla
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Amelioration of heat stress-induced damage to testes and sperm quality. Theriogenology 2020; 158:84-96. [PMID: 32947064 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) occurs when temperatures exceed a physiological range, overwhelming compensatory mechanisms. Most mammalian testes are ∼4-5 °C cooler than core body temperature. Systemic HS or localized warming of the testes affects all types of testicular cells, although germ cells are more sensitive than either Sertoli or Leydig cells. Increased testicular temperature has deleterious effects on sperm motility, morphology and fertility, with effects related to extent and duration of the increase. The major consequence of HS on testis is destruction of germ cells by apoptosis, with pachytene spermatocytes, spermatids and epididymal sperm being the most susceptible. In addition to the involvement of various transcription factors, HS triggers production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause apoptosis of germ cells and DNA damage. Effects of HS on testes can be placed in three categories: testicular cells, sperm quality, and ability of sperm to fertilize oocytes and support development. Various substances have been given to animals, or added to semen, in attempts to ameliorate heat stress-induced damage to testes and sperm. They have been divided into various groups according to their composition or activity, as follows: amino acids, antibiotics, antioxidant cocktails, enzyme inhibitors, hormones, minerals, naturally produced substances, phenolic compounds, traditional herbal medicines, and vitamins. Herein, we summarized those substances according to their actions to mitigate HS' three main mechanisms: oxidative stress, germ cell apoptosis, and sperm quality deterioration and testicular damage. The most promising approaches are to use substances that overcome these mechanisms, namely reducing testicular oxidative stress, reducing or preventing apoptosis and promoting recovery of testicular tissue and restoring sperm quality. Although some of these products have considerable promise, further studies are needed to clarify their ability to preserve or restore fertility following HS; these may include more advanced sperm analysis techniques, e.g. sperm epigenome or proteome, or direct assessment of fertilization and development, including in vitro fertilization or breeding data (either natural service or artificial insemination).
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14
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Mahmud R, Purser J, Patil JG. A novel testicular degenerative condition in a wild population of the common carp Cyprinus carpio (L). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2020; 43:1065-1076. [PMID: 32666528 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gonad abnormalities can restrict or completely block reproductive capability of individuals and in some case that of their populations. Here, we describe a novel testicular degenerative condition of non-germ cell origin with a high prevalence (up to 22.1% of the population) in a wild population of carp. Based on gross morphology, and microscopic and cellular examinations, the condition shows progressive severity which could be categorized into low, mild, severe and complete. In early stages of the condition, an abnormally increased proliferation (11-fold) of the Sertoli cell occurred, followed by degenerative cell death of all testicular cells, resulting in fluid-filled vesicles in the later stages. This initial uncontrolled proliferation of Sertoli cells suggests that the condition could be triggered by malignant pathways; however, the observed subsequent apoptosis of all testicular cells en masse, rendering the animals "sterile," appears unique. Observations, to date, indicate that this condition is specific to male carp and not present in other species of fish sharing the habitat. High prevalence of the condition allowed comparative evaluation between affected individuals, an aspect likely to facilitate future studies, including elucidation of the cause, robust testing of therapies and practical applications such as management of feral carp populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raihan Mahmud
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, University of Tasmania, Taroona Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - John Purser
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, University of Tasmania, Taroona Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Inland Fisheries Service, New Norfolk, TAS, Australia
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15
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Delkhosh A, Shoorei H, Niazi V, Delashoub M, Gharamaleki MN, Ahani-Nahayati M, Dehaghi YK, Raza S, Taheri MH, Mohaqiq M, Abbasgholizadeh F. Coenzyme Q10 ameliorates inflammation, oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology in rats exposed to heat stress. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 40:3-15. [PMID: 32700556 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120940366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our work was aimed at investigating the impact and regulatory mechanism of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on exogenous scrotal heat stress (HS)-induced testicular injuries in rats. METHODS The rats (n = 32) were assigned into four groups: control, HS control, HS+CoQ10, and CoQ10. To induce HS, rats' testicles were immersed in a water bath at 43°C for 20 min, every other day for 8 weeks. Moreover, treatment with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg) immediately started before inducing HS and continued for 8 weeks. KEY FINDINGS HS decreased the activity of the testicular antioxidant system, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, while the amount of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) was increased. The index of apoptosis and mRNA expression of caspase 3 and Bax were increased, while the mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD3 decreased after HS. Exposure to HS decreased the serum testosterone level but increased the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Deleterious effects of HS on the mentioned parameters were reduced when the rats were treated with CoQ10. CONCLUSIONS CoQ10 could suppress the degenerative effects following testicular hyperthermia via its antiapoptotic, anti-inflammation, antioxidative, and androgen synthesis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Delkhosh
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, West Azerbaijan Province, Urmia, Iran
| | - H Shoorei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 125609Birjand University of Medical Sciences, South Khorasan Province, Birjand, Iran
| | - V Niazi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Delashoub
- Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, 201583Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, 201583Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
| | - M Neshat Gharamaleki
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 201583Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
| | - M Ahani-Nahayati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Y Koohestani Dehaghi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 37554Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Gilan Province, Rasht, Iran
| | - Sha Raza
- College of Animal Science and Technology, 12469Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, China
| | - Mm Hassanzadeh Taheri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 125609Birjand University of Medical Sciences, South Khorasan Province, Birjand, Iran
| | - M Mohaqiq
- 199675Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - F Abbasgholizadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, 48432Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Relationships between Ghrelin and Obestatin with MDA, Proinflammatory Cytokines, GSH/GSSG Ratio, Catalase Activity, and Semen Parameters in Infertile Patients with Leukocytospermia and Varicocele. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:7261842. [PMID: 31781347 PMCID: PMC6855048 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7261842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin and obestatin are involved in many biological functions including reproduction. Growing evidences suggest that both peptides could exert protective and antioxidant activities. In this study, the relationships between ghrelin/obestatin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), expressed as the GSH/GSSG ratio, catalase (CAT), and semen parameters in infertile patients with varicocele or leukocytospermia and controls were investigated. Fifty-six infertile patients (32 with leukocytospermia and 24 with varicocele) and 14 controls participated in this study. Semen analysis was performed following the WHO guidelines. Apoptotic and necrotic sperm were scored by annexin V/propidium iodide assay. Seminal plasma samples were used for the following determinations: ghrelin, obestatin, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured by an immunological method, GSH/GSSG by an enzymatic method, and CAT by spectrophotometric determination. With respect to controls, both the leukocytospermia and varicocele groups showed altered sperm parameters, significantly increased sperm apoptosis (P = 0.009 and P = 0.011, respectively), IL-6 (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.004, respectively), and TNF-α levels (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.002, respectively); both groups had significantly decreased levels of ghrelin (P = 0.0001), obestatin (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.006, respectively), and GSH/GSSG ratio (P = 0.003 and P = 0.0001, respectively). The MDA concentration was significantly increased in the leukocytospermia group vs. controls (P = 0.0001), in the varicocele group vs. controls (P = 0.011), and in the leukocytospermia group vs. the varicocele group (P = 0.008). CAT activity was augmented in both the leukocytospermia and varicocele groups (P = 0.0001)vs. controls. The results indicate that both ghrelin and obestatin may play a protective role in human semen and this effect is probably due to their antioxidant properties.
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17
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Kastelic JP, Wilde RE, Bielli A, Genovese P, Rizzoto G, Thundathil J. Hyperthermia is more important than hypoxia as a cause of disrupted spermatogenesis and abnormal sperm. Theriogenology 2019; 131:177-181. [PMID: 30978568 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia replicates effects of hyperthermia on reducing number and quality of sperm produced, whereas hyperoxia mitigates effects of hyperthermia. Forty-eight CD-1 mice (∼50 d old), inspired air with 13, 21, or 95% O2 and were exposed to ambient temperatures of 20 or 36 °C (3 × 2 factorial, six groups) twice for 12 h (separated by 12 h at 20 °C and 21% O2), with euthanasia 14 or 20 d after first exposure. Combined for both post-exposure intervals, there were primarily main effects of temperature; mice exposed to 20 vs 36 °C had differences in testis weight (110.2 vs 96.9 mg, respectively; P < 0.0001), daily sperm production (24.7 vs 21.1 × 106 sperm/g testes, P < 0.03), motile sperm (54.5 vs 41.5%, P < 0.002), morphologically normal sperm (59.9 vs 45.4%, P < 0.002), morphologically abnormal heads (7.3 vs 22.0%, P < 0.0001), seminiferous tubule diameter (183.4 vs 176.3 μm, P < 0.004) and altered elongated spermatids (2.2 vs 15.9, P < 0.001). Increasing O2 (from 13 to 95%) affected morphologically abnormal heads (15.4, 10.8 and 17.6%, respectively; P < 0.03), seminiferous tubule diameter (175.7, 185.6 and 178.4 μm, P < 0.003) and total altered spermatids (8.3, 3.3 and 15.2, P < 0.05). Our hypothesis was not supported; hypoxia did not replicate effects of hyperthermia with regards to reducing number and quality of sperm produced and hyperoxia did not mitigate effects of hyperthermia. We concluded that hyperthermia per se and not secondary hypoxia was the fundamental cause of heat-induced effects on spermatogenesis and sperm. These findings are of interest to develop evidence-based efforts to mitigate effects of testicular hyperthermia, as efforts should be focused on hyperthermia per se and not on hyperthermia-induced hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - R E Wilde
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - A Bielli
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - P Genovese
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - G Rizzoto
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - J Thundathil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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18
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Surgery-induced cryptorchidism induces apoptosis and autophagy of spermatogenic cells in mice. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:101-110. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941900011x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SummaryCryptorchidism, characterized by the presence of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) undescended testes, is a common male urogenital defect. Cryptorchidism can lead to male infertility, testicular cancer being the most extreme clinical symptom, as well as psychological issues of the inflicted individual. Despite this, both knowledge about the aetiology of cryptorchidism and the mechanism for cryptorchidism-induced male infertility remain limited. In this present study, by using an artificial cryptorchid mouse model, we investigated the effects of surgery-induced cryptorchidism on spermatogenic cells and seminiferous epithelial cycles. We found that surgery-induced cryptorchidism led to a reduced testicular weight, aberrant seminiferous epithelial cycles and impaired spermatogenesis characterized by degenerating spermatogenic cells. We also observed multinucleated giant cells after surgery-induced cryptorchidism. Transmission electron microscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and western blot assays demonstrated cryptorchidism-induced apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. Moreover, we identified the occurrence of autophagy in germ cells after surgery-induced cryptorchidism. Interestingly, apoptosis and autophagy were synchronous, suggestive of their synergetic roles in promoting germ cell death. Our results provide novel insights into the cryptorchidism-induced male infertility, thereby contributing to the development of male contraceptive strategies as well as treatment options for male infertility caused by cryptorchidism.
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19
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Sadeghzadeh F, Mehranjani MS, Mahmoodi M. Vitamin C ameliorates the adverse effects of dexamethasone on sperm motility, testosterone level, and spermatogenesis indexes in mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2018; 38:409-418. [PMID: 30526067 DOI: 10.1177/0960327118816137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a common medicine that is capable of causing malformation in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) on spermatogenesis indexes and daily sperm production (DSP) in adult mice treated with DEX. METHODS: Male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were divided into four groups: Control, DEX (7 mg/kg/day), Vit-C (100 mg/kg/day), and DEX +Vit-C and treated for 7 days with intraperitoneal injection. RESULTS: A significant increase in the mean levels of serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptosis of Leydig cells was found in the DEX group compared to the control group. Sperm motility, DSP, tubular differentiation index, meiotic index, spermatogenesis index, the mean number of spermatocytes, round and long spermatids, and Leydig cells, and also serum testosterone level decreased in the DEX group compared to the control group. The results of this study indicate that Vit-C can significantly prevent the adverse effects of DEX on the mean number of spermatocyte, spermatid, and Leydig cells, tubular differentiation, meiotic and spermatogenesis index, DSP, sperm motility, and the mean levels of serum MDA. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results showed that coadministration of Vit-C and DEX prevents the adverse effects of DEX on the spermatogenesis indexes and DSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - M S Mehranjani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - M Mahmoodi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
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20
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Asadi N, Kheradmand A, Gholami M, Moradi FH. Effect of ghrelin on the biochemical and histopathology parameters and spermatogenesis cycle following experimental varicocele in rat. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13106. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nematollah Asadi
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center; Lorestan University of Medical Sciences; Khorramabad Iran
- Animal Science Research Institute (ASRI); Jihad-e-Agriculture Ministry; Karaj Iran
| | - Arash Kheradmand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine; Lorestan University; Khorramabad Iran
| | | | - Forouzan Hadipour Moradi
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center; Lorestan University of Medical Sciences; Khorramabad Iran
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21
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Sominsky L, Hodgson DM, McLaughlin EA, Smith R, Wall HM, Spencer SJ. Linking Stress and Infertility: A Novel Role for Ghrelin. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:432-467. [PMID: 28938425 DOI: 10.1210/er.2016-1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects a remarkable one in four couples in developing countries. Psychological stress is a ubiquitous facet of life, and although stress affects us all at some point, prolonged or unmanageable stress may become harmful for some individuals, negatively impacting on their health, including fertility. For instance, women who struggle to conceive are twice as likely to suffer from emotional distress than fertile women. Assisted reproductive technology treatments place an additional physical, emotional, and financial burden of stress, particularly on women, who are often exposed to invasive techniques associated with treatment. Stress-reduction interventions can reduce negative affect and in some cases to improve in vitro fertilization outcomes. Although it has been well-established that stress negatively affects fertility in animal models, human research remains inconsistent due to individual differences and methodological flaws. Attempts to isolate single causal links between stress and infertility have not yet been successful due to their multifaceted etiologies. In this review, we will discuss the current literature in the field of stress-induced reproductive dysfunction based on animal and human models, and introduce a recently unexplored link between stress and infertility, the gut-derived hormone, ghrelin. We also present evidence from recent seminal studies demonstrating that ghrelin has a principal role in the stress response and reward processing, as well as in regulating reproductive function, and that these roles are tightly interlinked. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that stress may negatively impact upon fertility at least in part by stimulating a dysregulation in ghrelin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luba Sominsky
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Deborah M Hodgson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and IT, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.,School of Environmental & Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Hannah M Wall
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
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22
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Novel Antioxidant Properties of Ghrelin and Oleuropein Versus Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Renal Failure in Rats. Int J Pept Res Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-015-9470-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Garcia JM, Chen JA, Guillory B, Donehower LA, Smith RG, Lamb DJ. Ghrelin Prevents Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Damage by Facilitating Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks Through Activation of p53 in Mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:24. [PMID: 26019260 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.129759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin administration induces DNA damage resulting in germ cell apoptosis and subsequent testicular atrophy. Although 50 percent of male cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy develop long-term secondary infertility, medical treatment to prevent spermatogenic failure after chemotherapy is not available. Under normal conditions, testicular p53 promotes cell cycle arrest, which allows time for DNA repair and reshuffling during meiosis. However, its role in the setting of cisplatin-induced infertility has not been studied. Ghrelin administration ameliorates the spermatogenic failure that follows cisplatin administration in mice, but the mechanisms mediating these effects have not been well established. The aim of the current study was to characterize the mechanisms of ghrelin and p53 action in the testis after cisplatin-induced testicular damage. Here we show that cisplatin induces germ cell damage through inhibition of p53-dependent DNA repair mechanisms involving gamma-H2AX and ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein kinase. As a result, testicular weight and sperm count and motility were decreased with an associated increase in sperm DNA damage. Ghrelin administration prevented these sequelae by restoring the normal expression of gamma-H2AX, ataxia telangiectasia mutated, and p53, which in turn allows repair of DNA double stranded breaks. In conclusion, these findings indicate that ghrelin has the potential to prevent or diminish infertility caused by cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic agents by restoring p53-dependent DNA repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Garcia
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, MCL, Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ji-an Chen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, MCL, Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Health Education, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bobby Guillory
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, MCL, Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lawrence A Donehower
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Roy G Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Metabolism and Aging, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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24
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Kheradmand A, Alirezaei M, Dezfoulian O. Biochemical and histopathological evaluations of ghrelin effects following cadmium toxicity in the rat testis. Andrologia 2014; 47:634-43. [PMID: 25059551 DOI: 10.1111/and.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous reports demonstrate that cadmium (Cd) induces oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and altering antioxidative enzymes status. Thirty male rats were subdivided into control-saline, Cd-saline and Cd-ghrelin groups. A single dose of Cd was injected to induce testicular injury and also ghrelin for 10 consecutive days to group 3. SOD activity decreased and lipid peroxidation increased by Cd administration. The mean activities of GPx and CAT as well as GSH content were lower in the Cd-saline rats; however, they did not statistically differ compared with the controls. Exposure to Cd resulted in complete degeneration of seminiferous tubules with severe depletion of germ cells and arrest in spermatogenesis. Notably, ghrelin treatment not only prevented reduction in SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH level, but also increased enzyme activities form their normal values. Moreover, TBARS concentration was significantly reduced by ghrelin administration. Furthermore, ghrelin pre-treatment resulted in partial but not significant prevention in testicular histopathological features damaged by Cd. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate for the first time the novel evidences of ghrelin ability in promotion of antioxidant enzyme activities and reduction of lipid peroxidation following Cd-induced oxidative stress in the rat testis. These observations also demonstrate that ghrelin may be considered as promising antioxidant agent in prevention and attenuation of testicular injury upon Cd toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kheradmand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran.,Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorram Abad, Iran
| | - M Alirezaei
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran
| | - O Dezfoulian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran
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25
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Kheradmand A, Dezfoulian O, Alirezaei M, Hadian B. Ghrelin is a suppressor of testicular damage following experimentally induced cryptorchidism in the rat. J Pediatr Surg 2014; 49:593-8. [PMID: 24726120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is associated with increased level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This study was undertaken to examine the possible ghrelin ability in attenuation of testicular damage in response to elevated temperature. METHODS Thirty male rats were subdivided into sham-operated, cryptorchidism-saline and cryptorchidism-ghrelin group. Bilateral cryptorchidism was induced in groups 2 and 3, surgically. The animals in group 3 were given ghrelin for 7 days and all testes were taken for biochemical and photomicrograph analysis. RESULTS Glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione content significantly promoted on day 7 in the cryptorchid rats treated by ghrelin. Catalase activity was higher in the ghrelin-exposed animals than the cryptorchidism-saline group on both experimental days. Although superoxide dismutase activity was elevated by ghrelin treatment on both days, it did not differ significantly. By contrast, significant reduction was observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentrations following ghrelin administration on day 7. Moreover, ghrelin could improve histopathological scores of the testes, and diminished formation of giant cells and tubular vacuolization. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate for the first time the novel evidence of ghrelin antioxidant properties in attenuation of rat testicular injury following experimentally induced cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Kheradmand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, P.O. Box: 465, Khorram Abad, Iran.
| | - Omid Dezfoulian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, P.O. Box: 465, Khorram Abad, Iran
| | - Masoud Alirezaei
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, P.O. Box: 465, Khorram Abad, Iran
| | - Babak Hadian
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorram Abad, Iran
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Kheradmand A, Dezfoulian O, Alirezaei M. Ghrelin is a Regulator of Cellular Apoptosis and Proliferation in the Rat Ovary. Int J Pept Res Ther 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-014-9394-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Bhatia BS, Kale PG, Daoo JV, Panchal PP. Abhraka Bhasma treatment ameliorates proliferation of germinal epithelium after heat exposure in rats. Anc Sci Life 2013; 31:171-80. [PMID: 23661864 PMCID: PMC3644754 DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.107350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of Abhraka Bhasma on spermatogenesis in heat-damaged testis. A histological analysis over the sukravaha srotomula (testes) of male albino Wistar rat was carried out in order to examine the potency of the test drug in preventing the organ from heat damage. The current experiment was carried out on 32 healthy adult male albino Wistar rats divided into four groups. Sahastraputi Abhraka Bhasma, subjected to 1000 putas, was used as the test drug. On sacrificing the animals after 30 days, it was observed that control animals (G1) had normal spermatogenesis and drug-induced animals (G2) showed hyperactive tubules. Testicular hyperthermia occurred in few (G3) animals, who were subjected to 43°C for 1 h daily for four consecutive weeks, resulting in degeneration of tubules with inspissated spermatozoa (25%) leading to atrophy of the organ. 3% tubules showed disintegration, 23% were in the recovery stage while 71% tubules exhibited enhanced proliferation of germinal epithelium leading to hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The present study reveals that the test drug can correct heat-induced male infertility and provides us with the possibility of treatment of human heat-induced oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Hence, this ayurvedic maharasa (primary mineral) can be a promising formulation as an anti-impotency fecundity drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita S Bhatia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College, Mumbai, India
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Kheirandish R, Askari N, Babaei H. Zinc therapy improves deleterious effects of chronic copper administration on mice testes: histopathological evaluation. Andrologia 2012; 46:80-5. [PMID: 23137167 DOI: 10.1111/and.12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was set to investigate whether the adverse effects of long-term copper (Cu) consumption on testicular tissue could be prevented by zinc (Zn) administration. Forty-five mature male mice were randomly divided into one control and two treatment groups. The first treatment group received copper sulphate (Cu experimental group). The second treatment group was given combined treatment of copper sulphate and zinc sulphate (ZC experimental group). Control animals received normal saline using the same volume. Five mice from each group were sacrificed on day 14, 28 and 56 from the beginning of treatments. Left testes were removed for histopathological and histomorphometrical evaluations. Morphometrically, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cell nuclei, epithelial height, meiotic index and the percentage of spermatogenesis in Cu groups showed significant decrease compared to those of the control groups (P < 0.05). A partial improvement was seen in the percentage of spermatogenesis and meiotic index (P < 0.05) in ZC groups, whereas a complete recovery was observed in the rest of parameters in ZC group after 56 days compared to the control group (P > 0.05). Results showed that long-term administration of Cu leads to histological impairments of testis and zinc supplementation might offset these damaging effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kheirandish
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Jalali AS, Hasanzadeh S, Malekinejad H. Achillea millefolium inflorescence aqueous extract ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in rat testis: stereological evidences. Chin J Nat Med 2012. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1009.2012.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Jalali AS, Hasanzadeh S, Malekinejad H. Achillea millefolium inflorescence aqueous extract ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in rat testis: stereological evidences. Chin J Nat Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(12)60050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kheradmand A, Dezfoulian O, Alirezaei M. Ghrelin regulates Bax and PCNA but not Bcl-2 expressions following scrotal hyperthermia in the rat. Tissue Cell 2012; 44:308-15. [PMID: 22658447 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More recently, we have reported the beneficial effects of ghrelin in improvement of histopathological features of the rat testis following local heat exposure. However, the exact mechanism and the precise role of apoptosis- and proliferation-specific proteins in this regeneration process remained to be explored. Thus, thirty adult male Wistar rats were allotted for the experiment and subdivided equally into three groups: control-saline (CS), heat-saline (HS) and heat-ghrelin (HG). The scrota of HS and HG groups were immersed once in water bath at 43°C for 15 min. HG animals received 2 nmol of ghrelin subcutaneously immediately after heating every other day until day 60 and the other groups were given physiological saline using the same method. The testes of all groups were taken after rat killing on days 30 and 60 after heat treatment for immunocytochemical detection of pro-apoptotic factor Bax, anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and proliferation-associated peptide PCNA in the germ cells. Ghrelin could significantly suppress the Bax expression in spermatocytes compared to the HS group at day 30 (P<0.05). Likewise, the mean percentages of spermatogonia containing Bax substance were lower in ghrelin-exposed animals, however the differences were not statistically significant. There were immunoreactive cells against Bcl-2 in each germ cell neither in the control nor in the heated animals of experimental groups. In contrast, the number of PCNA immunolabeling cells were higher in HG group in compared to HS or CS animals on both experimental days (P<0.001). Down-regulation of Bax expression concurrent with overexpression of PCNA in HG group indicates the ability of ghrelin in acceleration of testicular germ cells regeneration following heat stress. These findings indicate that ghrelin may be used as a novel and efficient antioxidant agent to induce resumption of spermatogenesis upon environmental heat exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Kheradmand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, P.O. Box: 465, Khorram Abad, Iran.
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Alirezaei M, Dezfoulian O, Neamati S, Rashidipour M, Tanideh N, Kheradmand A. Oleuropein prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities in rats. J Physiol Biochem 2012; 68:583-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s13105-012-0177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Alirezaei M, Jelodar G, Ghayemi Z. Antioxidant Defense of Betaine Against Oxidative Stress Induced by Ethanol in the Rat Testes. Int J Pept Res Ther 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-012-9297-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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The effects of long-term administration of buprenorphine on blood testosterone level and morphometrical and histopathological changes of mouse testis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-011-1324-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Neamati S, Alirezaei M, Kheradmand A. Ghrelin Acts as an Antioxidant Agent in the Rat Kidney. Int J Pept Res Ther 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-011-9263-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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