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Jung EJ, Jo JH, Uwamahoro C, Jang SI, Hwang JM, Lee WJ, Bae JW, Ryu DY, Kwon WS. Nirmatrelvir has detrimental effects on sperm function by altering the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 99:105848. [PMID: 38772495 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Nirmatrelvir (NMV) is a recently developed selective inhibitor of the main protease of Sars-Cov-2 that reduces the severity of infection. Despite its widespread use and various side effects, NMV's effect on male fertility is still unclear. This study was thus established to investigate how NMV affects male fertility. For experiments, Duroc spermatozoa were incubated with various concentrations of NMV (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM). Then, sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation status, intracellular ATP level, and cell viability were evaluated. In addition, the expression levels of phospho-PKA substrates, tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, and PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway-related proteins were measured by western blotting. Our results showed that sperm motility, motion kinematics, proportion of capacitated spermatozoa, and intracellular ATP level were significantly decreased by NMV in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PKA activation was significantly suppressed by NMV, and expression levels of PI3K, phospho-PDK1, AKT, and phospho-AKT (Thr308 and Ser473) were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Combining these findings, it is suggested that NMV has detrimental effects on sperm function by inducing abnormal changes in the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway, resulting in PKA deactivation. Therefore, there is a need to pay particular attention to its male reproductive toxicity when NMV is administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Claudine Uwamahoro
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Lee WJ, Hwang JM, Jo JH, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Bae JW, Ha JJ, Kim DH, Kwon WS. Adverse Effects of Avobenzone on Boar Sperm Function: Disruption of Protein Kinase A Activity and Tyrosine Phosphorylation. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108559. [PMID: 38378073 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Avobenzone (AVO), an ultraviolet (UV) filter, is frequently used as an ingredient in personal cosmetics. This UV filter has been found to be easily exposed in swimming pools and beaches, and it has been detected in human urine and blood. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated that AVO exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties. Nevertheless, the effects of AVO on male fertility have not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of AVO on various sperm functions during capacitation. First, boar spermatozoa were treated with various AVO concentrations. After treatment, sperm motility and kinetic characteristics, capacitation status, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and sperm viability were evaluated. Moreover, Western blot analysis w.as conducted to evaluate protein kinase A (PKA) activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. As a result, AVO treatment significantly decreased total motility, progressive motility, and several kinetic characteristics at high concentrations (50 and 100 μM). Furthermore, the capacitation status dose-dependently decreased. Conversely, no significant differences in acrosome reaction, cell viability, and intracellular ATP levels were observed. However, the intracellular ATP level tended to decrease. In addition, AVO dose-dependently induced abnormal changes in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Although AVO did not directly exert a toxic effect on cell viability, it ultimately negatively affected sperm functions through abnormal alterations in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, the potential implications on male fertility must be considered when contemplating the safe utilization of AVO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Bae JW, Hwang JM, Lee WJ, Kim DH, Yi JK, Ha JJ, Oh DY, Kwon WS. Application of sperm motion kinematics and motility-related proteins for prediction of male fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 218:223-230. [PMID: 38359560 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The selection of superior sires is paramount for enhancing the efficiency of animal production in the livestock industry. However, semen quality assessment still relies on conventional semen analysis techniques in both animals and humans. Despite extensive efforts to develop various biomarkers for more accurate and precise predictions of male fertility potential, more effective physiological indicators and advance potential biomarkers are needed. Herein, we aimed to develop new potential biomarkers related to sperm motion kinematics for male fertility prediction. We first evaluated sperm motion kinematic parameters and expression levels of sperm motility-related proteins of 30 Duroc boars. We then explored the correlation between litter size, sperm motion kinematics parameters, and sperm motility-related proteins. Progressive sperm motility (%), rapid sperm motility (%), slow sperm motility (%), straight-line velocity (μm/s), linearity (%), beat cross frequency (Hz), mean angular displacement (degree), wobble (%) were correlated with litter size. Furthermore, the expression of axonemal dynein light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1) and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog (RSPH9) correlated with litter size. The overall accuracy exceeded 60% for predicting litter size using these sperm motion parameters and proteins. Notably, our study observed an increase in litter size after predicting litter size using these parameters and proteins. Thus, sperm motion kinematic parameters and protein expression, particularly of DNALI1 and RSPH9, could serve as new biomarkers for male fertility. These results may contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Koo Yi
- School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong, 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Yep Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 36052, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Jang SI, Jo JH, Claudine U, Jung EJ, Lee WJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Kim DH, Yi JK, Ha JJ, Oh DY, Kwon WS. Correlation between Rab3A Expression and Sperm Kinematic
Characteristics. Dev Reprod 2024; 28:13-19. [PMID: 38654977 PMCID: PMC11034992 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2024.28.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Ras-related (Rab) proteins, integral members of the monomeric G-protein family, play a pivotal role in regulating intracellular vesicular transport. These proteins contribute to male reproductive processes, specifically in acrosome formation, exocytosis, and sperm motility. Although a prior study indicated a correlation between Rab3A and sperm motility, including motion kinematic parameters such as mean dance, this association has only been explored within a limited sample size. Therefore, further verification is required to confirm the correlation between Rab3A and sperm motility parameters. In the present study, Rab3A expression, sperm motility, and motion kinematic parameters were analyzed in 150 boar spermatozoa. Additionally, correlations between Rab3A expression and sperm kinematic characteristics were evaluated statistically. The results revealed significant associations between Rab3A protein expression levels and various motion kinematic parameters. Specifically, Rab3A levels exhibited positive correlations with average path velocity (p <0.05), mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (p <0.05), and curvilinear velocity (p <0.01). Consequently, it is proposed that Rab3A protein plays a crucial role in male fertility through its correlation with sperm kinematic characteristics, making it a potential marker for sperm motility-related assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
| | - Uwamahoro Claudine
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186,
Korea
| | - Jun Koo Yi
- School of Animal Life Convergence
Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong
17579, Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research
Institute, Yeongju 36052, Korea
| | - Dong Yep Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research
Institute, Yeongju 36052, Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea
- Department of Animal Biotechnology,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal
Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju
37224, Korea
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5
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Jung EJ, Jo JH, Uwamahoro C, Jang SI, Lee WJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Kwon WS. Ritonavir Has Reproductive Toxicity Depending on Disrupting PI3K/PDK1/AKT Signaling Pathway. TOXICS 2024; 12:73. [PMID: 38251029 PMCID: PMC10819985 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Ritonavir (RTV) is an antiviral and a component of COVID-19 treatments. Moreover, RTV demonstrates anti-cancer effects by suppressing AKT. However, RTV has cytotoxicity and suppresses sperm functions by altering AKT activity. Although abnormal AKT activity is known for causing detrimental effects on sperm functions, how RTV alters AKT signaling in spermatozoa remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate reproductive toxicity of RTV in spermatozoa through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1/protein kinase B (PI3K/PDK1/AKT) signaling. Duroc spermatozoa were treated with various concentrations of RTV, and capacitation was induced. Sperm functions (sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation status, and cell viability) and expression levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins and PI3K/PDK1/AKT pathway-related proteins were evaluated. In the results, RTV significantly suppressed sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation, acrosome reactions, and cell viability. Additionally, RTV significantly increased levels of phospho-tyrosine proteins and PI3K/PDK1/AKT pathway-related proteins except for AKT and PI3K. The expression level of AKT was not significantly altered and that of PI3K was significantly decreased. These results suggest RTV may suppress sperm functions by induced alterations of PI3K/PDK1/AKT pathway through abnormally increased tyrosine phosphorylation. Therefore, we suggest people who use or prescribe RTV need to consider its male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea;
| | - Claudine Uwamahoro
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.J.); (C.U.); (S.-I.J.); (W.-J.L.); (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.)
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Jang SI, Jo JH, Jung EJ, Lee WJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Shin S, Lee SI, Kim MO, Kwon WS. Perfluorooctanoic acid suppresses sperm functions via abnormal Protein Kinase B activation during capacitation. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108528. [PMID: 38145882 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluorinated compound, a synthesized chemical, and has been used in several industrial products for more than 70 years. Although PFOA is known to exert toxic effects in normal cells, there is no detailed information on its reproductive toxicity and its effects on sperm functions related to protein kinase B (AKT). Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effects of PFOA on sperm functions via AKT. Boar spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of PFOA (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) to induce capacitation. Sperm functions (sperm motility, motion kinematic parameters, capacitation status, cell viability, and intracellular ATP levels) were evaluated. In addition, the expression levels of AKT, phospho-AKT, phospho-PKA, and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were evaluated by western blotting. Results showed significant decreases in sperm motility and motion kinematic parameters. PFOA treatment significant suppressed spermatozoa capacitation and intracellular ATP levels. Furthermore, it significantly decreased the levels of phospho-PKA and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. The levels of AKT phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473 also significantly decreased. These findings suggest that PFOA diminishes sperm functions during capacitation and induces unnatural phosphorylation in AKT, leading to reproductive toxicity. Therefore, people should be aware of reproductive toxicity when using PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Shin
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang In Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Ok Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea.
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Lee WJ, Jo JH, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Ha JJ, Kim DH, Kwon WS. The natural flavonoid compound deguelin suppresses sperm (Sus Scrofa) functions through abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108426. [PMID: 37353039 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Deguelin is a natural flavonoid extracted from plants belonging to the Lonchocarpus, Derris, or Tephrosia genera. It inhibits AKT activity in tumors and has the potential to be used as a treatment for malignant tumors. However, the risks associated with the use of deguelin on male fertility have not yet been explained in detail. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of deguelin on sperm functions during capacitation. First, boar spermatozoa were exposed to different concentrations of deguelin (0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM). Next, sperm functional assessments, such as sperm motility, capacitation status, intracellular ATP level, and cell viability, were performed. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT-related proteins and the phosphorylation of their tyrosine residues were also evaluated by western blotting. No significant difference was observed in cell viability; however, deguelin considerably decreased sperm motility and motion kinematics in a dose-dependent manner. Although no significant difference was observed in the capacitation status, acrosome reaction decreased at high concentrations of deguelin (50 and 100 μM). Furthermore, intracellular ATP levels were significantly decreased in all deguelin treatment groups compared with those in the control group. Results of western blotting revealed that deguelin substantially diminished tyrosine phosphorylation. Interestingly, in contrast to previous studies showing that deguelin inhibits AKT activity, our results showed that it increased the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins. Collectively, these findings indicate that deguelin exerts negative effects on sperm functions due to abnormal PI3K/AKT signaling activation. We believe that this is the first study to provide evidence that deguelin can regulate sperm functions independent of PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition. Furthermore, its detrimental effects on male fertility should be considered while developing or using deguelin as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, the Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea; Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea.
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8
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Paumgartten FJR, De Grava Kempinas W, Shiota K. Viral infections, vaccines and antiviral drugs in pregnancy and the development of the conceptus. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 115:36-39. [PMID: 36403853 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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