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Cao H, Li L, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu X, Yang F, Dong W. The multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function: From spermatogenesis to fertilization. Theriogenology 2024; 214:98-106. [PMID: 37865020 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes within the body. In recent years, studies have revealed its significant role in male reproduction, particularly in sperm function. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function, from spermatogenesis to fertilization. We discuss the impact of extracellular ATP on spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and sperm-egg fusion, highlighting the complex regulatory mechanisms and potential clinical applications in the context of male infertility. By examining the latest research, we emphasize the crucial role of extracellular ATP in sperm function and propose future research directions to further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xianglin Liu
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Pang J, Feng X, Liang Q, Zheng X, Duan Y, Zhang X, Zhang J, Chen Y, Fan K, Gao L, Li J. Ferritin-Nanocaged ATP Traverses the Blood-Testis Barrier and Enhances Sperm Motility in an Asthenozoospermia Model. ACS NANO 2022; 16:4175-4185. [PMID: 35167250 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c10029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility can be enhanced by adding ATP exogenously during in vitro fertilization. However, administering exogenous ATP to the testis to improve sperm motility for in vivo asthenozoospermia treatment has not been investigated yet. Inspired by the recent advances in nanomedicine, we investigated whether the capability of drug delivery nanocarriers to traverse the blood-testis barrier (BTB) can facilitate ATP-dependent asthenozoospermia treatment. We found that the human H-ferritin (HFn) nanocarrier possesses the capability to traverse the BTB and specifically targets the head of elongated sperm cells. Specifically, the HFn nanocarrier traversed the BTB and accumulated in the sperm heads by binding with the HFn receptor (HFR), whose expression was relatively low in Sertoli cells but high in sperm heads. In a gossypol-induced mouse asthenozoospermia model, the administration of an ATP-loaded HFn nanocage through a tail vein injection significantly improved sperm motility. Moreover, the HFn nanocarrier was not toxic to mice in the short (1d) and long terms (30d, 90d) nor did it affect their reproductive health. Thus, the ATP-loaded HFn nanocarrier can potentially serve as a drug-delivery system for treating asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Qian Liang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yiman Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jubiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lizeng Gao
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Juxue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
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Aoki Y, Tsujimura A, Nagashima Y, Hiramatsu I, Uesaka Y, Nozaki T, Ogishima T, Shirai M, Shoyama Y, Tanaka H, Horie S. Effect of Lepidium meyenii on in vitro fertilization via improvement in acrosome reaction and motility of mouse and human sperm. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:57-64. [PMID: 30655722 PMCID: PMC6332831 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The direct effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm remain unclear. Herein, we examined the direct effect of Maca on in vitro fertilization. METHODS We examined the fertilization rate in a mouse model and the rate of acrosome reaction in sperm from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in a Maca extract-containing human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Using human sperm, we assessed acrosome status via fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) staining and performed detailed analysis using a sperm motility analysis system (SMAS). RESULTS In the mouse model, the fertilization rate in the Maca extract-containing HTF was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The acrosome reaction rate in sperm from transgenic mice expressing EGFP was also significantly higher in the Maca extract-containing HTF than that in the control medium. Similarly, a high acrosome reaction rate, identified via FITC-PNA staining of human sperm samples, was found in the Maca extract-containing HTF compared with that in the control medium. Human sperm motility in the Maca extract-containing HTF was also increased compared with that in the control medium as measured using an SMAS. CONCLUSIONS Maca improved in vitro fertilization rates by inducing an acrosome reaction and increasing sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Aoki
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Yuki Nagashima
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Ippei Hiramatsu
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuka Uesaka
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Taiji Nozaki
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Tatsuya Ogishima
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Masato Shirai
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Yukihiro Shoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagasaki International UniversitySaseboNagasakiJapan
| | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagasaki International UniversitySaseboNagasakiJapan
| | - Shigeo Horie
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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Baan M, Krentz KJ, Fontaine DA, Davis DB. Successful in vitro fertilization and generation of transgenics in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) mice. Transgenic Res 2016; 25:847-854. [PMID: 27515175 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9974-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) mouse strain is a valuable model for the study of long-term complications from obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus and autism spectrum disorder. Due to technical difficulties with assisted reproduction, genetically modified animals on this background have previously been generated through extensive backcrossing, which is expensive and time-consuming. We successfully generated two separate transgenic mouse lines after direct zygote microinjection into this background strain. Additionally, we developed in vitro fertilization (IVF) methods for the BTBR mouse. We found low rates of fertilization and implantation in this strain, and identified the BTBR oocyte as the primary culprit of low success with BTBR IVF. We achieved an increase in live born pups from 5.9 to 35.6 % with IVF in the BTBR strain by use of BTBR females at a younger age (18-25 days), collection of oocytes 15-17 h after superovulation, and the use of supplemented fertilization media. This method eliminates the need for time consuming assisted embryo manipulations that are otherwise required for success with BTBR oocytes. This advancement provides an exciting opportunity to directly generate BTBR transgenics and gene-edited mice using both traditional and emerging genomic editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9. These methods also allow effective colony preservation and rederivation with these strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing embryo manipulations in BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Baan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4147 MFCB, 1685 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kathleen J Krentz
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Danielle A Fontaine
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4147 MFCB, 1685 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Dawn Belt Davis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4147 MFCB, 1685 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA. .,William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Thuwanut P, Arya N, Comizzoli P, Chatdarong K. Effect of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate on cryopreserved epididymal cat sperm intracellular ATP concentration, sperm quality, and in vitro fertilizing ability. Theriogenology 2015; 84:702-9. [PMID: 26050612 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is essential for supporting sperm function in the fertilization process. During cryopreservation, damage of sperm mitochondrial membrane usually leads to compromised production of intracellular ATP. Recently, extracellular ATP (ATPe) was introduced as a potent activator of sperm motility and fertilizing ability. This study aimed to evaluate (1) levels of intracellular ATP in frozen-thawed epididymal cat sperm after incubation with ATPe and (2) effects of ATPe on epididymal cat sperm parameters after freezing and thawing. Eighteen male cats were included. For each replicate, epididymal sperm from two cats were pooled to one sample (N = 9). Each pooled sample was cryopreserved with the Tris-egg yolk extender into three straws. After thawing, the first and second straws were incubated with 0-, 1.0-, or 2.5-mM ATPe for 10 minutes and evaluated for sperm quality at 10 minutes, 1, 3, and 6 hours after thawing and fertilizing ability. The third straw was evaluated for intracellular ATP concentration in control and with 2.5-mM ATPe treatment. Higher concentration of intracellular sperm ATP was observed in the samples treated with 2.5-mM ATPe compared to the controls (0.339 ± 0.06 μg/2 × 10(6) sperm vs. 0.002 ± 0.003 μg/2 × 10(6) sperm, P ≤ 0.05). In addition, incubation with 2.5-mM ATPe for 10 minutes promoted sperm motility (56.7 ± 5.0 vs. 53.3 ± 4.4%, P ≤ 0.05) and progressive motility (3.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.4, P ≤ 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (36.4 ± 5.5 vs. 28.7 ± 4.8%, P ≤ 0.05), and blastocyst rate (36.1 ± 7.0 and 28.8 ± 7.4%, P ≤ 0.05) compared with the controls. In contrast, ATPe remarkably interfered acrosome integrity after 6 hours of postthawed incubation. In sum, the present finding that optimal incubation time of postthaw epididymal cat sperm under proper ATPe condition might constitute a rationale for the studies on other endangered wild felids regarding sperm quality and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweena Thuwanut
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington DC, USA
| | - Nlin Arya
- Department of Preclinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington DC, USA
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Abstract
The article begins with a review of the main conceptual steps involved in the development of our understanding of purinergic signalling, including non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) neurotransmission; identification of ATP as a NANC transmitter; purinergic cotransmission; recognition of two families of purinoceptors [P1 (adenosine) and P2 (ATP/ADP)]; and, later, cloning and characterisation of P1 (G protein-coupled), P2X (ion channel) and P2Y (G protein-coupled) receptor subtypes. Further studies have established the involvement of ATP in synaptic neurotransmission in both ganglia and in the central nervous system; long-term (trophic) purinergic signalling in cell proliferation, differentiation and death occurring in development and regeneration; and short-term purinergic signalling in neurotransmission, neuromodulation and secretion. ATP is released from most cell types in response to gentle mechanical stimulation and is rapidly degraded to adenosine by ecto-nucleotidases. This review then focuses on the pathophysiology of purinergic signalling in a wide variety of systems, including urinogenital, cardiovascular, airway, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal. Consideration is also given to the involvement of purinoceptors in pain, cancer and diseases of the central nervous system. Purinergic therapeutic approaches for the treatment of some of these diseases are discussed.
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Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease. Purinergic Signal 2014; 10:157-87. [PMID: 24271059 PMCID: PMC3944041 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK,
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Aliagas E, Vidal A, Torrejón-Escribano B, Taco MDR, Ponce J, de Aranda IG, Sévigny J, Condom E, Martín-Satué M. Ecto-nucleotidases distribution in human cyclic and postmenopausic endometrium. Purinergic Signal 2012; 9:227-37. [PMID: 23225236 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-012-9345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular ATP and its hydrolysis product, adenosine, acting through specific receptors collectively named purinergic receptors, regulate female fertility by influencing the endometrial fluid microenvironment. There are four major groups of ecto-nucleotidases that control the levels of extracellular ATP and adenosine and thus their availability at purinergic receptors: ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (E-NTPDases), ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phospho-diesterases (E-NPPs), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (5'NT), and alkaline phosphatases (APs). The aim of the present work is to characterize the expression and distribution of ecto-nucleotidases in human endometrium along the menstrual cycle and after menopause, to evaluate their potential utility as fertility markers. We examined proliferative, secretory and atrophic endometria from women without endometrial pathology undergoing hysterectomy. We show that the ecto-nucleotidases are mainly present at endometrial epithelia, both luminal and glandular, and that their expression fluctuates along the cycle and also changes after menopause. An important result was identifying NPP3 as a new biological marker of tubal metaplasia. Our results emphasize the relevance of the study of purinergic signaling in human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Aliagas
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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