1
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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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Zhang K, Xu XH, Wu J, Wang N, Li G, Hao GM, Cao JF. Decreased AKAP4/PKA signaling pathway in high DFI sperm affects sperm capacitation. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:25-33. [PMID: 37695244 PMCID: PMC10846834 DOI: 10.4103/aja202329] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a metric used to assess DNA fragmentation within sperm. During in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), high sperm DFI can lead to a low fertilization rate, poor embryo development, early miscarriage, etc. A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) is a scaffold protein that can bind protein kinase A (PKA) to subcellular sites of specific substrates and protects the biophosphorylation reaction. Sperm protein antigen 17 (SPA17) can also bind to AKAP. This study intends to explore the reason for the decreased fertilization rate observed in high sperm DFI (H-DFI) patients during IVF-ET. In addition, the study investigates the expression of AKAP, protein kinase A regulatory subunit (PKARII), and SPA17 between H-DFI and low sperm DFI (L-DFI) patients. SPA17 at the transcriptional level is abnormal, the translational level increases in H-DFI patients, and the expression of AKAP4/PKARII protein decreases. H 2 O 2 has been used to simulate oxidative stress damage to spermatozoa during the formation of sperm DFI. It indicates that H 2 O 2 increases the expression of sperm SPA17 protein and suppresses AKAP4/PKARII protein expression. These processes inhibit sperm capacitation and reduce acrosomal reactions. Embryo culture data and IVF outcomes have been documented. The H-DFI group has a lower fertilization rate. Therefore, the results indicate that the possible causes for the decreased fertilization rate in the H-DFI patients have included loss of sperm AKAP4/PKARII proteins, blocked sperm capacitation, and reduced occurrence of acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Xiu-Hua Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurology, The 980 Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Gui-Min Hao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Jin-Feng Cao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
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3
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Breitbart H, Grinshtein E. Mechanisms That Protect Mammalian Sperm from the Spontaneous Acrosome Reaction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17005. [PMID: 38069328 PMCID: PMC10707520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To acquire the capacity to fertilize the oocyte, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of biochemical reactions in the female reproductive tract, which are collectively called capacitation. The capacitated spermatozoa subsequently interact with the oocyte zona-pellucida and undergo the acrosome reaction, which enables the penetration of the oocyte and subsequent fertilization. However, the spontaneous acrosome reaction (sAR) can occur prematurely in the sperm before reaching the oocyte cumulus oophorus, thereby jeopardizing fertilization. One of the main processes in capacitation involves actin polymerization, and the resulting F-actin is subsequently dispersed prior to the acrosome reaction. Several biochemical reactions that occur during sperm capacitation, including actin polymerization, protect sperm from sAR. In the present review, we describe the protective mechanisms that regulate sperm capacitation and prevent sAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haim Breitbart
- The Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
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4
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Azoulay Y, Malik Z, Breitbart H. Sperm interaction with bacteria induces the spontaneous acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 2023; 203:82-88. [PMID: 36989544 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial contamination in the semen deteriorates spermatozoa function. One mechanism through which this may occur is by inducing a premature form of the acrosome reaction (spontaneous acrosome reaction (sAR)) which has been shown to abrogate fertilization. To understand the mechanism by which bacteria affect sperm functions, we determined the effects of bacteria on sperm sAR and on other parameters involved in sperm capacitation. Sperm cells undergo biochemical changes in the female reproductive tract collectively called capacitation. Only capacitated sperm can undergo the physiological acrosomal exocytosis process near or on the oocyte, which allows the spermatozoon to penetrate and fertilize the egg. Bovine sperm incubated with the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), revealed a sperm-bacteria interaction, however only E. coli and P. aeruginosa caused an increase in sperm sAR. This effect was seen only when the bacteria were present with the sperm during the full incubation under capacitation conditions but not when the bacteria were added to capacitated sperm. These results indicate that bacteria affect sperm during capacitation and not at the AR step. In addition, Ca2+ influx, protein kinase A, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation activities, three essential processes that promote capacitation, were inhibited by the bacteria. Moreover, increasing intracellular cAMP, which also occur during sperm capacitation, caused significant reverse of sAR induced by the bacteria.
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Nir U, Grinshtain E, Breitbart H. Fer and FerT: A New Regulatory Link between Sperm and Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065256. [PMID: 36982326 PMCID: PMC10049441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fer and its sperm and cancer specific variant, FerT, are non-receptor tyrosine kinases which play roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Recent studies have shed light on the regulatory role of these kinases in ensuring proper sperm function. Comparison of the regulatory cascades in which Fer and FerT are engaged in sperm and cancer cells presents an interesting picture, in which similar regulatory interactions of these enzymes are integrated in a similar or different regulatory context in the two cell types. These diverse compositions extend from the involvement of Fer in modulation of actin cytoskeleton integrity and function, to the unique regulatory interactions of Fer with PARP-1 and the PP1 phosphatase. Furthermore, recent findings link the metabolic regulatory roles of Fer and FerT in sperm and cancer cells. In the current review, we discuss the above detailed aspects, which portray Fer and FerT as new regulatory links between sperm and malignant cells. This perspective view can endow us with new analytical and research tools that will deepen our understanding of the regulatory trajectories and networks that govern these two multi-layered systems.
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The effect of pentoxifylline and calcium ionophore treatment on sperm cell biology in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia samples. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:85-90. [PMID: 36515071 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and Ca2+ ionophore (CI) A12387 treatment on some biological characteristics of sperm cells in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) patients. After processing, each sample was divided into four groups: 1, control; 2, exposed to 3.6 mM PTX; 3, exposed to 5 μm calcium ionophore (CI); and 4, exposed to both PTX and CI; 30 min at 37°C. Sperm motility was measured before and after preparation. Acrosome reaction (AR), status of sperm vacuoles, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation were assessed using PSA-FITC staining, motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), JC-1 staining and sperm chromatin dispersion (CSD) test, respectively. Treatment with PTX and CI led to increased and decreased sperm motility, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, vacuole status and rates of sperm DNA fragmentation were not significantly different among groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the data showed that the rates of AR and disrupted MMP were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in vitro application of PTX not only did not have any adverse effects on sperm cell biology characteristics, but also can rectify the harmful effect of CI.
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7
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Bowker Z, Goldstein S, Breitbart H. Protein acetylation protects sperm from spontaneous acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 2022; 191:231-238. [PMID: 35998406 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to penetrate the egg, spermatozoa must undergo the acrosome reaction in close proximity to the egg. This process can take place only after a series of biochemical changes in the sperm, collectively termed capacitation, occur in the female reproductive tract. Sperm cells can undergo spontaneous-acrosome reaction(sAR) before reaching the vicinity of the egg, preventing successful fertilization. Several mechanisms were shown to protect sperm from undergoing sAR, and all of them are involved in proper capacitation. Here, we describe the involvement of protein acetylation in the mechanism that protects bovine spermatozoa from sAR. Incubation of bovine sperm under non-capacitation conditions revealed a strong increase in sAR that was significantly reduced in the presence of deacetylase inhibitors. Protein kinase A (PKA) is an essential key enzyme in sperm capacitation, and its inhibition results in high sAR. The reduction in sAR by hyperacetylation was independent of PKA activity. We previously demonstrated that calmodulin-kinase II (CaMKII) activity protects sperm from sAR, and here we show that its activity is essential for reduction in sAR by hyperacetylation. We further show that the 'exchange protein directly activated by Camp' (EPAC) mediates both protein lysine acetylation and the reduced rate of sAR caused by hyperacetylation. In conclusion, these results suggest a PKA-independent and EPAC-CaMKII dependent hyperacetylation mechanism that protects sperm from sAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Bowker
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - S Goldstein
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - H Breitbart
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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8
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Dahan T, Breitbart H. Involvement of metabolic pathway in the sperm spontaneous acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 2022; 192:38-44. [PMID: 36044805 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to fertilize the egg, spermatozoa must undergo a series of biochemical processes in the female reproductive tract collectively called capacitation. Only capacitated sperm can interact with the egg resulting in the acrosome reaction (AR), allowing egg penetration and fertilization. Sperm can undergo spontaneous AR (sAR) before reaching the egg, preventing successful fertilization. Here we investigated the metabolic pathways involved in sperm capacitation and sAR. Inhibition of glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation did not affect capacitation or sAR levels; however, when both systems were inhibited, no capacitation occurred, and there was a significant increase in sAR. Under such ATP-starvation, the increase in sAR is triggered by Ca2+ influx into the sperm via the CatSper cation channel. Protein kinase A (PKA) is an essential key enzyme in sperm capacitation; there was no change in its activity when a single metabolic system was inhibited, while complete inhibition of was observed when the two systems were inhibited. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP), also known to occur in sperm capacitation, was partially reduced by inhibition of one metabolic system, and completely blocked when the two metabolic systems were inhibited. We conclude that ATP, PKA and PTP are involved in the mechanisms protecting sperm from sAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsipora Dahan
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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Grinshtain E, Shpungin S, Baum M, Nir U, Breitbart H. The Fer tyrosine kinase protects sperm from spontaneous acrosome reaction. Dev Biol 2022; 487:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Carrasquel Martínez G, Aldana A, Carneiro J, Treviño CL, Darszon A. Acrosomal alkalinization occurs during human sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6535714. [PMID: 35201340 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac005] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. Capacitation involves biochemical and physiological modifications of sperm as they travel through the female reproductive tract. These modifications prepare the sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction (AR), an acrosome vesicle exocytosis that is necessary for gamete fusion. Capacitation requires an increase in both intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and pH (pHi). Mouse sperm capacitation is accompanied by acrosomal alkalinization and artificial elevation of the acrosome pH (pHa) is sufficient to trigger the AR in mouse and human sperm, but it is unknown if pHa increases naturally during human sperm capacitation. We used single-cell imaging and image-based flow cytometry to evaluate pHa during capacitation and its regulation. We found that pHa progressively increases during capacitation. The V-ATPase, which immunolocalized to the acrosome and equatorial segment, is mainly responsible for the acidity of the acrosome. It is likely that the regulation of V-ATPase is at least in part responsible for the progressive increase in pHa during capacitation. Acrosome alkalinization was dependent on extracellular HCO3- and Ca2+. Inhibition of the HCO3--dependent adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A induced significant pHa changes. Overall, alkalinization of the acrosome may be a key step in the path towards the AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Carrasquel Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México
| | - Andrés Aldana
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jorge Carneiro
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnología Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universida de Nova, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Claudia Lydia Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México
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11
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Wang JS, Gong XF, Feng JL, Xu HS, Bao BH, Meng FC, Deng S, Dai HH, Li HS, Cui HS, Wang B. Explore the effects of pulmonary fibrosis on sperm quality and the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway based on rat model. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14348. [PMID: 34932839 DOI: 10.1111/and.14348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Researches were reported that respiratory diseases can lead to male infertility; however, it is unclear whether there is a relationship between pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and male infertility. This study examined the influence of PF on sperm quality and its mechanisms. The key signalling pathway of male infertility caused by PF was predicted based on bioinformatics research. After modelling, we evaluated semen quality. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to measure the protein and mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylation-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) in rat testicular cells. Compared with group A (48.77 ± 4.67; 59.77 ± 4.79), the sperm concentration and total sperm viability of group B (8.44 ± 1.71; 15.39 ± 3.48) showed a downward trend (p < 0.05). Western blotting showed that the protein expressions of PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl2 in the testes of group B (0.30 ± 0.06; 0.27 ± 0.05; 0.15 ± 0.03) was significantly lower than those of group A (0.71 ± 0.07; 0.72 ± 0.06; 0.50 ± 0.06) (p < 0.05). The hypoxic environment induced by PF can inhibit the expression of PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl2 protein and eventually cause dysfunctional spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sheng Wang
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Feng Gong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Long Feng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Xu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing-Hao Bao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fan-Chao Meng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Deng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Heng-Heng Dai
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Song Li
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Cui
- Pneumology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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12
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Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168767. [PMID: 34445473 PMCID: PMC8395862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.
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13
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Baro Graf C, Ritagliati C, Stival C, Luque GM, Gentile I, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Everything you ever wanted to know about PKA regulation and its involvement in mammalian sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110992. [PMID: 32853743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a tetrameric holoenzyme comprising a set of two regulatory subunits (PKA-R) and two catalytic (PKA-C) subunits. The PKA-R subunits act as sensors of cAMP and allow PKA-C activity. One of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation. Thus, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. It is widely accepted that PKA specificity depends on several levels of regulation. Anchoring proteins play a pivotal role in achieving proper localization signaling, subcellular targeting and cAMP microdomains. These multi-factorial regulation steps are necessary for a precise spatio-temporal activation of PKA. Here we discuss recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms of PKA in mammalian sperm, such as post-translational modifications, in the context of its role as the master orchestrator of molecular events conducive to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
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14
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The Role of Zinc in Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207796. [PMID: 33096823 PMCID: PMC7589359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies proposed the importance of zinc ion in male fertility. Here, we describe the properties, roles and cellular mechanisms of action of Zn2+ in spermatozoa, focusing on its involvement in sperm motility, capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, three functions that are crucial for successful fertilization. The impact of zinc supplementation on assisted fertilization techniques is also described. The impact of zinc on sperm motility has been investigated in many vertebrate and invertebrate species. It has been reported that Zn2+ in human seminal plasma decreases sperm motility and that Zn2+ removal enhances motility. Reduction in the intracellular concentration of Zn2+ during epididymal transit allows the development of progressive motility and the subsequent hyper activated motility during sperm capacitation. Extracellular Zn2+ affects intracellular signaling pathways through its interaction with the Zn2+ sensing receptor (ZnR), also named GPR39. This receptor was found in the sperm tail and the acrosome, suggesting the possible involvement of Zn2+ in sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis. Our studies showed that Zn2+ stimulates bovine sperm acrosomal exocytosis, as well as human sperm hyper-activated motility, were both mediated by GPR39. Zn2+ binds and activates GPR39, which activates the trans-membrane-adenylyl-cyclase (tmAC) to catalyze cAMP production. The NHE (Na+/H+-exchanger) is activated by cAMP, leading in increased pHi and activation of the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, resulting in an increase in [Ca2+]i, which, together with HCO3−, activates the soluble adenylyl-cyclase (sAC). The increase in [cAMP]i activates protein kinase A (PKA), followed by activation of the Src-epidermal growth factor receptor-Pphospholipase C (Src-EGFR-PLC) cascade, resulting in inositol-triphosphate (IP3) production, which mobilizes Ca2+ from the acrosome, causing a further increase in [Ca2+]i and the development of hyper-activated motility. PKA also activates phospholipase D1 (PLD1), leading to F-actin formation during capacitation. Prior to the acrosomal exocytosis, PLC induces phosphadidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis, leading to the release of the actin-severing protein gelsolin to the cytosol, which is activated by Ca2+, resulting in F-actin breakdown and the occurrence of acrosomal exocytosis.
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Phosphoproteomics and Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal Key Roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in Mouse Sperm Capacitation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197283. [PMID: 33023073 PMCID: PMC7582274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation can induce signal transduction to change sperm motility patterns during sperm capacitation. However, changes in the phosphorylation of sperm proteins in mice are still incompletely understood. Here, capacitation-related phosphorylation in mouse sperms were firstly investigated by label-free quantitative (LFQ) phosphoproteomics coupled with bioinformatics analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) methods such as canonical pathway, upstream regulator, and network analysis. Among 1632 phosphopeptides identified at serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues, 1050 novel phosphosites, corresponding to 402 proteins, were reported. Gene heatmaps for IPA canonical pathways showed a novel role for GSK-3 in GP6 signaling pathways associated with capacitation for 60 min. At the same time, the reduction of the abundant isoform-specific GSK-3α expression was shown by western blot (WB) while the LFQ pY of this isoform slightly decreased and then increased. The combined results from WB and LFQ methods explain the less inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3α during capacitation and also support the predicted increases in its activity. In addition, pAKAP4 increased at the Y156 site but decreased at the Y811 site in a capacitated state, even though IPA network analysis and WB analysis for overall pAKAP revealed upregulated trends. The potential roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in fertility are discussed.
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Green tea consumption increases sperm concentration and viability in male rats and is safe for reproductive, liver and kidney health. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15269. [PMID: 32943691 PMCID: PMC7498455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72319-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Green tea is a popularly consumed beverage worldwide and contains polyphenols, whose antioxidant activities could improve sperm parameters and fertility thereof. We investigated the effect of green tea on the male rat reproductive system as well as its safety. Male Wistar rats were administered 2 and 5% aqueous extract of green tea for 52 days’ ad libitum, while the control group received tap water. Total polyphenol, flavanol, flavonol and soluble solids significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro (P < 0.01). Weights of body, testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and liver, serum levels of testosterone, ferric reducing antioxidant power, creatinine, and sperm motility, remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Kidney weight, sperm concentration and vitality, spontaneous acrosome reaction increased (P < 0.05), while alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels decreased (P < 0.05). Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation remained unchanged in the testes, liver and kidney (P > 0.05). Histological sections of testis, epididymis, kidney and liver showed no conspicuous alteration. Diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubule decreased, while caudal epididymis epithelial height increased (P < 0.01). Consumption of green tea in the conditions used in the present study seems to be safe and improved sperm parameters. However, subtle structural changes observed in the decreased diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule and increased acrosome reaction needs further investigation.
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Yang Q, Wen Y, Wang L, Peng Z, Yeerken R, Zhen L, Li P, Li X. Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 inhibits ATP generation reducing mouse sperm motility and PKA-dependent phosphorylation. Tissue Cell 2020; 66:101381. [PMID: 32933704 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a global problem in modern society of which capacitating defects are a major cause. Previous studies have demonstrated that Ca2+ ionophore A23187 can make mouse sperm capable of fertilizing in vitro, which may aid in clinical treatment of capacitating defects. However, the detailed role and mechanism of Ca2+ in the capacitating process are still unclear especially how A23187 quickly renders sperm immotile and inhibits cAMP/PKA-mediated phosphorylation. We report that A23187 induces a Ca2+ flux in the mitochondria enriched sperm tail and excess Ca2+ inhibits key metabolic enzymes involved in acetyl-CoA biosynthesis, TCA cycle and electron transport chain pathways resulting in reduced ATP and overall energy production, however this flux does not destroy the structure of the sperm tail. Due to the decrease in ATP production, which is the main phosphate group donator and the power of sperm, the sperm is rendered immobile and PKA-mediated phosphorylation is inhibited. Our study proposed a possible mechanism through which A23187 reduces sperm motility and PKA-mediated phosphorylation from ATP generation, thus providing basic data for exploring the functional roles of Ca2+ in sperm in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangzhen Yang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lirui Wang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zijun Peng
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ranna Yeerken
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Linqing Zhen
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Peifei Li
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinhong Li
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Huta Y, Nitzan Y, Breitbart H. Ezrin protects bovine spermatozoa from spontaneous acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 2020; 151:119-127. [PMID: 32334120 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To interact and penetrate the egg, the spermatozoon must undergo a maturation step called the acrosome reaction (AR) in close proximity to the egg. This process can take place only after a series of biochemical changes to the sperm occur in the female reproductive tract, collectively called capacitation. Spermatozoa can undergo spontaneous-acrosome reaction (sAR) before reaching the vicinity of the egg, preventing successful fertilization. Several mechanisms were shown to protect spermatozoa from undergoing sAR. Here we describe the involvement of the actin cross-linker, Ezrin in the mechanism that protects spermatozoa from sAR. Inhibition of Ezrin stimulates sAR and inhibits actin polymerization. Ezrin is highly phosphorylated/activated during the first hour of the capacitation process, and its phosphorylation rate is subsequently decreased. Ezrin phosphorylation depends on protein kinase A (PKA) and calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) activities, and to some extent on phosphatidyl-inositol-4-kinase (PI4K) activity. Inhibition of these three kinases stimulates sAR, in which the effect of PI4K inhibition, but not PKA or CaMKII inhibition, can be reversed by increasing p-Ezrin using a phosphatase inhibitor. All together, we showed that three kinases mediate Ezrin activation during spermatozoa capacitation, leading to actin polymerization in a mechanism that prevents sAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Huta
- The Mina &Everard Faculty of Life Sciences,Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Y Nitzan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, 1320611, Israel
| | - H Breitbart
- The Mina &Everard Faculty of Life Sciences,Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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Dey S, Brothag C, Vijayaraghavan S. Signaling Enzymes Required for Sperm Maturation and Fertilization in Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:341. [PMID: 31921853 PMCID: PMC6930163 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, motility and fertilizing ability of spermatozoa develop during their passage through the epididymis. After ejaculation, sperm undergo capacitation and hyperactivation in the female reproductive tract - a motility transition that is required for sperm penetration of the egg. Both epididymal initiation of sperm motility and hyperactivation are essential for male fertility. Motility initiation in the epididymis and sperm hyperactivation involve changes in metabolism, cAMP (cyclic adenosine mono-phosphate), calcium and pH acting through protein kinases and phosphatases. Despite this knowledge, we still do not understand, in biochemical terms, how sperm acquire motility in the epididymis and how motility is altered in the female reproductive tract. Recent data show that the sperm specific protein phosphatase PP1γ2, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), and the calcium regulated phosphatase calcineurin (PP2B), are involved in epididymal sperm maturation. The protein phosphatase PP1γ2 is present only in testis and sperm in mammals. PP1γ2 has a isoform-specific requirement for normal function of mammalian sperm. Sperm PP1γ2 is regulated by three proteins - inhibitor 2, inhibitor 3 and SDS22. Changes in phosphorylation of these three inhibitors and their binding to PP1γ2 are involved in initiation and activation of sperm motility. The inhibitors are phosphorylated by protein kinases, one of which is GSK3. The isoform GSK3α is essential for epididymal sperm maturation and fertility. Calcium levels dramatically decrease during sperm maturation and initiation of motility suggesting that the calcium activated sperm phosphatase (PP2B) activity also decreases. Loss of PP2B results in male infertility due to impaired sperm maturation in the epididymis. Thus the three signaling enzymes PP1γ2, GSK3, and PP2B along with the documented PKA (protein kinase A) have key roles in sperm maturation and hyperactivation. Significantly, all these four signaling enzymes are present as specific isoforms only in placental mammals, a testimony to their essential roles in the unique aspects of sperm function in mammals. These findings should lead to a better biochemical understanding of the basis of male infertility and should lead to novel approaches to a male contraception and managed reproduction.
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