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Afzal A, Zhang Y, Afzal H, Saddozai UAK, Zhang L, Ji XY, Khawar MB. Functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384047. [PMID: 38827527 PMCID: PMC11140113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular recycling process that maintains cellular homeostasis. Despite extensive research in endocrine contexts, the role of autophagy in ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis remains elusive. The significant role of autophagy in testosterone production suggests potential treatments for conditions like oligospermia and azoospermia. Further, influence of autophagy in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteal development emphasizes its importance for improved fertility and reproductive health. Thus, investigating autophagy in gonadal cells is clinically significant. Understanding these processes could transform treatments for endocrine disorders, enhancing reproductive health and longevity. Herein, we provide the functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis to date, highlighting its modulation in testicular steroidogenesis and its impact on hormone synthesis, follicle development, and fertility therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 988 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
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Guo Y, Feng C, Zhang Y, Hu K, Wang C, Wei X. Nicotinamide Supplementation Mitigates Oxidative Injury of Bovine Intestinal Epithelial Cells through Autophagy Modulation. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1483. [PMID: 38791701 PMCID: PMC11117298 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The small intestine is important to the digestion and absorption of rumen undegradable nutrients, as well as the barrier functionality and immunological responses in ruminants. Oxidative stress induces a spectrum of pathophysiological symptoms and nutritional deficits, causing various gastrointestinal ailments. Previous studies have shown that nicotinamide (NAM) has antioxidant properties, but the potential mechanism has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of NAM on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative injury in bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs) and its potential mechanism. The results showed that NAM increased the cell viability and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BIECs challenged by H2O2. The NAM exhibited increased expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, and tight junction proteins. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was increased in BIECs challenged by H2O2, and NAM significantly decreased the expression of autophagy-related proteins. When an autophagy-specific inhibitor was used, the oxidative injury in BIECs was not alleviated by NAM, and the T-AOC and the release of LDH were not affected. Collectively, these results indicated that NAM could alleviate oxidative injury in BIECs by enhancing antioxidant capacity and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, and autophagy played a crucial role in the alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.G.); (C.F.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Changdong Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.G.); (C.F.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.G.); (C.F.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Kewei Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.G.); (C.F.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.G.); (C.F.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Xiaoshi Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.G.); (C.F.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Animal Health Products, Zhejiang Vegamax Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Anji 313300, China
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Fang S, Li Z, Pang S, Gan Y, Ding X, Peng H. Identification of postnatal development dependent genes and proteins in porcine epididymis. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:729. [PMID: 38049726 PMCID: PMC10694963 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09827-y] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis is a highly regionalized tubular organ possesses vectorial functions of sperm concentration, maturation, transport, and storage. The epididymis-expressed genes and proteins are characterized by regional and developmental dependent pattern. However, a systematic and comprehensive insight into the postnatal development dependent changes in gene and protein expressions of porcine epididymis is still lacking. Here, the RNA and protein of epididymis of Duroc pigs at different postnatal development stages were extracted by using commercial RNeasy Midi kit and extraction buffer (7 M Urea, 2 M thiourea, 3% CHAPS, and 1 mM PMSF) combined with sonication, respectively, which were further subjected to transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis indicated that 198 and 163 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were continuously up-regulated and down-regulated along with postnatal development stage changes, respectively. Most of the up-regulated DEGs linked to functions of endoplasmic reticulum and lysosome, while the down-regulated DEGs mainly related to molecular process of extracellular matrix. Moreover, the following key genes INSIG1, PGRMC1, NPC2, GBA, MMP2, MMP14, SFRP1, ELN, WNT-2, COL3A1, and SPARC were highlighted. A total of 49 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) corresponding to postnatal development stages changes were uncovered by the proteome analysis. Several key proteins ACSL3 and ACADM, VDAC1 and VDAC2, and KNG1, SERPINB1, C3, and TF implicated in fatty acid metabolism, voltage-gated ion channel assembly, and apoptotic and immune processes were emphasized. In the integrative network, the key genes and proteins formed different clusters and showed strong interactions. Additionally, NPC2, COL3A1, C3, and VDAC1 are located at the hub position in each cluster. CONCLUSIONS The identified postnatal development dependent genes and proteins in the present study will pave the way for shedding light on the molecular basis of porcine epididymis functions and are useful for further studies on the specific regulation mechanisms responsible for epididymal sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoming Fang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 35002, China
| | - Zhechen Li
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 35002, China
| | - Shuo Pang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 35002, China
| | - Yating Gan
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 35002, China
| | - Xiaoning Ding
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 35002, China
| | - Hui Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
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Ullah S, Ennab W, Wei Q, Wang C, Quddus A, Mustafa S, Hadi T, Mao D, Shi F. Impact of Cadmium and Lead Exposure on Camel Testicular Function: Environmental Contamination and Reproductive Health. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2302. [PMID: 37508079 PMCID: PMC10375966 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The free grazing habits of camels from various sources may cause heavy metals to bioaccumulate in their tissues and organs, possibly resulting in higher amounts of these toxic substances in their bodies over time. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure impact of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on bull camels of the Lassi breed, aged 7 to 8 years, at a site near the industrial area and another two non-industrial sites, to analyze the presence of heavy metals. Samples from three sites were collected from thirty camels (n = 10/each), soil and water (n = 30), and five different plants (n = 15/each) for analysis. Testes were collected for atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum samples were obtained to measure testosterone levels by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Samples were obtained from plants, soil, water, blood, serum and urine for AAS. According to the results, the testes' weight, length, width, and volume significantly decreased at the industrial site compared with the other two sites as a result of exposure to Cd and Pb. Additionally, blood testosterone concentrations were considerably lower at the industrial site, indicating a detrimental impact on testicular steroidogenesis. The histological investigation of the industrial site indicated structural disturbances, including seminiferous tubule degeneration and shedding, cellular debris in seminiferous tubules, lining epithelium depletion, and vacuolation. Elevated amounts of Cd and Pb were found at the industrial site when analyzed using water, soil, plants, testes, serum, and urine. These findings demonstrate the adverse effects of Pb and Cd exposure on camel testicular function, including decreased weight and altered steroidogenesis. These findings are essential for understanding the impact of exposure to Pb and Cd on camel reproductive function and for developing successful prevention and management plans for these exposures in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Ullah
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wael Ennab
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Quanwei Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Changfa Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency, Breeding and Ecological Feeding, College of Agronomy, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Abdul Quddus
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal 90150, Pakistan
| | - Sheeraz Mustafa
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziaddin University, Karachi 75000, Pakistan
| | - Tavakolikazerooni Hadi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dagan Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Kirat D, Alahwany AM, Arisha AH, Abdelkhalek A, Miyasho T. Role of Macroautophagy in Mammalian Male Reproductive Physiology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091322. [PMID: 37174722 PMCID: PMC10177121 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and self-degradative process in cells. Autophagy carries out normal physiological roles throughout mammalian life. Accumulating evidence shows autophagy as a mechanism for cellular growth, development, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis. In male reproductive systems, normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis need a balance between degradation and energy supply to preserve cellular metabolic homeostasis. The main process of autophagy includes the formation and maturation of the phagophore, autophagosome, and autolysosome. Autophagy is controlled by a group of autophagy-related genes that form the core machinery of autophagy. Three types of autophagy mechanisms have been discovered in mammalian cells: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy is classified as non-selective or selective. Non-selective macroautophagy randomly engulfs the cytoplasmic components in autophagosomes that are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. While selective macroautophagy precisely identifies and degrades a specific element, current findings have shown the novel functional roles of autophagy in male reproduction. It has been recognized that dysfunction in the autophagy process can be associated with male infertility. Overall, this review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basics of autophagy and summarizes the latest findings on the key role of autophagy in mammalian male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Kirat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Alahwany
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelkhalek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Taku Miyasho
- Laboratory of Animal Biological Responses, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
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