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Rhouma MB, Venditti M, Haddadi A, Knani L, Chouchene L, Boughammoura S, Reiter RJ, Minucci S, Messaoudi I. Melatonin counteracts cadmium-induced rat testicular toxicity via the mechanistic target rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:470-482. [PMID: 38433718 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The protective action of melatonin (MLT) against the harmful effects of cadmium (Cd) on testicular activity in rats has been documented previously; however, the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we investigate the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on the ability of MLT to counteract the damage induced by Cd on the rat testicular activity. Our study confirmed that Cd has harmful effects on the testes of rats and the protective action exerted by MLT. We reported, for the first time, that the addition of rapamycin (Rapa), a specific mTOR inhibitor, to animals co-treated with Cd and MLT completely abolished the beneficial effects exerted by MLT, indicating that the mTOR pathway partially modulates its helpful effects on Cd testicular toxicity. Interestingly, Rapa-alone treatment, provoking mTOR inhibition, produced altered morphological parameters, increased autophagy of germ and somatic cells, and reduced serum testosterone concentration. In addition, mTOR inhibition also reduced protein levels of markers of steroidogenesis (3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and blood-testis barrier integrity (occludin and connexin 43). Finally, Rapa altered sperm parameters as well as the ability of mature spermatozoa to perform a proper acrosome reaction. Although further investigation is needed to better clarify the molecular pathway involved in MLT action, we confirm that MLT alleviating Cd effects can be used as a supplement to enhance testicular function and improve male gamete quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem B Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Asma Haddadi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Latifa Knani
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Lina Chouchene
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sana Boughammoura
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Akhigbe RE, Hamed MA, Aremu AO. HAART exacerbates testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis in anti-Koch-treated rats via dysregulation of lactate transport and glutathione content. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:96-107. [PMID: 34118364 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is an effective anti-retroviral cocktail. Similarly, anti-Koch is highly potent against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, these drugs have been shown to impair male fertility. This study investigated the impact of HAART and anti-Koch, when used alone and co-administered, on testicular and sperm integrity. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into four groups (n = 8), namely normal control, HAART-treated, anti-Koch-treated, and HAART + anti-Koch-treated. The doses of drugs were the human equivalent doses for rats. Administration was once daily per os and lasted for eight weeks. HAART aggravated anti-Koch-induced reduction in testicular and penile weights. In addition, anti-Koch also led to a distortion of testicular cytoarchitecture, disturbed spermatogenesis, and caused low sperm quality, including sperm dysmotility. More so, anti-Koch led to a significant elevation of uric acid and dysregulation of testicular lactate transport and glutathione content. These events were accompanied by enhanced lipid peroxidation and inflammation of the testicular tissue and reduced testicular and sperm DNA integrity. These adverse effects of anti-Koch were aggravated by co-administration of HAART. Thus, our results infer that HAART exacerbates anti-Koch-induced impairment of spermatogenesis and testicular and sperm toxicity through up-regulation of uric acid generation and dysregulation of lactate transport and glutathione system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Sciences, Kings University, Odeomu, Osun, Nigeria.
| | - M A Hamed
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Buntai Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - A O Aremu
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Morbid Anatomy, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
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Hu Z, He L, Wei J, Su Y, Wang W, Fan Z, Xu J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Peng M, Zhao K, Zhang H, Liu C. tmbim4 protects against triclocarban-induced embryonic toxicity in zebrafish by regulating autophagy and apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 277:116873. [PMID: 33714789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Triclocarban (TCC), an antibacterial agent widely used in personal care products, can affect embryonic development. However, the specific molecular mechanism of TCC-induced embryonic developmental damage remains unclear. In this study, TCC exposure was found to increase the expression of tmbim4 gene in zebrafish embryos. The tmbim4 mutant embryos are more susceptible to TCC exposure than wild-type (WT) embryos, with tmbim4 overexpression reducing TCC-induced embryonic death in the former. Exposure of tmbim4 mutant larvae to 400 μg/L TCC substantially increased apoptosis in the hindbrain and eyes. RNA-sequencing of WT and tmbim4 mutant larvae indicated that knockout of the tmbim4 gene in zebrafish affects the autophagy pathway. Abnormalities in autophagy can increase apoptosis and TCC exposure caused abnormal accumulation of autophagosomes in the hindbrain of tmbim4 mutant zebrafish embryos. Pretreatment of TCC-exposed tmbim4 mutant zebrafish embryos with autophagosome formation inhibitors, substantially reduced the mortality of embryos and apoptosis levels. These results indicate that defects in the tmbim4 gene can reduce zebrafish embryo resistance to TCC. Additionally, apoptosis induced by abnormal accumulation of autophagosomes is involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Liting He
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Yufang Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Zunpan Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Jia Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Meilin Peng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
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Ablimit A, Abdureyim Z, Yang P, Azmat R, Shan W, Yao Q. Testicular AQP1 expression in a rat model of testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion injury. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:169.e1-169.e6. [PMID: 33358303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is the archetype of all aquaporins and involved in rapid cellular water fluxes and cell volume regulation. AN OBJECTIVE This study was conducted for the investigation of AQP1 expression in normal testicular tissues and those with I/R injury in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN A TT rat model was established using male Wister rats (4 weeks old, 180-220 g), and AQP1 distribution in the testicular tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The wet/dry (W/D) weight ratios of the testes were determined at 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, or 5 days after the establishment of the TT model. At each time point, pathological sections were prepared and the mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP1 were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining indicated that AQP1 distributes in testicular vascular endothelial cells and interstitial connective tissues. The testicular edema was observed 12 and 24 h after TT, as indicated by the increase in wet/dry weight ratio and pathological changes, such as enlarged testicular interstitium, atrophy of spermatogenic tubules, and epineurium tubule exfoliation. Increase in the expression levels of Aqp1 mRNA and AQP1 protein levels peaked at 24 h. Edema was alleviated at 36 and 48 h, as manifested by the gradual thinning of the spermatogenic tubules epithelium with narrowed interstitium and weakened inflammatory cell infiltration. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 dramatically decreased. At 5 days after TT, edema was nearly absent, and the mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 were restored to basal levels. DISCUSSION Testicular torsion increases AQP1 expression and W/D ratios in testis tissues. The upregulation of AQP1 expression and decline in AQP1 level are consistent to the development and alleviation of edema in testis tissues that underwent testicular torsion. CONCLUSION Changes in AQP1 expression were consistent with edema severity in the testes, indicating a close relationship between the expression of AQP1 and the extent of edema in testicular I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abduxukur Ablimit
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Zumrat Abdureyim
- Center of Morphology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Rozjan Azmat
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Weibi Shan
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Qiaoling Yao
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
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Akhigbe R, Ajayi A. Testicular toxicity following chronic codeine administration is via oxidative DNA damage and up-regulation of NO/TNF-α and caspase 3 activities. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224052. [PMID: 32168344 PMCID: PMC7069647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Codeine, a 3-methylmorphine, and other related opioids have been implicated in androgen suppression, although the associated mechanisms remain unclear. AIM Therefore, the objective of the current study was to elucidate the in vivo molecular mechanisms underlying codeine-induced androgen suppression. METHODS This study made use of twenty-one healthy male rabbits, distributed into three groups randomly, control and codeine-treated groups. The control had 1ml of normal saline daily p.o. The codeine-treated groups received either 4mg/kg b.w of codeine or 10mg/kg b.w of codeine p.o. for six weeks. Reproductive hormonal profile, testicular weight, testicular enzymes, oxidative and inflammatory parameters, testicular DNA fragmentation, histological examination and apoptosis marker were evaluated to examine the effects of codeine use. KEY FINDINGS Oral administration of codeine resulted in testicular atrophy and alterations in testicular histomorphology, elevated testicular enzymes, and suppression of circulatory and intra-testicular testosterone. These changes were associated with a marked rise in oxidative markers and decline in the activities of testicular enzymatic antioxidants, as well as oxidative DNA damage, inflammatory response, testicular DNA fragmentation, and caspase-dependent apoptosis (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, chronic codeine use resulted in testicular degeneration and testosterone suppression, which is attributable to TNF-α/nitric oxide-/oxidative stress-mediated caspase-dependent apoptotic testicular cell death and loss of testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji Ajayi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
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Pan X, Wang X, Wang X, Zhang W, Sun Z, Liang X, Zhang X, Li W, Li Z. Protective effects of new Wenshen Shengjing Decoction on cyclosporine-induced impairment of testosterone synthesis and spermatogenic apoptosis. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:813-821. [PMID: 29399088 PMCID: PMC5772751 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effects of new Wenshen Shengjing Decoction (new WSSJD; including Cornu Cervi Nippon Parvum, Panax ginseng, Cynomorium songaricum, Cistanche deserticola, Radix Astragali, Epimedium brevicornum and Angelica sinensis) on cyclosporine-induced impairment of testosterone synthesis and spermatogenic apoptosis in mice. A total of 90 adult male Kunming mice were divided into the following 6 groups: Control (no intervention), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO; received only DMSO), cyclosporine A (CsA), clomifene citrate (CC; CsA + CC, 15 mg/kg/day), WSSJD (CsA + WSSJD, crude drug 12 g/kg/day) and new WSSJD (CsA + new WSSJD, crude drug 12 g/kg/day). All mice were treated for 30 days via oral gavage. The testes were subsequently fixed and stained with hematoxylin & eosin to assess the development of seminiferous epithelia. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect the expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc) in testicular Leydig cells. In addition, the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the testes was detected using a terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, and flow cytometry was used to analyze the survival rate and early apoptosis of sperm in the epididymis. Compared with the CsA and CC groups, new WSSJD administration significantly increased levels of serum testosterone and the expressions of LHR and P450scc in testicular Leydig cells (P<0.05), while the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules and early apoptosis of mature sperm were significantly decreased (P<0.05). These results suggest that new WSSJD may ameliorate CsA-induced spermatogenic damage in male mice by enhancing testosterone synthesis and the secretion of testicular Leydig cells, and by reducing the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Pan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Xiyan Wang
- Medical Experimental Center, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Xuenan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of The Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College, Jining, Shandong 272029, P.R. China
| | - Wansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Zhanxuan Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Xuanxuan Liang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Zhixin Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
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Semet M, Paci M, Saïas-Magnan J, Metzler-Guillemain C, Boissier R, Lejeune H, Perrin J. The impact of drugs on male fertility: a review. Andrology 2017. [PMID: 28622464 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Beside cytotoxic drugs, other drugs can impact men's fertility through various mechanisms. Via the modification of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones or by non-hormonal mechanisms, drugs may directly and indirectly induce sexual dysfunction and spermatogenesis impairment and alteration of epididymal maturation. This systematic literature review summarizes existing data about the negative impact and associations of pharmacological treatments on male fertility (excluding cytotoxic drugs), with a view to making these data more readily available for medical staff. In most cases, these effects on spermatogenesis/sperm maturation/sexual function are reversible after the discontinuation of the drug. When a reprotoxic treatment cannot be stopped and/or when the impact on semen parameters/sperm DNA is potentially irreversible (Sulfasalazine Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil and Methotrexate), the cryopreservation of spermatozoa before treatment must be proposed. Deleterious impacts on fertility of drugs with very good or good level of evidence (Testosterone, Sulfasalazine, Anabolic steroids, Cyproterone acetate, Opioids, Tramadol, GhRH analogues and Sartan) are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Semet
- Centre clinico-biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, Pole Femmes-Parents-Enfants, AP-HM La Conception, Marseille, France
| | - M Paci
- Centre clinico-biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, Pole Femmes-Parents-Enfants, AP-HM La Conception, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, GMGF UMR_S 910, Marseille, France
| | - J Saïas-Magnan
- Centre clinico-biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, Pole Femmes-Parents-Enfants, AP-HM La Conception, Marseille, France
| | - C Metzler-Guillemain
- Centre clinico-biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, Pole Femmes-Parents-Enfants, AP-HM La Conception, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, GMGF UMR_S 910, Marseille, France
| | - R Boissier
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, APHM, Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - H Lejeune
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère, Enfant, CHU de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - J Perrin
- Centre clinico-biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, Pole Femmes-Parents-Enfants, AP-HM La Conception, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Avignon, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
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Grabowska M, Kędzierska K, Michałek K, Słuczanowska-Głąbowska S, Grabowski M, Piasecka M, Kram A, Rotter I, Rył A, Laszczyńska M. Effects of an immunosuppressive treatment on the rat prostate. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:2899-2915. [PMID: 27672312 PMCID: PMC5026216 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s111695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different combinations of immunosuppressive drugs on the morphology, ultrastructure, and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cytoskeleton proteins in the rat dorsolateral prostate. The studies were conducted on 48 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into eight groups: a control group and seven experimental groups. For 6 months, the animals in the experimental groups were administered a combination of drugs including rapamycin (Rapa), cyclosporin A, tacrolimus (Tac), mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone (Pred), according to the standard three-drug regimens for immunosuppressive therapy used in clinical practice. An evaluation of the morphology and ultrastructure was conducted, and a quantitative evaluation of the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and desmin- and cytokeratin-positive cells with weak, moderate, and strong expression was performed. The combination of Rapa, Tac, and Pred caused the smallest morphological and ultrastructural changes in the rat prostate cells. In the case of rats whose treatment was switched to Rapa monotherapy, a decreased percentage of proliferating cells of both the glandular epithelium and the stroma was found. Decreases in body weight and changes in the expression of cytokeratin and desmin were observed in all the experimental rats. The combination of Rapa, Tac, and Pred would seem to be the most beneficial for patients who do not suffer from prostate diseases. Our results justify the use of inhibitors of the mammalian target of Rapa in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer. The changes in the expression of cytoskeleton proteins may be the result of direct adverse effects of the immunosuppressive drugs, which are studied in this article, on the structure and organization of intermediate filament proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University
| | - Karolina Kędzierska
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University
| | - Katarzyna Michałek
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology
| | | | - Maciej Grabowski
- Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology, West Pomeranian University of Technology
| | - Małgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University
| | - Andrzej Kram
- Department of Pathology, West Pomeranian Oncology Center
| | - Iwona Rotter
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rył
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University
| | - Maria Laszczyńska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University
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Radad K, Moldzio R, Al-Shraim M, Kranner B, Krewenka C, Rausch WD. Recent advances in autophagy-based neuroprotection. Expert Rev Neurother 2015; 15:195-205. [PMID: 25614954 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1002087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Macroautophagy is a highly regulated intracellular process that, under certain circumstances, delivers cytoplasmic components to the lysosomes for degradation. It consists of several sequential steps including initiation and nucleation, double membrane formation and elongation, formation and maturation of autophagosomes and finally autophagosomes/lysosomes fusion and degradation of intra-autophagosomal contents by lysosomal enzymes. After decades of considering autophagy as a cell death pathway, it has recently been shown to have a survival function through clearing of protein aggregates and damaged cytoplasmic organelles in response to a variety of stress conditions. Most recently, there is increasing evidence from literature revealing that autophagy induction may combat neurodegeneration. In the light of this, our current review tried to address the recent advances in the role of induced autophagy in neuroprotection with a particular focus on its contribution in the most common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Radad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
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