1
|
Zheng ZH, Tian Q, He JP, Yuan JL, Yang SH, Liu JL. Comparative transcriptome analysis of experimental cryptorchidism: Of mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Physiol Genomics 2022; 54:187-195. [PMID: 35468005 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00010.2022] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In most mammalian species, the testis descends from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal or neonatal life. The failure of testicular descent, a pathological condition known as cryptorchidism, has long been the subject of scientific interest in a wide range of fields, including medicine, developmental biology and evolutionary biology. In this study, we analyzed global gene expression changes associated with experimental cryptorchidism in mice by using RNA-seq. A total of 453 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 236 genes were up-regulated and 217 genes were down-regulated. Gene ontology, pathway and gene network analysis highlighted the activation of inflammatory response in experimental cryptorchidism. By examining the promoter regions of differentially expressed genes, we identified 12 causal transcription factors. In addition, we also induced experimental cryptorchidism in two cynomolgus monkeys and performed RNA-seq. A cross-species comparison was performed at the gene expression level. Our study provides a valuable resource for further understanding molecular mechanisms of cryptorchidism in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Hong Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Peng He
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Li Yuan
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Hua Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
L-carnitine extenuates endocrine disruption, inflammatory burst and oxidative stress in carbendazim-challenged male rats via upregulation of testicular StAR and FABP9, and downregulation of P38-MAPK pathways. Toxicology 2021; 457:152808. [PMID: 33965443 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We have addressed in the current study the potential of L-carnitine (LC) to extenuate the reproductive toxic insults of carbendazim (CBZ) in male rats, and the molecular mechanisms whereby carnitine would modify the spermatogenic and steroidogenic derangements invoked by the endocrine disruptor. Herein, animals received daily doses of carbendazim (100 mg/kg) by gavage for 8 weeks. Another CBZ-challenged group was co-supplemented with LC (500 mg/kg, IP) twice weekly for 8 weeks. Sperm quantity and quality (morphology, motility and viability), serum testosterone and gonadotropins, and thyroid hormone levels were assessed. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations were determined by ELISA. Oxidant/antioxidant status in rat testis was investigated via measuring testicular contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Immunohistochemical localizations of the junctional protein; occludin, and inflammatory markers; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) were further analyzed. A host of transduction genes that regulate spermatogenic and steroidogenic pathways, and their encoded proteins namely, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR), Fatty acid binding protein 9 (FABP9) and P38-mitogen activated protein kinase (P38-MAPK) were assessed by real time quantitative (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. LC improved rat spermiogram, testicular histological alterations and endocrine perturbances, and modulated genes' expressions and their respective proteins. In conclusion, LC effects appear to reside for the most part on its endocrine-preserving, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through a myriad of interlaced signal transductions that ultimately recapitulated its beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
Collapse
|
3
|
Effect of Cryptorchidism on the Histomorphometry, Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy in Boar Testes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051379. [PMID: 34066291 PMCID: PMC8152062 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Body temperature has detrimental effects on sperm quality in mammalian species, including pigs. However, the molecular mechanism of this is not yet well understood. Cryptorchidism is when one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, which leads the testes to be exposed to the body temperature. The aims of present study were to investigate the effect of body temperature on the histomorphometry, apoptosis and the expression of the proliferation-associated protein PCNA and the autophagy-associated protein LC3 in spontaneous unilateral cryptorchid boar testes. Our findings showed that cryptorchidism had no evident influence on the number of Sertoli cells in boars. In cryptorchid testes, spermatogonia markedly decreased and the seminiferous tubule contained only a few spermatogonia, but did not contain post-meiotic germ cells. The altered seminiferous epithelium of the cryptorchid testis showed a low proliferation of its spermatogonia, with apoptosis and autophagy like that of scrotal testis, which probably entailed a gradual degeneration of the epithelium and the impossibility of its recovery. Although the number of Sertoli cells did not change, it was likely that their functionality was altered and that this affected the proliferation capacity of spermatogonia, causing the arrest of spermatogenesis. Abstract Spontaneous unilateral cryptorchid boars have one testis in the abdomen or inguinal canal, causing its temperature to be at or near the body temperature, which impairs spermatogenesis, although the histomorphometry and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the histomorphometry, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy alterations in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in unilateral cryptorchid, scrotal (contrascrotal), and preweaning piglet (preweaning) testes. Histomorphometrical analysis of cryptorchid testes showed that the seminiferous tubules contained only Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia, but did not contain post-meiotic germ cells. The number of spermatogonia markedly decreased, and the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably in cryptorchid testes. TUNEL assay results showed that apoptosis signals were predominantly observed in spermatogonia. In cryptorchid and contrascrotal testes, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and LC3 were located in spermatogonia. The number of PCNA-positive, TUNEL-positive, and LC3-positive germ cells was low, and the protein and mRNA levels of PCNA and LC3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid testes. Taken together, the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably, whereas the number of germ cells decreased in the cryptorchid testes, compared with that in the contrascrotal testes. Insufficient proliferation, excessive apoptosis, and autophagy were involved in the regulation of the decrease in spermatogonia in cryptorchid boar testes.
Collapse
|
4
|
Biwot JC, Zhang HB, Liu C, Qiao JX, Yu XQ, Wang YF. Wolbachia-induced expression of kenny gene in testes affects male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:869-882. [PMID: 31617302 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia are Gram-negative endosymbionts that are known to cause embryonic lethality when infected male insects mate with uninfected females or with females carrying a different strain of Wolbachia, a situation characterized as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). However, the mechanism of CI is not yet fully understood, although recent studies on Drosophila melanogaster have achieved great progress. Here, we found that Wolbachia infection caused changes in the expressions of several immunity-related genes, including significant upregulation of kenny (key), in the testes of D. melanogaster. Overexpression of key in fly testes led to a significant decrease in egg hatch rates when these flies mate with wild-type females. Wolbachia-infected females could rescue this embryonic lethality. Furthermore, in key overexpressing testes terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling signal was significantly stronger than in the control testes, and the level of reactive oxygen species was significantly increased. Overexpression of key also resulted in alterations of some other immunity-related gene expressions, including the downregulation of Zn72D. Knockdown of Zn72D in fly testes also led to a significant decrease in egg hatch rates. These results suggest that Wolbachia might induce the defect in male host fertility by immunity-related pathways and thus cause an oxidative damage and cell death in male testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Biwot
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua-Bao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun-Xue Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seco-Rovira V, Beltrán-Frutos E, Ferrer C, Saez FJ, Madrid JF, Canteras M, Pastor LM. Testicular histomorphometry and the proliferative and apoptotic activities of the seminiferous epithelium in Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) during regression owing to short photoperiod. Andrology 2015; 3:598-610. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology; Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - E. Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology; Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - C. Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology; Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - F. J. Saez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology UFI 11/44; School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU; Leioa Spain
| | - J. F. Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology; Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - M. Canteras
- Department of Statistics; Medical School; University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - L. M. Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology; Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Qi S, Fu W, Wang C, Liu C, Quan C, Kourouma A, Yan M, Yu T, Duan P, Yang K. BPA-induced apoptosis of rat Sertoli cells through Fas/FasL and JNKs/p38 MAPK pathways. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 50:108-16. [PMID: 25461909 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol-A was examined for its effects on cultured Sertoli cells established from 18 to 22-day-old rat testes. Results indicated that exposure to BPA (0, 30, 50 and 70 μM) decreased the cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis. Apoptosis-caused cell death was observed in cells exposed to 50 and 70 μM BPA. The mRNA expressions of Fas, FasL and caspase-3 were all elevated, and the protein expressions of FasL and cleaved caspase-3 were also increased. In addition, levels of phosphorylation of JNKs/p38 MAPK were also increased and then activated JNKs/p38 MAPK up regulated target gene expressions, such as c-jun and CHOP. Translocation of NF-κB into nuclei indicated the activation of NF-κB after treatment with BPA. Taken together, observed results suggest that BPA induces apoptosis of Sertoli cells by the activation of JNKs/p38 MPAK and translocation of NF-κB, and Fas/FasL system plays a critical role in the initiation of apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suqin Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenjuan Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengmin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Changjiang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Quan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ansoumane Kourouma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Maosheng Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Duan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kedi Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang B, Sun H, Li W, Zhu C, Jian B, Hou W, Wang H, Yuan J, Yao B. Expression of Rap1 During Germ Cell Development in the Rat and Its Functional Implications in 2-Methoxyacetic Acid-induced Spermatocyte Apoptosis. Urology 2013; 81:696.e1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
9
|
Abstract
Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is the most frequent congenital abnormality in newborn boys. The process of testicular descent to the scrotum is controlled by hormones produced in Leydig cells, insulin-like3, and androgens. Variation in genetic and environmental factors might affect testicular descent. A failure of spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis resulting in infertility as well as an increased risk of neoplastic transformation of germ cell are the direct consequences of cryptorchidism in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Agoulnik
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li T, Hu J, He GH, Li Y, Zhu CC, Hou WG, Zhang S, Li W, Zhang JS, Wang Z, Liu XP, Yao LB, Zhang YQ. Up-regulation of NDRG2 through nuclear factor-kappa B is required for Leydig cell apoptosis in both human and murine infertile testes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2011; 1822:301-13. [PMID: 22138128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Many pro-apoptotic factors, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Fas, play crucial roles in the process of Leydig cell apoptosis, ultimately leading to male sterility, such as in Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO) and hypospermatogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism of such apoptosis is unclear. Recent reports on N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (ndrg2) have suggested that it is involved in cellular differentiation, development, and apoptosis. The unique expression of NDRG2 in SCO and hypospermatogenic testis suggests its pivotal role in those diseases. In this study, we analyzed NDRG2 expression profiles in the testes of normal spermatogenesis patients, hypospermatogenesis patients, and SCO patients, as well as in vivo and in vitro models, which were Sprague-Dawley rats and the Leydig cell line TM3 treated with the Leydig cell-specific toxicant ethane-dimethanesulfonate (EDS). Our data confirm that NDRG2 is normally exclusively located in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells and is up-regulated and translocates into the nucleus under apoptotic stimulations in human and murine testis. Meanwhile, transcription factor NF-κB was activated by EDS administration, bound to the ndrg2 promoter, and further increased in expression, effects that were abolished by NF-κB inhibitor Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Furthermore, siRNA knock-down of ndrg2 led to increased proliferative or decreased apoptotic TM3 cells, while over-expression of ndrg2 had the reverse effect. This study reveals that ndrg2 is a novel gene that participates in Leydig cell apoptosis, with essential functions in testicular cells, and suggests its possible role in apoptotic Leydig cells and male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Association of the testis-specific TRIM/RBCC protein RNF33/TRIM60 with the cytoplasmic motor proteins KIF3A and KIF3B. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 360:121-31. [PMID: 21909995 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The Rnf33/Trim60 gene is temporally transcribed in the preimplantation embryo before being silenced at the blastocyst stage but Rnf33 expression is detected in adult testis of the mouse. The putative RNF33 protein is a tripartite motif (TRIM)/RBCC protein composed of a typical RING zinc finger, a B-box 2, two α-helical coiled-coil segments, and a B30.2 domain. As a first step towards the elucidation of the biologic function of RNF33, we aimed in this study to elucidate proteins that associate with RNF33. RNF33-interacting proteins were first derived by the yeast two-hybrid system followed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Interacting domains were determined by deletion mapping in genetic and biochemical analyzes. RNF33 was shown to interact with the kinesin-2 family members 3A (KIF3A) and 3B (KIF3B) motor proteins in the heterodimeric form known to transport cargos along the microtubule. Domain mapping showed that the RB and B30.2 domains of RNF33 interacted with the respective carboxyl non-motor domains of KIF3A and KIF3B. Since RNF33 interacted with the carboxyl-terminal tail of the KIF3A-KIF3B heterodimer, the motor head section of KIF3A-KIF3B was free and available for association with designated cargo(s) and movement along the microtubule. Data also suggest that RNF33 most likely interacted with KIF3A-KIF3B independent of the adaptor kinesin-associated protein KAP3. This study is a first demonstration of a TRIM protein, namely RNF33, that interacts with the kinesin molecular motors possibly contributing to kinesin-dependent mobilization of specific cargo(s) along the microtubule in the testis of the mouse.
Collapse
|
12
|
Pastor LM, Zuasti A, Ferrer C, Bernal-Mañas CM, Morales E, Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V. Proliferation and apoptosis in aged and photoregressed mammalian seminiferous epithelium, with particular attention to rodents and humans. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:155-64. [PMID: 20149139 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Imbalances in the proliferation and apoptosis processes are involved in numerous epithelial alterations. In the seminiferous epithelium, normal spermatogenesis is regulated by spermatogonia proliferation and germ cell apoptosis, and both processes are involved in diverse pathological alterations of the seminiferous epithelium. Other physiological phenomena including aging and short photoperiod, in which apoptosis and proliferation seem to play important roles, cause testicular changes. Aging is accompanied by diminished proliferation and increased apoptosis, the latter occurring in specific states of the seminiferous cycle and considered the cause of epithelium involution. However, there is no clear evidence concerning whether proliferation decreases in the spermatogonia themselves or is due to an alteration in the cell microenvironment that surrounds them. As regards the factors that regulate the process, the data are scant, but it is considered that the diminution of c-kit expression in the spermatagonia, together with the diminution in antiapoptotic factors (Bcl-x(L))) of the intrinsic molecular pathway of apoptosis play a part in epithelial regression. A short photoperiod, especially in rodents, produces a gradual involution of the seminiferous epithelium, which is related with increased apoptosis during the regression phase and a diminution of apoptosis during recrudescence. Proliferative activity varies, especially during the total regression phase, when it usually increases in the undifferentiated spermatogonia. In other species showing seasonal reproduction, however, decreased proliferation is considered the main factor in the regression of the seminiferous epithelium. Little is known about how both phenomena are regulated, although data in rodents suggest that both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis contribute to the increase in this process. In conclusion, regression of the seminiferous epithelium in physiological situations, as in many pathological situations, is a result of alterations in equilibrium between the proliferation and apoptosis of germinal cell types. However, both physiological phenomena showed important differences as regard proliferation/apoptosis and their regulation pathways, probably as a result of their irreversible or reversible character.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Pastor
- Department of Cellular Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, Medical School, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Altered expression and localization of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the testes of a cryptorchid rat model. Urology 2010; 77:251.e1-6. [PMID: 20951417 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the involvement of estrogen in spermatogenesis, we evaluated the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) in the cryptorchid testes in model rats exposed to flutamide during the fetal stage. METHODS Cryptorchid model rats were produced by administering flutamide to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. To evaluate the sequential change in the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta genes, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using specific primers. Immunohistochemistry with ERalpha and ERbeta antibodies was performed, and the results were evaluated to determine the influences of orchiopexy. RESULTS Real-time RT-PCR revealed that ERalpha expression in control testes increases with growth and peaks value at 7 weeks and significantly decreases in cryptorchid testes. ERbeta expression was low, and there were no significant differences between both the cryptorchid and control testes groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed that ERalpha protein was present in the spermatids and Sertoli cells of descended testes, and that this protein was strongly expressed in the Leydig cells of cryptorchid testes. ERbeta was detected in multiple cells in both groups. After orchiopexy, ERalpha expression was detected in the spermatids of cryptorchid testes. CONCLUSIONS Spermatogenesis in cryptorchid rats is disrupted. Because the expression of ERbeta was unchanged in both control and cryptorchid testes, we supposed that alteration in ERalpha levels is more closely related to spermatogenic failure than ERbeta levels in the cryptorchid testes. We considered that increased expression of ERalpha in Leydig cells of cryptorchid testes is associated with estradiol level in the testicular tissue, and androgen-estrogen imbalance deteriorates spermatogenesis in cryptorchidism.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu LF, Li GP, Su JD, Pu ZJ, Feng JL, Ye YQ, Wei BL. Involvement of NF-kappaB activation in the apoptosis induced by extracellular adenosine in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 88:705-14. [PMID: 20651843 DOI: 10.1139/o10-008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine can exhibit cytotoxic activity in vivo and in vitro, though its mechanisms are still uncertain. In this study, we investigated the adenosine-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway and the role of NF-kappaB in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of adenosine for 12-48 h, and the effect of adenosine on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity of adenosine alone or in combination with an NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), was also evaluated by MTT assay and the mode of cell death was detected by Hoechst 33342 staining. Cell cycle progress was performed by flow cytometry with PI staining. The protein expressions of Bcl-2, p53, NF-kappaB subunit p65, and caspase-3 were assayed by Western blot. Caspase-3 activity was measured by spectrophotomteric assay. The results showed that adenosine significantly reduced the viability of HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with IC 50 (24 and 48 h) of 2.52 and 1.89 mmol x L(-1), respectively. The apoptotic index (percentage of sub-G1 phase) of HepG2 cells in adenosine treatment alone for 12 and 24 h or in combination with PDTC were 8.30%, 22.32% and 20.18%, 30.89%, respectively. All of them were higher than that in the control group (0.81%, p < 0.01). The characteristic changes of cell apoptosis (chromatin condensation and sub-G1 peak) were observed under fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. We also found that the apoptotic process triggered by adenosine was involved in G0-G1 cell-cycle arrest, enhanced the activity of caspase-3, upregulated p53 and NF-kappaB p65 expression, and downregulated Bcl-2 expression. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by PDTC decreased NF-kappaB p65 expression, enhanced cell apoptosis ratio, and increased caspase-3 activity. NF-kappaB may play an anti-apoptosis role in adenosine-induced HepG2 cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Fei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rodriguez V, Diaz de Barboza G, Ponce R, Merico V, Garagna S, Tolosa de Talamoni N. Spermatocyte apoptosis, which involves both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, explains the sterility of Graomys griseoflavus x Graomys centralis male hybrids. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:478-88. [PMID: 20047733 DOI: 10.1071/rd09106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic impairment and the apoptotic pathways involved in establishing sterility of male hybrids obtained from crossing Graomys griseoflavus females with Graomys centralis males were studied. Testes from G. centralis, G. griseoflavus and hybrids were compared at different ages. Terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay (TUNEL), Fas, Bax and cytochrome c labelling were used for apoptosis evaluation, and calbindin D(28k) staining as an anti-apoptotic molecule. In 1-month-old animals, spermatocytes were positive for all apoptotic markers, but moderate TUNEL (+) spermatocyte frequency was only found in G. centralis. At subsequent ages, the apoptotic markers were downregulated in testes from parental cytotypes, but not in hybrid testes. TUNEL (+) spermatocytes were present at 78% and 44% per tubule cross-section in 2- and 3-month-old hybrid animals, respectively. Pachytene spermatocyte death in adult hybrids occurs via apoptosis, as revealed by high caspase-3 expression. Calbindin was highly expressed in spermatocytes of adult hybrids, in which massive cell death occurs via apoptosis. Calbindin co-localisation with TUNEL or Fas, Bax and cytochrome c was very limited, suggesting an inverse regulation of calbindin and apoptotic markers. Hybrid sterility is due to breakdown of spermatogenesis at the pachytene spermatocyte stage. Both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways are involved in apoptosis of spermatocytes, which are the most sensitive cell type to apoptotic stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Rodriguez
- Laboratorio 'Dr Cañas', Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Agarwal A, Mahfouz RZ, Sharma RK, Sarkar O, Mangrola D, Mathur PP. Potential biological role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in male gametes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:143. [PMID: 19961617 PMCID: PMC2800114 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Accepted: 12/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the integrity of sperm DNA is vital to reproduction and male fertility. Sperm contain a number of molecules and pathways for the repair of base excision, base mismatches and DNA strand breaks. The presence of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a DNA repair enzyme, and its homologues has recently been shown in male germ cells, specifically during stage VII of spermatogenesis. High PARP expression has been reported in mature spermatozoa and in proven fertile men. Whenever there are strand breaks in sperm DNA due to oxidative stress, chromatin remodeling or cell death, PARP is activated. However, the cleavage of PARP by caspase-3 inactivates it and inhibits PARP's DNA-repairing abilities. Therefore, cleaved PARP (cPARP) may be considered a marker of apoptosis. The presence of higher levels of cPARP in sperm of infertile men adds a new proof for the correlation between apoptosis and male infertility. This review describes the possible biological significance of PARP in mammalian cells with the focus on male reproduction. The review elaborates on the role played by PARP during spermatogenesis, sperm maturation in ejaculated spermatozoa and the potential role of PARP as new marker of sperm damage. PARP could provide new strategies to preserve fertility in cancer patients subjected to genotoxic stresses and may be a key to better male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Reda Z Mahfouz
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rakesh K Sharma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Oli Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Devna Mangrola
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Premendu P Mathur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kojima Y, Mizuno K, Kohri K, Hayashi Y. Advances in molecular genetics of cryptorchidism. Urology 2009; 74:571-8. [PMID: 19589567 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2009.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital disorder in boys; one major complication of this disorder is male infertility. Androgens are key hormones to complete testicular descent; therefore, impaired fetal androgen action can result in this anomaly; its molecular etiology, however, remains unknown. Recent molecular approaches might provide an opportunity to identify not only candidate genes but also several predictive markers of future fertility. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent insight into the genetic pathway of testicular descent and the molecular etiology of isolated cryptorchidism, and discuss the prospects of treatment to achieve future fertility in such patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ortiz RJ, Lizama C, Codelia VA, Moreno RD. A molecular evaluation of germ cell death induced by etoposide in pubertal rat testes. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:363-71. [PMID: 19346530 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Etoposide is widely used in the treatment of patients with testicular cancer. The mechanism underlying apoptosis induction in cancer cells has been studied in different cell types, but it is not known whether the same factors participate in viable germ cells undergoing programmed cell death. Since testicular cancer primarily affects young males, we used pubertal rats (21 days old) as a model to determine different apoptotic parameters after etoposide treatment in healthy testes. We found that one intratesticular injection of etoposide (1.2 microg/testis) induced a significant increase in spermatocytes undergoing apoptosis, along with activation of caspase-9, -8 and -3 after 24 h of treatment. Spermatocyte apoptosis was inhibited when a general caspase inhibitor was added along with etoposide. Etoposide induces a significant stabilization/activation of p53, resulting in an increase level of this protein. The mRNA of Bcl-2 antagonist of cell death (BAD), a pro-apoptotic gene and a transcriptional target of p53, was significantly increased after etoposide treatment. Thus, our results suggest a single injection of etoposide induces apoptosis in healthy pachytene spermatocytes mediated by p53 and caspase activation. These findings will assist the search for new therapies to prevent the deleterious effect of cancer drugs upon normal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rina J Ortiz
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|