1
|
Hsieh KL, Sun TB, Huang KH, Lin CH, Tang LY, Liu CL, Chao CM, Chang CP. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning normalizes scrotal temperature, sperm quality, testicular structure, and erectile function in adult male rats subjected to exertional heat injury. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112175. [PMID: 38341020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Testicular hyperthermia has been noted in men who work in high ambient temperatures. Scrotal temperatures above the normal range caused germ cell loss in the testes and resulted in male subfertility. In adult male rats, exercising at a higher environmental temperature (36 °C with relative humidity of 50%, 52 min) caused exertional heat stroke (EHS) characterized by scrotal hyperthermia, impaired sperm quality, dysmorphology in testes, prostates and bladders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we aim to ascertain whether hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP: 100% O2 at 2.0 atm absolute [ATA] for 2 h daily for 14 days consequently before the onset of EHS) is able to prevent the problem of EHS-induced sterility, testes, prostates, and bladders dysmorphology and erectile dysfunction. At the end of exertional heat stress compared to normobaric air (NBA or non-HBOP) rats, the HBOP rats exhibited lower body core temperature (40 °C vs. 43 °C), lower scrotal temperature (34 °C vs. 36 °C), lower neurological severity scores (2.8 vs. 5.8), higher erectile ability, (5984 mmHg-sec vs. 3788 mmHg-sec), higher plasma testosterone (6.8 ng/mL vs. 3.5 ng/mL), lower plasma follicle stimulating hormone (196.3 mIU/mL vs. 513.8 mIU/mL), lower plasma luteinizing hormone (131 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L), lower plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (5136 pg/mL vs. 6129 pg/mL), lower plasma corticosterone (0.56 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL), lower sperm loss and lower values of histopathological scores for epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bladder. Our data suggest that HBOP reduces body core and scrotal hyperthermia and improves sperm loss, testis/prostate/bladder dysmorphology, and erectile dysfunction after EHS in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Bor Sun
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hua Huang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Yu Tang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Liang Liu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Ping Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Akram M, Ali SA, Kaul G. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation ameliorates chronic restraint stress-induced male reproductive dysfunction. Food Funct 2023; 14:8558-8574. [PMID: 37661714 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03153e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Restraint stress (RS) can induce male reproductive deficits by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and causing oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that probiotics can alleviate neurological and metabolic disorders induced by stress. However, the effects of probiotics on RS-induced reproductive deficits have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC-610 (Probiotic-1) and Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC-400 (Probiotic-2) with prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides (FOS)) could prevent RS-induced reproductive deficits. C57BL6/J mice were subjected to RS for four hours daily before oral administration of probiotics (4 × 109 CFU per mice) either separately or concurrently with FOS. The results showed that oral administration of Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 protected against RS-induced sperm deficits, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and histopathology of testes, and improved intestinal health. Furthermore, Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 prevented RS-induced changes in testosterone levels by up-regulating the expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) in the testes. Additionally, Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 increased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and reduced the fold change of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicating a protective effect against RS-induced oxidative stress. Oral administration of Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2, either separately or concurrently with FOS (probiotic dose of 4 × 109 CFU per mice and prebiotic 5% w/v), prevented RS-induced activation of the HPA axis and improved male fertility. These findings suggest that L. rhamnosus NCDC-610 and L. fermentum NCDC-400 are safe and effective probiotics for mitigating stress-induced male reproductive deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Akram
- Semen Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India.
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Cell Biology and Proteomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gautam Kaul
- Semen Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Paternal Nicotine/Ethanol/Caffeine Mixed Exposure Induces Offspring Rat Dysplasia and Its Potential "GC-IGF1" Programming Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315081. [PMID: 36499404 PMCID: PMC9737622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315081] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and animal studies suggest that paternal exposure to adverse environments (bad living habits and chronic stress, etc.) has profound impacts on offspring development; however, the mechanism of paternal disease has not been clarified. In this study, a meta-analysis was first performed to suggest that paternal exposure to nicotine, ethanol, or caffeine is a high-risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Next, we created a rat model of paternal nicotine/ethanol/caffeine mixed exposure (PME), whereby male Wistar rats were exposed to nicotine (0.1 mg/kg/d), ethanol (0.5 g/kg/d), and caffeine (7.5 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks continuously, then mated with normal female rats to obtain a fetus (n = 12 for control group, n = 10 for PME group). Then, we analyzed the changes in paternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, testicular function, pregnancy outcomes, fetal serum metabolic indicators, and multiple organ functions to explore the mechanism from the perspective of chronic stress. Our results demonstrated that PME led to enhanced paternal HPA axis activity, decreased sperm quality, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirth and absorption, decreased fetal weight and body length, and intrauterine growth retardation), abnormal fetal serum metabolic indicators (corticosterone, glucolipid metabolism, and sex hormones), and fetal multi-organ dysfunction (including hippocampus, adrenal, liver, ossification, and gonads). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the increased paternal corticosterone level was closely related to decreased sperm quality, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and abnormal offspring multi-organ function development. Among them, the decreased activity of the glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis may be the main mechanism of offspring development and multi-organ dysfunction caused by PME. This study explored the impact of common paternal lifestyle in daily life on offspring development, and proposed the GC-IGF1 programming mechanisms of paternal chronic stress-induced offspring dysplasia, which provides a novel insight for exploring the important role of paternal chronic stress in offspring development and guiding a healthy lifestyle for men.
Collapse
|
4
|
Momordica charantia fruit extract with antioxidant capacity improves the expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in epididymal fluid of chronic stress rats. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:534-542. [PMID: 36167706 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although the protective effects of Momordica charantia L. (MC) extract on chemical-induced testicular damage have been studied, the preventive effects of MC extract on functional proteins in the epididymis under chronic stress have never been reported. This study investigated the protective effects of MC fruit extract on protein secretion, especially tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, in the epididymis of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). METHODS Total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC) and antioxidant capacities of MC extract were measured. Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, CUS group, and 2 groups of CUS that received different doses of MC extract (40 or 80 mg/kg). In treated groups, rats were given MC daily, followed by induction of CUS (1 stressor was randomly applied from a battery of 9 potential stressors) for 60 consecutive days. Plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels were analyzed after the end of experiment. Expressions of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins present in the fluid of the head and tail of the epididymis were quantified using Western blot. RESULTS MC extract contained TPC of (19.005 ± 0.270) mg gallic acid equivalents and TFC of (0.306 ± 0.012) mg catechin equivalents per gram, and had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant capacity of (4.985 ± 0.086) mg trolox equivalents per gram, radical 50% inhibitory concentration of (2.011 ± 0.008) mg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power of (23.697 ± 0.819) µmol Fe(II) per gram. Testosterone level in the epididymis was significantly increased, while the corticosterone level was significantly improved in groups treated with MC extract, compared to the CUS animals. Particularly, an 80 mg/kg dose of MC extract prevented the impairments of HSP-70 and tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expressions in the luminal fluid of the epididymis of CUS rats. CONCLUSION MC fruit extract had antioxidant activities and improved the functional proteins secreted from the head and tail of the epididymis. It is possible to develop the MC fruit extract as a male fertility supplement for enhancing functional sperm maturation in stressed men.
Collapse
|
5
|
Proposition of a Simplified Protocol and New Parameter Introduction in NMRI Mice Anhedonia Induction. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2020-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: A broad spectrum of research involving stress and stress protocols has long proven that a point of anhedonia, social defeat and learned helplessness can be achieved and observed – with anhedonia being a clinical symptom of Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar Affective Disorder.
Aim: The aim of this study is the development of a simplified protocol for anhedonia induction in NMRI male mice in order to shorten the period of mice suffering and decrease complexity of the procedure for other researchers and introduction of new parameter in order to achieve better standardization of results.
Materials and Methods: 21 male NMRI mice were introduced to 2 different stress protocols (one found in literature and one simplified) where cognitive- behavioral status was tested using the Sucrose Preference Test, Open Field Test, Grooming Pattern and histological examination of adrenal glands, and to propose a new protocol for fellow researchers.
Results: Results observed include the successful induction of anhedonia proven by Sucrose Preference Tests, Barbering effect and microhemorrhage of the adrenal glands. Simplified protocol showed superiority compared to the one found in literature.
Conclusion: Simplified protocol showed higher efficiency and reduced amount of work during testing phase. Introduction of NMI as a new parameter during behavioral evaluation resulted in better standardization of measured SPT values that incorporates common knowledge of mammal physiology. A big developmental step was the introduction of the Normalised Mass Index to even out mass fluctuations and differences in basal metabolism, which we recommend to other researchers and institutions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kolbasi B, Bulbul MV, Karabulut S, Altun CE, Cakici C, Ulfer G, Mudok T, Keskin I. Chronic unpredictable stress disturbs the blood-testis barrier affecting sperm parameters in mice. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:983-995. [PMID: 33653651 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does chronic stress affect the key proteins and sperm parameters of the blood-testis barrier (BTB)? DESIGN C57Bl/6 mice were divided into two groups: a non-treated control group and a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) applied group. The stress status of the animals was confirmed with behavioural tests. Histopathologic evaluation was conducted by haematoxylin and eosin staining and electron microscope. Malondialdehyde, corticosterone and testosterone levels were evaluated in peripheral blood. Expression levels of BTB proteins, namely zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-11 (CLDN11) and clathrin in Sertoli cells, were assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques. Sperm samples were collected from cauda epididymis, and sperm parameters analysed. RESULTS The stress model was confirmed by behavioural tests. Histopathological evaluation of the testes demonstrated a mild degeneration in seminiferous tubules. Malondialdehyde (P = 0.008) and corticosterone levels increased (P = 0.004) and testosterone levels decreased (P = 0.005) in the CUS group. Electron microscopic evaluation confirmed the damage in BTB integrity in the CUS group. Western blot analysis showed that ZO-1 and CLDN11 levels were significantly decreased, although clathrin levels were unchanged. Although sperm concentration and total motility rate were not significantly different between the groups, progressive motility (P = 0.03), normal sperm morphology (P = 0.04), chromatin integrity (toluidine blue) (P = 0.002) and the acrosomal reaction rate (P = 0.002) were significantly decreased, and acrosomal abnormality rate was dramatically increased (P = 0.04) in the CUS group. CONCLUSIONS In mice, CUS disrupted BTB integrity and impaired sperm parameters. A decrease in ZO-1 and CLDN11 expression levels may be proposed as the causative factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bircan Kolbasi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Volkan Bulbul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seda Karabulut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Erdem Altun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cagri Cakici
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gozde Ulfer
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tangul Mudok
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Kent University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Keskin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tian P, Zhao Z, Fan Y, Cui N, Shi B, Hao G. Changes in Expressions of Spermatogenic Marker Genes and Spermatogenic Cell Population Caused by Stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:584125. [PMID: 34707565 PMCID: PMC8542882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.584125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many young adults are in a state of stress due to social and psychological pressures, which may result in male reproductive dysfunction. To provide new insight into this phenomenon, we investigated the effect of stress on the regulation of key genes and biological events in specific stages of spermatogenesis. After establishing rat stress models of different time durations, we observed pathological changes in testis through haematoxylin and eosin staining, and analysed gene expression in testis by RNA-seq, bioinformatic analysis, and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with the TissueFAXS quantitative imaging system was used to verify changes of different population of spermatogenic cells marked by differentially expressed marker genes. Our results showed that prolonged stress can lead to pathological changes in the testes, such as thinning of the spermatogenic epithelium, a decreased number of spermatogenic epithelial cells, the disordered arrangement of spermatogenic cells, and a decreased number of mature sperms. RNA-seq revealed that key marker spermatogenesis-related genes such as Stra8, Sycp3, Piwil1, and Tnp1 had significantly decreased expression levels in chronic stress groups, and this was confirmed by RT-qPCR and IHC. Collectively, these findings suggest that chronic stress causes damaging pathological changes in testis and dysregulates the marker genes of specific stages of spermatogenesis and change the population of spermatogenic cells, which may be a critical responsible for male reproductive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiming Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanli Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Baojun Shi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Baojun Shi, ; Guimin Hao,
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Baojun Shi, ; Guimin Hao,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hernández-Aguilar ME, Serrano MK, Pérez F, Aranda-Abreu GE, Sanchez V, Mateos A, Manzo J, Rojas-Durán F, Cruz-Gomez Y, Herrera-Covarrubias D. Quantification of neural and hormonal receptors at the prostate of long-term sexual behaving male rats after lesion of pelvic and hypogastric nerves. Physiol Behav 2020; 222:112915. [PMID: 32389668 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112915] [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: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prostate function is regulated by androgens and a neural control via the pelvic and hypogastric nerves. As such, this sexual gland contains receptors for acetylcholine and noradrenaline, although it is unknown whether the expression of these receptors is affected by sexual behavior and even less by denervation of the gland. Thus, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of repeated sexual behavior on the expression of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and androgen receptors at the prostate, and how they are affected by denervation. To achieve this, we used sexually experienced males denervated at the pelvic or hypogastric nerves, or both. The messenger (mRNA) and protein for androgen, noradrenergic, and cholinergic receptors were evaluated. The weight of the gland and the levels of serum testosterone were also measured. We found that: (1) sexual behavior was not affected by denervation; (2) blood testosterone levels increased due to sexual behavior but such increase is prevented by denervation; (3) the weight of the ventral prostate increased with sexual behavior but was not affected by denervation; (4) AR messenger levels increased with sexual behavior but were not altered by denervation; (5) the messenger for noradrenergic and cholinergic receptors decreased after denervation, and those for muscarinic receptors increased, and (6) only AR protein decreased after denervation of both nerves, while those for other receptors remained unchanged. In summary, we show that the three receptors have different regulatory mechanisms, and that only androgen receptors are regulated by both autonomic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Elena Hernández-Aguilar
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México; Doctorado en Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México; Centro Tlaxcala en Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma deTlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México.
| | - María Karina Serrano
- Doctorado en Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.
| | - Fabiola Pérez
- Doctorado en Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.
| | | | - Viridiana Sanchez
- Doctorado en Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.
| | - Alejandro Mateos
- Doctorado en Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.
| | - Jorge Manzo
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.
| | - Fausto Rojas-Durán
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.
| | - Yolanda Cruz-Gomez
- Centro Tlaxcala en Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma deTlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shen Y, He D, He L, Bai Y, Wang B, Xue Y, Hou G. Chronic Psychological Stress, but Not Chronic Pain Stress, Influences Sexual Motivation and Induces Testicular Autophagy in Male Rats. Front Psychol 2020; 11:826. [PMID: 32425863 PMCID: PMC7203493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is an important physiological process of mammalian fertilization. The germ cells are susceptible to the harmful effects of either psychological or physiological stress, which could induce male infertility. Our previous studies have found that chronic psychological stress could decrease sexual motivation. However, molecular mechanisms underlying male reproductive toxicity induced by chronic stress remain elusive. Recently, autophagy is proven to be involved in regulating the survival of germ cells, which is related to apoptosis. Herein, we established a chronic psychological stress model and a chronic pain model (physiological stressor) to explore the roles of autophagy in germ cells. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group, the chronic psychological stress group, the SNI-sham group, and the chronic pain stress group. After exposure to stress for 35 days, open field test and the unconditioned sexual motivation test were performed. Following the behavioral experiment, autophagy in the rat testis was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. We found both chronic psychological stress and chronic pain stress reduced total travel distance, the frequency of central crossing and increased the sensitivity to mechanical pain. While chronic psychological stress, but not the chronic pain stress declined sexual motivation. Chronic psychological stress prompt the expression of LC3-II with the decreased expression of p62, indicating that chronic psychological stress induced autophagy in rat testis. However, there was no significant difference between the expression of LC3-II and p62 in male rats under chronic pain stress. Therefore, chronic psychological stress and chronic pain stress have common behavior changes, but due to its unpredictability, chronic psychological stress leads to a decline in sexual motivation in male rats and induced the autophagy in testicular tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Shen
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danni He
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luhong He
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gonglin Hou
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gumus R, Uslu S, Uslu BA. The effects of different dietary protein sources on live weight, sperm quality and the histology of the testes and accessory glands in male rats. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13601. [PMID: 32311150 DOI: 10.1111/and.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the effects of corn and wheat gluten, used as dietary protein sources, on live weight gain, sperm quality and the histology of the testes and accessory glands in male rats. For this purpose, 20-day-old 24 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 (Control), Group 2 and Group 3 were fed on a basal ration supplemented with high levels of soybean meal, corn gluten and wheat gluten, respectively, as a protein source. At the end of the study, when compared to Group 1, live weight values were determined to have increased in Group 3 and to have decreased in Group 2 (p < .05). Furthermore, sperm density, sperm motility, the dead/ live sperm ratio and testes weight were determined to have significantly decreased in Group 2, in comparison to Groups 1 and 3 (p < .05). The percentages of abnormal spermatozoon, and head, acrosome, mid-piece and tail abnormalities were high in Group 2 (p < .05). Histological examination demonstrated that, in Group 2, the diameter of the Tubulus Seminiferous Contortus (TSC) and the size of the Tubular Epithelial Cells (TE) were small, and the tubular and anatomical structure of the testes were shrunken and altered. Group 2 also presented with connective tissue increase and alveolar lumen enlargement in the prostate gland, and with connective tissue thickening, muscle tissue increase and secretory capacity decrease in the seminal vesicle (p < .05). Moreover, in Group 2, the Gl. Bulbourethral (Cowper's gland) presented with a decreased size and dilatations in the mucous structures. In a result, based on the findings obtained in this study, it is suggested that high levels of dietary corn gluten adversely affect live weight, sperm quality, and the testes and accessory glands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Recep Gumus
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Sema Uslu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Barıs A Uslu
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu B, Zhao L, Yue C, Qian M, Xie M. Changes in gonadal function at different stages of chronic restraint stress-induced depression animals. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
12
|
Eşki F, Çetin N, Uslu S, Uslu BA, Şendağ S, Yörük M, Naseer Z, Wehrend A, Shakeel M. Effects of long-term release GnRH agonist "deslorelin" on testicular HSP expression, accessory sex glands and testicular functions in adult male rats. Theriogenology 2019; 134:104-111. [PMID: 31158733 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present was to determine the effect of long-term release GnRH agonists "deslorelin" on suppression and restoration of testicular and accessory sex glands functions, and expression of HSP in testes of adult male rats. A group of twenty-eight male rats and fifty-six female rats were kept for eleven months. The male rats were subdivided into treatment (n = 18; deslorelin, an analogue of GnRH, 4.7 mg, S.C; six months) and control (n = 10; untreated), and the adult female rats were introduced with either treatment or control male rats at the 2nd, 6th and 11th months post implant insertion. At 6th month of deslorelin implants insertion, six male rats from treatment and five rats from control group were sacrificed. The remaining (twelve treatment and five control) male rats were sacrificed at 11 months. The testicular dimension were measured monthly in both treatment and control rats. The blood samples were collected for testosterone and HSP70 antibody, whereas, the testes and accessory glands were isolated for histological examination at each sacrificial time. The results showed that testicular dimension were significantly lesser in treatment group until 9 months post treatment. HSP70 protein expression was negligible at 6 months in treatment group but its intensity increased in spermatids 11 months of treatment similar to control group. Significantly lower testosterone concentrations with poor semen quality, and smaller litter size were observed in treatment group. The histological picture of accessory sex glands and seminiferous tubules shown a variable integrity in treatment group than control at 6 months implant insertion. In conclusion, the subcutaneous application of 4.7 mg of the GnRH-analogue deslorelin represents a practicable, like in the female rats, method to suppress testicular, accessory sex glands functions, testicular HSP expression and fertility in male rats. Moreover, the suppressive effects of deslorelin, continued until 11th months after removal of the implant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Funda Eşki
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Nebi Çetin
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynecology, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, 65080, Van, Turkey
| | - Sema Uslu
- Veterinary Histology and Embryology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Barış Atalay Uslu
- Clinic for Veterinary Andrology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Sait Şendağ
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynecology, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, 65080, Van, Turkey
| | - Mecit Yörük
- Veterinary Histology and Embryology, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, 65080, Van, Turkey
| | - Zahid Naseer
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pitcher MH, Tarum F, Lehmann M, Bushnell MC. Persistent inflammatory pain alters sexually-motivated behavior in male rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 356:380-389. [PMID: 30205121 PMCID: PMC7485009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Urine from pro-œstrus female rodents evokes increased levels of sexually-motivated behaviors in males, including sniffing and scent marking of the urine spot as well as activation of brain reward regions. Stressors such as social defeat can adversely impact urine scent marking behavior in male rodents, an effect that can be mitigated with anti-depressant drugs. Persistent pain is also known to be a potent stressor, producing elevated levels of plasma corticosterone as well as reduced sucrose preference and reduced social interaction. However, the effect of persistent pain on sexually-motivated behavior is unknown. Here, we compared urine scent marking behavior in male rats for up to 3 weeks following intra-articular injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) or sham injection. CFA-injected rats exhibited profound and ongoing deficits in static weight bearing capacity. CFA-induced persistent inflammatory pain increased plasma corticosterone levels and reduced urine scent marking behavior in male rats. Moreover, while the vast majority of injured rats showed decreased urine scent marking preference for the pro-œstrus female urine spot, male rats with higher baseline scent marking preference also exhibited higher post-injury scent marking preference, more sniffing behavior and lower levels of plasma corticosterone, compared to those with lower baseline scent marking preference. Overall, scent marking behavior may be an ethologically relevant behavioral predictor of persistent pain-induced stress in rats, representing a novel translational approach to understanding chronic pain comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Henry Pitcher
- Pain and Integrative Neuroscience Laboratory, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States.
| | - Farid Tarum
- Pain and Integrative Neuroscience Laboratory, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States
| | - Michael Lehmann
- Section on Functional Neuroanatomy, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States
| | - M Catherine Bushnell
- Pain and Integrative Neuroscience Laboratory, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pal'chikova NA, Kuzminova OI, Selyatitskaya VG. Stress Response to Physical Exercise in Rats with Alimentary Obesity. Bull Exp Biol Med 2018; 164:587-590. [PMID: 29577206 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-018-4037-6] [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: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stress response to physical exercise was studied in rats with alimentary obesity with and without caloric diet restriction. Daily excretion of corticosterone, progesterone, and testosterone, weights of internal organs, and serum levels of glucose, free fatty acids, triglycerides, corticosterone, and testosterone were estimated. Stress response to moderate exercise in rats with alimentary obesity was associated with predominance of anabolic influence of testosterone over the catabolic effects of corticosterone, which promoted the increase in the weight of reproductive organs. Exposure to physical loads against the background of restricted ration potentiated the response of the adrenocortical system and reduced the concentration and anabolic effects of testosterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N A Pal'chikova
- Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - O I Kuzminova
- Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V G Selyatitskaya
- Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Assessment of Cardiac Vegetative Control during Acute Graduated Exogenous Normobaric Hypoxia in Rats. Bull Exp Biol Med 2018; 164:591-595. [PMID: 29577207 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-018-4038-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of exogenous normobaric hypoxic hypoxia on vegetative control of the heart and BP were examined in Wistar rats. The reference ranges of variation pulsometry parameters were determined in rats with normoxemia for 3 physiological variants of autonomic homeostasis: eutony, sympathicotony, and vagotony. Most rats (80%) demonstrated autonomic eutony. The study showed that saturation of arterial blood with oxygen is the most adequate assessment of severity of acute exogenous normobaric hypoxic hypoxia progressing within a closed hypoxic chamber, which standardizes this method and minimizes inaccuracies resulting from individual sensitivity to hypoxic stress. The changes in functional activity of systems that control the heart rhythm closely correlated with the drop in arterial blood oxygenation. While a small arterial hypoxemia activated the ergotropic elements of autonomic nervous system central subdivision accompanied by elevation of systolic BP, the moderate hypoxemia augmented the cholinergic influences and moderated the adrenergic ones under maintaining mobilization of the central autonomic nervous system-control loop and normotension. Severe hypoxemia was manifested by augmented influences from autonomic nervous system central subdivisions on the heart rate, disadaptation of the control systems, and systolic-diastolic arterial hypotension.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mohamadpour M, Noorafshan A, Karbalay-Doust S, Talaei-Khozani T, Aliabadi E. Protective effects of curcumin co-treatment in rats with establishing chronic variable stress on testis and reproductive hormones. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.7.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
|
17
|
Juárez-Rojas L, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Casillas F, Retana-Márquez S. Gradual decrease in spermatogenesis caused by chronic stress. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:284-291. [PMID: 28236448 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress induces decreased sperm motility, viability and concentration in stressed males. Also, stress modifies oxidative status and causes apoptosis in testes, as well as a decrease in the epithelial area of seminiferous tubules. However, there are no studies that analyze the alterations caused by stress in testicular cells. Thus, in this study, alterations in the morphology of testicular germ cells caused by different days of chronic stress were assessed. Adult male rats were exposed to stress by immersion in cold water (ICW) daily for 3, 8, 20 or 50 consecutive days. Plasma testosterone and corticosterone were also assessed. Results showed that chronic stress causes loss of germ cells, and alteration of spermatogenesis. Seminiferous tubules from stressed males showed several degenerative signs, such as vacuoles in the basal epithelium, with picnotic indicia; moderate to severe exfoliation of degenerative germinal cells in the tubule lumen was also observed. These alterations were observed in all days of stress in a gradual way, from day 3-50. Testosterone levels were decreased at all those times, and corticosterone concentrations were increased on the same days. These results show that chronic stress causes severe damage to germ cells, which can account for infertility problems in males. These alterations are related to a decrease in testosterone as well as an increase in corticosterone caused by stress.
Collapse
|
18
|
Demir A, Uslu M, Arslan OE. The effect of seasonal variation on sexual behaviors in males and its correlation with hormone levels: a prospective clinical trial. Cent European J Urol 2016; 69:285-289. [PMID: 27729996 PMCID: PMC5057046 DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2016.793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We examined the effect of seasonal variation on sexual behavior and its relationship with testosterone levels. The existence of the inhibiting effect of cold stress on sexual behavior and testosterone levels was our hypothesis. Material and methods A total of 80 cases, aged between 20 and 35 years old, were enrolled. Blood samples for testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin were obtained twice from each participant at the same time of day (before 10 am). The first samples were taken in January and February, the months which have the average lowest heat days (-15.9°C and -14.6°C, respectively) in our region. The second samples were taken in July and August, which has the average highest heat days (25.4°C and 26.1°C, respectively) in our region. Two times IIEFs (International Index of Erectil Function) were fulfilled at the same day of taking blood samples. The frequency of sexual thoughts and ejaculation were questioned by asking “How many times did you imagine having sex?’’ and “How many times did you ejaculate in a week?”. The body mass index of the participants in the study was calculated in the winter and in the summer. Results There were significant differences in terms of IIEF scores, frequency of sexual thoughts and ejaculations, BMI (Body mass index), and both testosterone and FSH levels between the winter and summer measurements. We did not find any significant differences with regards to prolactin and LH levels. Conclusions Although testosterone levels are within normal limits in both seasons, its level in cold months is less than in hot months. Testosterone levels can change according to the season. The impact of cold seasons in particular should be taken into account when evaluating testosterone levels and sexual status, as well as the other influences (social, cultural).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Demir
- Kafkas University, Medical School, Department of Urology, Kars, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Uslu
- Kafkas University, Medical School, Department of Urology, Kars, Turkey
| | - Omer Erkam Arslan
- Kafkas University, Medical School, Department of Urology, Kars, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Social behavior, hormones and adult neurogenesis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 41:71-86. [PMID: 26996817 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A variety of experiences have been shown to affect the production of neurons in the adult hippocampus. These effects may be mediated by experience-driven hormonal changes, which, in turn, interact with factors such as sex, age and life history to alter brain plasticity. Although the effects of physical experience and stress have been extensively characterized, various types of social experience across the lifespan trigger profound neuroendocrine changes in parallel with changes in adult neurogenesis. This review article focuses on the influence of specific social experiences on adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and the potential role of hormones in these effects.
Collapse
|