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Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Kisspeptins, new local modulators of male reproduction: A comparative overview. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113618. [PMID: 32950583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that leads to the production of male gametes within the testis through the coordination of mitotic, meiotic and differentiation events, under a deep control of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators along the Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. The kisspeptin system plays a fundamental role along the HPG axis as it is the main positive modulator upstream of the hypothalamic neurons that secrete the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), the decapeptide that supports pituitary gonadotropins and the production of gonadal sex steroid. Currently, kisspeptins and their receptor, KISS1R, have a recognized activity in the central control of puberty onset, sex maturation, reproduction and sex-steroid feedback mechanisms in both animal models and human. However, kisspeptin signaling has been widely reported in peripheral tissues, particularly in the testis of mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates, with functions related to Leydig cells physiology and steroid biosynthesis, spermatogenesis progression and spermatozoa functions, but its mandatory role within the testis is still a matter of discussion. This review provides a summary of the main intratesticular effects of kisspeptin in vertebrates, via a comparative approach. Particular emphasis was devoted to data from the anuran amphibian Pelophylax esculentus, the first animal model in which the direct intratesticular activity of kisspeptin was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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Santoro A, Chianese R, Troisi J, Richards S, Nori SL, Fasano S, Guida M, Plunk E, Viggiano A, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Neuro-toxic and Reproductive Effects of BPA. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 17:1109-1132. [PMID: 31362658 PMCID: PMC7057208 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190726112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. It has recognized activity as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and has suspected roles as a neurological and reproductive toxicant. It interferes in steroid signaling, induces oxidative stress, and affects gene expression epigenetically. Gestational, perinatal and neonatal exposures to BPA affect developmental processes, including brain development and gametogenesis, with consequences on brain functions, behavior, and fertility. Methods: This review critically analyzes recent findings on the neuro-toxic and reproductive effects of BPA (and its ana-logues), with focus on neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, glia and microglia activity, cognitive functions, and the central and local control of reproduction. Results: BPA has potential human health hazard associated with gestational, peri- and neonatal exposure. Beginning with BPA’s disposition, this review summarizes recent findings on the neurotoxicity of BPA and its analogues, on neuronal dif-ferentiation, synaptic plasticity, neuro-inflammation, neuro-degeneration, and impairment of cognitive abilities. Furthermore, it reports the recent findings on the activity of BPA along the HPG axis, effects on the hypothalamic Gonadotropin Releas-ing Hormone (GnRH), and the associated effects on reproduction in both sexes and successful pregnancy. Conclusion: BPA and its analogues impair neuronal activity, HPG axis function, reproduction, and fertility. Contrasting re-sults have emerged in animal models and human. Thus, further studies are needed to better define their safety levels. This re-view offers new insights on these issues with the aim to find the “fil rouge”, if any, that characterize BPA’s mechanism of action with outcomes on neuronal function and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Theoreo srl - Spin-off company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Sean Richards
- University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chattanooga, TN, United States.,Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Stefania Lucia Nori
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guida
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Theoreo srl - Spin-off company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Plunk
- University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Chianese R, Viggiano A, Urbanek K, Cappetta D, Troisi J, Scafuro M, Guida M, Esposito G, Ciuffreda LP, Rossi F, Berrino L, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, De Angelis A, Meccariello R. Chronic exposure to low dose of bisphenol A impacts on the first round of spermatogenesis via SIRT1 modulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2961. [PMID: 29440646 PMCID: PMC5811609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis depends on endocrine, autocrine and paracrine communications along the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis. Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-mimic endocrine disrupting chemical, is an environmental contaminant used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins with toxic effects for male reproduction. Here we investigated whether the chronic exposure to low BPA doses affects spermatogenesis through the modulation of SIRT1, a NAD+-dependent deacetylase involved in the progression of spermatogenesis, with outcomes on apoptosis, oxidative stress, metabolism and energy homeostasis. BPA exposure via placenta first, and lactation and drinking water later, affected the body weight gain in male offspring at 45 postnatal days and the first round of spermatogenesis, with impairment of blood testis barrier, reactive oxygen species production, DNA damage and decreased expression of SIRT1. The analysis of SIRT1 downstream molecular pathways revealed the increase of acetyl-p53Lys370, γH2AX foci, the decrease of oxidative stress defenses and the higher apoptotic rate in the testis of treated animals, with partial rescue at sex maturation. In conclusion, SIRT1 pathways disruption after BPA exposure can have serious consequences on the first round of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via S. Allende 1, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Konrad Urbanek
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via S. Allende 1, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
- Theoreo srl Spin-off Company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guida
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via S. Allende 1, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
- Theoreo srl Spin-off Company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Esposito
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Loreta Pia Ciuffreda
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133, Naples, Italy.
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Hypothalamus-pituitary axis: an obligatory target for endocannabinoids to inhibit steroidogenesis in frog testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 205:88-93. [PMID: 24566122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids - primarily anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) - are lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). They affect neuroendocrine activity inhibiting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and testosterone production in rodents, through a molecular mechanism supposed to be hypothalamus dependent. In order to investigate such a role, we choose the seasonal breeder, the anuran amphibian Rana esculenta, an experimental model in which components of the endocannabinoid system have been characterized. In February, at the onset of a new spermatogenetic wave, we carried out in vitro incubations of frog testis with AEA, at 10(-9)M dose. Such a treatment had no effect on the expression of cytochrome P450 17alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (cyp17) nor 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ-5-4 isomerase (3β-HSD), key enzymes of steroidogenesis. To understand whether or not the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis could be essential to support the role of endocannabinoids in steroidogenesis, frogs were injected with AEA, at 10(-8)M dose. Differently from in vitro experiment, the in vivo administration of AEA reduced the expression of cyp17 and 3β-HSD. Whereas the effect on 3β-HSD was counteracted by SR141716A (Rimonabant) - a selective antagonist of CB1, thus indicating a CB1 dependent modulation - the effect on cyp17 was not, suggesting a possible involvement of receptors other than CB1, probably the type-1 vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), since AEA works as an endocannabinoid and an endovanilloid as well. In conclusion our results indicate that endocannabinoids, via CB1, inhibit the expression of 3β-HSD in frog testis travelling along the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Italy
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Molecular chaperones, cochaperones, and ubiquitination/deubiquitination system: involvement in the production of high quality spermatozoa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:561426. [PMID: 25045686 PMCID: PMC4089148 DOI: 10.1155/2014/561426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation events coexist. The need to guarantee the production of qualitatively functional spermatozoa has evolved into several control systems that check spermatogenesis progression/sperm maturation and tag aberrant gametes for degradation. In this review, we will focus on the importance of the evolutionarily conserved molecular pathways involving molecular chaperones belonging to the superfamily of heat shock proteins (HSPs), their cochaperones, and ubiquitination/deubiquitination system all over the spermatogenetic process. In this respect, we will discuss the conserved role played by the DNAJ protein Msj-1 (mouse sperm cell-specific DNAJ first homologue) and the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubpy (ubiquitin-specific processing protease-y) during the spermiogenesis in both mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.
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Guerriero G, Trocchia S, Abdel-Gawad FK, Ciarcia G. Roles of reactive oxygen species in the spermatogenesis regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:56. [PMID: 24795696 PMCID: PMC4001055 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of male germ cells proliferation and maturation from diploid spermatogonia, through meiosis, to mature haploid spermatozoa. The process involves dynamic interactions between the developing germ cells and their supporting Sertoli cells. The gonadal tissue, with abundance of highly unsaturated fatty acids, high rates of cell division, and variety of testis enzymes results very vulnerable to the overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to address this risk, testis has developed a sophisticated array of antioxidant systems comprising both enzymes and free radical scavengers. This chapter sets out the major pathways of testis generation, the metabolism of ROS, and highlights the transcriptional regulation by steroid receptors of antioxidant stress enzymes and their functional implications. It also deals with of the advantages of the system biology for an antioxidant under steroid control, the major selenoprotein expressed by germ cells in the testis, the phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx/GPx4) having multiple functions and representing the pivotal link between selenium, sperm quality, and species preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guerriero
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- CIRAM, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giulia Guerriero, Department of Biology, Comparative Endocrinology Lab, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Mezzocannone, 8, Naples 80134, Italy e-mail:
| | - Samantha Trocchia
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fagr K. Abdel-Gawad
- Department of Water Pollution Research, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Science, National Research Center (NRC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Gaetano Ciarcia
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- CIRAM, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Modulators of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis for the control of spermatogenesis and sperm quality in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:135. [PMID: 25183961 PMCID: PMC4135230 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere (DiSMEB), Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Altucci L, Viggiano A, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Nuclear size as estrogen-responsive chromatin quality parameter of mouse spermatozoa. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 193:201-9. [PMID: 23973938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we have investigated the endocannabinoid involvement in chromatin remodeling events occurring in male spermatids. Indeed, we have demonstrated that genetic inactivation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (Cnr1) negatively influences chromatin remodeling mechanisms, by reducing histone displacement and indices of sperm chromatin quality (chromatin condensation and DNA integrity). Conversely, Cnr1 knock-out (Cnr1(-/-)) male mice, treated with estrogens, replaced histones and rescued chromatin condensation as well as DNA integrity. In the present study, by exploiting Cnr1(+/+), Cnr(+/-) and Cnr1(-/-) epididymal sperm samples, we show that histone retention directly correlates with low values of sperm chromatin quality indices determining sperm nuclear size elongation. Moreover, we demonstrate that estrogens, by promoting histone displacement and chromatin condensation rescue, are able to efficiently reduce the greater nuclear length observed in Cnr1(-/-) sperm. As a consequence of our results, we suggest that nucleus length may be used as a morphological parameter useful to screen out spermatozoa with low chromatin quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Estrogens and spermiogenesis: new insights from type 1 cannabinoid receptor knockout mice. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:501350. [PMID: 24324492 PMCID: PMC3845505 DOI: 10.1155/2013/501350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex mechanism which allows the production of male gametes; it consists of mitotic, meiotic, and differentiation phases. Spermiogenesis is the terminal differentiation process during which haploid round spermatids undergo several biochemical and morphological changes, including extensive remodelling of chromatin and nuclear shape. Spermiogenesis is under control of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors, like gonadotropins and testosterone. More recently, emerging pieces of evidence are suggesting that, among these factors, estrogens may have a role. To date, this is a matter of debate and concern because of the agonistic and antagonistic estrogenic effects that environmental chemicals may have on animal and human with damaging outcome on fertility. In this review, we summarize data which fuel this debate, with a particular attention to our recent results, obtained using type 1 cannabinoid receptor knockout male mice as animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- *Riccardo Pierantoni:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Hou CC, Yang WX. New insights to the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) mechanism during spermatogenesis. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:3213-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Cacciola G, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S. Testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone activity, progression of spermatogenesis, and sperm transport in vertebrates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:279-91. [PMID: 19456349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Since the end of the 1970s, studies have shown that, besides the endocrine route, a chemical mediator may also act through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. This has opened new frontiers for research as a result of a redefinition of what endocrinology represents. Apart from androgens within the male gonad, testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estrogens, molecular chaperones, proto-oncogenes, and, very recently, the endocannabinoid system have been shown to play important roles. Their activities to regulate spermatogenesis, including spermiogenesis and sperm maturation, will be discussed from the comparative viewpoint to describe adaptive phenomena and to speculate on evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Ricci G, Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. The endocannabinoid system in vertebrate male reproduction: a comparative overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S24-30. [PMID: 18342433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Prevailing studies emphasize on endocannabinoid activity in brain. However, sporadic evidences hint that endocannabinoid system controls male reproduction ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates. Although N-arachidonoylethanolamine is described in rat testis, its activity is still poorly known. Type-1 cannabinoid receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase are particularly expressed in elongating spermatids and spermatozoa suggesting that endocannabinoids affect spermiogenesis and sperm physiology. Aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of the information available in vertebrates on male germ cell progression and sperm maturation mediated by the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. "F. Bottazzi", II Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Cobellis G, Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Izzo G, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Estrogen regulation of the male reproductive tract in the frog, Rana esculenta: a role in Fra-1 activation in peritubular myoid cells and in sperm release. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 155:838-46. [PMID: 18061183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Revised: 09/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and environmental estrogens have been proved to affect male reproduction in vertebrates. Both positive and negative effects in the regulation of the reproductive tract have been described. Since it is well known that amphibians represent a useful model to study several aspects concerning reproductive activity, we have taken advantage of the frog, Rana esculenta, to study the involvement of estrogens in sperm release. We show here that pituitary hormones increased the number of peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) expressing Fra-1 and induced testicular morphological changes related to sperm release. The estrogen antagonist ICI182-780 counteracted the hypophysis driven effects. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that 17beta-Estradiol acted directly on the testis to switch-on Fra-1 in PMCs. Furthermore, impairment of estrogen activity significantly reduced sperm release mainly affecting the detachment of spermatozoa from Sertoli cells (spermiation). Therefore, estrogens can be considered a new entry in the list of substances involved in spermiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- II Università di Napoli, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Via Costrantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italia
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Cobellis G, Cacciola G, Scarpa D, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Franzoni MF, Mackie K, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Endocannabinoid System in Frog and Rodent Testis: Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Activity in Male Germ Cells1. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:82-9. [PMID: 16611862 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.051730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
N-arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide [AEA]) is the main endocannabinoid described to date in the testis. It exerts its effects through the activation of G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors (CNR). However, the activity of AEA in controlling male reproduction is still poorly known. Here we provide direct evidence on the presence of the "endocannabinoid system," constituted by type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), in the frog Rana esculenta testis demonstrating its expression in tubular compartment. In fact, during the annual reproductive cycle, both proteins increase in September, when the appearance of spermatids (SPT) occurs. Immunocytochemistry confirms their localization in germ cells and, in particular, in elongated SPT. Signals are still present in spermatozoa (SPZ), as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the activation of CNR1 reduces sperm motility. Comparative research, carried out using mouse and rat SPZ, definitely indicates that the endocannabinoid system operates in SPZ of phylogenetically distant species. A conserved physiological role of endocannabinoid system in controlling the inhibition of sperm motility is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. F. Bottazzi, II Università di Napoli, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Reproductive fitness in roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus): seasonal timing of testis function. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-005-0005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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