1
|
Zhao Y, Deng S, Li C, Cao J, Wu A, Chen M, Ma X, Wu S, Lian Z. The Role of Retinoic Acid in Spermatogenesis and Its Application in Male Reproduction. Cells 2024; 13:1092. [PMID: 38994945 PMCID: PMC11240464 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in mammalian testes is essential for male fertility, ensuring a continuous supply of mature sperm. The testicular microenvironment finely tunes this process, with retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A, serving a pivotal role. Retinoic acid is critical for various stages, including the differentiation of spermatogonia, meiosis in spermatogenic cells, and the production of mature spermatozoa. Vitamin A deficiency halts spermatogenesis, leading to the degeneration of numerous germ cells, a condition reversible with retinoic acid supplementation. Although retinoic acid can restore fertility in some males with reproductive disorders, it does not work universally. Furthermore, high doses may adversely affect reproduction. The inconsistent outcomes of retinoid treatments in addressing infertility are linked to the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which retinoid signaling governs spermatogenesis. In addition to the treatment of male reproductive disorders, the role of retinoic acid in spermatogenesis also provides new ideas for the development of male non-hormone contraceptives. This paper will explore three facets: the synthesis and breakdown of retinoic acid in the testes, its role in spermatogenesis, and its application in male reproduction. Our discussion aims to provide a comprehensive reference for studying the regulatory effects of retinoic acid signaling on spermatogenesis and offer insights into its use in treating male reproductive issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Animal Model, National Health Commission of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingchao Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Aowu Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingming Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuehai Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Mental Development and Learning Science, College of Psychology, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Sen Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiong L, Bin Zhou, Young JL, Wintergerst K, Cai L. Exposure to low-dose cadmium induces testicular ferroptosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 234:113373. [PMID: 35272187 PMCID: PMC10858319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an environmental pollutant, cadmium (Cd) has been widely reported to induce male infertility due to its gonadotoxicity. However, the specific mechanism of Cd-induced testicular damage remains unclear. We investigated whether Cd causes testicular injury through ferroptosis. Male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to 0, 0.5, or 5 ppm Cd via drinking water, starting in utero, and continuing through 24 weeks post-weaning. The results showed that Cd accumulated in the testes in a dose-dependent manner. Cd exposure at a concentration of 5 ppm, but not 0.5 ppm, caused a mass loss and detachment of germ cells, as well as a decreased meiotic index and testis weight. Exposure to 5 ppm Cd caused iron accumulation, increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitro tyrosine (3-NT), and decreased expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and SOD2. We also found that exposure to 5 ppm Cd significantly decreased the expression of SLC7A11, a marker of ferroptosis in mice, along with the expression of SLC40A1 mRNA and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) protein, whereas there was no obvious change in the mRNA expression of Tfrc, ZIP8, ZIP14, and NCOA4. These findings indicate that 5 ppm Cd exposure increased testicular ferroptosis, which may be attributed to the reduction of stored iron export.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Xiong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Genetics, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jamie L Young
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Kupper Wintergerst
- Wendy Novak Diabetes Center, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lu Cai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Wendy Novak Diabetes Center, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Resende FCD, Avelar GFD. The sexual segment of the kidney of a tropical rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae), and its relationship to seasonal testicular and androgen cycles. J Morphol 2021; 282:1402-1414. [PMID: 34219274 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) is a hypertrophied region of the nephron, which occurs in males of most squamate species that have been investigated, at least, during the active season. Many studies have shown that the SSK has a seasonal secretory cycle that could be correlated to the mating season, testicular activity, and androgen synthesis. However, to date, no study has investigated the presence of androgen receptors (AR) in cells of the SSK, nor the relation between the expression of AR, testosterone levels, and testicular condition. The SSK in Crotalus durissus corresponds to the distal segment of the nephron and presents a peak of hypertrophy during the period of testicular activity (spermatogenesis) and high testosterone levels, suggesting that seasonal variation of the SSK might be under the control of androgens. Testosterone concentrations and expression of AR varied seasonally with increased values for both parameters directly correlated to hypertrophy of the SSK. This study is, therefore, the first to target the SSK of a tropical snake and to establish a relationship between the secretory cycle of the SSK, testicular cycle, and levels of androgens. Furthermore, this study is the first to identify the presence of AR in the nucleus of the SSK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Cappuccio de Resende
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Scientific Collection of Snakes, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gleide Fernandes de Avelar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Comparative testis structure and function in three representative mice strains. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:391-404. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
5
|
Michaelis M, Sobczak A, Ludwig C, Marvanová H, Langhammer M, Schön J, Weitzel JM. Altered testicular cell type composition in males of two outbred mouse lines selected for high fertility. Andrology 2020; 8:1419-1427. [PMID: 32306511 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently we described two outbred mouse lines which have been selected for high fertility. These mouse models doubled the number of offspring per litter. OBJECTIVES Although selected for a primarily female-trait of high fertility (increased litter size), we were interested whether also males of the fertility lines show differences within their reproductive organs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated males from two outbred mouse lines which have been selected for the phenotype "high fertility" for more than 170 generations. In the present study, we analysed the testicular cell type composition by flow cytometry. We further investigated the weights of reproductive organs, histomorphometry of testis as well as studied sperm motility parameters using a thermal stress assay as well as a sperm hyperactivation assay. RESULTS Here, we describe that males of the fertility line (FL) 1 show an increased percentage of diploid cells within the testis. Flow cytometric analysis identified this enlarged cell population as Leydig cells. Testis weights were unaffected whereas the weights of seminal vesicles of FL1 and FL2 were increased compared to Ctrl bucks. FL2 males show decreased diameter of tubulus seminiferi and an enhanced spermatid/Sertoli cell index. Sperm motility parameters of FL1 and Ctrl males are initially indistinguishable but FL1 spermatozoa show a better performance in a thermal stress experiment over a 5 hours observation period. DISCUSSION These data indicate that although selected for a primarily female-trait of high fertility also males from the fertility lines are effected by defined alterations in their reproductive organs. CONCLUSION Some of these alterations are FL1-specific others are FL2-associated, indicating that different molecular strategies warrant the high-fertility phenotype on the female as well as on the male side.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marten Michaelis
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Sobczak
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Carolin Ludwig
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Hana Marvanová
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Martina Langhammer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schön
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Joachim M Weitzel
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Viana PIM, Farias TO, Talamoni SA, Godinho HP. Sertoli Cell Efficiency of the Neotropical Bats Anoura geoffroyi, Artibeus lituratus and Myotis levis (Mammalia: Chiroptera). ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2018.20.2.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro I. M. Viana
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Avenida Dom José Gaspar, 500, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Talita O. Farias
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Avenida Dom José Gaspar, 500, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sonia A. Talamoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Avenida Dom José Gaspar, 500, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hugo P. Godinho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Avenida Dom José Gaspar, 500, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|