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Zhang LX, Mao J, Zhou YD, Mao GY, Guo RF, Ge HS, Chen X. Evaluation of microRNA expression profiles in human sperm frozen using permeable cryoprotectant-free droplet vitrification and conventional methods. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:366-376. [PMID: 38738948 DOI: 10.4103/aja202390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
For sperm cryopreservation, the conventional method, which requires glycerol, has been used for a long time. In addition, the permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification method has been continuously studied. Although the differences of cryopreservation effects between the two methods have being studied, differences in microRNA (miRNA) profiles between them remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the differences in miRNA expression profiles among conventional freezing sperm, droplet vitrification freezing sperm and fresh human sperm. We also analyzed the differences between these methods in terms of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) related to early embryonic development and paternal epigenetics. Our results showed no significant differences between the cryopreservation methods in terms of sperm motility ratio, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome integrity, and ultrastructural damage. However, sperm miRNA-sequencing showed differences between the two methods in terms of the numbers of DEmiRs (28 and 19 with vitrification using a nonpermeable cryoprotectant and the conventional method, respectively) in postthaw and fresh sperm specimens. DEmiRs related to early embryonic development and paternal epigenetics mainly included common DEmiRs between the groups. Our results showed that the differences between conventional freezing and droplet vitrification were minimal in terms of miRNA expression related to embryonic development and epigenetics. Changes in sperm miRNA expression due to freezing are not always detrimental to embryonic development. This study compared differences in miRNA expression profiles before and after cryopreservation between cryopreservation by conventional and vitrification methods. It offers a new perspective to evaluate various methods of sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jing Mao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Yan-Dong Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Guang-Yao Mao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Run-Fa Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Hong-Shan Ge
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Sun J, Teng M, Zhu W, Zhao X, Zhao L, Li Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Bi S, Wu F. MicroRNA and Gut Microbiota Alter Intergenerational Effects of Paternal Exposure to Polyethylene Nanoplastics. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38935618 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), as emerging contaminants, have been shown to cause testicular disorders in mammals. However, whether paternal inheritance effects on offspring health are involved in NP-induced reproductive toxicity remains unclear. In this study, we developed a mouse model where male mice were administered 200 nm polyethylene nanoparticles (PE-NPs) at a concentration of 2 mg/L through daily gavage for 35 days to evaluate the intergenerational effects of PE-NPs in an exclusive male-lineage transmission paradigm. We observed that paternal exposure to PE-NPs significantly affected growth phenotypes and sex hormone levels and induced histological damage in the testicular tissue of both F0 and F1 generations. In addition, consistent changes in sperm count, motility, abnormalities, and gene expression related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, sex hormone synthesis, and spermatogenesis were observed across paternal generations. The upregulation of microRNA (miR)-1983 and the downregulation of miR-122-5p, miR-5100, and miR-6240 were observed in both F0 and F1 mice, which may have been influenced by reproductive signaling pathways, as indicated by the RNA sequencing of testis tissues and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction findings. Furthermore, alterations in the gut microbiota and subsequent Spearman correlation analysis revealed that an increased abundance of Desulfovibrio (C21_c20) and Ruminococcus (gnavus) and a decreased abundance of Allobaculum were positively associated with spermatogenic dysfunction. These findings were validated in a fecal microbiota transplantation trial. Our results demonstrate that changes in miRNAs and the gut microbiota caused by paternal exposure to PE-NPs mediated intergenerational effects, providing deeper insights into mechanisms underlying the impact of paternal inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Sun
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yunjie Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sheng Bi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Fengchang Wu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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3
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Wu D, Zhang K, Guan K, Khan FA, Pandupuspitasari NS, Negara W, Sun F, Huang C. Future in the past: paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the epigenetic mechanisms. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1685-1703. [PMID: 38460001 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03713-6] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
That certain preconceptual paternal exposures reprogram the developmental phenotypic plasticity in future generation(s) has conceptualized the "paternal programming of offspring health" hypothesis. This transgenerational effect is transmitted primarily through sperm epigenetic mechanisms-DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and associated RNA modifications, and histone modifications-and potentially through non-sperm-specific mechanisms-seminal plasma and circulating factors-that create 'imprinted' memory of ancestral information. The epigenetic landscape in sperm is highly responsive to environmental cues, due to, in part, the soma-to-germline communication mediated by epididymosomes. While human epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies have provided solid evidences in support of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, how ancestral information is memorized as epigenetic codes for germline transmission is poorly understood. Particular elusive is what the downstream effector pathways that decode those epigenetic codes into persistent phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the possible underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Cracking these epigenetic mechanisms will lead to a better appreciation of "Paternal Origins of Health and Disease" and guide innovation of intervention algorithms to achieve 'healthier' outcomes in future generations. All this will revolutionize our understanding of human disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kaifeng Guan
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | | | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Lobato S, Castillo-Granada AL, Bucio-Pacheco M, Salomón-Soto VM, Álvarez-Valenzuela R, Meza-Inostroza PM, Villegas-Vizcaíno R. PM 2.5, component cause of severe metabolically abnormal obesity: An in silico, observational and analytical study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28936. [PMID: 38601536 PMCID: PMC11004224 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is currently one of the most alarming pathological conditions due to the progressive increase in its prevalence. In the last decade, it has been associated with fine particulate matter suspended in the air (PM2.5). The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanistic interaction of PM2.5 with a high-fat diet (HFD) through the differential regulation of transcriptional signatures, aiming to identify the association of these particles with metabolically abnormal obesity. The research design was observational, using bioinformatic methods and an explanatory approach based on Rothman's causal model. We propose three new transcriptional signatures in murine adipose tissue. The sum of transcriptional differences between the group exposed to an HFD and PM2.5, compared to the control group, were 0.851, 0.265, and -0.047 (p > 0.05). The HFD group increased body mass by 20% with two positive biomarkers of metabolic impact. The group exposed to PM2.5 maintained a similar weight to the control group but exhibited three positive biomarkers. Enriched biological pathways (p < 0.05) included PPAR signaling, small molecule transport, adipogenesis genes, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and HIF-1 signaling. Transcriptional regulation predictions revealed CpG islands and common transcription factors. We propose three new transcriptional signatures: FAT-PM2.5-CEJUS, FAT-PM2.5-UP, and FAT-PM2.5-DN, whose transcriptional regulation profile in adipocytes was statistically similar by dietary intake and HFD and exposure to PM2.5 in mice; suggesting a mechanistic interaction between both factors. However, HFD-exposed murines developed moderate metabolically abnormal obesity, and PM2.5-exposed murines developed severe abnormal metabolism without obesity. Therefore, in Rothman's terms, it is concluded that HFD is a sufficient cause of the development of obesity, and PM2.5 is a component cause of severe abnormal metabolism of obesity. These signatures would be integrated into a systemic biological process that would induce transcriptional regulation in trans, activating obesogenic biological pathways, restricting lipid mobilization pathways, decreasing adaptive thermogenesis and angiogenesis, and altering vascular tone thus inducing a severe metabolically abnormal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagrario Lobato
- Departamento de Investigación en Salud, Servicios de Salud del Estado de Puebla, 15 South Street 302, Puebla, Mexico
- Promoción y Educación para la Salud, Universidad Abierta y a Distancia de México. Universidad Avenue 1200, 1st Floor, quadrant 1-2, Xoco, Benito Juarez, 03330, Mexico City, Mexico
- Educación Superior, Centro de Estudios, “Justo Sierra”, Surutato, Badiraguato, Mexico
| | - A. Lourdes Castillo-Granada
- Educación Superior, Centro de Estudios, “Justo Sierra”, Surutato, Badiraguato, Mexico
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Guelatao Avenue 66, Ejército de Oriente Indeco II ISSSTE, Iztapalapa, 09230, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcos Bucio-Pacheco
- Educación Superior, Centro de Estudios, “Justo Sierra”, Surutato, Badiraguato, Mexico
- Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Americas Avenue, Universitarios Blvd., University City, 80040, Culiacán Rosales, Mexico
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Cheng Y, Feng J, Wang J, Zhou Y, Bai S, Tang Q, Li J, Pan F, Xu Q, Lu C, Wu W, Xia Y. Alterations in sperm DNA methylation may as a mediator of paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes: Insight from a birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117941. [PMID: 38103775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Paternal exposure to environmental risk factors influences the offspring health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between paternal air pollution exposure mediated by sperm DNA methylation and adverse birth outcomes in offspring. We recruited 1607 fertile men and their partners from 2014 to 2016 and collected semen samples to detect sperm DNA methylation. Multivariate linear regression and weighted quantile sum regression models were used to assess the associations between paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes. A critical exposure window was identified. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to detect sperm DNA methylation. The results demonstrated that high paternal exposure to PM2.5 (β = -211.31, 95% CI: (-386.37, -36.24)), PM10 (β = -178.20, 95% CI: (-277.13, -79.27)), and NO2 (β = -84.22, 95% CI: (-165.86, -2.57)) was negatively associated with offspring's birthweight, especially in boys. Additionally, an early exposure window of 15-69 days before fertilization was recognized to be the key exposure window, which increased the risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age. Furthermore, paternal co-exposure to six air pollutants contributed to lower birthweight (β = -51.91, 95% CI: (-92.72, -11.10)) and shorter gestational age (β = -1.72, 95% CI: (-3.26, -0.17)) and PM2.5 was the most weighted pollutant. Paternal air pollution exposure resulted in 10,328 differentially methylated regions and the IGF2R gene was the key gene involved in the epigenetic process. These differentially methylated genes were predominantly associated with protein binding, transcriptional regulation, and DNA templating. These findings indicate that spermatogenesis is a susceptible window during which paternal exposure to air pollution affects sperm DNA methylation and the birth outcomes of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengjun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Urology, Stanford Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Gou LT, Zhu Q, Liu MF. Small RNAs: An expanding world with therapeutic promises. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:676-682. [PMID: 38933305 PMCID: PMC11197668 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.03.003] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), play essential roles in regulating various cellular and developmental processes. Over the past three decades, researchers have identified novel sncRNA species from various organisms. These molecules demonstrate dynamic expression and diverse functions, and they are subject to intricate regulation through RNA modifications in both healthy and diseased states. Notably, certain sncRNAs in gametes, particularly sperm, respond to environmental stimuli and facilitate epigenetic inheritance. Collectively, the in-depth understanding of sncRNA functions and mechanisms has accelerated the development of small RNA-based therapeutics. In this review, we present the recent advances in the field, including new sncRNA species and the regulatory influences of RNA modifications. We also discuss the current limitations and challenges associated with using small RNAs as either biomarkers or therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Tao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qifan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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Nan N, Yan Z, Zhang Y, Chen R, Qin G, Sang N. Overview of PM 2.5 and health outcomes: Focusing on components, sources, and pollutant mixture co-exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 323:138181. [PMID: 36806809 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PM2.5 varies in source and composition over time and space as a complicated mixture. Consequently, the health effects caused by PM2.5 varies significantly over time and generally exhibit significant regional variations. According to numerous studies, a notable relationship exists between PM2.5 and the occurrence of many diseases, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous system diseases, as well as cancer. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of PM2.5 on human health is critical. The toxic effects of various PM2.5 components, as well as the overall toxicity of PM2.5 are discussed in this review to provide a foundation for precise PM2.5 emission control. Furthermore, this review summarizes the synergistic effect of PM2.5 and other pollutants, which can be used to draft effective policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Nan
- College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Yan
- College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Rui Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Occupational Safety and Health, Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, PR China; Beijing City University, Beijing, 11418, PR China.
| | - Guohua Qin
- College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China.
| | - Nan Sang
- College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
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Yokota S, Takeda K, Oshio S. Spatiotemporal Small Non-coding RNAs Expressed in the Germline as an Early Biomarker of Testicular Toxicity and Transgenerational Effects Caused by Prenatal Exposure to Nanosized Particles. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:691070. [PMID: 35295114 PMCID: PMC8915876 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.691070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an apparent decline in human sperm quality has been observed worldwide. One in every 5.5 couples suffers from infertility, with male reproductive problems contributing to nearly 40% of all infertility cases. Although the reasons for the increasing number of infertility cases are largely unknown, both genetic and environmental factors can be contributing factors. In particular, exposure to chemical substances during mammalian male germ cell development has been linked to an increased risk of infertility in later life owing to defective sperm production, reproductive tract obstruction, inflammation, and sexual disorders. Prenatal exposure to nanomaterials (NMs) is no exception. In animal experiments, maternal exposure to NMs has been reported to affect the reproductive health of male offspring. Male germ cells require multiple epigenetic reprogramming events during their lifespan to acquire reproductive capacity. Given that spermatozoa deliver the paternal genome to oocytes upon fertilization, we hypothesized that maternal exposure to NMs negatively affects male germ cells by altering epigenetic regulation, which may in turn affect embryo development. Small non-coding RNAs (including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, tRNA-derived small RNAs, and rRNA-derived small RNAs), which are differentially expressed in mammalian male germ cells in a spatiotemporal manner, could play important regulatory roles in spermatogenesis and embryogenesis. Thus, the evaluation of RNAs responsible for sperm fertility is of great interest in reproductive toxicology and medicine. However, whether the effect of maternal exposure to NMs on spermatogenesis in the offspring (intergenerational effects) really triggers multigenerational effects remains unclear, and infertility biomarkers for evaluating paternal inheritance have not been identified to date. In this review, existing lines of evidence on the effects of prenatal exposure to NMs on male reproduction are summarized. A working hypothesis of the transgenerational effects of sperm-derived epigenomic changes in the F1 generation is presented, in that such maternal exposure could affect early embryonic development followed by deficits in neurodevelopment and male reproduction in the F2 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yokota
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Ken Takeda
- Division of Toxicology and Health Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shigeru Oshio
- Department of Hygiene Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohu University, Koriyama, Japan
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9
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Small Noncoding RNAs in Reproduction and Infertility. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121884. [PMID: 34944700 PMCID: PMC8698561 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility has been reported as one of the most common reproductive impairments, affecting nearly one in six couples worldwide. A large proportion of infertility cases are diagnosed as idiopathic, signifying a deficit in information surrounding the pathology of infertility and necessity of medical intervention such as assisted reproductive therapy. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are well-established regulators of mammalian reproduction. Advanced technologies have revealed the dynamic expression and diverse functions of sncRNAs during mammalian germ cell development. Mounting evidence indicates sncRNAs in sperm, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), are sensitive to environmental changes and mediate the inheritance of paternally acquired metabolic and mental traits. Here, we review the critical roles of sncRNAs in mammalian germ cell development. Furthermore, we highlight the functions of sperm-borne sncRNAs in epigenetic inheritance. We also discuss evidence supporting sncRNAs as promising biomarkers for fertility and embryo quality in addition to the present limitations of using sncRNAs for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Hu C, Tao Y, Deng Y, Cai Q, Ren H, Yu C, Zheng S, Yang J, Zeng C. Paternal long-term PM2.5 exposure causes hypertension via increased renal AT1R expression and function in male offspring. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2575-2588. [PMID: 34779863 PMCID: PMC8628185 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) causes hypertension in offspring. However, paternal contribution of PM2.5 exposure to hypertension in offspring remains unknown. In the present study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with PM2.5 suspension (10 mg/ml) for 12 weeks and/or fed with tap water containing an antioxidant tempol (1 mM/L) for 16 weeks. The blood pressure, 24 h-urine volume and sodium excretion were determined in male offspring. The offspring were also administrated with losartan (20 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. The expressions of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4) were determined by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. We found that long-term PM2.5 exposure to paternal rats caused hypertension and impaired urine volume and sodium excretion in male offspring. Both the mRNA and protein expression of GRK4 and its downstream target AT1R were increased in offspring of PM2.5-exposed paternal rats, which was reflected in its function because treatment with losartan, an AT1R antagonist, decreased the blood pressure and increased urine volume and sodium excretion. In addition, the oxidative stress level was increased in PM2.5-treated paternal rats. Administration with tempol in paternal rats restored the increased blood pressure and decreased urine volume and sodium excretion in the offspring of PM2.5-exposed paternal rats. Treatment with tempol in paternal rats also reversed the increased expressions of AT1R and GRK4 in the kidney of their offspring. We suggest that paternal PM2.5 exposure causes hypertension in offspring. The mechanism may be involved that paternal PM2.5 exposure-associated oxidative stress induces the elevated renal GRK4 level, leading to the enhanced AT1R expression and its-mediated sodium retention, consequently causes hypertension in male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuimei Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yi Deng
- Department of General Practice Medicine, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Heart Center, Provincial Institute of Coronary Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hongmei Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Heart Center, Provincial Institute of Coronary Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shuo Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Cardiovascular Research Center of Chongqing College, Department of Cardiology of Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
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