Ferritin-Nanocaged ATP Traverses the Blood-Testis Barrier and Enhances Sperm Motility in an Asthenozoospermia Model

Human asthenozoospermia: Update on genetic causes, patient management, and clinical strategies

BACKGROUND

In mammals, sperm fertilization potential relies on efficient progression within the female genital tract to reach and fertilize the oocyte. This fundamental property is supported by the flagellum, an evolutionarily conserved organelle, which contains dynein motor proteins that provide the mechanical force for sperm propulsion and motility. Primary motility of the sperm cells is acquired during their transit through the epididymis and hyperactivated motility is acquired throughout the journey in the female genital tract by a process called capacitation. These activation processes rely on the micro-environment of the genital tracts. In particular, during capacitation, a panoply of ion transporters located at the surface of the sperm cells mediate complex ion exchanges, which induce an increase in plasma membrane fluidity, the alkalinization of the cytoplasm and protein phosphorylation cascades that are compulsory for sperm hyperactivation and fertilization potential. As a consequence, both structural and functional defects of the sperm flagellum can affect sperm motility, resulting in asthenozoospermia, which constitutes the most predominant pathological condition associated with human male infertility.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, we have performed a literature review to provide a comprehensive description of the recent advances in the genetics of human asthenozoospermia.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

We describe the currently knowledge on gene mutations that affect sperm morphology and motility, namely, asthenoteratozoospermia; we also specify the gene mutations that exclusively affect sperm function and activation, resulting in functional asthenozoospermia. We discuss the benefit of this knowledge for patient and couple management, in terms of genetic counselling and diagnosis of male infertility as a sole phenotype or in association with ciliary defects. Last, we discuss the current strategies that have been initiated for the development of potential therapeutical and contraceptive strategies targeting genes that are essential for sperm function and activation.

Shenqi Qiangjing Granules Ameliorate Asthenozoospermia in Mice by Regulating Ferroptosis through the METTL3/GPX4 Signaling Axis

Asthenozoospermia is a leading cause of male infertility, yet current pharmacotherapies yield suboptimal outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatment modalities. Herein, we induced asthenozoospermic mouse models using busulfan and investigated the therapeutic effects of Shenqi Qiangjing Granules (SQ) on testicular pathology, serum sex hormone and steroidogenic enzyme levels, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, utilizing GC-1 spg cell lines, we elucidated the role of the METTL3-mediated m6A modification in GPX4 mRNA stability. Treatment with SQ or Fer-1 (an inhibitor of ferroptosis) significantly ameliorated testicular pathological injury, restored abnormal serum sex hormone levels, and enhanced testicular steroidogenic enzyme expression, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting ferroptosis in asthenozoospermia. In elucidating the molecular mechanism of METTL3 in ferroptosis, we found that METTL3 regulates GPX4 mRNA stability, subsequently impacting ferroptosis and sperm quality. Knockdown of METTL3 mimicked the effects of SQ treatment, while overexpression of METTL3 partially reversed SQ-mediated effects on ferroptosis and asthenozoospermia, underscoring the pivotal role of METTL3 in SQ therapy. In conclusion, the METTL3-GPX4-ferroptosis axis emerges as a novel regulatory pathway in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia. Targeting this axis, particularly through interventions such as SQ treatment, holds promise for the management of male infertility.

Toward the Integration of Machine Learning and Molecular Modeling for Designing Drug Delivery Nanocarriers

The pioneering work on liposomes in the 1960s and subsequent research in controlled drug release systems significantly advances the development of nanocarriers (NCs) for drug delivery. This field is evolved to include a diverse array of nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and more, each tailored to specific therapeutic applications. Despite significant achievements, the clinical translation of nanocarriers is limited, primarily due to the low efficiency of drug delivery and an incomplete understanding of nanocarrier interactions with biological systems. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep understanding of the nano-bio interface. To enhance nanocarrier design, scientists employ both physics-based and data-driven models. Physics-based models provide detailed insights into chemical reactions and interactions at atomic and molecular scales, while data-driven models leverage machine learning to analyze large datasets and uncover hidden mechanisms. The integration of these models presents challenges such as harmonizing different modeling approaches and ensuring model validation and generalization across biological systems. However, this integration is crucial for developing effective and targeted nanocarrier systems. By integrating these approaches with enhanced data infrastructure, explainable AI, computational advances, and machine learning potentials, researchers can develop innovative nanomedicine solutions, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes.

Biomineralization Synthesis of HoMn Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh-Field-Tailored and T1-T2 Dual-Mode MRI-Guided Cancer Theranostics

Ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) (≥7 T) can dramatically boost image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, which have distinct advantages in multifunctional imaging. However, their research and application are currently limited by the absence of high-field contrast agents (CAs) and the low sensitivity and accuracy of T1/T2 single-modality CAs. Therefore, the development of T1-T2 dual-mode CAs that respond to UHF-MRI and nanoformulations with therapeutic sensitization can bring ideas for the integrated application of precise and synchronous tumor theranostics. Herein, we present a biomimetic mineralization strategy for synthesizing holmium/manganese oxide-bovine serum albumin-photosensitizer chlorin e6 nanohybrids. The hybrid nanoparticles exhibited better tumor accumulation, a suitable time imaging window, and excellent pH-response T1-T2 dual-mode UHF-MRI performance. The antitumor effect comes from the amelioration of the hypoxic tumor microenvironment to promote the synergistic effect of photodynamic therapy and radiotherapy, along with negligible acute toxicity. Undoubtedly, this work not only provides a different perspective for developing multifunctional nanotherapeutics but also promotes the potential clinical exploitation and translation of UHF CAs.

Chenodeoxycholic Acid-Modified Polyethyleneimine Nano-Composites Deliver Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Genes for Lipid-Lowering Therapy by Targeting the Liver

Lipid-lowering drugs, especially statins, are extensively utilized in clinical settings for the prevention of hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, prolonged usage of current lipid-lowering medications is associated with significant adverse reactions. Therefore, it is imperative to develop novel therapeutic agents for lipid-lowering therapy. In this study, a chenodeoxycholic acid and lactobionic acid double-modified polyethyleneimine (PDL) nanocomposite as a gene delivery vehicle for lipid-lowering therapy by targeting the liver, are synthesized. Results from the in vitro experiments demonstrate that PDL exhibits superior transfection efficiency compared to polyethyleneimine in alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells and effectively carries plasmids. Moreover, PDL can be internalized by AML12 cells and rapidly escape lysosomal entrapment. Intravenous administration of cyanine5.5 (Cy5.5)-conjugated PDL nanocomposites reveals their preferential accumulation in the liver compared to polyethyleneimine counterparts. Systemic delivery of low-density lipoprotein receptor plasmid-loaded PDL nanocomposites into mice leads to reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TC) in the bloodstream without any observed adverse effects on mouse health or well-being. Collectively, these findings suggest that low-density lipoprotein receptor plasmid-loaded PDL nanocomposites hold promise as potential therapeutics for lipid-lowering therapy.

Engineered nanoparticles potentials in male reproduction

BACKGROUND

The escalating prevalence of fertility problems in the aging population necessitates a comprehensive exploration of contributing factors, extending beyond environmental concerns, work-related stress, and unhealthy lifestyles. Among these, the rising incidence of testicular disorders emerges as a pivotal determinant of fertility issues. Current treatment challenges are underscored by the limitations of high-dose and frequent drug administration, coupled with substantial side effects and irreversible trauma inflicted by surgical interventions on testicular tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The formidable barrier posed by the blood-testis barrier compounds the complexities of treating testicular diseases, presenting a significant therapeutic obstacle. The advent of nanocarriers, with their distinctive attributes, holds promise in overcoming this impediment. These nanocarriers exhibit exceptional biocompatibility, and membrane penetration capabilities, and can strategically target the blood-testis barrier through surface ligand modification, thereby augmenting drug bioavailability and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This review concentrates on the transformative potential of nanocarriers in the delivery of therapeutic agents to testicular tissue. By summarizing key applications, we illuminate the strides made in utilizing nanocarriers as a novel avenue to effectively treat testicular diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanocarriers are critical in delivering therapeutic agents to testicular tissue.

Spermatozoon-propelled microcellular submarines combining innate magnetic hyperthermia with derived nanotherapies for thrombolysis and ischemia mitigation

Thrombotic cardiovascular diseases are a prevalent factor contributing to both physical impairment and mortality. Thrombolysis and ischemic mitigation have emerged as leading contemporary therapeutic approaches for addressing the consequences of ischemic injury and reperfusion damage. Herein, an innovative cellular-cloaked spermatozoon-driven microcellular submarine (SPCS), comprised of multimodal motifs, was designed to integrate nano-assembly thrombolytics with an immunomodulatory ability derived from innate magnetic hyperthermia. Rheotaxis-based navigation was utilized to home to and cross the clot barrier, and finally accumulate in ischemic vascular organs, where the thrombolytic motif was "switched-on" by the action of thrombus magnetic red blood cell-driven magnetic hyperthermia. In a murine model, the SPCS system combining innate magnetic hyperthermia demonstrated the capacity to augment delivery efficacy, produce nanotherapeutic outcomes, exhibit potent thrombolytic activity, and ameliorate ischemic tissue damage. These findings underscore the multifaceted potential of our designed approach, offering both thrombolytic and ischemia-mitigating effects. Given its extended therapeutic effects and thrombus-targeting capability, this biocompatible SPCS system holds promise as an innovative therapeutic agent for enhancing efficacy and preventing risks after managing thrombosis.

Preparation and brain targeting effects study of recombinant human ferritin nanoparticles

Human heavy-chain ferritin is a naturally occurring protein with high stability and multifunctionality in biological systems. This study aims to utilize a prokaryotic expression system to produce recombinant human heavy-chain ferritin nanoparticles and investigate their targeting ability in brain tissue. The human heavy-chain ferritin gene was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET28a and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) competent cells to explore optimal expression conditions. The recombinant protein was then purified to evaluate its immunoreactivity and characteristics. Additionally, the distribution of the administered protein in normal mice and its permeability in an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model were measured. The results demonstrate that the purified protein can self-assemble extracellularly into nano-cage structures of approximately 10 nm and is recognized by corresponding antibodies. The protein effectively penetrates the blood-brain barrier and exhibits slow clearance in mouse brain tissue, showing excellent permeability in the in vitro BBB model. This study highlights the stable expression of recombinant human heavy-chain ferritin using the Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system, characterized by favorable nano-cage structures and biological activity. Its exceptional brain tissue targeting and slow metabolism lay an experimental foundation for its application in neuropharmaceutical delivery and vaccine development fields.

Influence of extracellular ATP on mammalian sperm physiology

In addition to its central role in cellular metabolism, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is an important extracellular signalling molecule involved in various physiological processes. In reproduction, extracellular ATP participates in both autocrine and paracrine paths regulating gametogenesis, gamete maturation and fertilisation. This review focusses on how extracellular ATP modulates sperm physiology with emphasis on the mammalian acrosome reaction. The presence of extracellular ATP in the reproductive tract is primarily determined by the ion channels and transporters that influence its movement within the cells comprising the tract. The main targets of extracellular ATP in spermatozoa are its own transporters, particularly species-specific sperm purinergic receptors. We also discuss notable phenotypes from knock-out mouse models and human Mendelian inheritance related to ATP release mechanisms, along with immunological, proteomic, and functional observations regarding sperm purinergic receptors and their involvement in sperm signalling.

Ferritin-nanocaged aggregation-induced emission nanoaggregates for NIR-II fluorescence-guided noninvasive, controllable male contraception

Controllable contraception in male animals was demonstrated through the utilization of gold nanorods' photothermal effect to accomplish mild testicular hyperthermia. However, the challenges arising from testicular administration and the non-biodegradability of nanoparticles hinder further clinical implementation. Therefore, a straightforward, non-invasive, and enhanced contraception approach is required. This study explores the utilization of human heavy chain ferritin (HFn) nanocarriers loaded with aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) for noninvasive, controllable male contraception guided by Near-Infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging. The HFn-caged AIEgens (HFn@BBT) are delivered via intravenous injection and activated by near-infrared irradiation. Lower hyperthermia treatment induces partial damage to the testes and seminiferous tubules, reducing fertility indices by approximately 100% on the 7th day, which gradually recovers to 80% on the 60th day. Conversely, implementation of elevated hyperthermia therapy causes total destruction of both testes and seminiferous tubules, leading to a complete loss of fertility on the 60th day. Additionally, the use of AIEgens in NIR-II imaging offers improved fluorescence efficiency and penetration depth. The findings of this study hold significant promise for the advancement of safe and effective male contraceptive methods, addressing the need for noninvasive and controllable approaches to reproductive health and population control.

Heat sensitive E-helix cut ferritin nanocages for facile and high-efficiency loading of doxorubicin

Ferritin possesses a stable and uniform cage structure, along with tumor-targeting properties and excellent biocompatibility, making it a promising drug delivery vehicle. However, the current ferritin drug loading strategy involves complex steps and harsh reaction conditions, resulting in low yield and recovery of drug loading, which limits the clinical application prospects of ferritin nanomedicine. In this study, we utilized the high-efficiency heat-sensitivity of the multiple channel switch structures of the E-helix-cut ferritin mutant (Ecut-HFn) and Cu2+ assistance to achieve high-efficiency loading of chemotherapeutic drugs in a one-step process at low temperatures. This method features mild reaction conditions (45 °C), high loading efficiency (about 110 doxorubicin (Dox) per Ecut-HFn), and improved protein and Dox recovery rates (with protein recovery rate around 94 % and Dox recovery rate reaching up to 45 %). The prepared ferritin-Dox particles (Ecut-HFn-Cu-Dox) exhibit a uniform size distribution, good stability, and retain the natural tumor targeting ability of ferritin. Overall, this temperature-controlled drug loading strategy utilizing heat-sensitivity ferritin mutants is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, efficient, and easy to operate, offering a new perspective for scaling up the industrial production of ferritin drug carriers.

Multifaceted Applications of Ferritin Nanocages in Delivering Metal Ions, Bioactive Compounds, and Enzymes: A Comprehensive Review

Ferritin, a distinctive iron-storage protein, possesses a unique cage-like nanoscale structure that enables it to encapsulate and deliver a wide range of biomolecules. Recent advances prove that ferritin can serve as an efficient 8 nm diameter carrier for various bioinorganic nutrients, such as minerals, bioactive polyphenols, and enzymes. This review offers a comprehensive summary of ferritin's structural features from different sources and emphasizes its functions in iron supplementation, calcium delivery, single- and coencapsulation of polyphenols, and enzyme package. Additionally, the influence of innovative food processing technologies, including manothermosonication, pulsed electric field, and atmospheric cold plasma, on the structure and function of ferritin are examined. Furthermore, the limitations and prospects of ferritin in food and nutritional applications are discussed. The exploration of ferritin as a multifunctional protein with the capacity to load various biomolecules is crucial to fully harnessing its potential in food applications.

Recombinant ferritins for multimodal nanomedicine

In all living organisms, ferritins are a group of proteins important for maintaining iron homeostasis. Increasing amount of studies has shown that recombinant ferritins can be widely used in multimodal nanomedicine, especially for anticancer treatment and vaccination. Recombinant particles prepared by fusing viral proteins and ferritin subunits produce a better immune response and higher antibody titres. Moreover, actively-targeted ferritin nanoparticles can recognise receptors and deliver natural or chemical drugs specifically to the tumour tissue. In addition, ferritin-linked or loaded with contrast agents or fluorescent dyes can be used as multimodal particles useful cancer theranostics. In this review, we fully summarised the unitisation of recombinant ferritins in multimodal nanomedicine. The research progress of using recombinant ferritins as nanovaccines, nanozymes, and bioengineered nanocarriers for targeted therapy and bioimaging is emphasised.

Sertoli cell-derived extracellular vesicles traverse the blood-testis barrier and deliver miR-24-3p inhibitor into germ cells improving sperm mobility

Asthenozoospermia, characterized by poor sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility. Improving energy metabolism and alleviating oxidative stress through drug regimens are potential therapeutic strategies. In this study, we observed upregulated miR-24-3p levels in asthenozoospermia spermatozoa, contributing to energy metabolism disorder and oxidative stress by reducing GSK3β expression. Thus, reducing miR-24-3p levels using drugs is expected to improve sperm motility. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) protects the testis from xenobiotics and drugs. In this study, we found that Sertoli cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (SC-sEV) can traverse the BTB and enter germ cells. We successfully loaded miR-24-3p inhibitor into SC-sEV, creating the nano-drug SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor, which effectively delivers miR-24-3p inhibitor into germ cells. In a gossypol-induced mouse asthenozoospermia model, administration of SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor significantly improved sperm motility, in vitro fertilization success, and blastocyst formation rates. As anticipated, it also improved the litter size of asthenozoospermia mice. These results suggest that SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor holds promise as a potential clinical treatment for asthenospermia.

Research progress on the nucleoside/nucleotide-loaded nanomedicines

Nucleoside drugs play an essential role in treating major diseases such as tumor and viral infections, and have been widely applied in clinics. However, the effectiveness and application of nucleoside drugs are significantly limited by their intrinsic properties such as low bioavailability, lack of targeting ability, and inability to enter the cells. Nanocarriers can improve the physiological properties of nucleoside drugs by improving drug delivery efficiency and availability, maintaining drug efficacy and system stability, adjusting the binding ability of the carrier and drug molecules, as well as modifying specific molecules to achieve active targeting. Starting from the design strategy of nucleoside drug nanodelivery systems, the design and therapeutic effect of these nanomedicines are described in this review, and the future development directions of nucleoside/nucleotide-loaded nanomedicines are also discussed.

Ferritin-based nanomedicine for disease treatment

Ferritin is an endogenous protein which is self-assembled by 24 subunits into a highly uniform nanocage structure. Due to the drug-encapsulating ability in the hollow inner cavity and abundant modification sites on the outer surface, ferritin nanocage has been demonstrated great potential to become a multi-functional nanomedicine platform. Its good biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunogenicity, intrinsic tumor-targeting ability, high stability, low cost and massive production, together make ferritin nanocage stand out from other nanocarriers. In this review, we summarized ferritin-based nanomedicine in field of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The different types of drugs to be loaded in ferritin, as well as drug-loading methods were classified. The strategies for site-specific and non-specific functional modification of ferritin were investigated, then the application of ferritin for disease imaging, drug delivery and vaccine development were discussed. Finally, the challenges restricting the clinical translation of ferritin-based nanomedicines were analyzed.

Ferroptosis is critical for phthalates driving the blood-testis barrier dysfunction via targeting transferrin receptor

The global rate of human male infertility is rising at an alarming rate owing to environmental and lifestyle changes. Phthalates are the most hazardous chemical additives in plastics and have an apparently negative impact on the function of male reproductive system. Ferroptosis is a recently described form of iron-dependent cell death and has been linked to several diseases. Transferrin receptor (TfRC), a specific ferroptosis marker, is a universal iron importer for all cells using extracellular transferrin. We aim to investigate the potential involvement of ferroptosis during male reproductive toxicity, and provide means for drawing conclusions on the effect of ferroptosis in phthalates-induced male reproductive disease. In this study, we found that di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) triggered blood-testis barrier (BTB) dysfunction in the mouse testicular tissues. DEHP also induced mitochondrial morphological changes and lipid peroxidation, which are manifestations of ferroptosis. As the primary metabolite of DEHP, mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) induced ferroptosis by inhibiting glutathione defense network and increasing lipid peroxidation. TfRC knockdown blocked MEHP-induced ferroptosis by decreasing mitochondrial and intracellular levels of Fe²⁺. Our findings indicate that TfRC can regulate Sertoli cell ferroptosis and therefore is a novel therapeutic molecule for reproductive disorders in male patients with infertility.

Ferritin nanocage based delivery vehicles: From single-, co- to compartmentalized- encapsulation of bioactive or nutraceutical compounds

Bioactive or nutraceutical ingredients have been widely used in pursuit of health and well-being. However, the environmental instability, poor solubility and bioavailability, and unspecific delivery highly limited their practical values. By virtue of the unique shell-like structure, definite disassembly/reassembly behavior, and excellent safety profile of ferritin protein, it stands out among of various nano-materials and is emerging as one of the most promising vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive ingredients or drugs. In this review, we present a systematic overview of recent advances of ferritin-based delivery systems from single-encapsulation, co-encapsulation, to compartmentalized-encapsulation of bioactive ingredients or drugs. Different encapsulation strategies for cargo loading as well as their advantages and drawbacks have been critically reviewed. This study emphasized the importance of the construction of compartmentalized delivery systems through the usage of ferritin nanocages, which exhibit great potential for facilitating the synergistic functionality of different types of cargos. Lastly, the applications of ferritin nanocages for physicochemical improvements and functionality achievements of loaded cargos are summarized. In conclusion, ferritin protein nanocages not only are excellent nanocarriers, but also can act as"multi-seated" vehicles for co-encapsulation and compartmentalized encapsulation of different cargos simultaneously.