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Liu L, Zhang M, Jiang F, Luo D, Liu S, Su Y, Guan Q, Yu C. High cholesterol diet-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:685-694. [PMID: 37596375 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypercholesterolemia due to a high-cholesterol diet is linked to numerous diseases and may lead to male infertility. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The maintenance of male fertility requires intact testicular structures (including seminiferous tubules and mesenchyme) and functioning cells (Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells, etc.), production of appropriate concentrations of sex hormones, and cooperation among testicular cells. Thus, we considered whether male fertility declined as the structure and function of testicular cells were altered in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed either a standard or a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. Serum sex hormones, lipid components, semen quality, and fertility rate were assayed in the rats. The 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), Wilms tumor 1 (WT-1), and deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) were regarded as specific markers of Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells in rats. In addition, the ultrastructure of the testis and expression levels of particular marker molecules of testicular cells were further investigated. RESULTS Compared to rats fed on a regular diet, the serum testosterone levels and sperm progressive motility decreased in rats fed high cholesterol. Moreover, we observed a deformed nucleus, dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and swollen mitochondria of Leydig cells and a schizolytic nucleus of Sertoli cells in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. The 3β-HSD, WT-1, and DAZL protein expression levels were significantly reduced in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that a high-cholesterol diet adversely affected testosterone production and sperm progressive motility, possibly due to Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cell abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic disease, Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Meijie Zhang
- Jing'an District Center Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fangjie Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic disease, Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic disease, Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Su
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic disease, Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qingbo Guan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic disease, Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Chunxiao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic disease, Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Zhou YX, Wei J, Deng G, Hu A, Sun PY, Zhao X, Song BL, Luo J. Delivery of low-density lipoprotein from endocytic carriers to mitochondria supports steroidogenesis. Nat Cell Biol 2023:10.1038/s41556-023-01160-6. [PMID: 37277481 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a major cholesterol carrier in circulation and is internalized into cells through LDL receptor (LDLR)-mediated endocytosis. The LDLR protein is highly expressed in the steroidogenic organs and LDL cholesterol is an important source for steroidogenesis. Cholesterol must be transported into the mitochondria, where steroid hormone biosynthesis initiates. However, how LDL cholesterol is conveyed to the mitochondria is poorly defined. Here, through genome-wide small hairpin RNA screening, we find that the outer mitochondrial membrane protein phospholipase D6 (PLD6), which hydrolyses cardiolipin to phosphatidic acid, accelerates LDLR degradation. PLD6 promotes the entrance of LDL and LDLR into the mitochondria, where LDLR is degraded by mitochondrial proteases and LDL-carried cholesterol is used for steroid hormone biosynthesis. Mechanistically, the outer mitochondrial membrane protein CISD2 binds to the cytosolic tail of LDLR and tethers LDLR+ vesicles to the mitochondria. The fusogenic lipid phosphatidic acid generated by PLD6 facilitates the membrane fusion of LDLR+ vesicles with the mitochondria. This intracellular transport pathway of LDL-LDLR bypasses the lysosomes and delivers cholesterol to the mitochondria for steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xia Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Deng
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ao Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pu-Yu Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jie Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Errico A, Vinco S, Ambrosini G, Dalla Pozza E, Marroncelli N, Zampieri N, Dando I. Mitochondrial Dynamics as Potential Modulators of Hormonal Therapy Effectiveness in Males. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040547. [PMID: 37106748 PMCID: PMC10135745 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide the incidence of andrological diseases is rising every year and, together with it, also the interest in them is increasing due to their strict association with disorders of the reproductive system, including impairment of male fertility, alterations of male hormones production, and/or sexual function. Prevention and early diagnosis of andrological dysfunctions have long been neglected, with the consequent increase in the incidence and prevalence of diseases otherwise easy to prevent and treat if diagnosed early. In this review, we report the latest evidence of the effect of andrological alterations on fertility potential in both young and adult patients, with a focus on the link between gonadotropins' mechanism of action and mitochondria. Indeed, mitochondria are highly dynamic cellular organelles that undergo rapid morphological adaptations, conditioning a multitude of aspects, including their size, shape, number, transport, cellular distribution, and, consequently, their function. Since the first step of steroidogenesis takes place in these organelles, we consider that mitochondria dynamics might have a possible role in a plethora of signaling cascades, including testosterone production. In addition, we also hypothesize a central role of mitochondria fission boost on the decreased response to the commonly administrated hormonal therapy used to treat urological disease in pediatric and adolescent patients as well as infertile adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Errico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Vinco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Nunzio Marroncelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Zampieri
- Department of Engineering and Innovation Medicine, Paediatric Fertility Lab, Woman and Child Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
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Sarcopenia phenotype and impaired muscle function in male mice with fast-twitch muscle-specific knockout of the androgen receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218032120. [PMID: 36669097 PMCID: PMC9942915 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218032120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is distinct from normal muscle atrophy in that it is closely related to a shift in the muscle fiber type. Deficiency of the anabolic action of androgen on skeletal muscles is associated with sarcopenia; however, the function of the androgen receptor (AR) pathway in sarcopenia remains poorly understood. We generated a mouse model (fast-twitch muscle-specific AR knockout [fmARKO] mice) in which the AR was selectively deleted in the fast-twitch muscle fibers. In young male mice, the deletion caused no change in muscle mass, but it reduced muscle strength and fatigue resistance and induced a shift in the soleus muscles from fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch fibers (14% increase, P = 0.02). After middle age, with the control mice, the male fmARKO mice showed much less muscle function, accompanied by lower hindlimb muscle mass; this phenotype was similar to the progression of sarcopenia. The bone mineral density of the femur was significantly reduced in the fmARKO mice, indicating possible osteosarcopenia. Microarray and gene ontology analyses revealed that in male fmARKO mice, there was downregulation of polyamine biosynthesis-related geneswhich was confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay and the primary cultured myofibers. None of the AR deletion-related phenotypes were observed in female fmARKO mice. Our findings showed that the AR pathway had essential muscle type- and sex-specific roles in the differentiation toward fast-twitch fibers and in the maintenance of muscle composition and function. The AR in fast-twitch muscles was the dominant regulator of muscle fiber-type composition and muscle function, including the muscle-bone relationship.
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Gu B, Wang S, Liu F, Song Y, Li J, Ni Y, Chen M, Hu J, Ouzhu L, Li Z, Liu L, Li X, Liu X. Same total normal forms sperm counts of males from Lhasa and Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18820-18831. [PMID: 34704224 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17083-4] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility may be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors that impair spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. High-altitude (HA) hypoxic environments represent one of the most serious challenges faced by humans that reside in these areas. To assess the influence of the plateau environment on semen parameters, 2,798 males, including 1,111 native Tibetans and 1,687 Han Chinese individuals living in the plains (HCILP) who underwent pre-pregnancy checkups, were enrolled in this study. The semen samples of males were evaluated to determine conventional sperm parameters, sperm morphology, and sperm movement. Reproductive endocrine hormones (REHs) were detected in 474 males, including 221 Tibetans and 253 HCILP. Due to recurrent abortions in partners, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of 133 native Tibetans and 393 HCILP individuals was further compared. Luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.94 ± 2.12 vs. 3.29 ± 1.43 U/L), prolactin (11.34 ± 3.87 vs. 8.97 ± 3.48 nmol/L), E2/T (0.22 ± 0.11 vs 0.11 ± 0.05), median total sperm motility (61.20% vs. 51.56%), and DFI (23.11% vs. 7.22%) were higher in males from plateau areas while median progressive motility (PR) (35.60% vs. 41.12%), total number of PR sperms (51.61 vs. 59.63 mil/ejaculate), percentage of normal form sperms (3.70% vs. 6.00%), curvilinear velocity (36.10 vs. 48.97 μm/s), straight-line (rectilinear) velocity (14.70 vs. 31.52 μm/s), estradiol (103.82 ± 45.92 vs. 146.01 ± 39.73 pmol/L), progesterone (0.29 ± 0.27 vs. 2.22 ± 0.84 nmol/L), testosterone (4.90 ± 1.96 vs. 14.36 ± 5.24 nmol/L), and testosterone secretion index (ratio of testosterone to LH) (33.45 ± 22.86 vs 145.78 ± 73.41) were lower than those in males from the plains. There was no difference in median total sperm number (157.76 vs. 151.65 mil/mL), sperm concentration (52.40 vs. 51.79 mil/mL), volume (3.10 vs. 3.10 mL), total normal form sperms (5.91 vs. 6.58 mil/ejaculate, p50), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (4.13 ± 2.55 U/L vs 3.82 ± 2.35 U/L) between the two groups of males. The REH and sperm parameters of males from HA hypoxic environments were adaptively altered. Although the total number of PR sperm decreased and DFI increased, the Tibetan population that lives at HAs has been found to grown continuously and rapidly. These results supplement prior findings regarding the impact of HA on male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benhong Gu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Shangren Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Center of Urologic Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jun Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Yongtao Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Min Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Jianlin Hu
- Department of Andrology, Center of Urologic Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Luobu Ouzhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fokind Maternity and Children's Hospital, Tibet, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center of Urologic Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Alcicek FC, Mohaissen T, Bulat K, Dybas J, Szczesny-Malysiak E, Kaczmarska M, Franczyk-Zarow M, Kostogrys R, Marzec KM. Sex-Specific Differences of Adenosine Triphosphate Levels in Red Blood Cells Isolated From ApoE/LDLR Double-Deficient Mice. Front Physiol 2022; 13:839323. [PMID: 35250640 PMCID: PMC8895041 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.839323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study for the first time, we investigated the correlation between sex-specific differences in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in red blood cells (RBCs) and their mechanical, biochemical, and morphological alterations during the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE/LDLR double-deficient (ApoE/LDLR−/−) mice. Our results indicate that both sex and age affect alterations in RBCs of both ApoE/LDLR−/− and C57BL/6J mice. When compared with male RBCs, female RBCs were characterized by lower basal ATP and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), higher hemoglobin concentration (HGB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), deformability, and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure levels, regardless of age in both, ApoE/LDLR−/− and C57BL/6J mice. ApoE/LDLR−/− mice compared with age-matched controls showed lower basal ATP levels regardless of age and sex. Intracellular ATP level of RBCs was decreased solely in senescent female C57BL/6J mice, while it was elevated in males. Basal extracellular ATP levels were 400 times lower than corresponding intracellular level. In conclusion, basal ATP levels, RBC morphology, deformability, PS exposure levels alterations are sex-dependent in mice. Changes in basal ATP levels were correlated with PS exposure and trends of changes in MCV. Trends of changes of the most RBC parameters were similar in both sexes of ApoE/LDLR−/− mice compared with age-matched controls; however, their kinetics and levels vary greatly between different stages of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Celal Alcicek
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tasnim Mohaissen
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Chair and Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bulat
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Łukasiewicz Research Network - Krakow Institute of Technology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jakub Dybas
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Szczesny-Malysiak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kaczmarska
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Franczyk-Zarow
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland
| | - Renata Kostogrys
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna M. Marzec
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Łukasiewicz Research Network - Krakow Institute of Technology, Krakow, Poland
- *Correspondence: Katarzyna M. Marzec,
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7
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Komninos D, Ramos L, van der Heijden GW, Morrison MC, Kleemann R, van Herwaarden AE, Kiliaan AJ, Arnoldussen IAC. High fat diet-induced obesity prolongs critical stages of the spermatogenic cycle in a Ldlr -/-.Leiden mouse model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:430. [PMID: 35017550 PMCID: PMC8752771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04069-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity can disturb spermatogenesis and subsequently affect male fertility and reproduction. In our study, we aim to elucidate at which cellular level of adult spermatogenesis the detrimental effects of obesity manifest. We induced high fat diet (HFD) obesity in low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out Leiden (Ldlr−/−.Leiden) mice, and studied the morphological structure of the testes and histologically examined the proportion of Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. We examined sperm DNA damage and chromatin condensation and measured plasma levels of leptin, testosterone, cholesterol and triglycerides. HFD-induced obesity caused high plasma leptin and abnormal testosterone levels and induced an aberrant intra-tubular organisation (ITO) which is associated with an altered spermatids/spermatocytes ratio (2:1 instead of 3:1). Mice fed a HFD had a higher level of tubules in stages VII + VIII in the spermatogenic cycle. The stages VII + VII indicate crucial processes in spermatogenic development like initiation of meiosis, initiation of spermatid elongation, and release of fully matured spermatids. In conclusion, HFD-induced obese Ldlr−/−.Leiden mice develop an aberrant ITO and alterations in the spermatogenic cycle in crucial stages (stages VII and VII). Thereby, our findings stress the importance of lifestyle guidelines in infertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Komninos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - L Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G W van der Heijden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M C Morrison
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Kleemann
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A E van Herwaarden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A J Kiliaan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - I A C Arnoldussen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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8
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HASPIN kinase inhibitor CHR-6494 suppresses intestinal polyp development, cachexia, and hypogonadism in Apcmin/+ mice. Eur J Cancer Prev 2021; 29:481-485. [PMID: 31833958 PMCID: PMC7531494 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
HASPIN has been identified as a nuclear Ser/Thr kinase specifically expressed in haploid germ cells. HASPIN kinase inhibitors were recently isolated, and their antitumor activity reported. Colorectal cancer occurs with high incidence worldwide. In this study, we examined whether HASPIN inhibitor CHR-6494 suppresses cancer progression in ApcMin/+ mice, a familial colon tumor disease model. Mice were treated by intraperitoneal injection of CHR-6494 for 50 days. Following the treatment period, intestinal polyps were counted and testosterone and spermatogenesis levels were observed. Intraperitoneal administration of CHR-6494 significantly inhibited intestinal polyp development and recovered body weight in ApcMin/+ mice. Although spermatogenesis was inhibited with increasing age in ApcMin/+ mice, CHR-6494 significantly improved blood testosterone levels and spermatogenesis. Our results suggest that HASPIN inhibitors may be useful as anti-cancer agents and for the treatment of hypogonadism in colorectal cancer patients.
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9
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Shen YC, Shami AN, Moritz L, Larose H, Manske GL, Ma Q, Zheng X, Sukhwani M, Czerwinski M, Sultan C, Chen H, Gurczynski SJ, Spence JR, Orwig KE, Tallquist M, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. TCF21 + mesenchymal cells contribute to testis somatic cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3876. [PMID: 34162856 PMCID: PMC8222243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development and function rely on interactions between somatic cells and the germline, but similar to other organs, regenerative capacity declines in aging and disease. Whether the adult testis maintains a reserve progenitor population remains uncertain. Here, we characterize a recently identified mouse testis interstitial population expressing the transcription factor Tcf21. We found that TCF21lin cells are bipotential somatic progenitors present in fetal testis and ovary, maintain adult testis homeostasis during aging, and act as potential reserve somatic progenitors following injury. In vitro, TCF21lin cells are multipotent mesenchymal progenitors which form multiple somatic lineages including Leydig and myoid cells. Additionally, TCF21+ cells resemble resident fibroblast populations reported in other organs having roles in tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and regeneration. Our findings reveal that the testis, like other organs, maintains multipotent mesenchymal progenitors that can be potentially leveraged in development of future therapies for hypoandrogenism and/or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Czerwinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins, USA
| | | | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- University of Hawaii, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Parra-Vargas M, Ramon-Krauel M, Lerin C, Jimenez-Chillaron JC. Size Does Matter: Litter Size Strongly Determines Adult Metabolism in Rodents. Cell Metab 2020; 32:334-340. [PMID: 32814016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this essay, we highlight how litter size in rodents is a strong determinant of neonatal growth and long-term metabolic health. Based on these effects, we strongly advise that scientific articles that utilize rodent models for obesity and metabolic research should include information on the litter sizes in the study to increase the data transparency of such reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Parra-Vargas
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Endocrinology, c/ Santa Rosa 39-57, 4ª planta, Esplugues, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Ramon-Krauel
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Endocrinology, c/ Santa Rosa 39-57, 4ª planta, Esplugues, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Lerin
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Endocrinology, c/ Santa Rosa 39-57, 4ª planta, Esplugues, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep C Jimenez-Chillaron
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Endocrinology, c/ Santa Rosa 39-57, 4ª planta, Esplugues, 08950 Barcelona, Spain.
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Oxidized-LDL inhibits testosterone biosynthesis by affecting mitochondrial function and the p38 MAPK/COX-2 signaling pathway in Leydig cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:626. [PMID: 32796811 PMCID: PMC7429867 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal lipid/lipoprotein metabolism induced by obesity may affect spermatogenesis by inhibiting testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells. It is crucial to determine which components of lipoproteins inhibit testosterone synthesis. Circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), the oxidized form of LDL, has been reported to be an independent risk factor for decreased serum testosterone levels. However, whether oxLDL has a damaging effect on Leydig cell function and the detailed mechanisms have been rarely studied. This study first showed the specific localization of oxLDL and mitochondrial structural damage in testicular Leydig cells of high-fat diet-fed mice in vivo. We also found that oxLDL reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by disrupting electron transport chain and inhibited testosterone synthesis-related proteins and enzymes (StAR, P450scc, and 3β‑HSD), which ultimately led to mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells. Further experiments demonstrated that oxLDL promoted lipid uptake and mitochondrial dysfunction by inducing CD36 transcription. Meanwhile, oxLDL facilitated COX2 expression through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in Leydig cells. Blockade of COX-2 attenuated the oxLDL-induced decrease in StAR and P450scc. Our clinical results clarified that the increased serum oxLDL level was associated with a decline in circulating testosterone levels. Our findings amplify the damaging effects of oxLDL and provide the first evidence that oxLDL is a novel metabolic biomarker of male-acquired hypogonadism caused by abnormal lipid metabolism.
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CYP17A1 deficient XY mice display susceptibility to atherosclerosis, altered lipidomic profile and atypical sex development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8792. [PMID: 32472014 PMCID: PMC7260244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CYP17A1 is a cytochrome P450 enzyme with 17-alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activities. CYP17A1 genetic variants are associated with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and visceral and subcutaneous fat distribution; however, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the function of CYP17A1 and its impact on atherosclerosis in mice. At 4–6 months, CYP17A1-deficient mice were viable, with a KO:Het:WT ratio approximating the expected Mendelian ratio of 1:2:1. All Cyp17a1 knockout (KO) mice were phenotypically female; however, 58% were Y chromosome-positive, resembling the phenotype of human CYP17A1 deficiency, leading to 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). Both male and female homozygous KO mice were infertile, due to abnormal genital organs. Plasma steroid analyses revealed a complete lack of testosterone in XY-KO mice and marked accumulation of progesterone in XX-KO mice. Elevated corticosterone levels were observed in both XY and XX KO mice. In addition, Cyp17a1 heterozygous mice were also backcrossed onto an Apoe KO atherogenic background and fed a western-type diet (WTD) to study the effects of CYP17A1 on atherosclerosis. Cyp17a1 x Apoe double KO XY mice developed more atherosclerotic lesions than Apoe KO male controls, regardless of diet (standard or WTD). Increased atherosclerosis in CYP17A1 XY KO mice lacking testosterone was associated with altered lipid profiles. In mice, CYP17A1 deficiency interferes with sex differentiation. Our data also demonstrate its key role in lipidomic profile, and as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
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