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Adel O, El-Sherbiny HR, M Shahat A, Ismail ST. N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation Improves Testicular Haemodynamics, Testosterone Levels, Seminal Antioxidant Capacity and Semen Quality in Heat-Stressed Goat Bucks. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14709. [PMID: 39189388 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) disrupts testicular homeostasis because of oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol compound with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. As a sequel, this research aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of NAC supplementation on the reproductive performance of goat bucks kept under environmental HS. Primarily, Doppler examination as well as semen collection and evaluation were conducted on 12 mature bucks for 2 weeks (W) as pre-heat stress control (W1 and W2) during winter (February 2023). The temperature-humidity index (THI) was 63.4-64.3 (winter season). Then during summer HS conditions (from the beginning of July till the end of August 2023) bucks were assessed before NAC supplementation (W0), afterwards they were arbitrarily assigned into two groups. The control group (CON; n = 6) received the basal diet while the NAC group (n = 6) received the basal diet in addition to oral NAC daily for 7 weeks (W1-W7). The THI was 78.1-81.6 (summer season). Testicular blood flow parameters, serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and testosterone were measured. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters were evaluated. There were marked reductions (p < 0.05) in the resistive index (RI; W1, W4 and W5), pulsatility index (PI; W2 and W4-W7), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D; W4-W7) in the NAC group compared to the CON group. Furthermore, testosterone and NO levels were higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) in the NAC group (W2, W3, W5 and W3-W5, respectively). Seminal plasma TAC increased (p < 0.05) and MDA decreased (p < 0.05) in the NAC group (W2, W4 and W5) compared to the CON group. Moreover, there were marked improvements (p < 0.05) in semen quality parameters (mass motility, total motility, viability and normal morphology) in the NAC group. In conclusion, oral NAC supplementation could be used to enhance the reproductive performance of goat bucks during HS conditions which is supported by remarkable enhancement in testicular haemodynamics, NO, testosterone levels and semen quality parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Adel
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza Square, Egypt
| | - Hossam R El-Sherbiny
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza Square, Egypt
| | - Abdallah M Shahat
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza Square, Egypt
| | - Sayed Taha Ismail
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza Square, Egypt
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Leite C, Russo T, Cuccaro A, Pinto J, Polese G, Soares AM, Pretti C, Pereira E, Freitas R. The role of warming in modulating neodymium effects on adults and sperm of Mytilus galloprovincialis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120854. [PMID: 38640759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120854] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The use of rare earth elements (REEs) has been increasing and one of the most used is neodymium (Nd). Being an emergent contaminant, its negative impacts are poorly understood. Aquatic organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, as is the case of warming, which can change the effects of REEs. Thus, the impacts of Nd, warming, and the combination of both stressors were studied in adult mussels and sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis, after an exposure period of 28 days (adults) and 30 min (sperm). The effects were evaluated through the analysis of biochemical and histopathological alterations in adults and biochemical and physiological responses given by sperm. The results showed that mussels only activated their biotransformation capacity when exposed to the stressors acting alone, which was insufficient to avoid lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, warming (alone and combined with Nd) also produces damage to proteins. The digestive gland was the most sensitive organ to Nd, presenting several histopathological alterations. In the case of sperm, all stressors induced lipid peroxidation, a higher oxygen demand, and a decrease in velocity, even if the sperm viability was maintained. It seems that warming influenced the effects of Nd to some extent. The present findings contribute significantly to the field of REEs environmental toxicology by offering valuable insights into the impacts of Nd on various biological levels of mussels. Additionally, within the context of climate change, this study sheds light on how temperature influences the effects of Nd. The obtained results indicate that both stressors can potentially compromise the overall health of mussel populations, thereby affecting other species reliant on them for food and habitat. Moreover, this study highlights impaired sperm health, which could adversely affect their reproductive capacity and ultimately lead to population decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Leite
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tania Russo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - João Pinto
- Department of Chemistry & LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gianluca Polese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Amadeu Mvm Soares
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122, Pisa, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry & LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Gallo A, Murano C, Notariale R, Caramiello D, Tosti E, Cecchini Gualandi S, Boni R. Immune and Reproductive Biomarkers in Female Sea Urchins Paracentrotus lividus under Heat Stress. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1216. [PMID: 37627280 PMCID: PMC10452167 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The functioning of the immune and reproductive systems is crucial for the fitness and survival of species and is strongly influenced by the environment. To evaluate the effects of short-term heat stress (HS) on these systems, confirming and deepening previous studies, female sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus were exposed for 7 days to 17 °C, 23 and 28 °C. Several biomarkers were detected such as the ferric reducing power (FRAP), ABTS-based total antioxidant capacity (TAC-ABTS), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), total thiol levels (TTL), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and protease (PA) activities in the coelomic fluid (CF) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), H2O2 content and intracellular pH (pHi) in eggs and coelomocytes, in which TAC-ABTS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were also analyzed. In the sea urchins exposed to HS, CF analysis showed a decrease in FRAP levels and an increase in TAC-ABTS, TTL, MPO and PA levels; in coelomocytes, RNS, MMP and H2O2 content increased, whereas pHi decreased; in eggs, increases in MMP, H2O2 content and pHi were found. In conclusion, short-term HS leads to changes in five out of the six CF biomarkers analyzed and functional alterations in the cells involved in either reproductive or immune activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Carola Murano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rosaria Notariale
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Davide Caramiello
- Unit Marine Resources for Research, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
| | | | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Li X, Zeng YM, Luo YD, He J, Luo BW, Lu XC, Zhu LL. Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18224. [PMID: 37539255 PMCID: PMC10395467 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Folic acid and zinc supplements have been used to treat male infertility, but their efficacy is still debated. Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men. Methods An online systematic search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases from inception to August 1, 2022. The goal was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used folic acid or folic acid plus zinc to improve sperm characteristics of infertile men. Data were extracted by two investigators who independently screened the literature and assessed for quality according to the criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results A total of 8 RCT studies involving 2168 patients were included. The results showed that compared with the controls, folic acid significantly increased sperm motility (MD, 3.63; 95% CI, -1.22 to 6.05; P = 0.003), but did not affect the sperm concentration (MD, 2.53; 95% CI, -1.68 to 6.73; P = 0.24) and sperm morphology (MD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.29 to 0.24; P = 0.86) in infertile men. Folic acid plus zinc did not affect sperm concentration (MD, 1.87; 95% CI, -1.39 to 5.13; P = 0.26), motility (MD, 1.67; 95% CI, -1.29 to 4.63; P = 0.27), and morphology (MD, -0.05; 95% CI, -0.27 to 0.18; P = 0.69) in infertile men. Secondary results showed that compared with a placebo, folic acid alone had a higher rate of pregnancy in transferred embryos (35.6% vs. 20.4%, P = 0.082), but the difference was not significant. Folic acid plus zinc did not affect pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions Based on the meta-analysis, no significant improvements in sperm characteristics with folic acid plus zinc supplements were seen. However, folic acid alone has demonstrated the potential to improve sperm motility and in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) outcomes. This indicates that folic acid supplements alone may be a viable treatment option for male infertility.
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Oliva M, De Marchi L, Cuccaro A, Fumagalli G, Freitas R, Fontana N, Raugi M, Barmada S, Pretti C. Introducing energy into marine environments: A lab-scale static magnetic field submarine cable simulation and its effects on sperm and larval development on a reef forming serpulid. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121625. [PMID: 37085101 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-chemical sources of anthropogenic environmental stress, such as artificial lights, noise and magnetic fields, are still an underestimate factor that may affect the wildlife. Marine environments are constantly subjected to these kinds of stress, especially nearby to urbanized coastal areas. In the present work, the effect of static magnetic fields, associated with submerged electric cables, was evaluated in gametes and early life stages of a serpulid polychaete, namely Ficopomatus enigmaticus. Specifically, biochemical/physiological impairments of sperm, fertilization rate inhibition and incorrect larval development were assessed. We evaluated differences between two selected magnetic field induction values (0.5 and 1 mT) along a range of exposure times (30 min-48 h), for a sound evaluation on this species. We found that a magnetic induction of 1 mT, a typical value that can be found at distance of tens of cm from a submerged cable, may be considered a biologically and ecologically relevant for sessile organisms and for coastal environments more generally. This value exerted statistically significant effects on membranes, DNA integrity, kinetic parameters and mitochondrial activity of sperm cells. Moreover, a significant reduction in fertilization rate was observed in sperm exposed to the same magnetic induction level (1 mT) for 3 h, compared to controls. Regarding early larval stages, 48-h exposure did not affect the correct development. Our results represent a starting point for a future focus of research on magnetic field effects on early life stages of aquatic invertebrates, using model species as representative for reef-forming/encrusting organisms and ecological indicators of soft sediment quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Oliva
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N. Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy.
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N. Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Fumagalli
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N. Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy.
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Nunzia Fontana
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering of Organization, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marco Raugi
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering of Organization, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sami Barmada
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering of Organization, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N. Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
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6
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Hu C, Hsiao ZH, Yin L, Yu X. The role of small GTPases in bisphenol AF-induced multinucleation in comparison with dibutyl phthalate in the male germ cells. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:43-58. [PMID: 36625514 PMCID: PMC10025878 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad005] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study is to examine bisphenol AF (BPAF)-induced multinucleation (MNC) in comparison with dibutyl phthalate (DBP), known to induce MNC in mouse gonocytes in vivo. We performed image-based single-cell high content analysis (HCA) in the mouse spermatogonia C18-4 cells treated with various concentrations of BPAF and DBP. BPAF as low as 5 µM was cytotoxic and resulted in 40% cell death of the C18-4 cells after 72 h. HCA revealed that 5 µM of BPAF significantly increased the number of MNC by an average of 3.6-fold. DBP did not induce MNC in the doses we tested. Cytokinesis is tightly regulated by various small GTPase-signaling pathways. We, therefore, tested 5 selective GTPase inhibitors and found that Y27632, a ROCK inhibitor, reduced the BPAF-induced MNC by nearly 30%. Inhibition of Cdc42 by ML141 conversely increased the number of BPAF-induced MNC. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis of the HCA data and demonstrated that the cytoskeletal disruption by BPAF was reversely modified by Y27632. We found that mRNA expression of genes regulating Rho and Rac GTPase activities, p190RhoGap and MgcRacGap, was altered in BPAF-treated C18-4 cells in a time-dependent manner. Multinucleated gonocytes are often indicators of disease pathologies. Our results provided the first evidence of mechanisms of the dual toxicity by BPAF to male germ cells, which induces chromosome endoreplication without the coordinated cytokinetic cellular components. The unique genotoxic mechanism of forming multinucleated germ cells suggests a novel mode of action in the male repro-toxicity concern over the increasingly ubiquitous presence of BPA analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelin Hu
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | | | - Lei Yin
- ReproTox Biotech LLC, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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Gallo A, Esposito MC, Tosti E, Boni R. Sperm Motility, Oxidative Status, and Mitochondrial Activity: Exploring Correlation in Different Species. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071131. [PMID: 34356364 PMCID: PMC8301117 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality assessment is the first step for evaluating male fertility and includes the estimation of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Nevertheless, other parameters can be assessed providing additional information on the male reproductive potential. This study aimed to evaluate and correlate the oxidative status, mitochondrial functionality, and motility in spermatozoa of two marine invertebrate (Ciona robusta and Mytilus galloprovincialis) and one mammalian (Bos taurus) species. By combining fluorescent staining and spectrofluorometer, sperm oxidative status was evaluated through intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plasma membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) analysis. Mitochondrial functionality was assessed through the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In the three examined species, a negative correlation emerged between sperm motility vs ROS levels and LPO. Sperm motility positively correlated with MMP in bovine, whereas these parameters were not related in ascidian or even negatively related in mussel spermatozoa. MMP was negatively related to ROS and LPO levels in ascidians, only to LPO in bovine, and positively related in mussel spermatozoa. These results suggest that energy sources for sperm motility vary between species and that ROS causes a decline in sperm motility via oxidative damage of membrane lipids. Overall, this study validates the use of fluorescent probes in combination with spectrofluorometer as a simple and powerful methodology for supplementary evaluation of sperm quality shedding light on new potential quality markers and provided relevant information on sperm energetic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (M.C.E.); (E.T.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (R.B.); Tel.: +39-081-5833233 (A.G.); +39-0971-205017 (R.B.)
| | - Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (M.C.E.); (E.T.)
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (M.C.E.); (E.T.)
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (M.C.E.); (E.T.)
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (R.B.); Tel.: +39-081-5833233 (A.G.); +39-0971-205017 (R.B.)
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Epidermal growth factor alleviates the negative impact of urea on frozen-thawed bovine sperm, but the subsequent developmental competence is compromised. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4687. [PMID: 33633199 PMCID: PMC7907109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon insemination, sperm cells are exposed to components of the female reproductive tract (FRT) fluids, such as urea and epidermal growth factor (EGF). It has been shown that both urea and EGF use EGF receptor signaling and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are required at certain levels for sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. We therefore hypothesized that during bovine sperm capacitation, a high level of urea and EGF could interfere with sperm function through overproduction of ROS. High-level urea (40 mg/dl urea is equal to 18.8 mg/dl of blood urea nitrogen) significantly increased ROS production and TUNEL-positive sperm (sperm DNA fragmentation, sDF) percentage, but decreased HOS test score, progressive motility, acrosome reaction and capacitation. The EGF reversed the negative effects of urea on all sperm parameters, with the exception of ROS production and DNA fragmentation, which were higher in urea-EGF-incubated sperm than in control-sperm. The developmental competence of oocytes inseminated with urea-EGF-incubated sperm was significantly reduced compared to the control. A close association of ROS production or sDF with 0-pronuclear and sperm non-capacitation rates was found in the network analysis. In conclusion, EGF enhanced urea-reduced sperm motility; however, it failed to reduce urea-increased sperm ROS or sDF levels and to enhance subsequent oocyte competence. The data suggests that any study to improve sperm quality should be followed by a follow-up assessment of the fertilization outcome.
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10
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Evaluation of the human sperm nucleus: ambiguity and risk of confusion with chromomycin staining. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:257-259. [PMID: 33468281 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Relationships between Seminal Plasma Metabolites, Semen Characteristics and Sperm Kinetics in Donkey ( Equus asinus). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010201. [PMID: 33467749 PMCID: PMC7830036 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A deeper knowledge of reproductive biology may be helpful in the donkey to avoid the risk of extinction that some breeds are facing. The evaluation of metabolites in seminal plasma provides crucial information for the knowledge of donkey sperm metabolism, for obtaining comparative information with other species, as well as for providing useful elements for the formulation of extenders for sperm dilution and conservation. Moreover, correlations of seminal metabolites with sperm kinetics highlight new possible markers of sperm quality. Using multivariate analysis, all metabolic, seminal, and spermatic data were merged in a single dot that grouped individual stallions within clusters in the Cartesian axes according to the different spermatic characteristics. This amount of information also allows to shed light on the effects of total or partial removal of seminal plasma for improving sperm preservation. The inclusion in the study of an azoospermic individual represents a further discriminating element in the analysis of sperm quality under physiological and pathological conditions. Abstract This study aimed to evaluate donkey seminal plasma metabolites and relate this information to the main characteristics of sperm quality. Sperm kinetics from 10 donkey stallions were analyzed with a computerized system at the time of collection (T0) and after 24 h storage at 4 °C (T24). Seminal plasma was frozen at −80 °C for subsequent proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. On three stallions, semen collection was repeated monthly for three times and sperm analysis also included mitochondrial activity and oxidative status. One stallion was azoospermic and a second semen collection was performed after one month. In the seminal plasma, 17 metabolites were identified; their levels showed numerous significant variations between the azoospermic and the normospermic individuals and grouped in well-defined clusters in a multivariate analysis. Comparing individuals with high and low sperm motility, the only discriminating metabolite was phenylalanine, whose levels were lower in the latter, as in the azoospermic individual. Phenylalanine was also the only metabolite highly correlated with all sperm kinematic parameters at T24. In conclusion, the present study has provided relevant information on the chemical characteristics of donkey semen, identified relationships between seminal metabolites, semen parameters, and sperm kinetics, and offered insights for future technological applications.
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Cuccaro A, De Marchi L, Oliva M, Sanches MV, Freitas R, Casu V, Monni G, Miragliotta V, Pretti C. Sperm quality assessment in Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Fauvel, 1923): Effects of selected organic and inorganic chemicals across salinity levels. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 207:111219. [PMID: 32931966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Contamination by organic and inorganic compounds remains one of the most complex problems in both brackish and marine environments, causing potential implications for the reproductive success and survival of several broadcast spawners. Ficopomatus enigmaticus is a tubeworm polychaete that has previously been used as a model organism for ecotoxicological analysis, due to its sensitivity and ecological relevance. In the present study, the effects of five trace elements (zinc, copper, cadmium, arsenic and lead), one surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (benzo(a)pyrene, B(a)P) on the sperm quality of F. enigmaticus were investigated. Sperm suspensions were exposed in vitro to different concentrations of each selected contaminant under four salinity conditions (10, 20, 30, 35). Possible adverse effects on sperm function were assessed by measuring oxidative stress, membrane integrity, viability and DNA damage. Sperm quality impairments induced by organic contaminants were more evident than those induced by inorganic compounds. SDS exerted the largest effect on sperm. In addition, F. enigmaticus sperm showed high tolerance to salinity variation, supporting the wide use of this species as a promising model organism for ecotoxicological assays. Easy and rapid methods on polychaete spermatozoids were shown to be effective as integrated sperm quality parameters or as an alternative analysis for early assessment of marine and brackish water pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cuccaro
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Oliva
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Matilde Vieira Sanches
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Valentina Casu
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Gianfranca Monni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Miragliotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy.
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Gallo A, Esposito MC, Cuccaro A, Buia MC, Tarallo A, Monfrecola V, Tosti E, Boni R. Adult exposure to acidified seawater influences sperm physiology in Mytilus galloprovincialis: Laboratory and in situ transplant experiments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115063. [PMID: 32806401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing increase of CO2 in the atmosphere is inducing a progressive lowering of marine water pH that is predicted to decrease to 7.8 by the end of this century. In marine environment, physical perturbation may affect reproduction, which is crucial for species' survival and strictly depends on gamete quality. The effects of seawater acidification (SWAc) on gamete quality of broadcast spawning marine invertebrates result largely from experiments of gamete exposure while the SWAc impact in response to adult exposure is poorly investigated. Performing microcosm and in field experiments at a naturally acidified site, we investigated the effects of adult SWAc exposure on sperm quality parameters underlying fertilization in Mytilus galloprovincialis. These animals were exposed to pH 7.8 over 21 days and collected at different times to analyze sperm parameters as concentration, motility, viability, morphology, oxidative status, intra- and extra-cellular pH and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results obtained in the two experimental approaches were slightly different. Under field conditions, we found an increase in total sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential on days 7 and 14 from the start of SWAc exposure whereas, in microcosm, SWAc group showed an increase of total motility on day 14. In addition, sperm morphology and intracellular pH were affected in both experimental approaches; whereas oxidative stress was detected only in spermatozoa collected from mussels under natural SWAc. The overall analysis suggests that, in mussels, SWAc toxic mechanism in spermatozoa does not involve oxidative stress. This study represents the first report on mussel sperm quality impairment after adult SWAc exposure, which may affect fertilization success with negative ecological and economic consequences; it also indicates that, although naturally acidified areas represent ideal natural laboratories for investigating the impact of ocean acidification, microcosm experiments are necessary for examining action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Buia
- Center of Villa Dohrn Ischia - Benthic Ecology, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, P.ta S. Pietro, Ischia, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Tarallo
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monfrecola
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
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De Marchi L, Freitas R, Oliva M, Cuccaro A, Manzini C, Tardelli F, Andrade M, Costa M, Leite C, Morelli A, Chiellini F, Pretti C. Does salinity variation increase synergistic effects of triclosan and carbon nanotubes on Mytilus galloprovincialis? Responses on adult tissues and sperms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:138837. [PMID: 32464379 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is rapidly increasing and several scientific studies have addressed their toxicological properties. However, only a very small number of publications have deal with the interaction between CNTs and other molecules. Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial agent used in personal care and household products. Commonly detected in aquatic ecosystems, there is a strong evidence that aquatic biota is sensitive to this compound. Aside from emergent pollutants, aquatic organisms are continuously subjected to abiotic variations including salinities. Therefore, the main goal of the present study was to better understand how physio-chemical interactions of CNTs with TCS under different salinity levels (37, 28 and 19) affect the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis through the evaluation of biochemical alterations on gametes (sperms) and adult tissues, providing more ecologically relevant information on organisms' responses. The results showed toxicological effects in terms of sperm metabolic activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species production as well as cellular damage and alteration of metabolic capacity at the adult's stage when exposed to both contaminants acting alone and in combination, under tested salinities. Moreover, when the mussels were exposed to the combination of both contaminants, they showed major toxic impacts on both assessed biological levels (adult tissues and sperms) especially under control salinity. This suggests that toxicity upon mixture exposure compared to single-substance exposure may impair mussels' populations, affecting reproduction success and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia De Marchi
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology &, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Matteo Oliva
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology &, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Chiara Manzini
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy
| | - Federica Tardelli
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy
| | - Madalena Andrade
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology &, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology &, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carla Leite
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology &, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andrea Morelli
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Udr INSTM Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Chiellini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Udr INSTM Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122 Pisa, Italy
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El Shehaby DM, El-Mahdy RI, Ahmed AM, Hosny A, Abd El-Rady NM. Neurobehavioral, testicular and erectile impairments of chronic ketamine administration: Pathogenesis and ameliorating effect of N-acetyl cysteine. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:57-66. [PMID: 32512129 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, recently has spread as a recreational drug. Its abuse lead to neurobehavioral disturbance in addition to toxic effects on other body organs. To evaluate the toxic effects of chronic administration of low ketamine doses on the memory, testicles, and erection, explore its pathophysiology through oxidative stress mechanism and examine the ameliorating effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). A total of 40 male albino rats were assigned to control, vehicle, ketamine only I.P. (10 mg/kg), and ketamine (10 mg/kg) + NAC (150 mg/kg) groups. Assessment of memory affection and erectile function by Passive Avoidance, Novel Object Recognition, and copulatory tests were performed. Estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum and prefrontal & hippocampal homogenate, and luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone in serum were done. Prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and testes were collected for histopathology. Chronic ketamine administration induced significant memory deficits (P < 0.05), reduced erectile function (P < 0.05), severe hypospermatogenesis, increased MDA, reduced CAT, TAC levels in serum, and tissue homogenate (P < 0.05) and reduction of LH, and testosterone (P < 0.05). Treatment with NAC resulted in significant improvement of memory function, improved erectile function, and decrease in oxidative injury in both serum and tissue homogenates. Testosterone and LH levels exhibited significant difference between treatment groups and controls (P < 0.05). NAC reduced the deleterious histopathological changes. These data suggest that long-term ketamine affects short and long memory, induces erectile and testicular dysfunction through oxidative stress. Co-administration with NAC ameliorates these toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa M El Shehaby
- Forensic Medicine& Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Reham I El-Mahdy
- Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa M Ahmed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hosny
- Dermatology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
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Abstract
Information on donkey sperm bioenergetics, kinetics and oxidative status is scarce even though crucial for development of reproductive technologies and germplasm conservation. For these reasons, it is interesting to monitor sperm kinetics, bioenergetics, and oxidative status during sperm storage at +4°C and with several sperm extenders and concentrations. Donkey semen was collected from three jackasses, three times each. It was diluted with four extenders (Kenney, Equiplus, INRA96 or Hippex), set at three sperm concentrations (30, 50 or 70 × 106 spermatozoa/ml) and evaluated for its functionality after 0, 3, 24, 48 and 72 h storage at +4°C. Sperm kinetics was analyzed by Sperm Computer Analysis; sperm bioenergetics was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); sperm oxidative status was evaluated by lipid peroxidation (LPO), anti-LPO potential and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assays. Incubation produced a progressive (P < 0.01) decline in sperm kinetics and MMP, whereas parameters related to oxidative status either increased (LPO, NBT) or decreased (anti-LPO). The anti-LPO potential was the index better related to sperm motility and kinetics. Extenders proved to be differently (P < 0.01) effective in preserving sperm kinetics, MMP, and oxidative status. The concentration of 30 × 106 spermatozoa/ml provided an optimum preservation of sperm functions. Significant correlations emerged between most parameters examined. This study identified reference criteria for storing donkey spermatozoa at +4°C. A low sperm concentration together with a proper extender are crucial requirements for optimum sperm cryopreservation efficiency. Field trials are, however, required to validate these findings, making them operational in practice.
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17
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Jannatifar R, Parivar K, Roodbari NH, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effects of N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation on sperm quality, chromatin integrity and level of oxidative stress in infertile men. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:24. [PMID: 30771790 PMCID: PMC6377938 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertile men have higher levels of semen reactive oxygen species (ROS) than fertile men. High levels of semen ROS can cause sperm dysfunction, sperm DNA damage and reduced male reproductive potential. This study investigated the effects of supplementation with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) on the sperm quality, chromatin integrity and levels of oxidative stress in infertile men. METHODS The study was carried out in the unit of ACECR Infertility Research Center, Qom, Iran. The patients consisted of 50 infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia who received NAC (600 mg/d) orally for 3 months, after which they were compared with pre-treatment status. Semen was analyzed according to WHO (2010), followed by the assessment of protamine content [chromomycin A3 (CMA3)] and DNA integrity [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)]. Oxidative stress markers, i.e. total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as hormonal profile (LH, FSH, Testosterone and Prolactin) were determined by ELISA kit. RESULTS After NAC treatment, patients' sperm count and motility increased significantly whereas abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency showed significant decreases compared to pre-treatment levels (P < 0.05). Hormonal profile improvement was associated with lowered FSH and LH levels and increased amount of testosterone (P < 0.05). TAC significantly increased and MDA decreased with an inverse significant correlation between TAC and MDA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION NAC oral supplementation may improve sperm parameters and oxidative/antioxidant status in infertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Jannatifar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, ACECR, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran.
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18
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Effect of follicle size and atresia grade on mitochondrial membrane potential and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression in bovine granulosa cells. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:476-484. [PMID: 30561293 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199418000564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During follicular development, granulosa cells undergo functional and structural changes affecting their steroidogenic activity. Oestrogen synthesis mainly occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and relies on aromatase activity to convert androgens that arise from theca cells. In the present study, indicators of mitochondria-related steroidogenic capacity, as steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), have been evaluated in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) and related to follicle growth and atresia. Atresia was estimated by morphological examination of follicle walls and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) and assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis detection. Bovine ovarian follicles were macroscopically classified according to their atresia grade and grouped into small, medium or large follicles. After follicle opening, the COCs were morphologically classified for follicle atresia and the GCs were collected. Granulosa cells were fixed for immunofluorescence (IF) and TUNEL assay, frozen for western blotting (WB) or freshly maintained for MMP analyses. StAR protein expression was assessed using both IF and WB analyses. The follicle atresia grade could be efficiently discriminated based on either follicle wall or COC morphological evaluations. Granulosa cells collected from small non-atretic follicles showed a higher (P <0.01) MMP and WB-based StAR protein expression than small atretic follicles. For IF analysis, StAR protein expression in large atretic follicles was higher (P <0.05) than that in large non-atretic follicles. These results suggest a role played by mitochondria in GC steroidogenic activity, which declines in healthy follicles along with their growth. In large follicles, steroidogenic activity increases with atresia and is possibly associated with progesterone production.
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