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Zhou Y, Wei Z, Gao Y, Zhang H, Schroyen M. The role of alginate oligosaccharide on boar semen quality: A research review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134492. [PMID: 39106929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Alginate is the general term of a polysaccharide which is widely used in the area of pharmaceutics and the food industry and is known for its unique biological activities. However, due to the low water solubility and large viscosity of alginate, its development and utilization in the agricultural field are limited. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a degradable product derived from alginate and has attracted much attention in recent years because of its specific characteristics such as a low molecular weight, high water solubility, and non-toxicity. Boar semen quality, which is affected by various factors, is an important indicator for measuring reproductive performance of boars. With the development of artificial insemination technology, high quality semen has been more and more important. Therefore, increasing semen quality is an important means to improve the reproductive performance in swine industry. In this research review, we used the PubMed database and Google Scholar and web of science to search for relevant literature on the topic of AOS in relation to boar semen quality. Key words used were alginate oligosaccharide, boars, semen quality, microbiota and metabolites. The purpose of this review article was to describe the current knowledge on the relationship between AOS and boar semen quality, and provide an overview of solutions for the decline in the boar semen quality in specific conditions. Based on the existing literature, it is evident that AOS can be used as a new type of food additive. This review paper provides a theoretical basis for the production of high-quality boar sperm and, suggests that, in the future, AOS can even aid in treating human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yexun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China; Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Zeou Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfeld, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Yang Gao
- College of Life Science, Baicheng Normal University, Baicheng, Jilin 137000, China.
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Martine Schroyen
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
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Kaltsas A, Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Georgiou I, Dimitriadis F, Symeonidis EN, Markou E, Michaelidis TM, Tien DMB, Giannakis I, Ioannidou EM, Papatsoris A, Tsounapi P, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N, Zachariou A. Impact of Advanced Paternal Age on Fertility and Risks of Genetic Disorders in Offspring. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:486. [PMID: 36833413 PMCID: PMC9957550 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The average age of fathers at first pregnancy has risen significantly over the last decade owing to various variables, including a longer life expectancy, more access to contraception, later marriage, and other factors. As has been proven in several studies, women over 35 years of age have an increased risk of infertility, pregnancy problems, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, and postnatal issues. There are varying opinions on whether a father's age affects the quality of his sperm or his ability to father a child. First, there is no single accepted definition of old age in a father. Second, much research has reported contradictory findings in the literature, particularly concerning the most frequently examined criteria. Increasing evidence suggests that the father's age contributes to his offspring's higher vulnerability to inheritable diseases. Our comprehensive literature evaluation shows a direct correlation between paternal age and decreased sperm quality and testicular function. Genetic abnormalities, such as DNA mutations and chromosomal aneuploidies, and epigenetic modifications, such as the silencing of essential genes, have all been linked to the father's advancing years. Paternal age has been shown to affect reproductive and fertility outcomes, such as the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and premature birth rate. Several diseases, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and paediatric leukaemia, have been linked to the father's advanced years. Therefore, informing infertile couples of the alarming correlations between older fathers and a rise in their offspring's diseases is crucial, so that they can be effectively guided through their reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics in Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics in Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theologos M. Michaelidis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Ioannis Giannakis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian Univesity of Athens, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsounapi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Seidensticker M, Tasch S, Mietens A, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and abnormal ejaculation: live imaging reveals tamsulosin - but not tadalafil - induced dysfunction of prostate, seminal vesicles and epididymis. Reproduction 2022; 164:291-301. [PMID: 36173812 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief One of the most commonly prescribed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) pharmacotherapies, the alpha1-adrenergic blocker tamsulosin, is frequently discontinued, especially by younger patients due to ejaculatory disorders, often without feedback to the attending physician. Using a newly developed ex vivo system simulating sympathetic effects on the most relevant structures for the emission phase of ejaculation, that is seminal vesicles, prostate and the most distal part of the cauda epididymidis, we elucidated that tamsulosin fundamentally disturbed the obligatory noradrenaline-induced contractions in each of these structures which differed to an alternative pharmacotherapy, the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil. Abstract Structures responsible for the emission phase of ejaculation are the seminal vesicles, the most distal part of the cauda epididymidis and the newly characterized prostate excretory ducts. The emission phase is mainly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system through alpha1-adrenergic receptor activation by noradrenaline at the targeted organs. BPH treatment with alpha1A-adrenergic antagonists such as tamsulosin is known to result in ejaculation dysfunction, often leading to discontinuation of therapy. Mechanisms of this disturbance remain unclear. We established a rodent model system to predict drug responses in tissues involved in the emission phase of ejaculation. Imitating the therapeutic situation, prostate ducts, seminal vesicles and the distal cauda epididymal duct were pre-incubated with the smooth muscle cell-relaxing BPH drugs tadalafil, a novel BPH treatment option, and tamsulosin in an ex vivo time-lapse imaging approach. Afterwards, noradrenergic responses in the relevant structures were investigated to simulate sympathetic activation. Noradrenaline-induced strong contractions ultimately lead to secretion in structures without pre-treatment. Contractions were abolished by tamsulosin in prostate ducts and seminal vesicles and significantly decreased in the epididymal duct. Such effects were not observed with tadalafil pre-treatment. Data visualized a serious dysfunction of each organ involved in emission by affecting alpha1-adrenoceptors localized at the relevant structures but not by targeting smooth muscle cell-localized PDE5 by tadalafil. Our model system reveals the mechanism of tamsulosin resulting in adverse effects during ejaculation in patients treated for BPH. These adverse effects on contractility do not apply to tadalafil treatment. This new knowledge translates directly to clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Seidensticker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tasch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Mietens
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Balu R, Ramachandran SS, Mathimaran A, Jeyaraman J, Paramasivam SG. Functional significance of mouse seminal vesicle sulfhydryl oxidase on sperm capacitation in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 29:6637520. [PMID: 35809071 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During ejaculation, cauda epididymal spermatozoa are suspended in a protein-rich solution of seminal plasma which is composed of proteins mostly secreted from the seminal vesicle. These seminal proteins interact with the sperm cells and bring about changes in their physiology, so that they can become capacitated in order for the fertilization to take place. Sulfhydryl oxidase (SOX) is a member of the QSOX family and its expression is found to be high in the seminal vesicle secretion of mouse. Previously, it has been reported to cross-link thiol containing amino acids among major seminal vesicle secretion (SVS) proteins. However, its role in male reproduction is unclear. In this study, we determined the role of SOX on epididymal sperm maturation and also disclosed the binding effect of SOX on the sperm fertilizing ability in vitro. In order to achieve the above two objectives, we constructed a Sox clone (1.7 kb) using a pET-30a vector. His-tagged recombinant Sox was over expressed in Shuffle Escherichia coli cells and purified using His-Trap column affinity chromatography along with hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified SOX was confirmed by Western blot analysis and by its activity with DTT as a substrate. Results obtained from immunocytochemical staining clearly indicated that SOX possesses a binding site on the sperm acrosome. The influence of SOX on oxidation of sperm sulfhydryl to disulfides during epididymal sperm maturation was evaluated by a thiol labelling agent, mBBr. The SOX protein binds on to the sperm cells and increases their progressive motility. The effect of SOX binding on reducing the [Ca2+]i concentration in sperm head, was determined using a calcium probe, Fluo-3 AM. The inhibitory influence of SOX on sperm acrosome reaction was shown by using calcium ionophore A32187 to induce the acrosome reaction. The acrosome-reacted sperm were examined by staining with FITC-conjugated Arachis hypogaea (peanut) lectin. Furthermore, immunocytochemical analysis revealed that SOX remains bound to the sperm cells in the uterus but disappears in the oviduct during their transit in the female reproductive tract. The results from the above experiment revealed that SOX binding on to the sperm acrosome prevents sperm capacitation by affecting the [Ca2+]i concentration in the sperm head and the ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. Thus, the binding of SOX on to the sperm acrosome may possibly serve as a decapacitation factor in the uterus to prevent premature capacitation and acrosome reaction, thus preserving their fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubhadevi Balu
- Department of Biotechnology, BIT-Campus, Anna University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu India
| | | | - Amala Mathimaran
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630 004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630 004, Tamil Nadu, India
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Chen HG, Lu Q, Tu ZZ, Chen YJ, Sun B, Hou J, Xiong CL, Wang YX, Meng TQ, Pan A. Identifying windows of susceptibility to essential elements for semen quality among 1428 healthy men screened as potential sperm donors. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106586. [PMID: 33910075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential elements such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), and molybdenum (Mo) are necessary for reproductive health. However, their associations with human semen quality remain inconclusive. OBJECTIVES To investigate the associations of urinary Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, and Mo concentrations with semen quality in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors and identify critical windows of susceptibility. METHODS 1428 healthy men provided 3766 urine and 6527 semen samples, which were measured for urinary essential element concentrations and sperm quality parameters, respectively. Linear mixed models and cubic spline curves were used to evaluate associations between urinary essential elements and semen quality. Multiple informant models were used to identify potential critical windows of susceptibility. RESULTS Linear mixed models and cubic spline curves showed positive dose-response relationships between urinary Zn and sperm concentration and total count and between urinary Mo and total sperm count [all False Discovery Rate (FDR) adjusted p-value for trend < 0.05]. In the multiple-element linear mixed models, the men in the highest versus lowest quartiles of urinary Zn and Mo had a higher sperm concentration of 17.5% (95% CI: 2.8%, 34.2%; p-value for trend = 0.006) and total sperm count of 18.3% (95% CI: 1.4%, 38.0%; p-value for trend = 0.027), respectively. Urinary Zn was also positively associated with total sperm count in a dose-dependent manner (p-value for trend = 0.036), though the percentile difference in total sperm count between men in the highest and lowest quartile was not statistically significant (16.4%, 95% CI: -1.7%, 37.9%). These associations appeared to be stronger when urinary Zn and Mo were measured at 0-9 days before the date of semen examination (i.e., corresponding to epididymal storage). CONCLUSIONS Higher urinary Zn and Mo, particularly during the period of epididymal storage, were associated with greater sperm production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Gui Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhou-Zheng Tu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Couto-Santos F, Viana AGDA, Souza ACF, Dutra AADA, Mendes TADO, Ferreira ATDS, Aguilar JEP, Oliveira LL, Machado-Neves M. Prepubertal arsenic exposure alters phosphoproteins profile, quality, and fertility of epididymal spermatozoa in sexually mature rats. Toxicology 2021; 460:152886. [PMID: 34352348 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic intoxication affects male reproductive parameters of prepubertal rats. Besides, morphological and functional alterations in their testis and epididymis may remain after withdrawal of arsenic insult, causing potential impairment in male fertility during adulthood. In this study, we aimed at analyzing the effect of prepubertal arsenic exposure on the fecundity of epididymal sperm from sexually mature Wistar rats, assessing fertility indexes, sperm parameters, and sperm phosphoproteins content. Male pups on postnatal day (PND) 21 received filtered water (controls, n = 10) and 10 mg L-1 arsenite (n = 10) daily for 30 days. From PND52 to PND81, rats from both groups received filtered water. During this period, the males mated with non-exposed females between PND72 and PND75. Our results showed that sexually mature rats presented low sperm production, epididymal sperm count, motility, and quality after prepubertal arsenic exposure. These findings possibly contributed to the low fertility potential and high preimplantation loss. Epididymal sperm proteome detected 268 proteins, which 170 were found in animals from both control and arsenic groups, 27 proteins were detected only in control animals and 71 proteins only in arsenic-exposed rats. In these animals, SPATA 18 and other five proteins were upregulated, whereas keratin type II cytoskeletal 1 was downregulated (q < 0.1). The results of KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated an enrichment of pathways related to dopaminergic response, adrenergic signaling, protein degradation, and oocyte meiosis in arsenic-exposed animals. Moreover, 26 proteins were identified by phosphoproteomic with different phosphorylation pattern in animals from both groups, but SPATA18 was phosphorylated only in arsenic-exposed animals. We concluded that prepubertal exposure to arsenic is deleterious to sperm quality and male fertility, altering the sperm phosphoproteins profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Couto-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Arabela Guedes de Azevedo Viana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Ferreira Souza
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR-465, Km 7, 23897-000, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Augusto de Assis Dutra
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rua Cruzeiro 1, Jardim São Paulo, 39803-371, Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímca e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - Jonas Enrique Perales Aguilar
- Laboratório de Toxinologia/Plataforma de Proteômica, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Licursi Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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van der Horst G, Kotzè S, O'Riain MJ, Muller N, Maree L. A possible highway system for the rapid delivery of sperm from the testis to the penis in the naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber. J Morphol 2021; 282:1478-1498. [PMID: 34296784 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis is suppressed in most members of the eusocial naked mole-rat (NMR) colony, while the queen selects mainly one breeding male during her life span. Recently, it was reported that the NMR testicular organization seems to produce spermatozoa on demand after suppression of spermatogenesis during most of gestation. A Sertoli cell "pump" is then used to flush the spermatozoa into short tubuli recti and simplified rete testis to reach the excurrent duct system. We hypothesize that the components of this duct system are adapted for rapid delivery of spermatozoa to the penis and for numerous copulations with the queen. Therefore, the aim was to study the ultrastructure of the male NMR reproductive duct system using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The NMR rete testis gives rise to six to eight efferent tubules joining the caput epididymis. The caput epididymis resembles that of other rodents but with less distinction in terms of histological zoning. The remainder of the epididymis is considerably reduced in length compared to other rodents. In contrast, the vas deferens epithelium is highly specialized in that a vast range of vesicles, often closely associated with the spermatozoa, were visible. The large ampulla is a factory for merocrine and apocrine secretions, producing even more diverse vesicles. The transitional epithelial cells of the bladder appear to secrete abundant mucous and the penis as well as its baculum is relatively small. We speculate that these modifications strongly suggest that the excurrent duct system has been simplified and adjusted to compensate for the absence of long maturation and storage of spermatozoa. We propose that these adaptations to the NMR reproductive tract are associated with a state of degenerative orthogenesis that was selected for due to the absence of sperm competition and apparently rapid delivery of spermatozoa from the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard van der Horst
- Department of Medical, Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Sanet Kotzè
- Division of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | | | - Nolan Muller
- National Health Laboratory Services, Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Parow, South Africa
| | - Liana Maree
- Department of Medical, Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Meyer V, Klose M, Lerchl A. Spermatogenesis in the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) and the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). Andrology 2021; 9:1617-1630. [PMID: 33987974 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is an elaborately organized and tightly regulated differentiation process. The spermatogenesis duration is stable within a certain species but highly variable between species of the same family. OBJECTIVES In this study, the spermatogenesis duration of the Roborovski hamster was measured for the first time, and the spermatogenesis duration of the Chinese hamster was re-assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Stage classification and cycle length measurement were carried out by labeling the dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine and an antibody-based chromogen as well as with the periodic acid-Schiff/hematoxylin stain. Analysis was conducted using reference calculation and linear regression. Morphological measurements completed our set of methods. RESULTS The mean duration of one seminiferous epithelium cycle was 8.58 ± 0.34 days (mean ± SEM; Phodopus roborovskii) and 16.59 ± 0.47 days (Cricetulus griseus) based on the reference calculation. Slightly higher results were obtained using linear regression analysis: 9.72 ± 0.41 days for P. roborovskii and 17.64 ± 0.61 days for C. griseus. Additionally, a newly developed exemplary flowchart was proposed for the Roborovski hamster to facilitate spermatogenesis stage classification also in other species. The Chinese hamster presented an unexpectedly high paired epididymides weight of 1.701 ± 0.046 g (mean ± SEM) although having a body weight of only 40.5 ± 0.7 g. However, no significant correlation between the relative epididymis weight and spermatogenesis duration in mammals (Spearman rank correlation: r = -0.119, p = 0.607, n = 21) or rodents could be found (r = 0.045, p = 0.903, n = 11). CONCLUSION Our data emphasize the stability of the spermatogenesis duration within species and its remarkable variability between species. Further research is needed to identify the principal mechanisms and selection drivers that are responsible for such stability within species and the variability between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Meyer
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Melanie Klose
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alexander Lerchl
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany
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Nixon B, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Lord T, Cafe SL, Roman SD, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Johnston SD. Gross and microanatomy of the male reproductive duct system of the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:540-554. [PMID: 33743842 DOI: 10.1071/rd20303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the morphology and histology of the male reproductive system of the Crocodylia species is necessary to determine the role of these tissues in the production of functional spermatozoa. Accordingly, in this study we examined the gross morphology and microanatomy of the testis and the male excurrent duct system through which spermatozoa pass before ejaculation. The data demonstrate that the reproductive system in male saltwater crocodiles comprises paired testes, which convey spermatozoa distally via the rete testis into an excurrent duct system comprising ductuli efferentes, ductuli epididymides, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens. The epithelium delineating the male tract was dominated by non-ciliated and ciliated cells structured into a simple columnar lining of the ductuli efferentes and ductuli epididymides, through to the high pseudostratified columnar epithelium of the ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens. The morphology and histochemical staining of these ducts suggest their involvement in seminal fluid production and/or its modification, which likely contributes to the nourishment, protection and/or storage of crocodile spermatozoa. As a reflection of their common Archosaurs ancestry, the overall structural characteristics we describe for the crocodile male excurrent duct system share closer similarities to those of the Aves than other clades within the Reptilia class or Mammalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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10
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Nixon B, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Cafe SL, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Johnston SD. Post-testicular sperm maturation in the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus: assessing the temporal acquisition of sperm motility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:530-539. [PMID: 33631095 DOI: 10.1071/rd20204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation efforts to secure the long-term survival of crocodilian species would benefit from the establishment of a frozen sperm bank in concert with artificial breeding technologies to maintain genetic diversity among captive assurance populations. Working towards this goal, our research has focused on the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus as a tractable model for understanding crocodilian sperm physiology. In extending our systematic characterisation of saltwater crocodile spermatozoa, in this study we examined the development of motility during sperm transport through the excurrent duct system of the male crocodile. The results show that approximately 20% of crocodile testicular spermatozoa are immediately motile but experience a gradient of increasing motility (percentage motile and rate of movement) as they transit the male reproductive tract (epididymis). Moreover, we confirmed that, as in ejaculated crocodile spermatozoa, increased intracellular cAMP levels promoted a significant and sustained enhancement of sperm motility regardless of whether the cells were isolated from the testis or epididymis. Along with the development of artificial reproductive technologies, this research paves the way for the opportunistic recovery, storage and potential utilisation of post-mortem spermatozoa from genetically valuable animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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11
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Zhao W, Hussain Solangi T, Wu Y, Yang X, Xu C, Wang H, Zheng X, Cai X, Zhu J. Comparative rna-seq analysis of region-specific miRNA expression in the epididymis of cattleyak. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:555-576. [PMID: 33438262 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is the site of post-testicular sperm maturation, which constitutes the acquisition of sperm motility and the ability to recognize and fertilize oocytes. The role of miRNA in male reproductive system, including the control of different steps leading to proper fertilization such as gametogenesis, sperm maturation and maintenance of male fertility where the deletion of Dicer in mouse germ cells led to infertility, has been demonstrated. The identification of miRNA expression in a region-specific manner will therefore provide valuable insight into the functional differences between the regions of the epididymis. In this study, we employed RNA-seq technology to explore the expression pattern of miRNAs and establish some miRNAs of significant interest with regard to epididymal sperm maturation in the CY epididymis. We identified a total of 431 DE known miRNAs; 119, 185 and 127 DE miRNAs were detected for caput versus corpus, corpus versus cauda and caput versus cauda region pairs, respectively. Our results demonstrate region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis. The GO and KEGG enrichment for the predicted target genes indicated the functional values of miRNAs. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of miR-200a was downregulated in the caput, compared with cauda. Since the family of miR-200 has previously been suggested to contribute to the distinct physiological function of sperm maturation in epididymis of adult rat, we speculate that the downregulation of miR-200a in CY caput epididymis may play an important role of sperm maturation in the epididymis of CY. Therefore, our findings may not only increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by the miRNA functions in region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis, it could provide a valuable information to understand the mechanism of male infertility of CY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Tajmal Hussain Solangi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Yitao Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiankang Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xuxin Zheng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiangjiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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12
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Nagdas SK, Wallace S, Eaford D, Baker R, Carr K, Raychoudhuri SS. Fibrinogen-related protein, FGL2, of hamster cauda epididymal fluid: Purification, kinetic analysis of its prothrombinase activity, and its role in segregation of nonviable spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1206-1218. [PMID: 33216420 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the epididymal environment promotes the maturation and survival of spermatozoa, not all spermatozoa remain viable during passage through the epididymis. Does the epididymis has a protective mechanism(s) to segregate the viable sperm from defective spermatozoa? Previously, we identified 260/280 kDa oligomers (termed eFGL-Epididymal Fibrinogen-Like oligomer) are composed of two disulfide-linked subunits: a 64 kDa polypeptide identified as fibrinogen-like protein-2 (FGL2) and a 33 kDa polypeptide identified as fibrinogen-like protein-1 (FGL1). Our morphological studies demonstrated that the eFGL, secreted from the principal cells of the cauda epididymis, is polymerized into a death cocoon-like complex (DCF), masking defective luminal spermatozoa but, not the viable sperm population. In the present study, we purified FGL2 from hamster cauda epididymal fluid toward homogeneity and its prothrombinase catalytic activity was examined. Time-course conversion studies revealed that all prothrombin was converted to thrombin by purified hamster FGL2. Our biochemical studies demonstrate that FGL2 is a lipid-activated serine protease and functions as a lectin by binding specific carbohydrate residues. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that FGL2 of cauda epididymal fluid is ubiquitinated but not the FGL1. We propose that FGL2/FGL1 oligomers represent a novel and unique mechanism to shield the viable sperm population from degenerating spermatozoa contained within the tubule lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subir K Nagdas
- Department of Chemistry, Physics & Materials Science, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shamar Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, Physics & Materials Science, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Don Eaford
- Department of Chemistry, Physics & Materials Science, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rashad Baker
- Department of Chemistry, Physics & Materials Science, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ky'ara Carr
- Department of Chemistry, Physics & Materials Science, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Samir S Raychoudhuri
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Health Science, Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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13
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Zhao W, Ahmed S, Ahmed S, Yangliu Y, Wang H, Cai X. Analysis of long non-coding RNAs in epididymis of cattleyak associated with male infertility. Theriogenology 2020; 160:61-71. [PMID: 33181482 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cattleyak (CY), is a cross breed between cattle and yak (YK), which display equal adaptability to the harsh environment as YK and much higher performances than YK. However, the CY is female fertile and male sterile. Previous studies were conducted on testes tissues to investigate the mechanism of male infertility in CY. There is no systematic research on genes, especially lncRNAs between CY and YK epididymis. In this study, Illumina Hiseq was performed to profile the epididymis transcriptome (lncRNA and mRNA) of CY and YK. In total 18859 lncRNAs were identified, from which lincRNAs 12458, antisense lncRNAs 2345, intronic lncRNAs 3101, and sense lncRNAs 955 respectively. We have identified 345 DE lncRNAs and 3008 DE mRNAs between YK and CY epididymis. Thirteen DEGs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Combing with DEG, 14 couples of lncRNAs and their target genes were both DE, and 6 of them including CCDC39, KCNJ16, NECTIN2, MRPL20, PSMC4, and DEFB112 show their potential infertility-related terms such as cellular motility, sperm maturation, sperm storage, cellular junction, folate metabolism, and capacitation. On the other hand, several down-regulated genes such as DEFB124, DEFB126, DEFB125, DEFB127, DEFB129, CES5A, TKDP1, CST3, RNASE9 and CD52 in CY compared to YK were involved in the immune response and sperm maturation. Therefore, comprehensive analysis for lncRNAs and their target genes may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of sperm maturation in CY and may provide important resources for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Siraj Ahmed
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueling Yangliu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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14
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Nixon B, Cafe SL, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD. Molecular insights into the divergence and diversity of post-testicular maturation strategies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 517:110955. [PMID: 32783903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has coerced the development of a multitude of male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes as they transit the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts prior to realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the origin and adaptive advantage afforded by these intricate processes of post-testicular sperm maturation remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we review literature pertaining to the nature and the physiological role of epididymal maturation and subsequent capacitation in comparative vertebrate taxa including representative species from the avian, reptilian, and mammalian lineages. Such insights are discussed in terms of the framework they provide for helping to understand the evolutionary significance of post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
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15
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Rompala GR, Ferguson C, Homanics GE. Coincubation of sperm with epididymal extracellular vesicle preparations from chronic intermittent ethanol-treated mice is sufficient to impart anxiety-like and ethanol-induced behaviors to adult progeny. Alcohol 2020; 87:111-120. [PMID: 32445808 PMCID: PMC7484209 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that paternal preconception chronic ethanol exposure in mice imparts adult male offspring with reduced ethanol drinking preference and consumption, increased ethanol sensitivity, and attenuated stress responsivity. That same chronic ethanol exposure paradigm was later revealed to affect the sperm epigenome by altering the abundance of several small noncoding RNAs, a mechanism that mediates the intergenerational effects of numerous paternal environmental exposures. Although recent studies have revealed that the unique RNA signature of sperm is shaped during maturation in the epididymis via extracellular vesicles (EVs), formal demonstration that EVs mediate the effects of paternal preconception perturbations is lacking. Therefore, in the current study we tested the hypothesis that epididymal EV preparations are sufficient to induce intergenerational effects of paternal preconception ethanol exposure on offspring. To test this hypothesis, sperm from ethanol-naïve donors were incubated with epididymal EV preparations from chronic ethanol (Ethanol EV-donor) or control-treated (Control EV-donor) mice prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. Progeny were examined for ethanol- and stress-related behaviors in adulthood. Ethanol EV-donors imparted reduced body weight at weaning and imparted modestly increased limited access ethanol intake to male offspring. Ethanol-EV donors also imparted increased basal anxiety-like behavior and reduced sensitivity to ethanol-induced anxiolysis to female offspring. Although Ethanol EV-donor treatment did not recapitulate the ethanol- or stress-related intergenerational effects of paternal ethanol following natural mating, these results demonstrate that coincubation of sperm with epididymal EV preparations is sufficient to impart intergenerational effects of ethanol through the male germline. This mechanism may generalize to the intergenerational effects of a wide variety of paternal preconception perturbations.
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16
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Elbashir S, Magdi Y, Rashed A, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Epididymal contribution to male infertility: An overlooked problem. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13721. [PMID: 32816323 DOI: 10.1111/and.13721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, excluding assisted conception, are limited because of, but not limited to, poor understanding of sperm post-testicular development and storage. Many may think that sperm dysfunction is only self-contained in the sperm cell itself as a result of defective spermatogenesis. However, it can also be a consequence of inadequate epididymal maturation following disorders of the epididymis. Improper epididymal functions can disturb semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity, result in high leucocyte concentrations and high numbers of immature germ cells and debris or even cause idiopathic infertility. To date, the data are limited regarding critical markers of sperm maturation and studies that can identify such markers for diagnosis and managing epididymal dysfunction are scarce. Therefore, this article aims to draw attention to recognise a disturbed epididymal environment as a potential cause of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Elbashir
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Magdi
- Al-Yasmeen Fertility and Gynecology Center, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ayman Rashed
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, 6th of October University, Egypt
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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17
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James ER, Carrell DT, Aston KI, Jenkins TG, Yeste M, Salas-Huetos A. The Role of the Epididymis and the Contribution of Epididymosomes to Mammalian Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5377. [PMID: 32751076 PMCID: PMC7432785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that testicular spermatozoa are immature and acquire motility and fertilization capabilities during transit throughout the epididymis. The epididymis is a duct-like organ that connects the testis to the vas deferens and is comprised of four anatomical regions: the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda. Sperm maturation occurs during epididymal transit by the interaction of sperm cells with the unique luminal environment of each epididymal region. In this review we discuss the epididymis as an essential reproductive organ responsible for sperm concentration, maturation (including sperm motility acquisition and fertilizing ability), protection and storage. Importantly, we also discuss specific characteristics and roles of epididymal-derived exosomes (epididymosomes) in establishing sperm competency within the intricate process of reproduction. This review suggests that an increasing body of evidence is working to develop a complete picture of the role of the epididymis in male reproduction, offspring health, and disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R. James
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; (E.R.J.); (D.T.C.); (K.I.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Douglas T. Carrell
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; (E.R.J.); (D.T.C.); (K.I.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kenneth I. Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; (E.R.J.); (D.T.C.); (K.I.A.)
| | - Timothy G. Jenkins
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84604, USA;
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; (E.R.J.); (D.T.C.); (K.I.A.)
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18
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Tarique I, Tariq M, Bai X, Wenjia Q, Yang P, Huang Y, Sheng Y, Vistro WA, Chen Q. Interaction of Epididymal Epithelia and their Secretions with Spermatozoa Supports Functional and Morphological Changes During Long-Term Storage in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:542-550. [PMID: 32284081 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620001373] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa is crucial for attaining the morphological and functional capabilities needed for successful fertilization. Epididymal epithelia offer a favorable environment for spermatozoa that are stored long term in the turtle epididymis; however, sperm-epithelial interactions during storage, which are enormously important for sperm functional and morphological maturation, are still largely unknown in turtles. The present study examined the epididymis during the sperm-storage period (November-April) in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the cellular features of each epididymal segment (caput, corpus, and cauda) and their epithelial interactions with the spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were mainly located in the lumena of caput, corpus, and cauda epididymides. Numerous spermatozoa were bound to apical surfaces of the epithelia, and several were even embedded in the epithelial cytoplasm of the caput and corpus epididymides. No embedded spermatozoa were found in the cauda epididymis. In all epididymal segments, principal and clear cells showed the synthetic activity, evidenced by a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum network and high and low electron-dense secretory materials, respectively. Principal and clear cells in the caput and corpus segments showed embedded spermatozoa in electron-dense secretions and in the lipid droplets within the cytoplasm. No lysosomes were observed around the embedded spermatozoa. The lumena of the caput and corpus segments showed few apocrine and low electron density secretions. In the lumen of the cauda epididymidis, different secretions, such as holocrine with low and high electron density and their fragmentation, apocrine, and dictyosome, were found and are summarized. Altogether, sperm physical interactions with secretions either in the cytoplasm of epithelium or in the lumen may support the viability, morphological maintenance, and transfer of various proteins involved in long-term sperm storage in the turtle. This interaction could help us to understand the mechanisms of long-term sperm storage and provide more insights into the reproductive strategies of turtle sperm preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Tarique
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Mansoor Tariq
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Xuebing Bai
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Qu Wenjia
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Yang Sheng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Waseem Ali Vistro
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
| | - Quisheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province210095, China
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19
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Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, Khodamoradi K, Khosravizadeh Z, Ramasamy R. How defective spermatogenesis affects sperm DNA integrity. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13615. [PMID: 32324913 DOI: 10.1111/and.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the essential process to maintain and promote male fertility. It is extraordinarily complex with many regulatory elements and numerous steps. The process involves several cell types, regulatory molecules, repair mechanisms and epigenetic regulators. Evidence has shown that fertility can be negatively impacted by reduced sperm DNA integrity. Sources of sperm DNA damage include replication errors and causes of DNA fragmentation which include abortive apoptosis, defective maturation and oxidative stress. This review outlines the process of spermatogenesis, spermatogonial regulation and sperm differentiation; additionally, DNA damage and currently studied DNA repair mechanisms in spermatozoon are also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kuchakulla
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manish Narasimman
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kajal Khodamoradi
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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20
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Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
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21
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Chen H, Liu T, Holt WV, Yang P, Zhang L, Zhang L, Han X, Bian X, Chen Q. Advances in understanding mechanisms of long-term sperm storage-the soft-shelled turtle model. Histol Histopathol 2019; 35:1-23. [PMID: 31290136 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term sperm storage is a special reproductive strategy, which can extend the time window between mating and fertilization in some animal species. Spermatozoa of the soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, can be stored in the epididymis and oviduct for at least six months and one year, respectively. How spermatozoa can be stored in vivo for such a prolonged period is yet to be explained. We analyze the mechanisms that contribute to long-term sperm storage in P. sinensis, and compare them with other species from three different perspectives: the spermatozoon itself, the storage microenvironment and the interaction between the spermatozoon and microenvironment. Characteristics of soft-shelled turtle spermatozoa itself, such as the huge cytoplasmic droplet with its content of several large lipid droplets (LDs) and onion-like mitochondira, facilitate long-term sperm storage. The microenvironment of reproductive tract, involving in the secretions, structural barriers, exosomes, androgen receptors, Toll-like receptors and survival factor Bcl-2, are important for the maintenance of spermatozoa long-term storage. Sperm heads are always embedded among the oviductal cilia and even intercalate into the apical hollowness of the ciliated cells, indicating that the ciliated cells support the stored spermatozoa. RNA seq is firstly used to detect the molecular mechanism of sperm storage, which shows that autophagy, apoptosis and immune take part in the long-term sperm storage in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Linli Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiangkun Han
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xunguang Bian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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22
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Sullivan R, Légaré C, Lamontagne‐Proulx J, Breton S, Soulet D. Revisiting structure/functions of the human epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:748-757. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sullivan
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Faculty Medicine Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - C. Légaré
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Faculty Medicine Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - J. Lamontagne‐Proulx
- Faculty Pharmacy Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Neurosciences Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - S. Breton
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - D. Soulet
- Faculty Pharmacy Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Neurosciences Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
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23
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Miller, Jr WB, Torday JS. Reappraising the exteriorization of the mammalian testes through evolutionary physiology. Commun Integr Biol 2019; 12:38-54. [PMID: 31143362 PMCID: PMC6527184 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2019.1586047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of theories have been proposed to explain the exteriorization of the testicles in most mammalian species. None of these provide a consistent account for the wide variety of testicular locations found across the animal kingdom. It is proposed that testicular location is the result of coordinate action of testicular tissue ecologies to sustain preferential states of homeostatic equipoise throughout evolutionary development in response to the advent of endothermy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John S. Torday
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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24
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Leoci R, Aiudi G, Cicirelli V, Brent L, Iaria C, Lacalandra GM. Effects of intratesticular vs intraepididymal calcium chloride sterilant on testicular morphology and fertility in dogs. Theriogenology 2019; 127:153-160. [PMID: 30708272 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both stray and free-roaming owned dogs contribute to the serious global dog overpopulation problem. Many dog owners are unwilling to have their pet castrated for various reasons, including a reluctance to have their dog's behavior changed. A non-surgical method of sterilizing both stray and owned dogs would help to prevent unwanted litters. Previous studies have shown that intratesticular injection of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2) in alcohol is a promising and cost-effective alternative to surgery for stray dogs, with testosterone significantly decreased and sexual activity eliminated. The aim of this study was to compare the use of a solution of 20% CaCl2 in 95% ethanol injected into the testicles or into the head of the epididymis. METHODS A total of 148 dogs divided into 4 groups (2 experimental and 2 control) were respectively injected with CaCl2 or saline solution into the testicle or epididymal head (ultrasound-guided). The animals were examined at 0, 3, 6, and 9 months for sperm quality, concentration of testosterone in serum, and side effects; at 0 and 5 months with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to enhance the morphological aspects/alteration of the testicular parenchyma or epididymis; and at 9 months when all were castrated for histological examination. RESULTS All dogs treated with CaCl2 became sterile with azoospermia achieved over the 9-month study. The concentration of testosterone in serum significantly decreased following intratesticular treatment with CaCl2. No adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS A single, bilateral intratesticular injection of 20% CaCl2 in 95% ethanol was confirmed to be a reliable method for induction of sterilization in male dogs. The approach showed long-term efficacy and may reduce sexual behavior, with the additional benefits of low-cost and ease of use, making this nonsurgical method appropriate for use in stray dogs. Sterility was also achieved if injected in the head of the epididymis but no significant decrease in serum concentration of testosterone occurred. Moreover, performing the intraepididymal injection into the epididymal head was as time consuming as orchiectomy. This approach may be optimal for use in owned dogs where anatomical integrity and testosterone maintenance is preferred by the owner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Leoci
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinic and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, SP per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy.
| | - Giulio Aiudi
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinic and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, SP per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Cicirelli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinic and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, SP per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy.
| | - Linda Brent
- Parsemus Foundation, 2261 Market St. #24, San Francisco, CA, 94114, USA.
| | - Carmelo Iaria
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmacological and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinic and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, SP per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy.
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25
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Rompala GR, Simons A, Kihle B, Homanics GE. Paternal Preconception Chronic Variable Stress Confers Attenuated Ethanol Drinking Behavior Selectively to Male Offspring in a Pre-Stress Environment Dependent Manner. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:257. [PMID: 30450042 PMCID: PMC6225737 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-related psychiatric disorders such as major depression are strongly associated with alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder. Recently, many epidemiological and preclinical studies suggest that chronic stress prior to conception has cross-generational effects on the behavior and physiological response to stress in subsequent generations. Thus, we hypothesized that chronic stress may also affect ethanol drinking behaviors in the next generation. In the first cohort of mice, we found that paternal preconception chronic variable stress significantly reduced both two-bottle choice and binge-like ethanol drinking selectively in male offspring. However, these results were not replicated in a second cohort that were tested under experimental conditions that were nearly identical, except for one notable difference. Cohort 1 offspring were derived from in-house C57BL/6J sires that were born in the animal vivarium at the University of Pittsburgh whereas cohort 2 offspring were derived from C57BL/6J sires shipped directly from the vendor. Therefore, a third cohort that included both in-house and vendor born sires was analyzed. Consistent with the first two cohorts, we observed a significant interaction between chronic stress and sire-source with only stressed sires that were born in-house able to impart reduced ethanol drinking behaviors to male offspring. Overall, these results demonstrate that paternal preconception stress can impact ethanol drinking behavior in males of the next generation. These studies provide additional support for a recently recognized role of the paternal preconception environment in shaping ethanol drinking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Rompala
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alison Simons
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Brooke Kihle
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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26
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Koziorowska-Gilun M, Gilun P, Mietelska K, Kordan W. Determination of the activity and relative abundance of mRNA for antioxidant enzymes in stallion testicular and epididymal tissues: A comparison between two breeding seasons. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:230-238. [PMID: 30115520 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The key prerequisite for successful insemination is sperm characterized to have positive values for morphological and biological variables which are determined by, among others, effective antioxidant protection during the lifespan of sperm cells. This study evaluated the activity and relative abundance of mRNA for antioxidant enzymes in stallion testicular and epididymal tissues during breeding (n = 5) and non-breeding (n = 5) seasons. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was greater (P < 0.05) during the breeding season, in particular in the testes and the caput epididymis, and SOD1 was the predominant isoform of the enzyme. The expression of the SOD3 gene was markedly less in the analyzed tissues, which indicates that this enzyme contributes to the antioxidant protection of the stallion reproductive tract. The activity of catalase (CAT) was less (P < 0.05) in the testes during both seasons while its relative abundances only during the breeding season. The greatest CAT activity was noted in the cauda epididymis during the breeding season. The activity of glutathione peroxidases (GPx) was greater (P < 0.05) in the testes than in other tissues and 10-fold greater during the breeding season. Similarly, relative abundance of GPx5 mRNA was greater (P < 0.05) in the caput epididymis than in the remaining tissues during both seasons. This study demonstrated that season has an ambiguous influence on the antioxidant defense system in stallion reproductive tissues. Seasonal differences in the present study, however, indicate that the reproductive system of stallions adapts well to environmental seasonal changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Koziorowska-Gilun
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Gilun
- Department of Local Physiological Regulations, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Bydgoska 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mietelska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Władysław Kordan
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
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27
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RNA processing in the male germline: Mechanisms and implications for fertility. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 79:80-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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28
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Heat stress responses in spermatozoa: Mechanisms and consequences for cattle fertility. Theriogenology 2018; 113:102-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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29
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Lima GDDA, Sertorio MN, Souza ACF, Menezes TP, Mouro VGS, Gonçalves NM, Oliveira JMD, Henry M, Machado-Neves M. Fertility in male rats: Disentangling adverse effects of arsenic compounds. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 78:130-140. [PMID: 29702248 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic impairs male reproductive functions. However, it is not clear whether different arsenic compounds similarly affect fertility. In this study, we compared the impact of sodium arsenite and arsenate on sperm quality and fertility. After 56 d exposure, male Wistar rats were mated and pregnant females were evaluated by fertility indexes. Clearly, exposure to 10 mg/L arsenite reduced daily sperm production via H2O2 overproduction and germ cells loss. Animals from this group also showed a decrease in epididymal sperm counts and percentage of sperm with intact membranes. Moreover, they presented low fertility potential and high preimplantation loss. In contrast, 10 mg/L arsenate caused oxidative stress in testis, mineral imbalance in epididymis, and sperm membranes damage, with no effects on fertility. Both arsenic compounds at 0.01 mg/L altered reproductive parameters. We concluded that arsenite is more harmful than arsenate to sperm quality and male fertility, with negative influences in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Cláudia Ferreira Souza
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prata Menezes
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | | | - Nayara Magalhães Gonçalves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Jerusa Maria de Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Marc Henry
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
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30
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Rompala GR, Mounier A, Wolfe CM, Lin Q, Lefterov I, Homanics GE. Heavy Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Alters Small Noncoding RNAs in Mouse Sperm and Epididymosomes. Front Genet 2018; 9:32. [PMID: 29472946 PMCID: PMC5809758 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While the risks of maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy are well-established, several preclinical studies suggest that chronic preconception alcohol consumption by either parent may also have significance consequences for offspring health and development. Notably, since isogenic male mice used in these studies are not involved in gestation or rearing of offspring, the cross-generational effects of paternal alcohol exposure suggest a germline-based epigenetic mechanism. Many recent studies have demonstrated that the effects of paternal environmental exposures such as stress or malnutrition can be transmitted to the next generation via alterations to small noncoding RNAs in sperm. Therefore, we used high throughput sequencing to examine the effect of preconception ethanol on small noncoding RNAs in sperm. We found that chronic intermittent ethanol exposure altered several small noncoding RNAs from three of the major small RNA classes in sperm, tRNA-derived small RNA (tDR), mitochondrial small RNA, and microRNA. Six of the ethanol-responsive small noncoding RNAs were evaluated with RT-qPCR on a separate cohort of mice and five of the six were confirmed to be altered by chronic ethanol exposure, supporting the validity of the sequencing results. In addition to altered sperm RNA abundance, chronic ethanol exposure affected post-transcriptional modifications to sperm small noncoding RNAs, increasing two nucleoside modifications previously identified in mitochondrial tRNA. Furthermore, we found that chronic ethanol reduced epididymal expression of a tRNA methyltransferase, Nsun2, known to directly regulate tDR biogenesis. Finally, ethanol-responsive sperm tDR are similarly altered in extracellular vesicles of the epididymis (i.e., epididymosomes), supporting the hypothesis that alterations to sperm tDR emerge in the epididymis and that epididymosomes are the primary source of small noncoding RNAs in sperm. These results add chronic ethanol to the growing list of paternal exposures that can affect small noncoding RNA abundance and nucleoside modifications in sperm. As small noncoding RNAs in sperm have been shown to causally induce heritable phenotypes in offspring, additional research is warranted to understand the potential effects of ethanol-responsive sperm small noncoding RNAs on offspring health and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Rompala
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anais Mounier
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Cody M Wolfe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Qishan Lin
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Center for Functional Genomics, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Iliya Lefterov
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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31
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Ultrastructural analysis of the mature spermatozoon in the copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix (Linnaeus, 1766). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-017-0353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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32
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Uraki R, Hwang J, Jurado KA, Householder S, Yockey LJ, Hastings AK, Homer RJ, Iwasaki A, Fikrig E. Zika virus causes testicular atrophy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1602899. [PMID: 28261663 PMCID: PMC5321463 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1602899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that has recently been found to cause fetal infection and neonatal abnormalities, including microcephaly and neurological dysfunction. ZIKV persists in the semen months after the acute viremic phase in humans. To further understand the consequences of ZIKV persistence in males, we infected Ifnar1-/- mice via subcutaneous injection of a pathogenic but nonlethal ZIKV strain. ZIKV replication persists within the testes even after clearance from the blood, with interstitial, testosterone-producing Leydig cells supporting virus replication. We found high levels of viral RNA and antigen within the epididymal lumen, where sperm is stored, and within surrounding epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, at 21 days post-infection, the testes of the ZIKV-infected mice were significantly smaller compared to those of mock-infected mice, indicating progressive testicular atrophy. ZIKV infection caused a reduction in serum testosterone, suggesting that male fertility can be affected. Our findings have important implications for nonvector-borne vertical transmission, as well as long-term potential reproductive deficiencies, in ZIKV-infected males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuta Uraki
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jesse Hwang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kellie Ann Jurado
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sarah Householder
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Laura J. Yockey
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Andrew K. Hastings
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Robert J. Homer
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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Nagdas SK, Winfrey VP, Olson GE. Two fibrinogen-like proteins, FGL1 and FGL2 are disulfide-linked subunits of oligomers that specifically bind nonviable spermatozoa. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 80:163-172. [PMID: 27732889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nevertheless, a nonviable sperm population is present in the cauda epididymidis of many species. Degenerating spermatozoa release enzymes that could have detrimental effects on the viability of neighboring cells, and they are source of autoantigens that induce an autoimmune response if they escape the blood-epididymis barrier. Does the epididymis have specialized protective mechanism(s) to segregate the viable sperm population from defective spermatozoa? Previously, we identified a fibrinogen-like protein-2 (fgl2) that specifically binds to and polymerizes into a cocoon-like complex coating defective spermatozoa and sperm fragments. The objective of the present study is to identify the subunit composition of the fgl2-containing oligomers both in the soluble and cocoon-like complex. Our proteomic studies indicate that the 260/280kDa oligomers (termed eFGL) contain two distinct disulfide-linked subunits; 64kDa fgl2 and 33kDa fgl1. Utilizing a PCR-based cloning strategy, the 33kDa polypeptide has been identified as fibrinogen-like protein-1 (fgl1). Immunocytochemical studies revealed that fgl1 selectively binds to defective spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization demonstrated the high expression of fgl1 in the principal cells of the proximal cauda epididymidis. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses of cauda epididymal fluid, using anti-fgl2, demonstrate that both fgl1 and fgl2 are present in the soluble eFGL. Our study is the first to show an association of fgl1 and fgl2 both in the soluble and in the sperm-associated eFGL. We conclude that our results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which the potentially unique epididymal protein functions in the recognition and elimination of defective spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subir K Nagdas
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, 28301, United States; Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.
| | - Virginia P Winfrey
- Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Gary E Olson
- Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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Bailey AM, Rendon NM, O'Malley KJ, Demas GE. Food as a supplementary cue triggers seasonal changes in aggression, but not reproduction, in Siberian hamsters. Physiol Behav 2016; 167:298-308. [PMID: 27693590 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Animals living in temperate regions prepare for harsh winter conditions by responding to environmental cues that signal resource availability (e.g., food, day length). Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) breed in long, summer-like days (LD, >14h light), i.e., photoperiods, and undergo robust gonadal regression and become more aggressive when exposed to short, winter-like photoperiods that signal impending limited resources (SD, <10h light). When hamsters are reared within an intermediate photoperiod (ID, 13.5h light), they are reproductively active, but undergo gonadal regression in response to mild food restriction (FR) over 6-12weeks. We hypothesized that short-term (1-2weeks) FR in an ID photoperiod would provide a signal of impending limited resources and initiate the seasonal increase in aggression typical of SD photoperiods, as well as alter reproductive behaviors in advance of gonadal regression. To test this, we housed male and female hamsters in LD or ID photoperiods, with ad libitum (AL) access to food or a 90%-AL ration. We tested aggressive behavior after one week and reproductive behavior after two weeks, and subsequently monitored females for pregnancy and litter production. Both sexes displayed increased aggression in the ID-FR treatment. Untreated male intruders were less likely to ejaculate when paired with ID females during reproductive encounters. ID-FR males were undergoing gonadal regression after two weeks, but were more likely to have ejaculated. Female pregnancy and litter characteristics were unaltered by treatment: females were equally likely to achieve pregnancy and produce comparable litters across treatment groups. Collectively, we demonstrate that a signal of diminishing resources in an ID photoperiod is sufficient to trigger seasonal aggression, but that hamsters are reproductively resilient to inhibitory environmental cues in the short term. Broadly, our findings provide an important context for exploring seasonal changes in behavior and physiology from an ultimate perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Bailey
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Nikki M Rendon
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Kyle J O'Malley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, USA.
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Post-Testicular Sperm Maturation: Centriole Pairs, Found in Upper Epididymis, are Destroyed Prior to Sperm's Release at Ejaculation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31816. [PMID: 27534805 PMCID: PMC4989225 DOI: 10.1038/srep31816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertilizing sperm’s lengthiest unchartered voyage is through the longest, least-investigated organ in a man’s body – the Epididymis. Over six meters long in men, ~80 meters in stallions and over one-hundred times a mouse’s body length, there are few functions known aside from sperm storage and nutrition. While spermatogenesis is completed in the testes, here we demonstrate sperm centriole reduction occurs within the epididymis. Investigations of GFP-CENTR mice and controls demonstrate both the presence of centriole pairs in the upper caput region of the epididymis and, the destruction, first, of the distal and, then, of the proximal centriole as the sperm transits to the cauda and vas deferens in preparation for its climactic release. These centrioles can neither recruit γ-tubulin nor nucleate microtubules when eggs are inseminated or microinjected, yet numerous maternally-nucleated cytasters are found. These sperm centrioles appear as vestigial basal bodies, destroyed in the mid-to-lower corpus. Post-testicular sperm maturation, in which sperm centrioles found in the caput are destroyed prior to ejaculation, is a newly discovered function for the epididymis.
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Busada JT, Velte EK, Serra N, Cook K, Niedenberger BA, Willis WD, Goulding EH, Eddy EM, Geyer CB. Rhox13 is required for a quantitatively normal first wave of spermatogenesis in mice. Reproduction 2016; 152:379-88. [PMID: 27486269 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We previously described a novel germ cell-specific X-linked reproductive homeobox gene (Rhox13) that is upregulated at the level of translation in response to retinoic acid (RA) in differentiating spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocytes. We hypothesize that RHOX13 plays an essential role in male germ cell differentiation, and have tested this by creating a Rhox13 gene knockout (KO) mouse. Rhox13 KO mice are born in expected Mendelian ratios, and adults have slightly reduced testis weights, yet a full complement of spermatogenic cell types. Young KO mice (at ~7-8 weeks of age) have a ≈50% reduction in epididymal sperm counts, but numbers increased to WT levels as the mice reach ~17 weeks of age. Histological analysis of testes from juvenile KO mice reveals a number of defects during the first wave of spermatogenesis. These include increased apoptosis, delayed appearance of round spermatids and disruption of the precise stage-specific association of germ cells within the seminiferous tubules. Breeding studies reveal that both young and aged KO males produce normal-sized litters. Taken together, our results indicate that RHOX13 is not essential for mouse fertility in a controlled laboratory setting, but that it is required for optimal development of differentiating germ cells and progression of the first wave of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Busada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kenneth Cook
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - William D Willis
- Gamete Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eugenia H Goulding
- Gamete Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward M Eddy
- Gamete Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina UniversityGreenville, North Carolina, USA
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Dacheux JL, Dacheux F, Druart X. Epididymal protein markers and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 169:76-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Cristina Silva Dos Santos E, Antunes PS, Dos Santos FLP, Rocha ADOB, Pita JCLR, Xavier AL, Macêdo CL, Jacob KC, de Oliveira NA, de Medeiros AAN, Diniz MDFFM, de Cássia da Silveira E Sá R. Assessment of Pradosia huberi effects on the reproductive system of male rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:519-26. [PMID: 26746900 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215625133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pradosia huberi is a species found in the Amazon region and used as an antiulcerogenic and gastroprotective agent; however, phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of compounds with potential toxic effects on the reproductive system. For the evaluation of the toxicity of P. huberi on male fertility, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control (distilled water p.o.) and three treated (hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of P. Huberi (PH-HAE) at doses of 1.22, 6.1, and 30.5 mg/kg p.o.) once daily, for 63 days. In the last week of treatment (from the 57th to the 63rd day), the rats were mated with untreated virgin females (n = 30/group) and were killed on day 64. To investigate the toxic potential of PH-HAE on the reproductive system of rats the following parameters were evaluated: sperm production, genotoxicity, and general development. The production of gametes and their morphology did not differ between control and treated groups. Treatment with PH-HAE did not result in fewer vaginal plugs formed, indicating that the ability to mate was not impaired, but caused an increase of 14.3 and 10.8% in the preimplantation loss index, a reduction of 14.3 and 10.8% in the implantation index, and a reduction of 5.6 and 8.2% in the postimplantation loss index of female rats mated with rats treated with 6.1 and 30.5 mg/kg, respectively, indicating a possible toxic action of PH-HAE on the reproductive system of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aline Lira Xavier
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Cibério Landim Macêdo
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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Dai J, Xu W, Zhao X, Zhang M, Zhang D, Nie D, Bao M, Wang Z, Wang L, Qiao Z. Protein profile screening: reduced expression of Sord in the mouse epididymis induced by nicotine inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation level in capacitated spermatozoa. Reproduction 2015; 151:227-37. [PMID: 26647419 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have revealed the hazardous effects of cigarette smoking and nicotine exposure on male fertility, but the actual, underlying molecular mechanism remains relatively unclear. To evaluate the detrimental effects of nicotine exposure on the sperm maturation process, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analyses were performed to screen and identify differentially expressed proteins from the epididymal tissue of mice exposed to nicotine. Data mining analysis indicated that 15 identified proteins were mainly involved in the molecular transportation process and the polyol pathway, indicating impaired epididymal secretory functions. Experiments in vitro confirmed that nicotine inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation levels in capacitated spermatozoa via the downregulated seminal fructose concentration. Sord, a key gene encoding sorbitol dehydrogenase, was further investigated to reveal that nicotine induced hyper-methylation of the promoter region of this gene. Nicotine-induced reduced expression of Sord could be involved in impaired secretory functions of the epididymis and thus prevent the sperm from undergoing proper maturation and capacitation, although further experiments are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Dai
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangjie Xu
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianglong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Nie
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Bao
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianyun Wang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongdong Qiao
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
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40
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Ru YF, Xue HM, Ni ZM, Xia D, Zhou YC, Zhang YL. An epididymis-specific carboxyl esterase CES5A is required for sperm capacitation and male fertility in the rat. Asian J Androl 2015; 17:292-7. [PMID: 25475668 PMCID: PMC4650488 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.143314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that the phenomenon of capacitation was discovered over half century ago and much progress has been made in identifying sperm events involved in capacitation, few specific molecules of epididymal origin have been identified as being directly involved in this process in vivo. Previously, our group cloned and characterized a carboxyl esterase gene Ces5a in the rat epididymis. The CES5A protein is mainly expressed in the corpus and cauda epididymidis and secreted into the corresponding lumens. Here, we report the function of CES5A in sperm maturation. By local injection of Lentivirus-mediated siRNA in the CES5A-expressing region of the rat epididymis, Ces5a-knockdown animal models were created. These animals exhibited an inhibited sperm capacitation and a reduction in male fertility. These results suggest that CES5A plays an important role in sperm maturation and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yu-Chuan Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Lian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
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41
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Zhang L, Yang P, Bian X, Zhang Q, Ullah S, Waqas Y, Chen X, Liu Y, Chen W, Le Y, Chen B, Wang S, Chen Q. Modification of sperm morphology during long-term sperm storage in the reproductive tract of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16096. [PMID: 26537569 PMCID: PMC4633597 DOI: 10.1038/srep16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm storage in vivo extends the time window for fertilisation in several animal species, from a few days to several years. The underlying storage mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. In this study, spermatozoa from the epididymis and oviduct of Chinese soft-shelled turtles were investigated to identify potentially relevant morphological features and transformations at different stages of sperm storage. Large cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) containing lipid droplets (LDs) were attached to the midpiece of most spermatozoa in the epididymis, without migrating down the sperm tail. However, they were absent from the oviductal spermatozoa, suggesting that CDs with LDs may be a source of endogenous energy for epididymal spermatozoa. The onion-like mitochondria recovered their double-membrane morphology, with typical cristae, within the oviduct at a later stage of storage, thus implying that mitochondrial metabolism undergoes alterations during storage. Furthermore, a well developed fibrous sheath on the long principal piece was the integrating ultrastructure for glycolytic enzymes and substrates. These novel morphological characteristics may allow turtle spermatozoa to use diverse energy metabolism pathways at different stages of storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Ping Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Xunguang Bian
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Shakeeb Ullah
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yasir Waqas
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yuan Le
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Bing Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
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Firman RC, Young FJ, Rowe DC, Duong HT, Gasparini C. Sexual rest and post-meiotic sperm ageing in house mice. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:1373-82. [PMID: 26012513 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by aged sperm can result in adverse fitness consequences for both males and females. Sperm storage during male sexual rest could provide an environment for post-meiotic sperm senescence causing a deterioration in the quality of stored sperm, possibly impacting on both sperm performance (e.g. swimming ability) and DNA quality. Here, we compared the proportion of sperm with fragmented DNA, an indicator of structural damage of DNA within the sperm cell, among males that had been sexually rested for approximately 2 months, to that of males that had mated recently. We found no evidence of intra-epididymal sperm DNA damage or any impairment in sperm performance, and consequently no evidence of post-meiotic sperm senescence. Our results suggest that male house mice are likely to possess mechanisms that function to ensure that their sperm reserves remain stocked with 'young', viable sperm during periods of sexual inactivity. We also discuss the possibility that our experimental design leads to no difference in the age of sperm among males from the two mating treatments. Post-meiotic sperm senescence is especially relevant under sperm competition. Thus, we sourced mice from populations that differed in their levels of post-copulatory sexual selection, enabling us to gain insight into how selection for higher sperm production influences the rate of sperm ageing and levels of DNA fragmentation. We found that males from the population that produced the highest number of sperm also had the smallest proportion of DNA-fragmented sperm and discuss this outcome in relation to selection acting upon males to ensure that they produce ejaculates with high-quality sperm that are successful in achieving fertilizations under competitive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Firman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - F J Young
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - D C Rowe
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - H T Duong
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - C Gasparini
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Steinhauer J. Separating from the pack: Molecular mechanisms of Drosophila spermatid individualization. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 5:e1041345. [PMID: 26413413 PMCID: PMC4581072 DOI: 10.1080/21565562.2015.1041345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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44
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Ru Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Y. Transient receptor potential-canonical 3 modulates sperm motility and capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation via [Ca2+]i mobilization. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2015; 47:404-13. [PMID: 25910575 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca(2+) signaling is pivotal for sperm maturation, including the processes of motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. As a Ca(2+) conductor, transient receptor potential-canonical 3 (TRPC3) plays an important role in somatic cells. However, the function of TRPC3 in sperm is not well understood. Here, a pharmacological approach was used to investigate the role and mechanism of TPRC3 in sperm function. The TRPC3 antagonist Pyr3 could inhibit sperm motility and accelerate capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, regardless of the presence or absence of Ca(2+) in the incubation medium. Further investigation revealed that sperm [Ca(2+)]i fell immediately once Pyr3 was added to Ca(2+)-free medium, and then gradually increased and returned to baseline levels. Moreover, the [Ca(2+)]i levels markedly elevated when sperm were incubated for 30 min in the presence of Pyr3; this change was subsequently accompanied by a significant reduction in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential. This study suggested that TRPC3 can modulate sperm function via mobilization of sperm [Ca(2+)]i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Ru
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China
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Sharma R, Agarwal A, Rohra VK, Assidi M, Abu-Elmagd M, Turki RF. Effects of increased paternal age on sperm quality, reproductive outcome and associated epigenetic risks to offspring. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:35. [PMID: 25928123 PMCID: PMC4455614 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0028-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in average paternal age when the first child is conceived, either due to increased life expectancy, widespread use of contraception, late marriages and other factors. While the effect of maternal ageing on fertilization and reproduction is well known and several studies have shown that women over 35 years have a higher risk of infertility, pregnancy complications, spontaneous abortion, congenital anomalies, and perinatal complications. The effect of paternal age on semen quality and reproductive function is controversial for several reasons. First, there is no universal definition for advanced paternal ageing. Secondly, the literature is full of studies with conflicting results, especially for the most common parameters tested. Advancing paternal age also has been associated with increased risk of genetic disease. Our exhaustive literature review has demonstrated negative effects on sperm quality and testicular functions with increasing paternal age. Epigenetics changes, DNA mutations along with chromosomal aneuploidies have been associated with increasing paternal age. In addition to increased risk of male infertility, paternal age has also been demonstrated to impact reproductive and fertility outcomes including a decrease in IVF/ICSI success rate and increasing rate of preterm birth. Increasing paternal age has shown to increase the incidence of different types of disorders like autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and childhood leukemia in the progeny. It is thereby essential to educate the infertile couples on the disturbing links between increased paternal age and rising disorders in their offspring, to better counsel them during their reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sharma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Vikram K Rohra
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Mourad Assidi
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- KACST Technology Innovation Center in Personalized Medicine at King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muhammad Abu-Elmagd
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- KACST Technology Innovation Center in Personalized Medicine at King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rola F Turki
- KACST Technology Innovation Center in Personalized Medicine at King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Du Y, Wang X, Wang B, Chen W, He R, Zhang L, Xing X, Su J, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Deep sequencing analysis of microRNAs in bovine sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1042-52. [PMID: 25279827 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participates in the regulation of many physiological pathways, but a role for spermatozoon-delivered miRNAs in fertilization and embryonic development remains controversial. A library of miRNAs in bovine sperm was constructed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology, along with the predication and the pathway analysis of target genes. miRNAs in mammalian spermatozoon were systematically investigated, and a protocol for RNA isolation from the cauda region of an epididymal biopsy was established. Unique sequences that were 18-26 nucleotides in length were mapped to specific precursors in miRBase 20.0 using BLAST. A total of 951 known miRNAs and 8 novel, highly expressed miRNA candidates were identified. The search for endogenous sperm miRNAs will contribute to a preliminary database for functional and molecular mechanistic studies in embryonic development and sperm epigenetic programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Eddie SL, Kim JJ, Woodruff TK, Burdette JE. Microphysiological modeling of the reproductive tract: a fertile endeavor. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1192-202. [PMID: 24737736 PMCID: PMC4156579 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214529387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical toxicity testing in animal models is a cornerstone of the drug development process, yet it is often unable to predict adverse effects and tolerability issues in human subjects. Species-specific responses to investigational drugs have led researchers to utilize human tissues and cells to better estimate human toxicity. Unfortunately, human cell-derived models are imperfect because toxicity is assessed in isolation, removed from the normal physiologic microenvironment. Microphysiological modeling often referred to as 'organ-on-a-chip' or 'human-on-a-chip' places human tissue into a microfluidic system that mimics the complexity of human in vivo physiology, thereby allowing for toxicity testing on several cell types, tissues, and organs within a more biologically relevant environment. Here we describe important concepts when developing a repro-on-a-chip model. The development of female and male reproductive microfluidic systems is critical to sex-based in vitro toxicity and drug testing. This review addresses the biological and physiological aspects of the male and female reproductive systems in vivo and what should be considered when designing a microphysiological human-on-a-chip model. Additionally, interactions between the reproductive tract and other systems are explored, focusing on the impact of factors and hormones produced by the reproductive tract and disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Eddie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Firman RC. Female fitness, sperm traits and patterns of paternity in an Australian polyandrous mouse. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1643-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Mortimer D, Barratt CLR, Björndahl L, de Jager C, Jequier AM, Muller CH. What should it take to describe a substance or product as 'sperm-safe'. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 Suppl 1:i1-45. [PMID: 23552271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive potential continues to be adversely affected by many environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins. Pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological (side-)effects remains limited, or even non-existent. Many products that come into direct contact with spermatozoa lack adequate testing for the absence of adverse effects, and numerous products that are intended for exposure to spermatozoa have only a general assumption of safety based on the absence of evidence of actual harm. Such assumptions can have unfortunate adverse impacts on at-risk individuals (e.g. couples who are trying to conceive), illustrating a clear need for appropriate up-front testing to establish actual 'sperm safety'. METHODS After compiling a list of general areas within the review's scope, relevant literature and other information was obtained from the authors' personal professional libraries and archives, and supplemented as necessary using PubMed and Google searches. Review by co-authors identified and eliminated errors of omission or bias. RESULTS This review provides an overview of the broad range of substances, materials and products that can affect male fertility, especially through sperm fertilizing ability, along with a discussion of practical methods and bioassays for their evaluation. It is concluded that products can only be claimed to be 'sperm-safe' after performing objective, properly designed experimental studies; extrapolation from supposed predicate products or other assumptions cannot be trusted. CONCLUSIONS We call for adopting the precautionary principle, especially when exposure to a product might affect not only a couple's fertility potential but also the health of resulting offspring and perhaps future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Proteomic analysis of boar spermatozoa and quantity changes of superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin 5 during epididymal maturation. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 135:53-61. [PMID: 22981846 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa and their various proteins undergo various modifications during maturation in the epididymis. To characterize proteins that change in quantity during this maturational process, boar spermatozoa were collected from various regions of the epididymis, and extracts were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A number of proteins were identified as changing in quantity, and MALDI-MS analysis revealed that superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) from the acrosomal proteins of spermatozoa, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and peroxiredoxin 5 from the membranous fraction increased during the epididymal transit of spermatozoa. These proteins are antioxidants that remove reactive oxygen species (ROS); they are presumed to protect spermatozoa during epididymal transit and storage. Western blot analysis of SOD1, GPX and peroxiredoxin 5 showed that these protein levels increased as the spermatozoa traveled from the caput to the cauda epididymis. Activity analysis showed that total SOD activity also increased. Therefore, we conclude that several antioxidant proteins increase during the transit of boar spermatozoa through the epididymis, ultimately contributing to the maturation and/or survival of sperm.
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