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Farhangnia P, Noormohammadi M, Delbandi AA. Vitamin D and reproductive disorders: a comprehensive review with a focus on endometriosis. Reprod Health 2024; 21:61. [PMID: 38698459 PMCID: PMC11064344 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that was initially known only for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels and maintaining bone health. However, it was later discovered that many organs express vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and have a ligand for vitamin D, which regulates the expression of an extensive assortment of genes. As a result, vitamin D is indispensable for the proper function of organs, and its deficiency is believed to be a critical factor in symptoms and disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. The significance of vitamin D in reproductive tissues was recognized later, and studies have revealed its crucial role in male and female fertility, as well as proper reproductive function during pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a risk factor for infertility, gonadal cancers, pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. However, data investigating the association between vitamin D levels and reproductive disorders, including endometriosis, have encountered inconsistencies. Therefore, the present study aims to review existing research on the effect of vitamin D on proper reproductive function, and the role of deficiency in reproductive diseases and specifically focuses on endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morvarid Noormohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Guo S, Yang W, Chen D, Ren B, Guo L, Wang X, Xie W, Fan S, Artigas Ramirez MD, Han Y, Yuan Z, Zhang H, Weng Q. The effects of low ambient temperature on steroidogenesis and mitochondrial functions in the testes of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 290:111585. [PMID: 38228267 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction is a widely used breeding strategy in wildlife, especially vertebrates inhabiting temperate regions. Generally, ambient temperature is considered a significant factor influencing the reproductive status of animals. In the present study, wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus), typical seasonal breeders, were used as an animal model to investigate the mechanism behind the impact of low ambient temperature on testicular function. To simulate the winter environment of wild ground squirrels, we lowered the temperature gradient in the rearing environment to 4 °C. At sampling, the body surface temperature of the squirrels reared under normal ambient temperature (22 °C, NAT group) and the low ambient temperature (4 °C, LAT group) were 31.5 °C and 22.8 °C, respectively. Subsequently, we conducted immunohistochemical assays, qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to examine the variations in testicular functions, as well as the dynamics and functions of mitochondria, in the squirrels of NAT and LAT groups. As a result, the levels of positive immunostaining for PCNA, P21, and P27 were significantly lower in the testes of LAT group, while the levels of immunostaining for Cleaved Caspase-3 and TUNEL were significantly higher. In addition, the low-temperature treatment reduced the expression level of steroidogenesis-related genes, including LHR, FSHR, GATA-4, P450scc, and P450arom, and decreased the testosterone concentration. Moreover, markers of mitochondrial fission and fusion, DRP1 and MFN2, respectively, were increased in the testes of LAT group. Additionally, the mRNA level of SOD1 was notably higher in the testes of LAT group. In conclusion, the low ambient temperature inhibited spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and functions in the testes of wild ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiman Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenjin Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Di Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Baolong Ren
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Li Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Maria Daniela Artigas Ramirez
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Song F, Ma S, Zhang Y, Yang X, Zhang H, Han Y, Liu Y, Gao F, Yuan Z. Seasonal Variation in Gut Microbiota of the Wild Daurian Ground Squirrel ( Spermophilus dauricus): Metagenomic Insights into Seasonal Breeding. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2235. [PMID: 37444034 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132235] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Spermophilus dauricus, the wild Daurian ground squirrel, is known to exhibit seasonal breeding behavior. Although the importance of gut microbiota in animal digestion, metabolism, and immunity is well-established, the correlation between gut microbiota and seasonal breeding in this species remains inadequately explored. In the present study, using metagenomic sequencing technology, the compositions and functions of the gut microbiota of wild Daurian ground squirrels in different breeding seasons were explored. The dominant gut microbial phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The Firmicutes were predominant in the breeding season, whereas Bacteroidetes were predominant in the non-breeding season. At the genus level, Lactobacillus accumulated during the breeding season, whereas Odoribacter and Alistipes increased during the non-breeding season. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome) annotations indicated that genes in gut samples were highly associated with metabolic functions. The differential expression gene analysis showed that genes related to the phosphotransferase system, cysteine, and methionine metabolism were highly expressed during the breeding season, whereas the non-breeding season upregulated genes were enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism and bacterial chemotaxis pathways. In conclusion, this study could provide a reference for investigating gut microbiota in seasonal breeding animals and offer new insight into gut microbial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengcheng Song
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shubao Ma
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fuli Gao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V, Martínez-Hernández J, Ferrer C, Serrano-Sánchez MI, Pastor LM. Cellular Modifications in Spermatogenesis during Seasonal Testicular Regression: An Update Review in Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131605. [PMID: 35804504 PMCID: PMC9265002 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The most common form of reproduction in mammals is seasonal reproduction. This ensures that offspring are born at the most suitable time for survival, due to the abundance of food and the optimal temperatures for early postnatal development. In males, one way to achieve this is to decrease or lose fertility over a given period. This loss is associated with a greater or lesser degree of spermatogenesis modification that affects both germ and Sertoli cells. This paper reviews the different cellular mechanisms that have been postulated in recent years to explain how the activity of the seminiferous epithelium decreases during the non-reproductive period. Abstract Testicular regression occurs during the non-breeding season in many mammals. This affects spermatogenesis, resulting in decreased or arrested activity. Both lead to a decrease or cessation in sperm production. In recent years, the cellular mechanisms that lead to infertility in males in non-reproductive periods have been studied in very different species of mammals. At the start of the present century, the main mechanism involved was considered as an increase in the apoptotic activity of germ cells during the regression period. The loss of spermatogonia and spermatocytes causes not only a decrease in spermatogenesis, but an arrest of the seminiferous epithelium activity at the end of regression. Recently, in some mammal species, it was found that apoptosis is the usual mechanism involved in epithelium activity arrest, although it is firstly atrophied by massive desquamation of the germ cells that are released from their binding with the Sertoli cells, and which are shed into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. In other species, it has been shown that not only germ cell apoptosis, but also Sertoli cell apoptosis, including decreased proliferative activity, spermatophagy or autophagy, are involved in testicular regression. Furthermore, the most recent studies indicate that there are multiple patterns of seminiferous epithelium regression in seasonally breeding animals, which may not only be used by different species, but also by the same ones to reproduce in the best conditions, ensuring their survival. In conclusion, at this time, it is not possible to consider the existence of a paradigmatic cellular mechanism in the involution of the seminiferous epithelium applicable to all male mammals with seasonal reproduction, rather the existence of several mechanisms which participate to a greater or lesser extent in each of the species that have been studied to date.
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Song Y, Yang X, Zhang X, Zhu J, Chen Y, Gao F, Zhang H, Han Y, Weng Q, Yuan Z. Seasonal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinases in the colon of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2209-2215. [PMID: 35040005 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07042-0] [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: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the experiment was to explore the localization and seasonal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in the colonic tissue of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). METHODS AND RESULTS Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used in this experiment. The histological results showed that the diameter of the colon lumen enlarged and the number of glandular cells increased in the non-breeding season. It was found in the immunochemical results that both ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were expressed in the cytoplasm of goblet cells and intestinal epithelial cells, while pERK1/2 was also expressed in the nucleus of them. The immune localization of both was more obvious in the non-breeding season, especially in intestinal epithelial cells. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting showed that ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were seasonally highly expressed in the non-breeding season. CONCLUSIONS The expression of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 was seasonal changes and had significant increases in the non-breeding season. This study revealed that ERK1/2 had potential roles in the colon to the adaptation of seasonal changes in wild ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Song
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Jueyu Zhu
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixin Chen
- School of Information Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuli Gao
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
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Seasonal Changes in the Distinct Taxonomy and Function of the Gut Microbiota in the Wild Ground Squirrel ( Spermophilus dauricus). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092685. [PMID: 34573650 PMCID: PMC8469230 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal breeding is a normal phenomenon in which animals adapt to natural selection and reproduce only in specific seasons. Large studies have reported that the gut microbiota is closely related to reproduction. The purpose of this study was to explore the distinct taxonomy and function of the gut microbiota in the breeding and non-breeding seasons of the wild ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology was utilized to sequence the gut microbiota of the wild ground squirrel. PICRUSt analysis was also applied to predict the function of the gut microbiota. The results suggested that the main components of the gut microbiota in all samples were Firmicutes (61.8%), Bacteroidetes (32.4%), and Proteobacteria (3.7%). Microbial community composition analyses revealed significant differences between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. At the genus level, Alistipes, Mycoplasma, Anaerotruncus, and Odoribacter were more abundant in the non-breeding season, while Blautia and Streptococcus were more abundant in the breeding season. The results of a functional prediction suggested that the relative abundance of functional categories that were related to lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism increased in the breeding season. The relative abundance of energy metabolism, transcription, and signal transduction increased in the non-breeding season. Overall, this study found differences in the taxonomy and function of the gut microbiota of the wild ground squirrel between the breeding and non-breeding seasons, and laid the foundation for further studies on the relationship between the gut microbiota and seasonal breeding.
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Yao Y, Xie W, Chen D, Han Y, Yuan Z, Zhang H, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of VEGF and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels (<em>Spermophilus dauricus</em>). Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 33764018 PMCID: PMC8033528 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As a vital male accessory reproductive gonad, the prostate requires vascular endothelial growth factors for promoting its growth and development. In this study, we investigated the localizations and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors including VEGF-receptor1 (VEFGR1) and VEGF-receptor2 (VEGFR2) in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and the non-breeding seasons. The values of total prostate weight and volume in the breeding season were higher than those in the non-breeding season. Histological observations showed that the exocrine lumens of the prostate expanded in the breeding season and contracted in the non-breeding season. The mRNA expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 in the prostate were higher in the breeding season than those in the non-breeding season, but the mRNA expression level of VEGFR1 had no significant change between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Immunohistochemical results revealed that VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were presented in epithelial and stromal cells during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In addition, the microvessels of the prostate were widely distributed and the number of microvessels increased obviously in the breeding season, while decreased sharply in the non-breeding season. These results suggested that expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 might be correlated with seasonal changes in morphology and functions of the prostate, and VEGF might serve as pivotal regulators to affect seasonal changes in the prostate functions of the wild male ground squirrels via an autocrine/paracrine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Yao
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Di Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
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Wang Y, Qi H, Zhang C, Guo Y, Yao Y, Feng X, Fan S, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q, Zhang H. The seasonal profile of proliferation and apoptosis in the prostate gland of the wild ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 253:110862. [PMID: 33276131 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The seasonal cycle of growth and regression in the prostate gland of wild ground squirrel provide a unique research model to understand the morphological changes of prostate glands. Our previous studies showed that the local production of dihydrotestosterone could affect the morphology and function of the prostate gland in either an autocrine or paracrine manner. In the present study, we attempted to gain more insight into this process by investigating the expression of key factors implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the cell cycle, including mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), cyclin-D2, p21, p27 and retinoblastoma 1 (pRB). Morphological and histological observations confirmed that the prostate increased significantly in both size and weight during the breeding season. Positive immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was mainly localized to the prostate epithelial cells during the breeding season, which is significantly higher in the prostate gland during the breeding season (2470 ± 81/mm2) than that in the nonbreeding season (324 ± 54/mm2). However, there was no significant difference in the prostate gland when compared between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, with regards to TUNEL staining. Moreover, cell cycle regulators were mainly localized to the epithelial cells, including mTOR, cyclin-D2, p21, p27 and pRB. the immunostaining of mTOR and cyclin D2 were stronger during the breeding season, whereas the immunostaining of p27 and pRB were stronger during the nonbreeding season. The mRNA expression levels of mTOR, cyclin D2, and PCNA, were higher during the breeding season while those of p27 and p21 were higher during the nonbreeding season. Collectively, this study profiled the distinct expression pattern of key cell cycle regulators throughout the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Collectively, these factors may play important roles in regulating the seasonal growth and regression of the prostatic epithelium in the wild ground squirrel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hongyu Qi
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chunjiao Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuchen Yao
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaohang Feng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Mou J, Xu J, Wang Z, Wang C, Yang X, Wang X, Xue H, Wu M, Xu L. Effects of photoperiod on morphology and function in testis and epididymis of Cricetulus barabensis. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2109-2125. [PMID: 32743820 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproductive rhythms of mammals by influencing the development and function of sexual organs; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We examined the morphology and functioning of the main sex organs of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) under different photoperiods (short daylight [SD], moderate daylight [MD], and long daylight [LD]) and further investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. There was an inverse correlation between blood melatonin levels and photoperiod in the order SD > MD > LD. Decreases in body and tissue weights were observed under SD, whereas testis and epididymis weights between MD and LD were comparable. The diameters of the spermatogenic tubules, thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, and the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells decreased under SD, whereas the serum-luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and fecal testosterone concentrations decreased under LD. In SD, bax/bcl2 protein expression increased in the testes and decreased in the epididymides, whereas LC3II/LC3I remained unchanged in the testes and increased in the epididymides compared with the MD group. In LD, bax/bcl2 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression levels were unchanged in the testes but were decreased in the epididymides. In SD and LD, adenosine triphosphate synthase and citrate synthase protein expression levels were unchanged in the testes but were decreased in the epididymides. Drp1 and Mff protein expression increased in the testes and decreased in the epididymides. Overall, different regulatory mechanisms in the testis and epididymis led to degeneration under SD and maintenance under LD, preferentially protecting mitochondrial function in the testis by regulating mitochondrial fission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Mou
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Jinhui Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanli Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xueqi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xingchen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Huiliang Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Laixiang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
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Yuan Z, Wang Y, Yu W, Xie W, Zhang Z, Wang J, Zhang H, Han Y, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in the epididymides in the wild ground squirrels (Citellus Dauricus Brandt). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 289:113391. [PMID: 31917151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect the seasonal expressions of oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrels (Citellus Dauricus Brandt) during the breeding season and non-breeding season. Histological results showed that size, weight, cell number and lumen diameter of epididymis underwent acute seasonal changes, which were all peaked in the breeding season. Immunohistochemical results suggested that strong staining of OT, OTR, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 were observed in the epithelial layer in the whole epididymis, along with intense OT and OTR signal in smooth muscle cell (Smc) in caudal epididymis in the breeding season. The protein expression levels of OTR, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 in the epididymis were higher in the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. Besides, hormone assay revealed that there was no significant serum concentration of OT in these two periods, while epididymal concentration showed higher value in the breeding season. In summary, the identified localization and local concentration of OT in the epididymis in the wild ground squirrel suggested that epididymis may assume as a source of OT, and OT could act via OTR to activate ERK1/2 signaling to regulate seasonal epididymal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenyang Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Wang Y, Yao Y, Zhang C, Guo Y, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of COX-1, COX-2 and EP4 in the uteri of the wild Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 143:106343. [PMID: 31195125 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.106343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PGs) play a pivotal role in uterine reproductive process including maternal recognition of pregnancy, cell proliferation, and myometrium contractions in mammals. In this study, we investigated the immunolocalizations and expression levels of Prostaglandin E2 synthases cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2, as well as one of PGE2 receptor subtypes 4 (EP4) in the uteri of the wild Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Histologically, the thickness of endometrium: myometrium ratio in the uteri of the breeding season was higher than that of the non-breeding season. The immunostainings of COX-1, COX-2 and EP4 were observed in stromal cells, glandular cells and myometrium cells in the breeding and non-breeding seasons. The protein and mRNA expression levels of COX-1, COX-2 and EP4 were higher in the uteri of the breeding season than those of in the non-breeding season. The mean mRNA levels of COX-1, COX-2 and EP4 were positively correlated with uterine weights. In addition, the PGE2 concentration of uterine tissues as well as plasma PGE2, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH levels were also significantly higher in the breeding season compared to those of the non-breeding season. These results suggested that PGE2 might play an important autocrine or paracrine role in the regulation of seasonal changes in the uterine functions of the wild Daurian ground squirrels during the breeding and non-breeding seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuchen Yao
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chunjiao Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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