1
|
Zhang W, Song Y, Yi L, Ou J, Chen J, Zhang W, Wen Q, Yang C, Wang J. Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate induces cytotoxicity in TM3 Leydig cells by modulating autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116462. [PMID: 38776784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) is a frequently used organophosphorus flame retardant with significant ecotoxicity and widespread human exposure. Recent research indicates that TEHP has reproductive toxicity. However, the precise cell mechanism is not enough understood. Here, by using testicular mesenchymal stromal TM3 cells as a model, we reveal that TEHP induces apoptosis. Then RNA sequencing analysis, immunofluorescence, and western blotting results show that THEP inhibits autophagy flux and enhances endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, the activation of the ER stress is critical for TEHP-induced cell injury. Interestingly, TEHP-induced ER stress is contributed to autophagic flux inhibition. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy aggravates, and activation of autophagy attenuates TEHP-induced apoptosis. In summary, these findings indicate that TEHP triggers apoptosis in mouse TM3 cells through ER stress activation and autophagy flux inhibition, offering a new perspective on the mechanisms underlying TEHP-induced interstitial cytotoxicity in the mouse testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yali Song
- Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523125, China
| | - Letai Yi
- Medicine Innovation Center for Nationalities, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Jinhuan Ou
- Department of Critical Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Department of Critical Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Critical Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - Chuanbin Yang
- Department of Critical Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523125, China; Department of Critical Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Afzal A, Zhang Y, Afzal H, Saddozai UAK, Zhang L, Ji XY, Khawar MB. Functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384047. [PMID: 38827527 PMCID: PMC11140113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular recycling process that maintains cellular homeostasis. Despite extensive research in endocrine contexts, the role of autophagy in ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis remains elusive. The significant role of autophagy in testosterone production suggests potential treatments for conditions like oligospermia and azoospermia. Further, influence of autophagy in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteal development emphasizes its importance for improved fertility and reproductive health. Thus, investigating autophagy in gonadal cells is clinically significant. Understanding these processes could transform treatments for endocrine disorders, enhancing reproductive health and longevity. Herein, we provide the functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis to date, highlighting its modulation in testicular steroidogenesis and its impact on hormone synthesis, follicle development, and fertility therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 988 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan Q, Wang Q, Nan J, Chen T, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yuan L. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) regulates autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway of yak Sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2024; 220:96-107. [PMID: 38503100 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.003] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful male reproduction depends on healthy testes. Autophagy has been confirmed to be active during many cellular events associated with the testes. It is not only crucial for testicular spermatogenesis but is also an essential regulatory mechanism for Sertoli cell (SCs) ectoplasmic specialization integrity and normal function of the blood-testis-barrier. Hypoxic stress induces oxidative damage, apoptosis, and autophagy, negatively affecting the male reproductive system. Cryptorchidism is a common condition associated with infertility. Recent studies have demonstrated that hypoxia-induced miRNAs and their transcription factors are highly expressed in the testicular tissue of infertile patients. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) is a heat-shock protein family member associated with cellular antioxidant defense and anti-apoptotic functions. The present study found that the HO1 mRNA and protein are up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism compared to normal testes. Next, we investigated the expression of HO1 in the SCs exposed to hypoxic stress and characterized the expression of key molecules involved in autophagy and apoptosis. The results showed that hypoxic stress induced the upregulation of autophagy of SCs. The down-regulation of HO1 using siRNA increases autophagy and decreases apoptosis, while the over-expression of HO1 attenuates autophagy and increases apoptosis. Furthermore, HO1 regulates autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These results will be helpful for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of HO1 in yak cryptorchidism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Jinghong Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juntao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Shen H, Li H, Sun J, Wang L, Zhang X. Enhancing endometrial receptivity: the roles of human chorionic gonadotropin in autophagy and apoptosis regulation in endometrial stromal cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38576003 PMCID: PMC10993617 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Inadequate endometrial receptivity often results in embryo implantation failure and miscarriage. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key signaling molecule secreted during early embryonic development, which regulates embryonic maternal interface signaling and promotes embryo implantation. This study aimed to examine the impact of hCG on endometrial receptivity and its underlying mechanisms. An exploratory study was designed, and endometrial samples were obtained from women diagnosed with simple tubal infertility or male factor infertile (n = 12) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 10). Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR) levels and autophagy were detected in the endometrial tissues. Subsequently, primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from these control groups and treated with hCG to examine the presence of LHCGR and markers of endometrial receptivity (HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF, and L-selectin ligand) and autophagy-related factors (Beclin1, LC3, and P62). The findings revealed that the expressions of receptivity factors, LHCGR, and LC3 were reduced in the endometrial tissues of women with RIF compared with the control group, whereas the expression of P62 was elevated. The administration of hCG to ESCs specifically activated LHCGR, stimulating an increase in the endometrial production of HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF and L-selectin ligands. Furthermore, when ESCs were exposed to 0.1 IU/mL hCG for 72 h, the autophagy factors Beclin1 and LC3 increased within the cells and P62 decreased. Moreover, the apoptotic factor Bax increased and Bcl-2 declined. However, when small interfering RNA was used to knock down LHCGR, hCG was less capable of controlling endometrial receptivity and autophagy molecules in ESCs. In addition, hCG stimulation enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins. These results suggest that women with RIF exhibit lower levels of LHCGR and compromised autophagy function in their endometrial tissues. Thus, hCG/LHCGR could potentially improve endometrial receptivity by modulating autophagy and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ying Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Medical Laboratory Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ou J, Song Y, Zhong X, Dai L, Chen J, Zhang W, Yang C, Wang J, Zhang W. Perfluorooctanoic acid induces Leydig cell injury via inhibition of autophagosomes formation and activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:169861. [PMID: 38185161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a man-made chemical broadly distributed in various ecological environment and human bodies, which poses potential health risks. Its toxicity, especially the male reproduction toxicity has drawn increasing attention due to declining birth rates in recent years. However, how PFOA induces male reproductive toxicity remains unclear. Here, we characterize PFOA-induced cell injury and reveal the underlying mechanism in mouse Leydig cells, which are critical to spermatogenesis in the testes. We show that PFOA induces cell injury as evidenced by reduced cell viability, cell morphology changes and apoptosis induction. RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that PFOA-induced cell injury is correlated with compromised autophagy and activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, two conserved biological processes required for regulating cellular homeostasis. Mechanistic analysis shows that PFOA inhibits autophagosomes formation, and activation of autophagy rescues PFOA-induced apoptosis. Additionally, PFOA activates ER stress, and pharmacological inhibition of ER stress attenuates PFOA-induced cell injury. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PFOA induces cell injury through inhibition of autophagosomes formation and induction of ER stress in Leydig cells. Thus, our study sheds light on the cellular mechanisms of PFOA-induced Leydig cell injury, which may be suggestive to human male reproductive health risk assessment and prevention from PFOA exposure-induced reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhuan Ou
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yali Song
- Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523125, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoru Zhong
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingyun Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenqiao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chuanbin Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523125, Guangdong, China; Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou 646000, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital; the First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science and Technology of China; the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ke L, Lin X, Luo Y, Tao S, Yan C, He Y, Wu Y, Liu N, Qin Y. Autophagy core protein BECN1 is vital for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:599-614. [PMID: 37975917 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step biological process, and autophagy has been demonstrated to be involved in the process of spermatogenesis. Beclin-1/BECN1, a core autophagy factor, plays a critical role in many biological processes and diseases. However, its function in spermatogenesis remains largely unclear. In the present study, germ cell-specific Beclin 1 (Becn1) knockout mice were generated and were conducted to determine the role of Becn1 in spermatogenesis and fertility of mice. Results indicate that Becn1 deficiency leads to reduced sperm motility and quantity, partial failure of spermiation, actin network disruption, excessive residual cytoplasm, acrosome malformation, and aberrant mitochondrial accumulation of sperm, ultimately resulting in reduced fertility in male mice. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy was observed in the testes of germ cell-specific Becn1 knockout mice, which may contribute to impaired spermiogenesis and reduced fertility. Collectively, our results reveal that Becn1 is essential for fertility and spermiogenesis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifeilong He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghe Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang S, Yang S, Luo A. Phthalates and uterine disorders. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 0:reveh-2023-0159. [PMID: 38452364 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2023-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Humans are ubiquitously exposed to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals such as phthalates. Phthalates can migrate out of products and enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal application, can have potential estrogenic/antiestrogenic and/or androgenic/antiandrogenic activity, and are involved in many diseases. As a female reproductive organ that is regulated by hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgen, the uterus can develop several disorders such as leiomyoma, endometriosis and abnormal bleeding. In this review, we summarize the hormone-like activities of phthalates, in vitro studies of endometrial cells exposed to phthalates, epigenetic modifications in the uterus induced by phthalate exposure, and associations between phthalate exposure and uterine disorders such as leiomyoma and endometriosis. Moreover, we also discuss the current research gaps in understanding the relationship between phthalate exposure and uterine disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10487 National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhao Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10487 National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiyue Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10487 National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang M, Wu W, Xiong Z, Yu X, Ye Z, Wu Z. Targeting autophagy drug discovery: Targets, indications and development trends. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116117. [PMID: 38295689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116117] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a vital role in sustaining cellular homeostasis and its alterations have been implicated in the etiology of many diseases. Drugs development targeting autophagy began decades ago and hundreds of agents were developed, some of which are licensed for the clinical usage. However, no existing intervention specifically aimed at modulating autophagy is available. The obstacles that prevent drug developments come from the complexity of the actual impact of autophagy regulators in disease scenarios. With the development and application of new technologies, several promising categories of compounds for autophagy-based therapy have emerged in recent years. In this paper, the autophagy-targeted drugs based on their targets at various hierarchical sites of the autophagic signaling network, e.g., the upstream and downstream of the autophagosome and the autophagic components with enzyme activities are reviewed and analyzed respectively, with special attention paid to those at preclinical or clinical trials. The drugs tailored to specific autophagy alone and combination with drugs/adjuvant therapies widely used in clinical for various diseases treatments are also emphasized. The emerging drug design and development targeting selective autophagy receptors (SARs) and their related proteins, which would be expected to arrest or reverse the progression of disease in various cancers, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders, are critically reviewed. And the challenges and perspective in clinically developing autophagy-targeted drugs and possible combinations with other medicine are considered in the review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Wayne Wu
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Zijie Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Biology, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Zihong Ye
- Department of Biology, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ali FEM, Badran KSA, Baraka MA, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Mechanism and impact of heavy metal-aluminum (Al) toxicity on male reproduction: Therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals. Life Sci 2024; 340:122461. [PMID: 38286208 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122461] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental toxicants that have been known to have a serious effect on human and animal health. Aluminum (Al) is a widely distributed metal in nature. Al exposure has a detrimental impact on human fertility. This review focused on Al-induced male reproductive toxicity and the potential therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals. Data from the literature showed that Al exposure is accompanied by a drastic decline in blood levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone, reduced sperm count, and affected sperm quality. Al exposure at high levels can cause oxidative stress by increasing ROS and RNS production, mediated mainly by downregulating Nrf2 signaling. Moreover, several investigations demonstrated that Al exposure evoked inflammation, evidenced by increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Additionally, substantial evidence concluded the key role of apoptosis in Al-induced testicular toxicity mediated by upregulating caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl2 protein. The damaging effects of Al on mitochondrial bioenergetics are thought to be due to the excessive generation of free radicals. This review helps to clarify the main mechanism involved in Al-associated testicular intoxication and the treatment strategy to attenuate the notable harmful effects on the male reproductive system. It will encourage clinical efforts to target the pathway involved in Al-associated testicular intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Khalid S A Badran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A Baraka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sales CF, Pinheiro APB, Ribeiro YM, Moreira DP, Luz RK, Melo RMC, Rizzo E. Starvation-induced autophagy modulates spermatogenesis and sperm quality in Nile tilapia. Theriogenology 2024; 216:42-52. [PMID: 38154205 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.030] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a finely regulated process that involves the interaction of several cellular mechanisms to ensure the proper development and maturation of germ cells. This study assessed autophagy contribution and its relation to apoptosis in fish spermatogenesis during starvation. To that end, Nile tilapia males were subjected to 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of starvation to induce autophagy. Testes samples were obtained for analyses of spermatogenesis by histology, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Sperm quality was assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Data indicated a significant reduction in gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule area, and spermatozoa proportion in fish subject to starvation compared to the control group. Immunoblotting revealed a reduction of Bcl2 and Beclin 1 associated with increased Bax and Caspase-3, mainly after 21 and 28 days of starvation. LC3 and P62 indicated reduced autophagic flux in these starvation times. Immunolabeling for autophagic and apoptotic proteins occurred in all development stages of the germ cells, but protein expression varied throughout starvation. Beclin 1 and Cathepsin D decreased while Bax and Caspase-3 increased in spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa after 21 and 28 days. Autophagic and lysosomal proteins colocalization indicated the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes and lysosomal degradation in spermatogenic cells. The CASA system indicated reduced sperm motility and velocity in animals subjected to 21 and 28 days of starvation. Altogether, the data support autophagy acting at different spermatogenesis stages in Nile tilapia, with decreased autophagy and increased apoptosis after 21 and 28 days of starvation, which results in a decrease in the spermatozoa number and sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ferreira Sales
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Barbosa Pinheiro
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yves Moreira Ribeiro
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Davidson Peruci Moreira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ronald Kennedy Luz
- Laboratório de Aquacultura, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Magno Costa Melo
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elizete Rizzo
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lemos G, Fernandes CMADS, Silva FH, Calmasini FB. The role of autophagy in prostate cancer and prostatic diseases: a new therapeutic strategy. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2024:10.1038/s41391-024-00793-4. [PMID: 38297152 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-024-00793-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy is a well-conserved catabolic process that plays a key role in cell homeostasis. In the prostate, defective autophagy has been implicated in the genesis and progression of several pathological conditions. AIM The present review explored the autophagy pathway in prostate-related dysfunctions, focusing on prostate cancer (PCa), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. RESULTS Impaired autophagy activity has been shown in animal models of BPH and prostatitis. Moreover, autophagy activation by specific and non-specific drugs improved both conditions in pre-clinical studies. Conversely, the efficacy of autophagy inducers in PCa remains controversial, depending on intrinsic PCa characteristics and stage of progression. Intriguingly, autophagy inhibitors have shown beneficial effects in PCa suppression or even to overcome chemotherapy resistance. However, there are still open questions regarding the upstream mechanisms by which autophagy is deregulated in the prostate and the exact role of autophagy in PCa. The lack of specificity and increased toxicity associated with the currently autophagy inhibitors limits its use clinically, reflecting in reduced number of clinical data. CONCLUSION New therapeutic strategies to treat prostatic diseases involving new autophagy modulators, combination therapy and new drug formulations should be explored. Understanding the autophagy signaling in each prostatic disease is crucial to determine the best pharmacological approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Lemos
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Henrique Silva
- Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Research, Sao Francisco University (USF), Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Beraldi Calmasini
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Yang H, Zhao P, Yang J, Yao C, Zhou C, Yang C, Sun X, Li S, Li J. Autophagy markers, cognitive deficits and depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:73-81. [PMID: 37801108 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02702-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). The relationships between autophagy and PD or depression have been documented. However, no studies explored the role of autophagy markers associated with depressive symptoms in PD. Our study aimed to investigate the relationships between autophagy markers, cognitive impairments and depressive symptoms in PD patients. A total of 163 PD patients aged 50-80 years were recruited. Plasma concentrations of autophagy markers (LC3-I, LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1) and glycolipid parameters were measured. Depressive symptoms, cognitive impairments, and motor function were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS-III), respectively. There were no significant differences between depressed and non-depressed PD patients for LC3-I, LC3-II, LC3-II/LC3-I and p62/SQSTM1. After controlling confounding variables, LC3-II/LC3-I showed an independent relationship with depressive symptoms in PD patients (Beta = 10.082, t = 2.483, p = 0.014). Moreover, in depressive PD patients, p62/SQSTM1 was associated with MoCA score (Beta = - 0.002, t = - 2.380, p = 0.020); Further, p62/SQSTM1 was related to naming ability; in addition, p62/SQSTM1 was independently associated with delayed recall (Beta = - 0.001, t = - 2.452, p = 0.017). LC3-II/LC3-I was related to depressive symptoms in PD patients. In depressive PD patients, p62/SQSTM1 was associated with cognitive function, especially naming ability and delayed recall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhe Li
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Hechao Yang
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Junfeng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Cong Yao
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Chi Zhou
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Chenghao Yang
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Sun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Shen Li
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Raee P, Tan SC, Najafi S, Zandsalimi F, Low TY, Aghamiri S, Fazeli E, Aghapour M, Mofarahe ZS, Heidari MH, Fathabadi FF, Abdi F, Asouri M, Ahmadi AA, Ghanbarian H. Autophagy, a critical element in the aging male reproductive disorders and prostate cancer: a therapeutic point of view. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:88. [PMID: 37749573 PMCID: PMC10521554 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved, lysosome-dependent biological mechanism involved in the degradation and recycling of cellular components. There is growing evidence that autophagy is related to male reproductive biology, particularly spermatogenic and endocrinologic processes closely associated with male sexual and reproductive health. In recent decades, problems such as decreasing sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and infertility have worsened. In addition, reproductive health is closely related to overall health and comorbidity in aging men. In this review, we will outline the role of autophagy as a new player in aging male reproductive dysfunction and prostate cancer. We first provide an overview of the mechanisms of autophagy and its role in regulating male reproductive cells. We then focus on the link between autophagy and aging-related diseases. This is followed by a discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy before we end with limitations of current studies and suggestions for future developments in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pourya Raee
- Student Research Committee, Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19395-4719, Iran
| | - Farshid Zandsalimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shahin Aghamiri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Fazeli
- Mehr Fertility Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mahyar Aghapour
- Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Heidari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fadaei Fathabadi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Abdi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asouri
- North Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Ghanbarian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19395-4719, Iran.
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hou F, Huang J, Qing F, Guo T, Ouyang S, Xie L, Ding Y, Yu J, Li Y, Liu X, He TS, Fan X, Liu Z. The rare-earth yttrium induces cell apoptosis and autophagy in the male reproductive system through ROS-Ca 2+-CamkII/Ampk axis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115262. [PMID: 37480693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
China has the world's largest reserves of rare earth elements (REEs), but widespread mining and application of REEs has led to an increased risk of potential pollution. Yttrium (Y), the first heavy REEs to be discovered, poses a substantial threat to human health. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to the impact of Y on human reproductive health. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of YCl3 on mouse testes and four types of testicular cells, including Sertoli, Leydig, spermatogonial and spermatocyte cells. The results showed that YCl3 exposure causes substantial damage to mouse testes and induces apoptosis and autophagy, but not pyroptosis or necrosis, in testicular cells. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed that YCl3 induced significant changes in gene expression, with Ca2+ and mitochondria-related genes being the most significantly altered. Mechanistically, YCl3 exposure induced mitochondrial dysfunction in testicular cells, triggering the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by impairing the Nrf2 pathway, regulating downstream Ho-1 target protein expression, and increasing Ca2+ levels to activate the CamkII/Ampk signaling pathway. Blocking ROS production or Ca2+ signaling significantly attenuates apoptosis and autophagy, while supplementation with Ca2+ reverses the suppression of apoptosis and autophagy by ROS blockade in testicular cells. Notably, apoptosis and autophagy induced by YCl3 treatment are independent of each other. Thus, our study suggests that YCl3 may impair the antioxidant stress signaling pathway and activate the calcium pathway through the ROS-Ca2+ axis, which promotes testicular cell apoptosis and autophagy independently, thus inducing testicular damage and impairing male reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangpeng Hou
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Junyun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Furong Qing
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Tianfu Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Sijia Ouyang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Lu Xie
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Yechun Ding
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Jingge Yu
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Yanmin Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Tian-Sheng He
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Xiaona Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ali W, Deng K, Sun J, Ma Y, Liu Z, Zou H. A new insight of cadmium-induced cellular evidence of autophagic-associated spermiophagy during spermatogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:101064-101074. [PMID: 37646926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a dynamic role in spermatozoa development during spermatogenesis. However, the disruption of autophagic flux induces cell death under metal toxicity and severe oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that cadmium-induced autophagy might be involved in this mechanism. To verify this hypothesis, we studied cadmium-induced cellular evidence of autophagic-associated spermiophagy within the testis. In the present study, treatment with cadmium caused nuclear depressive disorders and vacuolated mitochondrial damage of Sertoli cells. In addition, spermiophagy through the cellular evidence of spermatozoa phagocytosis, the high lysosomal activity (lysosome engulfment and phagolysosome), and autophagy activity (autolysosome and autophagosome) were observed in the Sertoli cells. The immunohistochemistry of lysosomal membrane protein (LAMP2) to target the phagocytosis of spermatozoa revealed that the immunoreactivity of LAMP2 was overstimulated in the luminal compartment of testis's seminiferous tubules. In addition, the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of autophagy-related protein and microtubule-associated light chain (LC3) results showed the strong immunoreactivity and immunosignaling of LC3 in the Sertoli cells of the testis. Moreover, cadmium caused the overactivation of the expression level of autophagy-related proteins, autophagy-related gene (ATG7), (ATG5), beclin1, LC3, sequestosome 1 (P62), and LAMP2 which were confirmed by western blotting. In summary, this study demonstrated that hazards related to cadmium-induced autophagic-associated spermiophagy with the disruption of autophagic flux, providing new insights into the toxicity of cadmium in mammals and representing a high risk to male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kirat D, Alahwany AM, Arisha AH, Abdelkhalek A, Miyasho T. Role of Macroautophagy in Mammalian Male Reproductive Physiology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091322. [PMID: 37174722 PMCID: PMC10177121 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and self-degradative process in cells. Autophagy carries out normal physiological roles throughout mammalian life. Accumulating evidence shows autophagy as a mechanism for cellular growth, development, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis. In male reproductive systems, normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis need a balance between degradation and energy supply to preserve cellular metabolic homeostasis. The main process of autophagy includes the formation and maturation of the phagophore, autophagosome, and autolysosome. Autophagy is controlled by a group of autophagy-related genes that form the core machinery of autophagy. Three types of autophagy mechanisms have been discovered in mammalian cells: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy is classified as non-selective or selective. Non-selective macroautophagy randomly engulfs the cytoplasmic components in autophagosomes that are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. While selective macroautophagy precisely identifies and degrades a specific element, current findings have shown the novel functional roles of autophagy in male reproduction. It has been recognized that dysfunction in the autophagy process can be associated with male infertility. Overall, this review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basics of autophagy and summarizes the latest findings on the key role of autophagy in mammalian male reproductive physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Kirat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Alahwany
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelkhalek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Taku Miyasho
- Laboratory of Animal Biological Responses, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhuge R, Li Z, He C, Ma W, Yan J, Xue Q, Wang R, Liu Y, Lu R, Du H, Yin F, Guo L. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells repair hexavalent chromium-induced testicular injury by regulating autophagy and ferroptosis mediated by the AKT/mTOR pathway in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:289-299. [PMID: 36416502 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is no ideal therapy for testicular damage induced by Cr(VI); however, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation may be a promising therapy. A Cr(VI) solution was administered to rats by intraperitoneal injection for 30 days, then BMSCs from donor rats were transplanted. Two weeks later, decreased activity and appetite, along with other pathological changes, were improved in the BMSCs group. The location of BMSCs in damaged testes was observed via laser confocal microscopy. Chromium content in the Cr(VI) and BMSCs groups significantly increased compared with that in the control group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups, as revealed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The ferrous iron and the total iron content of testes in the BMSCs group were significantly lower than those in the Cr(VI) group, as observed by Lillie staining and a tissue iron assay kit. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the expression of Beclin 1, LC3B, 4-hydroxynonenal, and transferrin receptor 1 was decreased in the BMSCs group, compared with the Cr(VI) group. The expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), SLC7A11, p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p-mTOR in the BMSCs group was higher than that in the Cr(VI) group. Taken together, we propose that BMSCs repair Cr(VI)-damaged testes by alleviating ferroptosis and downregulating autophagy-associated proteins through the upregulation of AKT and mTOR phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruijian Zhuge
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhongrun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Changhao He
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wenxuan Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qian Xue
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rifeng Lu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Haiying Du
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Orthopaedics, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Murat F, Mbengue N, Winge SB, Trefzer T, Leushkin E, Sepp M, Cardoso-Moreira M, Schmidt J, Schneider C, Mößinger K, Brüning T, Lamanna F, Belles MR, Conrad C, Kondova I, Bontrop R, Behr R, Khaitovich P, Pääbo S, Marques-Bonet T, Grützner F, Almstrup K, Schierup MH, Kaessmann H. The molecular evolution of spermatogenesis across mammals. Nature 2023; 613:308-316. [PMID: 36544022 PMCID: PMC9834047 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The testis produces gametes through spermatogenesis and evolves rapidly at both the morphological and molecular level in mammals1-6, probably owing to the evolutionary pressure on males to be reproductively successful7. However, the molecular evolution of individual spermatogenic cell types across mammals remains largely uncharacterized. Here we report evolutionary analyses of single-nucleus transcriptome data for testes from 11 species that cover the three main mammalian lineages (eutherians, marsupials and monotremes) and birds (the evolutionary outgroup), and include seven primates. We find that the rapid evolution of the testis was driven by accelerated fixation rates of gene expression changes, amino acid substitutions and new genes in late spermatogenic stages, probably facilitated by reduced pleiotropic constraints, haploid selection and transcriptionally permissive chromatin. We identify temporal expression changes of individual genes across species and conserved expression programs controlling ancestral spermatogenic processes. Genes predominantly expressed in spermatogonia (germ cells fuelling spermatogenesis) and Sertoli (somatic support) cells accumulated on X chromosomes during evolution, presumably owing to male-beneficial selective forces. Further work identified transcriptomal differences between X- and Y-bearing spermatids and uncovered that meiotic sex-chromosome inactivation (MSCI) also occurs in monotremes and hence is common to mammalian sex-chromosome systems. Thus, the mechanism of meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin, which underlies MSCI, is an ancestral mammalian feature. Our study illuminates the molecular evolution of spermatogenesis and associated selective forces, and provides a resource for investigating the biology of the testis across mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florent Murat
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany. .,INRAE, LPGP, Rennes, France.
| | - Noe Mbengue
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sofia Boeg Winge
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Timo Trefzer
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, University of Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of the Free University of Berlin, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evgeny Leushkin
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mari Sepp
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Schmidt
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Celine Schneider
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Mößinger
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thoomke Brüning
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesco Lamanna
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Christian Conrad
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, University of Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of the Free University of Berlin, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivanela Kondova
- Biomedical Primate Research Center (BPRC), Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Bontrop
- Biomedical Primate Research Center (BPRC), Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Primate Center (DPZ), Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Khaitovich
- Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svante Pääbo
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Miquel Crusafont Catalan Institute of Paleontology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frank Grützner
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biological Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Kaessmann
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xia W, Ni X, Su Q, Jia K, Zhang Y, Meng D, Wang X, Su Z. The lncRNA NEAT1 Mediates Neuronal Cell Autophagy and Related Protein Expression After Cerebral Ischemia‒Reperfusion Injury. Neurochem Res 2022; 48:1491-1503. [PMID: 36512294 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03841-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study focuses on the role of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 in regulating autophagy during the ischemia‒reperfusion (I/R) injury process and its possible regulatory mechanism based on the results of laboratory experiments. Neuro-2a (N2a) cells and BV-2 microglial cells were cultured separately, and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was induced in vitro to mimic cerebral I/R injury. The expression of lncRNA NEAT1 was measured after reoxygenation for different durations, and the results showed that NEAT1 expression was significantly different after OGD/R for 12 h; thus, cell models of NEAT1 overexpression and knockdown were constructed. Knockdown of NEAT1 effectively relieved reperfusion injury. In an N2a and BV-2 cell coculture system, knockdown of NEAT1 reduced autophagic flow in neuronal cells after reperfusion. To clarify the mechanism of NEAT1 after neuronal I/R injury, label-free quantitative proteomics (LFQ) was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in NEAT1 knockdown neurons after OGD/R for 12 h. Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network and parallel-reaction monitoring (PRM) quantitative analyses were carried out; the results showed that the expression levels of the autophagy-related proteins Gaa, Glb1, Prkaa1, Kif23, Sec24a and Vps25 were significantly reduced and that these proteins interact. In summary, this study shows that NEAT1 can regulate the interactions between autophagy-related proteins after neuronal I/R injury, reducing the level of autophagy and relieving neuronal reperfusion injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunran Ni
- Department of Neurology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital Harbin, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kejuan Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Delong Meng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yan Q, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Yuan L. Autophagy: A Double-Edged Sword in Male Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315273. [PMID: 36499597 PMCID: PMC9741305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cell reprogramming mechanism, exists in all eukaryotic organisms. It is a fundamental and vital degradation/recycling pathway that removes undesirable components, such as cytoplasmic organelles, misfolded proteins, viruses, and intracellular bacteria, to provide energy and essential materials for organisms. The success of male reproduction depends on healthy testes, which are mainly composed of seminiferous tubules and mesenchyme. Seminiferous tubules are composed of Sertoli cells (SCs) and various germ cells, and the main functional part of mesenchyme are Leydig cells (LCs). In recent years, a large amount of evidence has confirmed that autophagy is active in many cellular events associated with the testes. Autophagy is not only important for testicular spermatogenesis, but is also an essential regulatory mechanism for the ectoplasmic specialization (ES) integrity of SCs, as well as for the normal function of the blood-testes barrier (BTB). At the same time, it is active in LCs and is crucial for steroid production and for maintaining testosterone levels. In this review, we expanded upon the narration regarding the composition of the testes; summarized the regulation and molecular mechanism of autophagy in SCs, germ cells, and LCs; and concluded the roles of autophagy in the process of spermatogenesis and testicular endocrinology. Through integrating the latest summaries and advances, we discuss how the role of autophagy is a double-edged sword in the testes and may provide insight for future studies and explorations on autophagy in male reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (L.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wen Z, Zhu H, Wu B, Zhang A, Wang H, Cheng Y, Zhao H, Li J, Liu M, Gao J. Cathepsin B plays a role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation through regulating autophagy and apoptosis in mice. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14472. [PMID: 36518274 PMCID: PMC9744162 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are complex and highly ordered biological processes. Any failure or disorder in these processes can cause defects in sperm morphology, motility, and fertilization ability. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is involved in the regulation of a variety of pathological processes. In the present study, we found that CTSB was abundantly expressed in the male reproductive system, however, the specific role of CTSB in regulating spermatogenesis and sperm maturation remained elusive. Hence, we generated Ctsb -/- mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In Ctsb -/- mice, sperm count was significantly decreased while the level of morphologically abnormal sperm was markedly increased. Additionally, these mice had significantly lower levels of progressive motility sperm and elevated levels of immobilized sperm. Histological analysis showed slight vacuolization in the testis epithelium, as well as the loss of epididymal epithelium cells. Further investigation showed that autophagic activity was inhibited and apoptotic activity was increased in both the testis and epididymis of Ctsb -/- mice. Together, our findings demonstrate that CTSB plays an important role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Adjei M, Yan Y, Li C, Pan C, Pan M, Wang P, Li K, Shahzad K, Chen X, Zhao W. Comparative transcriptome analysis in the caput segment of yak and cattleyak epididymis. Theriogenology 2022; 195:217-228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
23
|
Wu Y, Li H, Zhao X, Baki G, Ma C, Yao Y, Li J, Yao Y, Wang L. Differential expression of circRNAs of testes with high and low sperm motility in Yili geese. Front Genet 2022; 13:970097. [PMID: 36226183 PMCID: PMC9548634 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.970097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the potential biological function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the sperm motility traits of Xinjiang Yili geese, and to provide a reference for analyzing the mechanism of regulation of Yili geese sperm motility. The 10 selected Xinjiang Yili Geese with high or low sperm motility (five for each group) were 3 years old, in good health, and were kept in the same feeding conditions. Yili geese were slaughtered for the collection of testicular tissue and high-throughput sequencing technology was used to screen differentially expressed circRNAs for bioinformatics analysis. Combined with the previously screened miRNAs related to the sperm motility of Yili geese, the circRNAs miRNAs regulatory network was constructed. The results showed that a total of 26,311 circRNAs were obtained from testicular tissues with high and low sperm motility, and 173 DECs were screened between the two groups (p < 0.05, |log2Foldchange|>0), of which 82 were up-regulated and 91 were down-regulated. Functional analysis of the source genes of these DECs showed that the source genes were mainly involved in biological processes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the source genes of DECs were mainly enriched in autophagy-animal, ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and other pathways. Furthermore, the visual regulatory network of differential circRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed, including 20 circRNAs, 18 miRNAs and 177 mRNAs, and nine core regulatory circRNAs were screened, including novell_circ_0045314, novel_circ_0019994 and novel_circ_0020422, etc., targeting ppy-mir-16, hsa-mir-221–3p, gga-mir-499–5p, etc. The results suggest that circRNAs may interact with miRNAs to further regulate mRNA to regulate sperm motility in Yili geese, so as to provide a reference for analyzing the molecular mechanism of sperm motility regulation.
Collapse
|
24
|
Vurgun H, Sezer G, Yay A. The role of autophagy in paclitaxel and cremophor induced damage to rat testis. Biotech Histochem 2022; 97:433-440. [PMID: 35037532 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2021.2023759] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX), is used to treat a variety of solid tumors, but its effects on normal tissues remain unclear. We investigated the effects of different doses of PTX and its vehicle, cremophor EL, on testis using histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. We used 30 adult Wistar albino rats divided randomly into five groups: physiological saline was administered to the control group; the sham 8 group received 8 mg/kg cremophor EL; the sham 16 group received 16 mg/kg cremophor EL; 8 mg/kg PTX was administered to the PTX 8 group; and the PTX 16 group received 16 mg/kg PTX. The cremophore content in PTX groups was the same as in the sham group. All treatments were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once/week for 4 weeks. Tissue samples were excised 24 h after the last injection. Tissue sections were prepared and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess testicular morphology. Expression of Beclin-1, LC3A/B and P62 were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Serum and tissue testosterone levels were determined using ELISA. Light microscopy revealed seminiferous tubule damage, irregularities in germinal epithelium and decreased seminiferous tubule diameter in the PTX treated groups. The immunoreactivity of Beclin-1, LC3A/B, and P62 was increased significantly in the PTX groups compared to the control group. Cremophor EL alone damaged the testis, although not as much as PTX. PTX caused significant damage to testicular tissue and increased autophagy of spermatogenic cells; cremophore EL also may play a role in this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hange Vurgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gulay Sezer
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Arzu Yay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Germline FOXJ2 overexpression causes male infertility via aberrant autophagy activation by LAMP2A upregulation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:665. [PMID: 35908066 PMCID: PMC9338950 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex biological process that produces haploid spermatozoa and requires precise regulation by many tissue-specific factors. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of Fork head box J2 (FOXJ2, which is highly expressed in spermatocytes) in the regulation of spermatogenesis using a germline-specific conditional Foxj2 knock-in mouse model (Stra8-Cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse). Foxj2 overexpression in mouse testes led to spermatogenesis failure, which started at the initiation of meiosis, and resulted in male infertility. Lysosomes and autophagy-related genes were upregulated in Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse testes and the number of autolysosomes in the spermatocytes in Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mice was increased. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR and Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that Lamp2 (encoding lysosome-associated membrane protein-2) was a target of FOXJ2. Foxj2 overexpression increased the expression levels of Lamp2a and Hsc70 (70-kDa cytoplasmic heat shock protein) in the Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse testes. Our results suggested that Foxj2 overexpression in the germ cells of mouse testes affects chaperone-mediated autophagy by upregulating LAMP2A, leading to spermatogenesis failure at the initiation of meiosis, thus resulting in male infertility. Our findings provide a new insight into the function of FOXJ2 in spermatogenesis and the significance of autophagy regulation in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
26
|
Peirouvi T, Razi M. Molecular mechanism behind methamphetamine-induced damages in testicular tissue: Evidences for oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14534. [PMID: 35801363 DOI: 10.1111/and.14534] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is shown to cause massive oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular tissue. This study attempted to investigate the possible effects of METH chronic administration on the crosstalk between oxidative DNA damage (ODD), the ODD repairing process, autophagy, and apoptosis in testicular tissue. For this purpose, 20 rats were divided into control and METH (2.5 mg/kg)-received groups (N = 10 rats/group). Following 7 days, the tubular differentiation (TDI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices, histomorphometric alterations, intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipid storage in germ and Sertoli cells along with expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), as a key element in regulating base excision repair (BER) enzymes expression/activity were assessed. Moreover, the expression levels of uracil-DNA (UDG) and methylpurine (MPG) DNA glycosylases and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I/II), and apoptotic cells distribution in testicular tissue were evaluated. Observations revealed that METH significantly suppressed spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis development, altered intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipid storage, increased ODD, and suppressed the PCNA expression compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, METH-received animals exhibited a remarkable (p < 0.05) reduction in UDG and MPG, increment in LC3-I/II expressions, and apoptotic cells distribution. In conclusion, METH consumption results in a failed intracytoplasmic glucose storage (primary metabolites of Sertoli and germ cells) and oxidative stress (OS) circumstance in the testicular tissue. Further, METH can induce ODD by suppressing the expression levels of PCNA and BER enzymes, UDG and MPG. Finally, we demonstrated that METH-induced massive ODD is capable of initiating autophagy signalling that leads to progressive apoptosis in the testicular tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Peirouvi
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Division of Comparative Histology & Embryology, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hung SW, Li Y, Chen X, Chu KO, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Guo X, Man GCW, Wang CC. Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Regulates Autophagy in Male and Female Reproductive Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906746. [PMID: 35860020 PMCID: PMC9289441 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With a rich abundance of natural polyphenols, green tea has become one of the most popular and healthiest nonalcoholic beverages being consumed worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the predominant catechin found in green tea, which has been shown to promote numerous health benefits, including metabolic regulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Clinical studies have also shown the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cancers of the male and female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, endometrial, breast, testicular, and prostate cancers. Autophagy is a natural, self-degradation process that serves important functions in both tumor suppression and tumor cell survival. Naturally derived products have the potential to be an effective and safe alternative in balancing autophagy and maintaining homeostasis during tumor development. Although EGCG has been shown to play a critical role in the suppression of multiple cancers, its role as autophagy modulator in cancers of the male and female reproductive system remains to be fully discussed. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge of EGCG in targeting autophagy and its related signaling mechanism in reproductive cancers. Effects of EGCG on regulating autophagy toward reproductive cancers as a single therapy or cotreatment with other chemotherapies will be reviewed and compared. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms and crosstalk of EGCG between autophagy and other cellular processes, such as reactive oxidative stress, ER stress, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, will be summarized. The present review will help to shed light on the significance of green tea as a potential therapeutic treatment for reproductive cancers through regulating autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sze Wan Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai On Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gene Chi-Wai Man
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Gene Chi-Wai Man, ; Chi Chiu Wang,
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences; School of Biomedical Sciences; and Chinese University of Hong Kong-Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Gene Chi-Wai Man, ; Chi Chiu Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Saleh SR, Manaa A, Sheta E, Ghareeb DA, Abd-Elmonem NM. The Synergetic Effect of Egyptian Portulaca oleracea L. (Purslane) and Cichorium intybus L. (Chicory) Extracts against Glucocorticoid-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats through Attenuation of Oxidative Reactions and Autophagy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071272. [PMID: 35883763 PMCID: PMC9311541 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term glucocorticoids can alter sperm motility, vitality, or morphology, disrupting male reproductive function. This study scrutinized the synergistic benefits of two Egyptian plants against dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced testicular and autophagy dysfunction in male rats. Phytochemical ingredients and the combination index were estimated for Purslane ethanolic extract (PEE) and Chicory water extract (CWE). Four control groups received saline and 100 mg/kg of each PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE, daily for 8 weeks. Dexa (1 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks) induced infertility where PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE were given. Seminal analysis, male hormones, glycemic and oxidative stress markers, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (Sigma 1R and GRP78), and autophagy regulators (Phospho-mTOR, LC3I/II, PI3KC3, and Beclin-1, P62, ATG5, and ATG7) were measured. The in vitro study illustrated the synergistic (CI < 1) antioxidant capacity of the PEE/CWE combination. Dexa exerts testicular damage by inducing oxidative reactions, a marked reduction in serum testosterone, TSH and LH levels, insulin resistance, ER stress, and autophagy. In contrast, the PEE and CWE extracts improve fertility hormones, sperm motility, and testicular histological alterations through attenuating oxidative stress and autophagy, with a synergistic effect upon combination. In conclusion, the administration of PEE/CWE has promised ameliorative impacts on male infertility and can delay disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar R. Saleh
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +20-122-573-2849; Fax: +2-(03)-391-1794
| | - Ashraf Manaa
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
| | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21131, Egypt;
| | - Doaa A. Ghareeb
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
| | - Nihad M. Abd-Elmonem
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liu S, He B, Li H. Water Blooms-A Potential Threat to Male Reproduction: Clues From Aquatics and Rodents. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:877292. [PMID: 35692412 PMCID: PMC9174978 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.877292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic cyanobacteria blooms are a potential threat to global aquatic ecosystems and human health. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) is the most toxic variant of microcystins (MCs), and exposure to MCs can damage the male reproductive system. Two electronic databases were searched for controlled studies of rodents and fishes published before September 2020. Effect sizes were calculated for eight main reproductive parameters, including sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, serum testosterone, testis weight, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum luteinising hormone (LH) and serum estradiol. Nine meta-analyses of individual parameters were conducted using R version 4.0.2. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the studies of rodents, exposure to MC-LR by intraperitoneal injection or intragastric administration yielded statistically significant effects on sperm count (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -1.7426 (95% CI: -2.2098 to -1.2754)), abnormal sperm rate (SMD = 1.6714 (95% CI: 0.9702 to 2.3726)), sper5% CI: -3.9811 to -1.7834)), testis weight (SMD = -2.8822 (95% CI: -3.9811 to -1.7834)) and serum FSH (SMD = 0.4707 (95% CI: 0.0659 to 0.8756) changes in serum testosterone (SMD = 0.5521 (95% CI: 0.1652; 0.9391)) and estradiol (SMD = 0.6398 (95% CI: 0.1896 to 1.0900)) concentrations are considered to be statistically significant. Dose-response analysis reflected the dynamic changes of male reproductive function caused by MC. Short-term exposure to MC-LR can affect the function of the male reproductive system in rodents and fish. Elevated dosage or extended exposure time may worsen the damage. Human-related research on MC-LR exposure is very necessary to protect health and the water environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hua Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang J, Ye R, Grunberger JW, Jin J, Zhang Q, Mohammadpour R, Khurana N, Xu X, Ghandehari H, Chen F. Activation of Autophagy by Low-Dose Silica Nanoparticles Enhances Testosterone Secretion in Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063104. [PMID: 35328525 PMCID: PMC8949068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) can cause abnormal spermatogenesis in male reproductive toxicity. However, the toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of SNPs in testosterone synthesis and secretion in Leydig cells are not well known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect and molecular mechanism of low doses of SNPs in testosterone production in Leydig cells. For this, mouse primary Leydig cells (PLCs) were exposed to 100 nm Stöber nonporous spherical SNPs. We observed significant accumulation of SNPs in the cytoplasm of PLCs via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays confirmed that low doses (50 and 100 μg/mL) of SNPs had no significant effect on cell viability and apoptosis, whereas high doses (more than 200 μg/mL) decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in PLCs. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining showed that SNPs caused the significant accumulation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of PLCs. SNPs activated autophagy by upregulating microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) and BCL-2-interacting protein (BECLIN-1) levels, in addition to downregulating sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/P62) level at low doses. In addition, low doses of SNPs enhanced testosterone secretion and increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression. SNPs combined with rapamycin (RAP), an autophagy activator, enhanced testosterone production and increased StAR expression, whereas SNPs combined with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ), autophagy inhibitors, had an opposite effect. Furthermore, BECLIN-1 depletion inhibited testosterone production and StAR expression. Altogether, our results demonstrate that low doses of SNPs enhanced testosterone secretion via the activation of autophagy in PLCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Rongrong Ye
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jason William Grunberger
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jiaqi Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qianru Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Raziye Mohammadpour
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nitish Khurana
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Xianyu Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hamidreza Ghandehari
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Fenglei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-514-87979030; Fax: +86-514-87972218
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Soltani M, Rahmati M, Nikravesh MR, Nejat SS, Jalali M. Autophagy comparative after decompression of tunica albuginea in testicular torsion in mature and immature rat. Surgery 2022; 172:427-435. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
32
|
|
33
|
Oxidative Stress-Induced Male Infertility: Role of Antioxidants in Cellular Defense Mechanisms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:275-309. [PMID: 36472828 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is linked to several environmental and mutagenic factors. Most of these factors, i.e., lifestyle, radiations, and chemical contaminations, work on the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology. Principally, it may induce oxidative stress (OS) and produce free radicals within the cells. The negative effect of OS may enhance the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in male reproductive organs and impair basic functions in a couple's fertility. Evidence suggests that infertile men have significantly increased ROS levels and a reduced antioxidant capacity compared with fertile men. Although, basic spermatic function and fertilizing capacity depend on a delicate balance between physiological activity of ROS and antioxidants to protect from cellular oxidative injury in sperm, that is essential to achieve pregnancy. The ideal oxidation-reduction (REDOX) equilibrium requires a maintenance of a range of ROS concentrations and modulation of antioxidants. For this reason, the chapter focuses on the effects of ROS in sperm functions and the current concepts regarding the benefits of medical management in men with diminished fertility and amelioration of the effect to improve sperm function. Also, this evidence-based study suggests an increasing rate of infertility that poses a global challenge for human health, urging the need of health care professionals to offer a correct diagnosis, comprehension of the process, and an individualized management of the patients.
Collapse
|
34
|
Mou Q, Yang YW, Chen L, Fang T, Yao YC, Du ZQ, Yang CX. Melatonin mitigates Chloroquine-induced defects in porcine immature Sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2022; 177:1-10. [PMID: 34653791 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) could function as a lysosomotropic agent to inhibit the endolysosomal trafficking in the autophagy pathway, and is widely used on malarial, tumor and recently COVID-19. However, the effect of CQ treatment on porcine immature Sertoli cells (iSCs) remains unclear. Here we showed that CQ could reduce iSC viability in a dose-dependent manner. CQ treatment (20 μM) on iSCs for 36h could elevate oxidative stress, damage mitochondrial function and promote apoptosis, which could be partially rescued by melatonin (MT) (10 nM). Transcriptome profiling identified 1611 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (776 up- and 835 down-regulated) (20 μM CQ vs. DMSO), mainly involved in MAPK cascade, cell proliferation/apoptosis, HIF-1, PI3K-Akt and lysosome signaling pathways. In contrast, only 467 (224 up- and 243 down-regulated) DEGs (CQ + MT vs. DMSO) could be found after MT (10 nM) addition, enriched in cell cycle, regulation of apoptotic process, lysosome and reproduction pathways. Therefore, the partial rescue effects of MT on CQ treatment were confirmed by multiple assays (cell viability, ROS level, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and mRNA levels of selected genes). Collectively, CQ treatment could impair porcine iSC viability by deranging the signaling pathways related to apoptosis and autophagy, which could be partially rescued by MT supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Mou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu-Wei Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ting Fang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Chang Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Du
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China.
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010053. [PMID: 35056110 PMCID: PMC8779555 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important factor for successful embryo implantation. In addition, several studies have reported the effects of various natural products on infertility improvement via the regulation of embryo implantation, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. However, it is unclear whether natural products can improve embryo implantation ability by regulating endometrial autophagy. Therefore, we performed a literature review of studies on endometrial autophagy, embryo implantation, natural products, and female infertility. Based on the information from these studies, this review suggests a new treatment strategy for female infertility by proposing natural products that have been proven to be safe and effective as endometrial autophagy regulators; additionally, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the regulation of endometrial autophagy by natural products and female infertility, with an emphasis on embryo implantation.
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang S, Zhang K, Yao Y, Li J, Deng S. Bacterial Infections Affect Male Fertility: A Focus on the Oxidative Stress-Autophagy Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727812. [PMID: 34746124 PMCID: PMC8566953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous factors trigger male infertility, including lifestyle, the environment, health, medical resources and pathogenic microorganism infections. Bacterial infections of the male reproductive system can cause various reproductive diseases. Several male reproductive organs, such as the testicles, have unique immune functions that protect the germ cells from damage. In the reproductive system, immune cells can recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns carried by pathogenic microorganisms and activate the host's innate immune response. Furthermore, bacterial infections can lead to oxidative stress through multiple signaling pathways. Many studies have revealed that oxidative stress serves dual functions: moderate oxidative stress can help clear the invaders and maintain sperm motility, but excessive oxidative stress will induce host damage. Additionally, oxidative stress is always accompanied by autophagy which can also help maintain host homeostasis. Male reproductive system homeostasis disequilibrium can cause inflammation of the genitourinary system, influence spermatogenesis, and even lead to infertility. Here, we focus on the effect of oxidative stress and autophagy on bacterial infection in the male reproductive system, and we also explore the crosslink between oxidative stress and autophagy during this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sutian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunli Zhang
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchang Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang K, Huang Q, Deng S, Yang Y, Li J, Wang S. Mechanisms of TLR4-Mediated Autophagy and Nitroxidative Stress. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:766590. [PMID: 34746034 PMCID: PMC8570305 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.766590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic infections have badly affected public health and the development of the breeding industry. Billions of dollars are spent every year fighting against these pathogens. The immune cells of a host produce reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species which promote the clearance of these microbes. In addition, autophagy, which is considered an effective method to promote the destruction of pathogens, is involved in pathological processes. As research continues, the interplay between autophagy and nitroxidative stress has become apparent. Autophagy is always intertwined with nitroxidative stress. Autophagy regulates nitroxidative stress to maintain homeostasis within an appropriate range. Intracellular oxidation, in turn, is a strong inducer of autophagy. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor mainly involved in the regulation of inflammation during infectious diseases. Several studies have suggested that TLR4 is also a key regulator of autophagy and nitroxidative stress. In this review, we describe the role of TLR4 in autophagy and oxidation, and focus on its function in influencing autophagy-nitroxidative stress interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yecheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding/Guangdong Provincial Research Center of Gene Editing Engineering Technology, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sutian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Soltani M, Rahmati M, Nikravesh MR, Saeidinejat S, Jalali M. Evaluation of Sertoli cell autophagy associated with laminin, fibronectin, and caspase-3 proteins' alteration, following testicular torsion rat. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14272. [PMID: 34729793 DOI: 10.1111/and.14272] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a vital process that maintains cellular homeostasis by joining lysosomes and providing energy production substrates. In testicular tissue, Sertoli cells play functional roles in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. It is well known that autophagy physiologically occurs in the Sertoli cells. Under pathological conditions, such as testicular torsion, autophagy can be activated under high-stress stimuli. It is worth noting that Sertoli cells receive autophagy-induced signals through some extracellular matrix proteins, e.g. laminin and fibronectin. The present study aims to evaluate Sertoli cells' autophagy-associated extracellular matrix proteins' alteration following testicular torsion in rat model. The animals were divided into two groups as sham and testicular torsion/detorsion groups. In the testicular torsion/detorsion group, testicular torsion was maintained for 6 hr, followed by detorsion for 14 days. The obtained results revealed that testicular torsion-induced oxidative stress leads to increased autophagy in Sertoli cells as well as the whole testicular tissue. Moreover, extracellular matrix proteins including laminin and fibronectin act as autophagy-regulating proteins, in which their expression levels are reduced and increased respectively. In addition, the level of caspase-3, as an autophagy inhibitory protein, did not increase significantly in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells as opposed to whole testicular tissue, indicating that autophagy is active after testicular torsion in these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Soltani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Rahmati
- Department of medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shahin Saeidinejat
- School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Khedr NF, Werida R. l-carnitine modulates autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in trazodone induced testicular toxicity. Life Sci 2021; 290:120025. [PMID: 34637798 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trazadone is an antidepressant and may affect reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis. l-carnitine is an amino acid that exhibits antioxidant actions. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effects of l-carnitine against trazadone-induced testicular toxicity in male rats and the possible underlying mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy. METHODS thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups (n = 8). Testicular damage was induced by oral administration of Trazadone (TRZ, 20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for four weeks (TRZ group). l-carnitine (LC, 200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was applied for four weeks (LC group). LC + TRZ group administered the same doses of LC and TRZ concomitantly. The control group received distilled water (as vehicle). RESULTS the protective treatment with LC attenuated the decline of sperm count and motility resulted from trazadone administration. Moreover, LC ameliorated trazadone increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reduction of total thiol and catalase activity. LC modulated the elevation in tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), and increased the expression of autophagy related genes Becline-1, ATG 5, ATG-12 in rat testes. Serum level of FSH, LH and total testosterone were increased significantly (p < 0.001) in LC + TRZ group. Histopathological findings further supported the protective effects of LC against trazadone -induced testicular injury by increasing free sperms within the lumen of spermatogenic cells and improving testicular degeneration. CONCLUSION These findings supported the protective effects of l-carnitine on rat testes due to suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and enhancing autophagy. l-carnitine may be recommended as adjuvant therapy to trazadone treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa F Khedr
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Rehab Werida
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice Department, Damanhur University, El- Bahiara, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wu S, Zhong G, Wan F, Jiang X, Tang Z, Hu T, Rao G, Lan J, Hussain R, Tang L, Zhang H, Huang R, Hu L. Evaluation of toxic effects induced by arsenic trioxide or/and antimony on autophagy and apoptosis in testis of adult mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:54647-54660. [PMID: 34014480 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) and antimony (Sb) are well-known ubiquitous environmental contaminants and cause unpromising male reproductive effects in target and non-target exposed organisms. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ATO or/and Sb on process of autophagy, apoptosis, and reproductive organ in adult mice. For this reason, a total of 32 adult mice were randomly divided into different groups like control group, ATO-treated group, Sb-treated group, and combined group. The duration of current experimental trial was 2 months. Various adverse effects of ATO or/and Sb on sperm parameters, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis were determined in testis of mice. Results indicated that parameters of sperm quality for organ coefficient, sperm count, ratio of sperm survival, testosterone level, and germ cells were significantly decreased, while malformation rate and vacuolization significantly increased in mice exposed to different treatments. Furthermore, the status of antioxidant index of T-AOC, SOD, and MsrB1 levels was reduced, while MDA increased significantly in ATO + Sb group. Results on TEM investigation determined that the autophagosomes, autolysosome, nuclear pyknosis, and chromatin condensation were prominent ailments, and the levels of autophagy and pro-apoptosis indictors including Beclin1, Atg-5, LC3B/LC3A, caspase-8, cytc, cleaved caspase-3, p53, and Bax were up-regulated in treated group, while the content of an anti-apoptosis maker (Bcl-2) was down-regulated. In conclusion, the results of our experiment suggested that abnormal process of autophagy and apoptosis was triggered by arsenic and antimony, and intensity of toxic effects increased in combined treatments of ATO and Sb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaofeng Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Gaolong Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fang Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xuanxuan Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ting Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Gan Rao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Juan Lan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Riaz Hussain
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Lixuan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Riming Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lianmei Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang Y, Su R, Liu P, Yuan Z, Han Y, Zhang H, Weng Q. Seasonal changes of mitochondrial autophagy and oxidative response in the testis of the wild ground squirrels ( Spermophilus dauricus). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R625-R633. [PMID: 34494473 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00105.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the main organelles for mammalian energy metabolism and have been implicated in the regulation of germ cell maintenance and spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the changes in the mitochondria of the testis of seasonal breeders. Here, we characterized the seasonal changes in the mitochondria in the testis of the wild ground squirrels. Increased testicle weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and sperm count were observed in the wild ground squirrels at the breeding season. RNA-seq analysis of the wild ground squirrel testes revealed that mitochondrial-related genes were expressed differentially between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Immunohistochemical staining showed that key mitophagy factors including PINK1, MFN2, and PARKIN were highly expressed in various cell types of testis during the breeding season. In addition, the abundance and enzymatic activities of mitochondrial-localized antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and Catalase were decreased in the testis during the breeding season, suggesting a tightly controlled redox balance at least partially facilitated by mitophagy during the seasonal breeding. Taken together, our study reveals that mitochondrial autophagy and oxidative stress may be implicated in the seasonal reproductive recrudescence of the wild ground squirrels, which deepens our understanding of the mitochondrial regulation of seasonal reproductivity in wildlife and provides new insights into the development of potential therapeutic interventions of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Wang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruting Su
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pinxuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ge P, Zhang X, Yang YQ, Lv MQ, Zhang J, Han SP, Zhao WB, Zhou DX. Rno_circRNA_016194 might be involved in the testicular injury induced by long-term formaldehyde exposure via rno-miR-449a-5p mediated Atg4b activation. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 155:112409. [PMID: 34265366 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) can function as microRNAs (miRNAs) sponges to participate in spermatogenesis, little is known about the functions of circRNAs in testis exposed to formaldehyde. In this study, twenty-four male SD rats (6-8 weeks) were randomly assigned to four groups, including a control group, 0.5, 2.46, and 5 mg/m3 formaldehyde exposure groups, inhaling formaldehyde for eight consecutive weeks. The RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of rno_circRNA_016194; the testicular injuries were observed by testicular histopathology. Our study illustrated up-regulated rno_circRNA_016194 was dose-dependent with formaldehyde. Simultaneously, the testicular histopathology showed an obvious damages in the 2.46 and 5 mg/m3 formaldehyde exposure rats. Combined with bioinformatics analysis, the rno-miR-449a-5p was predicted and verified that its expression decreased in the testis exposed to formaldehyde. Meanwhile, the testicular morphometry changes were contrary to the expression of rno_circRNA_016194 and consistent with rno-miR-449a-5p. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis also prompted the potential downstream target gene for rno_circRNA_016194/rno-miR-449a-5p was Atg4b, and Atg4b expression was up-regulated in rats exposed to formaldehyde verifying by Western blot. Collectively, the rno_circRNA_016194 might be involved in formaldehyde-induced male reproductive toxicity and become potential therapeutic targets for male occupational exposure to formaldehyde.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Ge
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Science and Education, Xi'an Children' s Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Yan-Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mo-Qi Lv
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shui-Ping Han
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wen-Bao Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Dang-Xia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Guo Y, Ma Y, Zhang J, Jiang S, Yuan G, Cheng J, Lan T, Hao J. Alteration in autophagy gene expression profile correlates with low sperm quality. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100546. [PMID: 34428669 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100546] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Low sperm quality, a crucial factor of male infertility, is becoming a public health issue all over the world. In male reproductive system, autophagy plays an important role in maintaining physiological functions. There exist conjectures that disordered autophagy autophagy might be related to low sperm quality. However, there is no evidence can confirm that. This study aims to investigate the association between autophagy-associated genes and low sperm quality. METHODS Sperm samples of low sperm quality cases and matched controls were included to select differential expressed genes (DE genes) by autophagy-related functional gene microarray analysis. Then, 104 cases and 250 controls were included to validate the expression of four important autophagy genes (CXCR4, ESR1, PTEN and LC3B). Based on the obtained DE gene, gene Ontology and pathway analyses were conducted. RESULTS Chip results showed that expression of all 18 DE genes were decreased in the cases compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Expression of ESR1 were verified to be significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results provided clues with the association among down-regulated expression of autophagy regulating and associated genes and low sperm quality. These findings revealed possible role of impaired autophagy in the mechanism of low sperm quality. Moreover, these may also provide potential targets for the treatment of low sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinsheng Guo
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yue Ma
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinquan Cheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Lan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jindou Hao
- Department of Paediatrics, Affliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li X, Zhou L, Peng G, Liao M, Zhang L, Hu H, Long L, Tang X, Qu H, Shao J, Zheng H, Long M. Pituitary P62 deficiency leads to female infertility by impairing luteinizing hormone production. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1238-1249. [PMID: 34453106 PMCID: PMC8417229 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00661-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
P62 is a protein adaptor for various metabolic processes. Mice that lack p62 develop adult-onset obesity. However, investigations on p62 in reproductive dysfunction are rare. In the present study, we explored the effect of p62 on the reproductive system. P62 deficiency-induced reproductive dysfunction occurred at a young age (8 week old). Young systemic p62 knockout (p62-/-) and pituitary-specific p62 knockout (p62flox/flox αGSUcre) mice both presented a normal metabolic state, whereas they displayed infertility phenotypes (attenuated breeding success rates, impaired folliculogenesis and ovulation, etc.) with decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) expression and production. Consistently, in an infertility model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pituitary p62 mRNA was positively correlated with LH levels. Mechanistically, p62-/- pituitary RNA sequencing showed a significant downregulation of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. In vitro experiments using the pituitary gonadotroph cell line LβT2 and siRNA/shRNA/plasmid confirmed that p62 modulated LH synthesis and secretion via mitochondrial OXPHOS function, especially Ndufa2, a component molecule of mitochondrial complex I, as verified by Seahorse and rescue tests. After screening OXPHOS markers, Ndufa2 was found to positively regulate LH production in LβT2 cells. Furthermore, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulating test in p62flox/flox αGSUcre mice and LβT2 cells illustrated that p62 is a modulator of the GnRH-LH axis, which is dependent on intracellular calcium and ATP. These findings demonstrated that p62 deficiency in the pituitary impaired LH production via mitochondrial OXPHOS signaling and led to female infertility, thus providing the GnRH-p62-OXPHOS(Ndufa2)-Ca2+/ATP-LH pathway in gonadotropic cells as a new theoretical basis for investigating female reproductive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Guiliang Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyu Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Hu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Long
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Tang
- Department of Pathology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Qu
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaqing Shao
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongting Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
| | - Min Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Moshrefi M, Ghasemi-Esmailabad S, Ali J, Findikli N, Mangoli E, Khalili MA. The probable destructive mechanisms behind COVID-19 on male reproduction system and fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1691-1708. [PMID: 33977466 PMCID: PMC8112744 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aims to summarize the current understanding of probable mechanisms and claims of adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility potential. METHODS Our search was including original articles, reviews, guidelines, letters to the editor, comments on guidelines, and editorials, regarding the male reproductive system. We used the words SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, "2019 ncov," testis, sperm, male factor infertility, fertility treatment, semen, assisted reproductive technology (ART), sexual transmission, and ACE2. RESULTS Data showed coronavirus affects men more than women because of more expression of 2019 nCoV receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) in testicular cells. Also, "Bioinformatics Analysis" suggests that sperm production may be damaged, since "Pseudo Time Analysis" has shown disruption in spermatogenesis. "Gene Ontology" (GO) showed an increase in viral reproduction and a decrease in sperm production-related terms. Recently, SARS-COV-2 mRNA and protein were detected in the semen of patients that had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the probable disruption of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in febrile diseases is suspected in the acute phase of the disease enabling viral entry into the testes. Not only is spermatogenesis disturbed, but also disturbs gonadotropin, androgens, and testosterone secretion during SARS-CoV-2 infection. No sexual transmission has been reported yet; however, detection of the virus in semen still makes the sexual transmission an open question. CONCLUSION There is a concern that male fertility may be disturbed after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, follow-up of the reproductive functions and male fertility may be necessary in recovered cases, especially in aged men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Moshrefi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Jaffar Ali
- Synbios Media, www.synbiosmedia.com, P.O. Box 02042, GPO, Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Necati Findikli
- Bahceci Fulya Assisted Reproduction Center, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Bioengineering, Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esmat Mangoli
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Contextualizing Autophagy during Gametogenesis and Preimplantation Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126313. [PMID: 34204653 PMCID: PMC8231133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals face environmental stressors throughout their lifespan, which may jeopardize cellular homeostasis. Hence, these organisms have acquired mechanisms to cope with stressors by sensing, repairing the damage, and reallocating resources to increase the odds of long-term survival. Autophagy is a pro-survival lysosome-mediated cytoplasm degradation pathway for organelle and macromolecule recycling. Furthermore, autophagy efflux increases, and this pathway becomes idiosyncratic depending upon developmental and environmental contexts. Mammalian germ cells and preimplantation embryos are attractive models for dissecting autophagy due to their metastable phenotypes during differentiation and exposure to varying environmental cues. The aim of this review is to explore autophagy during mammalian gametogenesis, fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development by contemplating its physiological role during development, under key stressors, and within the scope of assisted reproduction technologies.
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhao S, Li X, Wang J, Wang H. The Role of the Effects of Autophagy on NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Nervous System Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:657478. [PMID: 34079796 PMCID: PMC8166298 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a stable self-sustaining process in eukaryotic cells. In this process, pathogens, abnormal proteins, and organelles are encapsulated by a bilayer membrane to form autophagosomes, which are then transferred to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, containing NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and pro-caspase-1, can activate caspase-1 to induce pyroptosis and lead to the maturation and secretion of interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and IL-18. NLRP3 inflammasome is related to many diseases. In recent years, autophagy has been reported to play a vital role by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammatory nervous system diseases. However, the related mechanisms are not completely clarified. In this review, we sum up recent research about the role of the effects of autophagy on NLRP3 inflammasome in Alzheimer’s disease, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, Parkinson’s disease, depression, cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and analyzed the related mechanism to provide theoretical reference for the future research of inflammatory neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Zhao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaotian Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Honggang Wang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
ROS and metabolomics-mediated autophagy in rat's testicular tissue alter after exercise training; Evidence for exercise intensity and outcomes. Life Sci 2021; 277:119585. [PMID: 33957169 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Oxidative damage and altered metabolic reactions are suspected to initiate the autophagy. The exercise training significantly impacts testicular antioxidant and metabolic potentials. However, the underlying mechanism(s) that the exercise-induced alterations can affect the autophagy markers remained unknown. This study explored the effect of exercise training on antioxidant and metabolic statuses of testicular tissue and uncovered the possible cross-link between these statuses and autophagy-inducers expression. MAIN METHODS Wistar rats were divided into sedentary control, low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT) intensity continuous training groups. Following 8 weeks of training, the testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione (GSH), and NADP+/NADPH as oxidative biomarkers along with intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipid droplet patterns, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and lactate as metabolic elements were assessed. Finally, the autophagy-inducers expression and sperm count were examined. KEY FINDINGS With no significant impact on the oxidative biomarkers and metabolic elements, the LICT and MICT groups exhibited statistically unremarkable (p < 0.05) impacts on spermatogenesis differentiation, spermiogenesis ratio, and sperm count while increased the autophagy-inducers expression. Reversely, the HICT group, simultaneous with suppressing the antioxidant biomarkers (TAC↓, GSH↓, TOS↑, NADP+/NADPH↑), significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the testicular LDH activity and lactate level, changed the intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipid droplet's pattern, and amplified the classical autophagy-inducers p62, Beclin-1, autophagy-related gene (ATG)-7, and light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I expression. SIGNIFICANCE The autophagy-inducers overexpression has occurred after HICT induction, most probably to eliminate the oxidative damage cargoes, while increased to maintain the metabolic homeostasis in the LICT and MICT groups.
Collapse
|
49
|
Rossi G, Placidi M, Castellini C, Rea F, D'Andrea S, Alonso GL, Gravina GL, Tatone C, Di Emidio G, D’Alessandro AM. Crocetin Mitigates Irradiation Injury in an In Vitro Model of the Pubertal Testis: Focus on Biological Effects and Molecular Mechanisms. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061676. [PMID: 33802807 PMCID: PMC8002482 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a potential side effect of radiotherapy and significantly affects the quality of life for adolescent cancer survivors. Very few studies have addressed in pubertal models the mechanistic events that could be targeted to provide protection from gonadotoxicity and data on potential radioprotective treatments in this peculiar period of life are elusive. In this study, we utilized an in vitro model of the mouse pubertal testis to investigate the efficacy of crocetin to counteract ionizing radiation (IR)-induced injury and potential underlying mechanisms. Present experiments provide evidence that exposure of testis fragments from pubertal mice to 2 Gy X-rays induced extensive structural and cellular damage associated with overexpression of PARP1, PCNA, SOD2 and HuR and decreased levels of SIRT1 and catalase. A twenty-four hr exposure to 50 μM crocetin pre- and post-IR significantly reduced testis injury and modulated the response to DNA damage and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, crocetin treatment did not counteract the radiation-induced changes in the expression of SIRT1, p62 and LC3II. These results increase the knowledge of mechanisms underlying radiation damage in pubertal testis and establish the use of crocetin as a fertoprotective agent against IR deleterious effects in pubertal period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rossi
- Lab of Reproductive Technologies, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.R.); (M.P.); (F.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Martina Placidi
- Lab of Reproductive Technologies, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.R.); (M.P.); (F.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Chiara Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (S.D.)
| | - Francesco Rea
- Lab of Reproductive Technologies, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.R.); (M.P.); (F.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Settimio D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (S.D.)
| | - Gonzalo Luis Alonso
- Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y Montes, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain;
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Carla Tatone
- Lab of Reproductive Technologies, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.R.); (M.P.); (F.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Lab of Reproductive Technologies, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.R.); (M.P.); (F.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Maria D’Alessandro
- Lab of Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yang Y, Feng Y, Huang H, Cui L, Li F. PM2.5 exposure induces reproductive injury through IRE1/JNK/autophagy signaling in male rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 211:111924. [PMID: 33486381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.111924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) constitutes the most significant air pollutant that causes health risks. However, the mechanism(s) underlying PM2.5-induced male reproductive injury has not been clarified. In the present study we explored whether PM2.5 activated the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)/c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase (JNK)/autophagy-signaling pathway, and whether this pathway mediated reproductive injury in male rats. We established a male Sprague-Dawley rat model of PM2.5 (1.5 mg/kg) exposure-induced reproductive injury, and observed the intervention effects of STF083010 (an IRE1 inhibitor, 1 mg/kg). After 4 weeks of exposure, reproductive injury-related indicators and IRE1-cascade protein expression were analyzed. Our results showed that sperm quality and serum testosterone level significantly decreased and apoptotic index increased after exposure to PM2.5. After STF083010 intervention, sperm quality and serum testosterone level were significantly improved, while the apoptotic index was reduced. Under light microscopy, we observed that the structure of spermatogenic cells in the PM2.5 group was loose, and that the numbers of spermatogenic cells and mature spermatozoa were reduced. After STF083010 intervention, the structural damage to spermatogenic cells was improved, and the number of cells shed was reduced. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of IRE1, phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), beclin-1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)II/LC3I proteins was significantly upregulated, and that the expression of p62 protein was significantly downregulated in the PM2.5 group. The concomitant administration of STF083010 significantly antagonized the aforementioned adverse effects. STF083010 exerted specific protective effects on reproductive injury-related effects in male rats exposed to PM2.5, with effects mediated via IRE1/JNK/autophagy signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Yajing Feng
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Liuxin Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuqin Li
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| |
Collapse
|