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Cannarella R, Crafa A, Curto R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Obesity and male fertility disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101273. [PMID: 38593513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101273] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Qi R, Liang Y, Yu J, Chen B, Jiang J, Wu X, Lu W, Li Z. Liraglutide improved the reproductive function of obese mice by upregulating the testicular AC3/cAMP/PKA pathway. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:31. [PMID: 38509558 PMCID: PMC10953080 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of male reproductive dysfunction is increasing annually, and many studies have shown that obesity can cause severe harm to male reproductive function. The mechanism of male reproductive dysfunction caused by obesity is unclear, and there is no ideal treatment. Identification of effective therapeutic drugs and elucidation of the molecular mechanism involved in male reproductive health are meaningful. In this study, we investigated the effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on sex hormones, semen quality, and testicular AC3/cAMP/PKA levels in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. METHODS Obese mice and their lean littermates were treated with liraglutide or saline for 12 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured using a blood glucose test strip. The serum levels of insulin (INS), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), free testosterone (F-TESTO), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were detected using ELISA. The sperm morphology and sperm count were observed after Pap staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of testicular GLP-1R and AC3 were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Testicular cAMP levels and PKA activity were detected using ELISA. RESULTS Liraglutide treatment can decrease body weight, FBG, INS, HOMA-IR, E2 and SHBG levels; increase LH, FSH, T, and F-TESTO levels; increase sperm count; decrease the sperm abnormality rate; and increase GLP-1R and AC3 expression levels and cAMP levels and PKA activity in testicular tissue. CONCLUSIONS Liraglutide can improve the sex hormone levels and semen quality of obese male mice. In addition to its weight loss effect, liraglutide can improve the reproductive function of obese male mice, which may also be related to the upregulation of AC3/cAMP/PKA pathway in the testis. This work lays the groundwork for future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibing Qi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530199, China
| | - Yuzhen Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530199, China
| | - Jiaqin Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xingye Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wensheng Lu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Zhengming Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Wei S, Luo S, Zhang H, Li Y, Zhao J. Paternal high-fat diet altered SETD2 gene methylation in sperm of F0 and F1 mice. GENES & NUTRITION 2023; 18:12. [PMID: 37598138 PMCID: PMC10439541 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-023-00731-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Paternal high-fat diet (HFD) can alter the epigenetics of sperm DNA, resulting in the transmission of obesity-related traits to the offspring. Previous studies have mainly focused on the HFD-induced changes in DNA methylation of imprinted genes, overlooking the potential involvement of non-imprinted genes in this process. SETD2, an important epigenetically-regulated gene known for its response to environmental stress, remains poorly understood in the context of high-fat diet-induced epigenetic changes. Here we examined the effect of obesity from a HFD on paternal SETD2 expression and methylation in sperm, and embryos at the blastocyst stage and during subsequent development, to determine the alteration of SETD2 in paternal intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance. The result showed that mice fed with HFD for two months had significantly increased SETD2 expression in testis and sperm. The paternal HFD significantly altered the DNA methylation level with 20 of the 26 CpG sites being changed in sperm from F0 mice. Paternal high-fat diet increased apoptotic index and decreased total cell number of blastocysts, which were closely correlated with DNA methylation level of sperm. Out of the 26 CpG sites, we also found three CpG sites that were significantly changed in the sperm from F1 mice, which meant that the methylation changes at these three CpG sites were maintained.In conclusion, we found that paternal exposure to an HFD disrupted the methylation pattern of SETD2 in the sperm of F0 mice and resulted in perturbed SETD2 expression. Furthermore, the paternal high-fat diet influenced embryo apoptosis and development, possibly through the SETD2 pathway. The altered methylation of SETD2 in sperm induced by paternal HFD partially persisted in the sperm of the F1 generation, highlighting the role of SETD2 as an epigenetic carrier for paternal intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhua Wei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiwei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yandong Li
- Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Crean AJ, Afrin S, Niranjan H, Pulpitel TJ, Ahmad G, Senior AM, Freire T, Mackay F, Nobrega MA, Barrès R, Simpson SJ, Pini T. Male reproductive traits are differentially affected by dietary macronutrient balance but unrelated to adiposity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2566. [PMID: 37142562 PMCID: PMC10160019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary factors influence male reproductive function in both experimental and epidemiological studies. However, there are currently no specific dietary guidelines for male preconception health. Here, we use the Nutritional Geometry framework to examine the effects of dietary macronutrient balance on reproductive traits in C57BL/6 J male mice. Dietary effects are observed in a range of morphological, testicular and spermatozoa traits, although the relative influence of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and their interactions differ depending on the trait being examined. Interestingly, dietary fat has a positive influence on sperm motility and antioxidant capacity, differing to typical high fat diet studies where calorie content is not controlled for. Moreover, body adiposity is not significantly correlated with any of the reproductive traits measured in this study. These results demonstrate the importance of macronutrient balance and calorie intake on reproductive function and support the need to develop specific, targeted, preconception dietary guidelines for males.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Crean
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - S Afrin
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - H Niranjan
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - T J Pulpitel
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - G Ahmad
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Department of Andrology, Royal Women's and Children's Pathology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - A M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - T Freire
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - F Mackay
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - M A Nobrega
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - R Barrès
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
- Institut de Pharmacologie Mole´ culaire et Cellulaire, Universite´ Coˆ te d'Azur & Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - S J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - T Pini
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
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Harrison TD, Chaney EM, Brandt KJ, Ault-Seay TB, Payton RR, Schneider LG, Strickland LG, Schrick FN, McLean KJ. The effects of nutritional level and body condition score on cytokines in seminal plasma of beef bulls. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1078960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionHigh quality semen is essential for reproductive efficiency. Nutrition and environmental factors impact the ejaculate components, like cytokines, that are essential for pregnancy establishment. We hypothesized that differing nutritional periods and body condition scores would affect seminal plasma cytokine concentrations of bulls.MethodsMature Angus bulls (n=11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to either over-fed (n=5) or restricted (n=6) treatment pathways. Bulls were fed different volumes of a single ration creating 8 individual treatment periods. Body weight and body condition scores were taken every 14 d to manage intake volumes. Ejaculates were collected every 84 d to determine seminal plasma cytokine profiles. A complete randomized design was used to evaluate seminal plasma cytokines after each nutritional treatment. Initial cytokine concentrations and volume of the ejaculate were included as covariates.ResultsAll cytokines returned to initial concentrations following maintenance treatments at an ideal body condition score of 6. Nutritional treatments affected (P ≤ 0.05) IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF-A. However, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α had the greatest impact on cytokine profile.DiscussionNutritional levels and adiposity altered seminal plasma cytokine concentrations which could potentially impact the inflammatory balance of the uterus and the immune responses necessary for pregnancy establishment.
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Li W, Mi S, Zhang J, Liu X, Chen S, Liu S, Feng X, Tang Y, Li Y, Liu L, Fang L, Zhang S, Yu Y. Integrating sperm cell transcriptome and seminal plasma metabolome to analyze the molecular regulatory mechanism of sperm motility in Holstein stud bulls. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad214. [PMID: 37366074 PMCID: PMC10355371 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad214] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering that artificial insemination is the most widely used assisted reproductive technique in the dairy industry, the semen quality of bulls is very important for selecting excellent stud bulls. Sperm motility is one of the important traits of semen quality, and related genes may be regulated by environmental factors. Seminal plasma can affect sperm cell transcriptome and further affect sperm motility through exosome or other processes. However, the molecular regulation mechanism of bull sperm motility has not been studied by combining the sperm cell transcriptome with seminal plasma metabolome. The number of motile sperm per ejaculate (NMSPE) is an integrated indicator for assessing sperm motility in stud bulls. In the present study, we selected 7 bulls with higher NMSPE (5,698.55 million +/- 945.40 million) as group H and 7 bulls with lower NMSPE (2,279.76 million +/- 1,305.69 million) as group L from 53 Holstein stud bulls. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sperm cells were evaluated between the two groups (H vs. L). We conducted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on H and L groups of bulls, as well as two monozygotic twin Holstein bulls with different NMSPE values, to screen candidate genes for NMSPE. The regulatory effect of seminal plasma metabolome on the candidate genes of NMSPE was also investigated. A total of 1,099 DEGs were identified in the sperm cells of H and L groups. These DEGs were primarily concentrated in energy metabolism and sperm cell transcription. The significantly enriched Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways of the 57 differential metabolites were the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway and vitamin B6 metabolism pathway. Our study discovered 14 genes as the potential candidate markers for sperm motility, including FBXO39. We observed a broad correlation between transcriptome of sperm cells and seminal plasma metabolome, such as three metabolites, namely, mesaconic acid, 2-coumaric acid, and 4-formylaminoantipyrine, might regulate FBXO39 expression through potential pathways. The genes related to seminal plasma metabolites expressed in sperm cells are not only located near the quantitative trait loci of reproductive traits, but also enriched in the genome-wide association study signal of sire conception rate. Collectively, this study was the first to investigate the interplays among transcriptome of sperm cells and seminal plasma metabolome from Holstein stud bulls with different sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Siyuan Mi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xueqin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Siqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongjie Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Qinghe’nanzhen Deshengmenwai Road, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Qinghe’nanzhen Deshengmenwai Road, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shengli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Patlar B. On the Role of Seminal Fluid Protein and Nucleic Acid Content in Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314533. [PMID: 36498858 PMCID: PMC9739459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The evidence supports the occurrence of environmentally-induced paternal epigenetic inheritance that shapes the offspring phenotype in the absence of direct or indirect paternal care and clearly demonstrates that sperm epigenetics is one of the major actors mediating these paternal effects. However, in most animals, while sperm makes up only a small portion of the seminal fluid, males also have a complex mixture of proteins, peptides, different types of small noncoding RNAs, and cell-free DNA fragments in their ejaculate. These seminal fluid contents (Sfcs) are in close contact with the reproductive cells, tissues, organs, and other molecules of both males and females during reproduction. Moreover, their production and use are adjusted in response to environmental conditions, making them potential markers of environmentally- and developmentally-induced paternal effects on the next generation(s). Although there is some intriguing evidence for Sfc-mediated paternal effects, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this review, the current evidence regarding the links between seminal fluid and environmental paternal effects and the potential pathways and mechanisms that seminal fluid may follow in mediating paternal epigenetic inheritance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Patlar
- Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Comas-Armangue G, Makharadze L, Gomez-Velazquez M, Teperino R. The Legacy of Parental Obesity: Mechanisms of Non-Genetic Transmission and Reversibility. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102461. [PMID: 36289722 PMCID: PMC9599218 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While a dramatic increase in obesity and related comorbidities is being witnessed, the underlying mechanisms of their spread remain unresolved. Epigenetic and other non-genetic mechanisms tend to be prominent candidates involved in the establishment and transmission of obesity and associated metabolic disorders to offspring. Here, we review recent findings addressing those candidates, in the context of maternal and paternal influences, and discuss the effectiveness of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Comas-Armangue
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lela Makharadze
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Melisa Gomez-Velazquez
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.G.-V.); (R.T.)
| | - Raffaele Teperino
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.G.-V.); (R.T.)
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Batra V, Norman E, Morgan HL, Watkins AJ. Parental Programming of Offspring Health: The Intricate Interplay between Diet, Environment, Reproduction and Development. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091289. [PMID: 36139133 PMCID: PMC9496505 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As adults, our health can be influenced by a range of lifestyle and environmental factors, increasing the risk for developing a series of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Over the past few decades, our understanding of how our adult health can be shaped by events occurring before birth has developed into a well-supported concept, the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Supported by epidemiological data and experimental studies, specific mechanisms have been defined linking environmental perturbations, disrupted fetal and neonatal development and adult ill-health. Originally, such studies focused on the significance of poor maternal health during pregnancy. However, the role of the father in directing the development and well-being of his offspring has come into recent focus. Whereas these studies identify the individual role of each parent in shaping the long-term health of their offspring, few studies have explored the combined influences of both parents on offspring well-being. Such understanding is necessary as parental influences on offspring development extend beyond the direct genetic contributions from the sperm and oocyte. This article reviews our current understanding of the parental contribution to offspring health, exploring some of the mechanisms linking parental well-being with gamete quality, embryo development and offspring health.
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10
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Aizawa S, Tochihara A, Yamamuro Y. Paternal high-fat diet alters triglyceride metabolism-related gene expression in liver and white adipose tissue of male mouse offspring. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101330. [PMID: 35990577 PMCID: PMC9388883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major public health problem, and its prevalence is progressively increasing worldwide. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that diverse nutritional and metabolic disturbances including obesity can be transmitted from parents to offspring via transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. The previous reports have shown that paternal obesity has profound impacts on the development and metabolic health of their progeny. However, little information is available concerning the effects of paternal high-fat diet (HFD) exposure on triglyceride metabolism in the offspring. Therefore, we investigated the effects of paternal HFD on triglyceride metabolism and related gene expression in male mouse offspring. We found that paternal HFD exposure significantly increased the body weight, liver and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) weights, and liver triglyceride content in male offspring, despite consuming control diet. In addition, paternal HFD exposure had induced changes in the mRNA expression of genes involved in lipid and triglyceride metabolism in the liver and eWAT. These findings indicate transgenerational inheritance from the paternal metabolic disturbance of triglyceride and support the effects of paternal lifestyle choices on offspring development and health later in life. Paternal HFD exposure increased body weight, liver, and eWAT weights in male offspring. Paternal HFD exposure induced triglyceride metabolism disturbance in male offspring. Triglyceride metabolism-related gene expression in the offspring liver and eWAT was altered by paternal HFD exposure.
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Malek MA, Dasiman R, Khan NAMN, Mohamed-Akhlak S, Mahmud MH. The protective effects of Procyanidin C-1 on bisphenol a-induced testicular dysfunction in aged mice. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Smyth SP, Nixon B, Anderson AL, Murray HC, Martin JH, MacDougall LA, Robertson SA, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Schjenken JE. Elucidation of the protein composition of mouse seminal vesicle fluid. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2100227. [PMID: 35014747 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The seminal vesicles are male accessory sex glands that contribute the major portion of the seminal plasma in which mammalian spermatozoa are bathed during ejaculation. In addition to conveying sperm through the ejaculatory duct, seminal vesicle secretions support sperm survival after ejaculation, and influence the female reproductive tract to promote receptivity to pregnancy. Analysis of seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) composition by proteomics has proven challenging, due to its highly biased protein signature with a small subset of dominant proteins and the difficulty of solubilizing this viscous fluid. As such, publicly available proteomic datasets identify only 85 SVF proteins in total. To address this limitation, we report a new preparative methodology involving sequential solubilization of mouse SVF in guanidine hydrochloride, acetone precipitation, and analysis by label-free mass spectrometry. Using this strategy, we identified 126 SVF proteins, including 83 previously undetected in SVF. Members of the seminal vesicle secretory protein family were the most abundant, accounting for 79% of all peptide spectrum matches. Functional analysis identified inflammation and formation of the vaginal plug as the two most prominent biological processes. Other notable processes included modulation of sperm function and regulation of the female reproductive tract immune environment. Together, these findings provide a robust methodological framework for future SVF studies and identify novel proteins with potential to influence both male and female reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon P Smyth
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather C Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Lily A MacDougall
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
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13
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Starovlah IM, Radovic Pletikosic SM, Tomanic TM, Medar MLJ, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Spermatozoa Develop Molecular Machinery to Recover From Acute Stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896193. [PMID: 35909555 PMCID: PMC9329690 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896193] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to search for the possible mechanism(s) of male (in/sub)fertility by following the molecular response of spermatozoa on acute psychological stress (the most common stress in human society) and on a 20-h time-dependent recovery period. To mimic in vivo acute stress, the rats were exposed to immobilization once every 3 h. The recovery periods were as follows: 0 (immediately after stress and 3 h after the light is on-ZT3), 8 (ZT11), 14 (ZT17), and 20 (ZT23) h after stress. Results showed that acute stress provoked effects evident 20 h after the end of the stress period. Numbers of spermatozoa declined at ZT17 and ZT23, while functionality decreased at ZT3 and ZT11, but recovered at ZT17 and ZT23. Transcriptional profiles of 91% (20/22) of tracked mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers and 91% (20/22) of signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number/functionality were disturbed after acute stress and during the recovery period. Most of the changes presented as increased transcription or protein expression at ZT23. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed the clear separation of acute stress recovery effects during active/dark and inactive/light phases. The physiological relevance of these results is the recovered positive-acrosome-reaction, suggesting that molecular events are an adaptive mechanism, regulated by acute stress response signaling. The results of the PCA confirmed the separation of the effects of acute stress recovery on gene expression related to mitochondrial dynamics, cAMP, and MAPK signaling. The transcriptional patterns were different during the active and inactive phases. Most of the transcripts were highly expressed during the active phase, which is expected given that stress occurred at the beginning of the inactive phase. To the best of our knowledge, our results provide a completely new view and the first presentation of the markers of mitochondrial dynamics network in spermatozoa and their correlation with signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality during recovery from acute stress. Moreover, the interactions between the proteins important for spermatozoa homeostasis and functionality (MFN2 and PRKA catalytic subunit, MFN2 and p38MAPK) are shown for the first time. Since the existing literature suggests the importance of semen quality and male fertility not only as the fundamental marker of reproductive health but also as the fundamental biomarkers of overall health and harbingers for the development of comorbidity and mortality, we anticipate our result to be a starting point for more investigations considering the mitochondrial dynamics markers or their transcriptional profiles as possible predictors of (in/sub)fertility.
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14
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Effects of paternal overnutrition and interventions on future generations. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:901-917. [PMID: 35022547 PMCID: PMC9050512 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-01042-7] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, evidence from human and animal studies suggests that paternal obesity around the time of conception can have adverse effects on offspring health through developmental programming. This may make significant contributions to the current epidemic of obesity and related metabolic and reproductive complications like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and subfertility/infertility. To date, changes in seminal fluid composition, sperm DNA methylation, histone composition, small non-coding RNAs, and sperm DNA damage have been proposed as potential underpinning mechanism to program offspring health. In this review, we discuss current human and rodent evidence on the impact of paternal obesity/overnutrition on offspring health, followed by the proposed mechanisms, with a focus on sperm DNA damage underpinning paternal programming. We also summarize the different intervention strategies implemented to minimize effects of paternal obesity. Upon critical review of literature, we find that obesity-induced altered sperm quality in father is linked with compromised offspring health. Paternal exercise intervention before conception has been shown to improve metabolic health. Further work to explore the mechanisms underlying benefits of paternal exercise on offspring are warranted. Conversion to healthy diets and micronutrient supplementation during pre-conception have shown some positive impacts towards minimizing the impact of paternal obesity on offspring. Pharmacological approaches e.g., metformin are also being applied. Thus, interventions in the obese father may ameliorate the potential detrimental impacts of paternal obesity on offspring.
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15
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Simmons LW, Ng SH, Lovegrove M. Condition‐dependent seminal fluid gene expression and intergenerational paternal effects on ejaculate quality. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W. Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Soon Hwee Ng
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Maxine Lovegrove
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
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16
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Bisconti M, Simon JF, Grassi S, Leroy B, Martinet B, Arcolia V, Isachenko V, Hennebert E. Influence of Risk Factors for Male Infertility on Sperm Protein Composition. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13164. [PMID: 34884971 PMCID: PMC8658491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313164] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a common health problem that can be influenced by a host of lifestyle risk factors such as environment, nutrition, smoking, stress, and endocrine disruptors. These effects have been largely demonstrated on sperm parameters (e.g., motility, numeration, vitality, DNA integrity). In addition, several studies showed the deregulation of sperm proteins in relation to some of these factors. This review inventories the literature related to the identification of sperm proteins showing abundance variations in response to the four risk factors for male infertility that are the most investigated in this context: obesity, diabetes, tobacco smoking, and exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA). First, we provide an overview of the techniques used to identify deregulated proteins. Then, we summarise the main results obtained in the different studies and provide a compiled list of deregulated proteins in relation to each risk factor. Gene ontology analysis of these deregulated proteins shows that oxidative stress and immune and inflammatory responses are common mechanisms involved in sperm alterations encountered in relation to the risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bisconti
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (M.B.); (S.G.); (E.H.)
| | - Jean-François Simon
- Fertility Clinic, CHU Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulevard Kennedy 2, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.-F.S.); (V.A.)
| | - Sarah Grassi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (M.B.); (S.G.); (E.H.)
| | - Baptiste Leroy
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, CISMa, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium;
| | - Baptiste Martinet
- Evolutionary Biology & Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue Paul Héger, CP 160/12, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Vanessa Arcolia
- Fertility Clinic, CHU Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulevard Kennedy 2, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.-F.S.); (V.A.)
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (M.B.); (S.G.); (E.H.)
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17
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Bromfield EG, Breen J, Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Schjenken JE. Transcriptomic analysis of the seminal vesicle response to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:728. [PMID: 34625024 PMCID: PMC8499523 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seminal vesicles synthesise bioactive factors that support gamete function, modulate the female reproductive tract to promote implantation, and influence developmental programming of offspring phenotype. Despite the significance of the seminal vesicles in reproduction, their biology remains poorly defined. Here, to advance understanding of seminal vesicle biology, we analyse the mouse seminal vesicle transcriptome under normal physiological conditions and in response to acute exposure to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or vehicle control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue 72 h following the final injection. RESULTS A total of 15,304 genes were identified in the seminal vesicles with those encoding secreted proteins amongst the most abundant. In addition to reproductive hormone pathways, functional annotation of the seminal vesicle transcriptome identified cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and cellular death and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Administration of acrylamide elicited 70 differentially regulated (fold-change ≥1.5 or ≤ 0.67) genes, several of which were orthogonally validated using quantitative PCR. Pathways that initiate gene and protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent amongst the dysregulated pathways. Inflammation was also a key transcriptomic response to acrylamide, with the cytokine, Colony stimulating factor 2 (Csf2) identified as a top-ranked upstream driver and inflammatory mediator associated with recovery of homeostasis. Early growth response (Egr1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (Ccl8), and Collagen, type V, alpha 1 (Col5a1) were also identified amongst the dysregulated genes. Additionally, acrylamide treatment led to subtle changes in the expression of genes that encode proteins secreted by the seminal vesicle, including the complement regulator, Complement factor b (Cfb). CONCLUSIONS These data add to emerging evidence demonstrating that the seminal vesicles, like other male reproductive tract tissues, are sensitive to environmental insults, and respond in a manner with potential to exert impact on fetal development and later offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC), South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Computational & Systems Biology Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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18
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Schjenken JE, Moldenhauer LM, Sharkey DJ, Chan HY, Chin PY, Fullston T, McPherson NO, Robertson SA. High-fat Diet Alters Male Seminal Plasma Composition to Impair Female Immune Adaptation for Pregnancy in Mice. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6309474. [PMID: 34170298 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Paternal experiences and exposures before conception can influence fetal development and offspring phenotype. The composition of seminal plasma contributes to paternal programming effects through modulating the female reproductive tract immune response after mating. To investigate whether paternal obesity affects seminal plasma immune-regulatory activity, C57Bl/6 male mice were fed an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) for 14 weeks. Although HFD consumption caused only minor changes to parameters of sperm quality, the volume of seminal vesicle fluid secretions was increased by 65%, and the concentrations and total content of immune-regulatory TGF-β isoforms were decreased by 75% to 80% and 43% to 55%, respectively. Mating with BALB/c females revealed differences in the strength and properties of the postmating immune response elicited. Transcriptional analysis showed >300 inflammatory genes were similarly regulated in the uterine endometrium by mating independently of paternal diet, and 13 were dysregulated by HFD-fed compared with CD-fed males. Seminal vesicle fluid factors reduced in HFD-fed males, including TGF-β1, IL-10, and TNF, were among the predicted upstream regulators of differentially regulated genes. Additionally, the T-cell response induced by mating with CD-fed males was blunted after mating with HFD-fed males, with 27% fewer CD4+ T cells, 26% fewer FOXP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, and 19% fewer CTLA4+ Treg cells, particularly within the NRP1+ thymic Treg cell population. These findings demonstrate that an obesogenic HFD alters the composition of seminal vesicle fluid and impairs seminal plasma capacity to elicit a favorable pro-tolerogenic immune response in females at conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Schjenken
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Hon Y Chan
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Peck Y Chin
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Tod Fullston
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, Adelaide, South Australia, 5065, Australia
| | - Nicole O McPherson
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, Adelaide, South Australia, 5065, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, 3121, Australia
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19
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Trigg NA, Bromfield EG, Dun MD, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, MacDougall LA, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Nixon B, Schjenken JE. Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100107. [PMID: 34089863 PMCID: PMC8250459 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Lily A MacDougall
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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20
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Starovlah IM, Radovic Pletikosic SM, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Mitochondrial Dynamics Markers and Related Signaling Molecules Are Important Regulators of Spermatozoa Number and Functionality. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115693. [PMID: 34071734 PMCID: PMC8199422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we study possible mechanisms of (in/sub)fertility related to the acute or repeated psychological stresses (the most common stresses in human society) by following the transcriptional profile of 22 mitochondrial dynamics/function markers and 22 signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number/functionality. An in vivo study mimicking acute (once for 3 h) and repeated (3 h for 10 consecutive days) psychophysical stress was performed on adult rats. The analysis of hormones, the number/functionality of spermatozoa, and 44 transcriptional markers were performed on individual samples from up to 12 animals per group. Results showed that both types of stress reduced spermatozoa functionality (acute by 4.4-fold, repeated by 3.3-fold) and ATP production (acute by 2.3-fold, repeated by 14.5-fold), while only repeated stress reduces the number of spermatozoa (1.9-fold). Stress significantly disturbed transcription of 34-out-of-44 markers (77%). Mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers: 18-out-of-22 =>82% (mitochondrial-biogenesis-markers –>6-out-of-8 =>75%; mitochondrial-fusion-markers –>3-out-of-3 =>100%; mitochondrial-fission-markers –>1-out-of-2 =>50%; mitochondrial-autophagy-markers –>3-out-of-3 =>100%; mitochondrial-functionality-markers –>5-out-of-6 =>83%). Markers of signaling pathways regulating both mitochondrial dynamics/functionality and spermatozoa number/functionality important for male (in/sub)fertility –>16-out-of-22 =>73% (cAMP-signaling-markers –>8-out-of-12 =>67%; MAPK-signaling-markers –>8-out-of-10 =>80%). Accordingly, stress-triggered changes of transcriptional profile of mitochondrial dynamics/functionality markers as well as signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality represent adaptive mechanisms.
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21
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Lassi M, Tomar A, Comas-Armangué G, Vogtmann R, Dijkstra DJ, Corujo D, Gerlini R, Darr J, Scheid F, Rozman J, Aguilar-Pimentel A, Koren O, Buschbeck M, Fuchs H, Marschall S, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabe de Angelis M, Plösch T, Gellhaus A, Teperino R. Disruption of paternal circadian rhythm affects metabolic health in male offspring via nongerm cell factors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/22/eabg6424. [PMID: 34039610 PMCID: PMC8153725 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg6424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythm synchronizes each body function with the environment and regulates physiology. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm alters organismal physiology and increases disease risk. Recent epidemiological data and studies in model organisms have shown that maternal circadian disruption is important for offspring health and adult phenotypes. Less is known about the role of paternal circadian rhythm for offspring health. Here, we disrupted circadian rhythm in male mice by night-restricted feeding and showed that paternal circadian disruption at conception is important for offspring feeding behavior, metabolic health, and oscillatory transcription. Mechanistically, our data suggest that the effect of paternal circadian disruption is not transferred to the offspring via the germ cells but initiated by corticosterone-based parental communication at conception and programmed during in utero development through a state of fetal growth restriction. These findings indicate paternal circadian health at conception as a newly identified determinant of offspring phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Lassi
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Archana Tomar
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gemma Comas-Armangué
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-University Hospital Essen - Essen, Germany
| | - Dorieke J Dijkstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - David Corujo
- Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program, Josep Carreras Institute for Leukemia Research (IJC) Badalona, Spain
| | - Raffaele Gerlini
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jonatan Darr
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabienne Scheid
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jan Rozman
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Aguilar-Pimentel
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Marcus Buschbeck
- Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program, Josep Carreras Institute for Leukemia Research (IJC) Badalona, Spain
- Program for Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (PMPPC-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susan Marschall
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München Freising, Germany
| | - Torsten Plösch
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-University Hospital Essen - Essen, Germany
| | - Raffaele Teperino
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
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Pini T, Raubenheimer D, Simpson SJ, Crean AJ. Obesity and Male Reproduction; Placing the Western Diet in Context. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:622292. [PMID: 33776921 PMCID: PMC7991841 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.622292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that obesity has negative repercussions for reproductive physiology in males. Much of this evidence has accumulated from rodent studies employing diets high in fat and sugar ("high fat" or "western" diets). While excessive fats and carbohydrates have long been considered major determinants of diet induced obesity, a growing body of research suggests that the relationships between diet composition and obesity are more complex than originally thought, involving interactions between dietary macronutrients. However, rodent dietary models have yet to evolve to capture this, instead relying heavily on elevated levels of a single macronutrient. While this approach has highlighted important effects of obesity on male reproduction, it does not allow for interpretation of the complex, interacting effects of dietary protein, carbohydrate and fat. Further, the single nutrient approach limits the ability to draw conclusions about which diets best support reproductive function. Nutritional Geometry offers an alternative approach, assessing outcomes of interest over an extended range of dietary macronutrient compositions. This review explores the practical application of Nutritional Geometry to study the effects of dietary macronutrient balance on male reproduction, including experimental considerations specific to studies of diet and reproductive physiology. Finally, this review discusses the promising use of Nutritional Geometry in the development of evidence-based pre-conception nutritional guidance for men.
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Abstract
In recent years, a new focus of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis has emerged examining the potential role that paternal health may play in embryo development, fetal growth and long-term offspring health. While the association between male health and sperm quality has been studied in detail, our understanding of the long-term paternal effects on offspring health remains limited. As with studies aimed at understanding maternal programming, animal models are an essential tool with which to define the underlying mechanisms linking paternal health to post-fertilisation development and offspring well-being. Here, new insights into the genetic and epigenetic nature of the sperm, as well as the role seminal plasma plays in modulating the maternal reproductive environment, are demonstrating the significant role a father's wellbeing at the time of conception has for programming the health of his offspring. In this article we will outline the current understanding of the impact of male health on semen quality, reproductive fitness and post-fertilisation offspring development and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Eleonora Rubini
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Elizabeth D Hosier
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Hannah L Morgan
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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24
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Wang F, Chen H, Chen Y, Cheng Y, Li J, Zheng L, Zeng X, Luo T. Diet-induced obesity is associated with altered expression of sperm motility-related genes and testicular post-translational modifications in a mouse model. Theriogenology 2020; 158:233-238. [PMID: 32980686 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a metabolic disease and its relation with male subfertility has aroused a growing concern. However, it is unclear whether gene expression and post-translational modifications (PTMs), two vital molecular mechanisms regulating cellular functions, are associated with obesity-induced male reproductive dysfunction. In this study, male obesity with compromised sperm motility was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) using a mouse model. The expression of motility related-genes, the level of histone modifications, and the global profiles of post-translational modifications (PTMs), were examined in testes of HFD and control mice by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Outer dense fiber protein 2, a major component of outer dense fibers in the sperm tail, is the most obviously down-regulated gene out of 11 evaluated genes, showing a reduction of about 50% RNA level in testes of obese male mice compared with that in control mice. Semi-quantitative analysis of the western blot demonstrated that ∼56% enrichment of di-methylated histone (H)3 lysine (K)36, ∼59% enrichment of 2-hydroxyisobutyrylated H4K8, ∼32% decrease of propionylated H3K23, ∼33% decrease of crotonylated H4K8, and ∼45% decrease of acetylated H3K122 and H4K8 were detected in testes of male HFD mice compared with that in control mice. In addition, male obesity up-regulated the testicular levels of ubiquitination by ∼18%, tyrosine nitration by ∼20%, lysine succinylation by ∼25%, lysine benzoylation by ∼28%, lysine malonylation by ∼32%, lysine glutarylation by ∼36%, lysine propionylation by ∼42%, lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation by ∼45%, and SUMO1 modification by ∼59%, and down-regulated the testicular levels of O-GlcNAcylation by ∼12%, lysine crotonylation by ∼22%, and lysine acetylation by 35%. These findings indicate that altered gene expression and PTMs are associated with the obesity-induced male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China
| | - Houyang Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China
| | - Yimin Cheng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China
| | - Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226000, PR China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China.
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25
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Abstract
Seminal fluid is often assumed to have just one function in mammalian reproduction, delivering sperm to fertilize oocytes. But seminal fluid also transmits signaling agents that interact with female reproductive tissues to facilitate conception and .pregnancy. Upon seminal fluid contact, female tissues initiate a controlled inflammatory response that affects several aspects of reproductive function to ultimately maximize the chances of a male producing healthy offspring. This effect is best characterized in mice, where the female response involves several steps. Initially, seminal fluid factors cause leukocytes to infiltrate the female reproductive tract, and to selectively target and eliminate excess sperm. Other signals stimulate ovulation, induce an altered transcriptional program in female tract tissues that modulates embryo developmental programming, and initiate immune adaptations to promote receptivity to implantation and placental development. A key result is expansion of the pool of regulatory T cells that assist implantation by suppressing inflammation, mediating tolerance to male transplantation antigens, and promoting uterine vascular adaptation and placental development. Principal signaling agents in seminal fluid include prostaglandins and transforming growth factor-β. The balance of male signals affects the nature of the female response, providing a mechanism of ‟cryptic female choiceˮ that influences female reproductive investment. Male-female seminal fluid signaling is evident in all mammalian species investigated including human, and effects of seminal fluid in invertebrates indicate evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Understanding the female response to seminal fluid will shed new light on infertility and pregnancy disorders and is critical to defining how events at conception influence offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Marcho C, Oluwayiose OA, Pilsner JR. The preconception environment and sperm epigenetics. Andrology 2020; 8:924-942. [PMID: 31901222 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a common reproductive disorder, with male factor infertility accounting for approximately half of all cases. Taking a paternal perceptive, recent research has shown that sperm epigenetics, such as changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure, and noncoding RNA expression, can impact reproductive and offspring health. Importantly, environmental conditions during the preconception period has been demonstrated to shape sperm epigenetics. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview on epigenetic modifications that regulate normal gene expression and epigenetic remodeling that occurs during spermatogenesis, and to discuss the epigenetic alterations that may occur to the paternal germline as a consequence of preconception environmental conditions and exposures. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined published literature available on databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect) focusing on adult male preconception environmental exposures and sperm epigenetics in epidemiologic studies and animal models. RESULTS The preconception period is a sensitive developmental window in which a variety of exposures such as toxicants, nutrition, drugs, stress, and exercise, affects sperm epigenetics. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Understanding the environmental legacy of the sperm epigenome during spermatogenesis will enhance our understanding of reproductive health and improve reproductive success and offspring well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
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27
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Association between high-fat diet feeding and male fertility in high reproductive performance mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18546. [PMID: 31811184 PMCID: PMC6898043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing worldwide prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), especially in younger populations, is a risk factor for fertility disorders. However, a direct correlation of MetS with male infertility still remains unclear. In this work, we evaluated whether MetS has a negative impact on fertility of hybrid male mice with high reproductive performance. To induce a MetS-like condition, (C57BL/6xBALB/c) F1 male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 30% fat) for 19 weeks, while controls received a normal-fat diet (NFD, 6% fat). HFD-fed animals exhibited increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. In vivo fertilisation assays performed along the treatment period showed no differences in fertilisation nor in vitro embryo development rates between groups. While testicular weight and morphology were similar in both groups, HFD-fed mice presented lighter epididymides and higher amounts of gonadal fat. Moreover, sperm count was lower in HFD-fed mice, despite normal sperm viability, morphology, motility or acrosome reaction. Finally, no differences were observed in in vitro fertilisation rates between groups. In summary, although HFD feeding altered some reproductive parameters, it did not impair male fertility in high performance breeders suggesting the possibility that a fertility impairment could be the result of the cumulative combination of environmental and/or genetic factors.
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28
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Wright Muelas M, Mughal F, O'Hagan S, Day PJ, Kell DB. The role and robustness of the Gini coefficient as an unbiased tool for the selection of Gini genes for normalising expression profiling data. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17960. [PMID: 31784565 PMCID: PMC6884504 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently introduced the Gini coefficient (GC) for assessing the expression variation of a particular gene in a dataset, as a means of selecting improved reference genes over the cohort ('housekeeping genes') typically used for normalisation in expression profiling studies. Those genes (transcripts) that we determined to be useable as reference genes differed greatly from previous suggestions based on hypothesis-driven approaches. A limitation of this initial study is that a single (albeit large) dataset was employed for both tissues and cell lines. We here extend this analysis to encompass seven other large datasets. Although their absolute values differ a little, the Gini values and median expression levels of the various genes are well correlated with each other between the various cell line datasets, implying that our original choice of the more ubiquitously expressed low-Gini-coefficient genes was indeed sound. In tissues, the Gini values and median expression levels of genes showed a greater variation, with the GC of genes changing with the number and types of tissues in the data sets. In all data sets, regardless of whether this was derived from tissues or cell lines, we also show that the GC is a robust measure of gene expression stability. Using the GC as a measure of expression stability we illustrate its utility to find tissue- and cell line-optimised housekeeping genes without any prior bias, that again include only a small number of previously reported housekeeping genes. We also independently confirmed this experimentally using RT-qPCR with 40 candidate GC genes in a panel of 10 cell lines. These were termed the Gini Genes. In many cases, the variation in the expression levels of classical reference genes is really quite huge (e.g. 44 fold for GAPDH in one data set), suggesting that the cure (of using them as normalising genes) may in some cases be worse than the disease (of not doing so). We recommend the present data-driven approach for the selection of reference genes by using the easy-to-calculate and robust GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Wright Muelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Farah Mughal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Steve O'Hagan
- School of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology 131, Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131, Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Philip J Day
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131, Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Douglas B Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 10 Building 220, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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29
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Simmons LW, Lovegrove M. Nongenetic paternal effects via seminal fluid. Evol Lett 2019; 3:403-411. [PMID: 31388449 PMCID: PMC6675144 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that nongenetic paternal effects on offspring may be widespread among animal taxa, but the mechanisms underlying this form of nongenetic inheritance are not yet fully understood. Here, we show that seminal fluids underlie paternal effects on early offspring survival in an insect, the cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus, and quantify the contribution of this paternal effect to the inheritance of this important fitness trait. We used castrated males within a full-sib half-sib experimental design to show that seminal fluid donors were responsible for variation in the survival of developing embryos to hatching, and in their subsequent survival to adulthood. Increased expression of two seminal fluid protein genes, previously found to be positively associated with sperm quality, was found to be negatively associated with embryo survival. These nongenetic paternal effects hold important implications for the evolution of adaptive maternal responses to sperm competition, and more broadly for the interpretation of sire effects from classic quantitative genetic breeding designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W. Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary BiologySchool of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawley6009Australia
| | - Maxine Lovegrove
- Centre for Evolutionary BiologySchool of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawley6009Australia
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30
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Crean AJ, Senior AM. High-fat diets reduce male reproductive success in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2019; 20:921-933. [PMID: 30756459 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sperm counts have shown a progressive decline across the world since the mid-1900s. Global rates of obesity have been climbing at a similarly alarming rate, suggesting that these two factors may be linked. However, studies examining the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and male fertility have produced conflicting results. These discrepancies among studies are commonly attributed to limitations that are inherent in human studies such as correlational data and confounding factors-limitations that are absent from animal studies. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies that experimentally induced obesity with a high-fat diet and measured impacts on sperm traits and/or male fertility. Overall, we found strong, consistent evidence in animal studies that high-fat diets are detrimental for male fertility. Compared with controls, males fed a high-fat diet had smaller testes and sex accessory glands relative to body size, reduced semen quality, reduced mating success, and reduced fertilization success. This is the first time that experimental data of high-fat diet effects on male reproduction have been synthesized in a meta-analysis, and thus, our results provide novel insight to the complex question of how dietary-induced obesity affects male fertility. The strong negative effects detected in animal models suggest that the inconsistent results plaguing human studies are an artefact of limitations inherent in correlational studies rather than a true effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Crean
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alistair M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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31
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How much does obesity affect the male reproductive function? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY SUPPLEMENTS 2019; 9:50-64. [PMID: 31391924 DOI: 10.1038/s41367-019-0008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is considered a worldwide epidemic disease. Many pathological conditions have been associated to obesity but the evidence relating to impaired fertility in males with obesity are contrasting. The aim of this review was to evaluate the interplay between obesity and male fertility, analyzing evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies to clinical trials. Obesity seems to be responsible of secondary hypogonadism. Here, we propose a new classification including central, peripheral and testicular factors that may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Moreover, some studies demonstrated a direct action of obesity on sperm count and sperm characteristics, mediated by impaired Sertoli cells function, increased scrotal temperature, oxidative stress and accumulation of toxic substances and liposoluble endocrine disruptors in fat tissue. Recent studies have explored obesity-related epigenetic effects in sperm cells which may cause diseases in offspring. Moreover, not only in females but also males, obesity has been linked to reduced outcomes of in vitro fertilization, with a reduction of pregnancy rate and an increase of pregnancy loss. Finally, we reviewed the effects of weight modifications through diet or bariatric surgery on obesity-related reproductive dysfunction. In this regard, several studies have demonstrated that weight loss has been associated with a restoration of gonadal hormones levels.
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32
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The remarkable legacy of a father's diet on the health of his offspring. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:9827-9829. [PMID: 30217889 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1813731115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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33
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Javurek AB, Spollen WG, Johnson SA, Bivens NJ, Bromert KH, Givan SA, Rosenfeld CS. Consumption of a high-fat diet alters the seminal fluid and gut microbiomes in male mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1602-1612. [PMID: 27569192 DOI: 10.1071/rd16119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our prior work showed that a novel microbiome resides in the seminal vesicles of wild-type and oestrogen receptor α (Esr1) knock-out mice and is impacted by the presence of functional Esr1 genes. The seminal fluid microbiome (SFM) may influence the health and reproductive status of the male, along with that of his partner and offspring. A high-fat diet (HFD) alters metabolites and other factors within seminal fluid and might affect the SFM. Adult (~15 weeks old) male mice were placed for 4 weeks on a control or high-fat diet and seminal fluid and fecal samples were collected, bacterial DNA isolated and subjected to 16s rRNA sequencing. Corynebacterium spp. were elevated in the seminal fluid of HFD males; however, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Streptophyta, Ammoniphilus spp., Bacillus spp. and Propionibacterium acnes were increased in control males. Rikenellaceae was more abundant in the fecal samples from HFD males. However, Bacteroides ovatus and another Bacteroides species, Bilophila, Sutterella spp., Parabacteroides, Bifidobacterium longum, Akkermansia muciniphila and Desulfovibrio spp. were greater in control males. Thus, short-term consumption of a HFD influences the seminal fluid and fecal microbiomes, which may have important health consequence for males and developmental origins of health and disease effects in resulting offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Javurek
- Department of Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - William G Spollen
- Department of Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Sarah A Johnson
- Department of Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- DNA Core Facility, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Karen H Bromert
- DNA Core Facility, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Scott A Givan
- Department of Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Department of Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 E. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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34
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Rosenfeld CS, Javurek AB, Johnson SA, Lei Z, Sumner LW, Hess RA. Seminal fluid metabolome and epididymal changes after antibiotic treatment in mice. Reproduction 2018; 156:1-10. [PMID: 29692359 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Paternal environment can induce detrimental developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) effects in resulting offspring and even future descendants. Such paternal-induced DOHaD effects might originate from alterations in a possible seminal fluid microbiome (SFM) and composite metabolome. Seminal vesicles secrete a slightly basic product enriched with fructose and other carbohydrates, providing an ideal habitat for microorganisms. Past studies confirm the existence of a SFM that is influenced by genetic and nutritional status. Herein, we sought to determine whether treatment of male mice with a combination of antibiotics designed to target SFM induces metabolic alterations in seminal vesicle gland secretions (seminal fluid) and histopathological changes in testes and epididymides. Adult (10- to 12-week-old) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Swiss males (n = 10 per group) were treated with Clindamycin 0.06 mg/kg day, Unasyn (ampicillin/sulbactam) 40 mg/kg day and Baytril (enrofloxacin) 50 mg/kg day designed to target the primary bacteria within the SFM or saline vehicle alone. Fourteen-day antibiotic treatment of males induced metabolomic changes in seminal vesicles with inosine, xanthine and l-glutamic acid decreased but d-fructose increased in glandular secretions. While spermatogenesis was not affected in treated males, increased number of epididymal tubules showed cribriform growth in this group (7 antibiotic-treated males: 3 saline control males; P = 0.01). Antibiotic-treated males showed more severe cribriform cysts. Current findings suggest antibiotic treatment of male mice results in seminal fluid metabolome and epididymal histopathological alterations. It remains to be determined whether such changes compromise male reproductive function or lead to DOHaD effects in resulting offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA .,Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral DisordersUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Genetics Area Program Faculty MemberUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Angela B Javurek
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health SciencesWest Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah A Johnson
- Bond Life Sciences CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of GastroenterologySchool of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Zhentian Lei
- Bond Life Sciences CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,MU Metabolomics CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lloyd W Sumner
- Bond Life Sciences CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,MU Metabolomics CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
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Sharpe RM. Programmed for sex: Nutrition–reproduction relationships from an inter-generational perspective. Reproduction 2018; 155:S1-S16. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is our biological reason for being. Our physiology has been shaped via countless millennia of evolution with this one purpose in mind, so that at birth we are ‘programmed for sex’, although this will not kick-start functionally until puberty. Our development from an early embryo is focused on making us fit to reproduce and is intimately connected to nutrition and energy stores. Fluctuations in food supply has probably been a key evolutionary shaper of the reproductive process, and this review hypothesizes that we have developed rapid, non-genomic adaptive mechanisms to such fluctuations to better fit offspring to their perceived (nutritional) environment, thus giving them a reproductive advantage. There is abundant evidence for this notion from ‘fetal programming’ studies and from experimental ‘inter-generational’ studies involving manipulation of parental (especially paternal) diet and then examining metabolic changes in resulting offspring. It is argued that the epigenetic reprogramming of germ cells that occurs during fetal life, after fertilisation and during gametogenesis provides opportunities for sensing of the (nutritional) environment so as to affect adaptive epigenetic changes to alter offspring metabolic function. In this regard, there may be adverse effects of a modern Western diet, perhaps because it is deficient in plant-derived factors that are proven to be capable of altering the epigenome, folate being a prime example; we have evolved in tune with such factors. Therefore, parental and even grandparental diets may have consequences for health of future generations, but how important this might be and the precise epigenetic mechanisms involved are unknown.
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Ferramosca A, Di Giacomo M, Moscatelli N, Zara V. Obesity and Male Infertility: Role of Fatty Acids in the Modulation of Sperm Energetic Metabolism. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201700451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ferramosca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali; Università del Salento; Lecce Italy
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Arnesano (LE) Italy
| | - Mariangela Di Giacomo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali; Università del Salento; Lecce Italy
| | - Natalina Moscatelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali; Università del Salento; Lecce Italy
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Arnesano (LE) Italy
| | - Vincenzo Zara
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali; Università del Salento; Lecce Italy
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Kenny LC, Kell DB. Immunological Tolerance, Pregnancy, and Preeclampsia: The Roles of Semen Microbes and the Father. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 4:239. [PMID: 29354635 PMCID: PMC5758600 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is widely considered, in many cases, to involve two separable stages (poor placentation followed by oxidative stress/inflammation), the precise originating causes of preeclampsia (PE) remain elusive. We have previously brought together some of the considerable evidence that a (dormant) microbial component is commonly a significant part of its etiology. However, apart from recognizing, consistent with this view, that the many inflammatory markers of PE are also increased in infection, we had little to say about immunity, whether innate or adaptive. In addition, we focused on the gut, oral and female urinary tract microbiomes as the main sources of the infection. We here marshall further evidence for an infectious component in PE, focusing on the immunological tolerance characteristic of pregnancy, and the well-established fact that increased exposure to the father's semen assists this immunological tolerance. As well as these benefits, however, semen is not sterile, microbial tolerance mechanisms may exist, and we also review the evidence that semen may be responsible for inoculating the developing conceptus (and maybe the placenta) with microbes, not all of which are benign. It is suggested that when they are not, this may be a significant cause of PE. A variety of epidemiological and other evidence is entirely consistent with this, not least correlations between semen infection, infertility and PE. Our view also leads to a series of other, testable predictions. Overall, we argue for a significant paternal role in the development of PE through microbial infection of the mother via insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C. Kenny
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Raad G, Hazzouri M, Bottini S, Trabucchi M, Azoury J, Grandjean V. Paternal obesity: how bad is it for sperm quality and progeny health? Basic Clin Androl 2017; 27:20. [PMID: 29123667 PMCID: PMC5657098 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-017-0064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that paternal obesity is associated not only with an increased incidence of infertility, but also with an increased risk of metabolic disturbance in adult offspring. Apparently, several mechanisms may contribute to the sperm quality alterations associated with paternal obesity, such as physiological/hormonal alterations, oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations. Along these lines, modifications of hormonal profiles namely reduced androgen levels and elevated estrogen levels, were found associated with lower sperm concentration and seminal volume. Additionally, oxidative stress in testis may induce an increase of the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation. The latter, relate to other peculiarities such as alteration of the embryonic development, increased risk of miscarriage, and development of chronic morbidity in the offspring, including childhood cancers. Undoubtedly, epigenetic alterations (ie, DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, and small RNA deregulation) of sperm related to paternal obesity and their consequences on the progeny are poorly understood determinants of paternal obesity-induced transmission. In this review, we summarize and discuss the data available in the literature regarding the biological, physiological, and molecular consequences of paternal obesity on male fertility potential and ultimately progeny health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Raad
- Azoury-IVF clinic, Mount Lebanon Hospital, 5th floor, Camille Chamoun bvd, Beirut, Lebanon.,Université Cote d'Azur, Inserm, C3M (team 10), Nice, France
| | - Mira Hazzouri
- Faculty of Sciences 2, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Silvia Bottini
- Université Cote d'Azur, Inserm, C3M (team 10), Nice, France
| | | | - Joseph Azoury
- Azoury-IVF clinic, Mount Lebanon Hospital, 5th floor, Camille Chamoun bvd, Beirut, Lebanon
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Cameron EZ, Edwards AM, Parsley LM. Developmental sexual dimorphism and the evolution of mechanisms for adjustment of sex ratios in mammals. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1389:147-163. [PMID: 27862006 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sex allocation theory predicts biased offspring sex ratios in relation to local conditions if they would maximize parental lifetime reproductive return. In mammals, the extent of the birth sex bias is often unpredictable and inconsistent, leading some to question its evolutionary significance. For facultative adjustment of sex ratios to occur, males and females would need to be detectably different from an early developmental stage, but classic sexual dimorphism arises from hormonal influences after gonadal development. Recent advances in our understanding of early, pregonadal sexual dimorphism, however, indicate high levels of dimorphism in gene expression, caused by chromosomal rather than hormonal differences. Here, we discuss how such dimorphism would interact with and link previously hypothesized mechanisms for sex-ratio adjustment. These differences between males and females are sufficient for offspring sex both to be detectable to parents and to provide selectable cues for biasing sex ratios from the earliest stages. We suggest ways in which future research could use the advances in our understanding of sexually dimorphic developmental physiology to test the evolutionary significance of sex allocation in mammals. Such an approach would advance our understanding of sex allocation and could be applied to other taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Z Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Amy M Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Laura M Parsley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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40
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Impact of parental obesity on neonatal markers of inflammation and immune response. Int J Obes (Lond) 2016; 41:30-37. [PMID: 27780976 PMCID: PMC5209273 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2016.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background/Objectives Maternal obesity may influence neonatal and childhood morbidities through increased inflammation and/or altered immune response. Less is known about paternal obesity. We hypothesized that excessive parental weight contributes to elevated inflammation and altered immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles in neonates. Subjects/Methods In the Upstate KIDS Study maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was obtained from vital records and paternal BMI from maternal report. Biomarkers were measured from newborn dried blood spots (DBS) among neonates whose parents provided consent. Inflammatory scores were calculated by assigning one point for each of 5 pro-inflammatory biomarkers above the median and one point for an anti-inflammatory cytokine below the median. Linear regression models and generalized estimating equations were used to estimate mean differences (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in the inflammatory score and Ig levels by parental overweight/obesity status compared to normal weight. Results Among 2974 pregnancies, 51% were complicated by excessive maternal weight (BMI>25), 73% by excessive paternal weight, and 28% by excessive gestational weight gain. Maternal BMI categories of overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9) and obese class II/III (BMI≥35) were associated with increased neonatal inflammation scores (β=0.12, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.21; p=0.02, and β=0.13, CI: −0.002, 0.26; p=0.05, respectively) but no increase was observed in the obese class I group (BMI 30-34.9). Mothers with class I and class II/III obesity had newborns with increased IgM levels (β=0.11, CI: 0.04, 0.17; p=0.001 and β=0.12, CI: 0.05, 0.19); p<0.001, respectively). Paternal groups of overweight, obese class I and obese class II/III had decreased neonatal IgM levels (β=−0.08, CI: −0.13,-0.03, p=0.001; β=−0.07, CI: −0.13, −0.01, p=0.029 and β=−0.11, CI:−0.19,-0.04, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions Excessive maternal weight was generally associated with increased inflammation and IgM supporting previous observations of maternal obesity and immune dysregulation in offspring. The role of paternal obesity requires further study.
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Abstract
Abundant evidence exists linking maternal and paternal environments from pericopconception through the postnatal period to later risk to offspring diseases. This concept was first articulated by the late Sir David Barker and as such coined the Barker Hypothesis. The term was then mutated to Fetal Origins of Adult Disease and finally broadened to developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) in recognition that the perinatal environment can shape both health and disease in resulting offspring. Developmental exposure to various factors, including stress, obesity, caloric-rich diets and environmental chemicals can lead to detrimental offspring health outcomes. However, less attention has been paid to date on measures that parents can take to promote the long-term health of their offspring. In essence, have we neglected to consider the ‘H’ in DOHaD? It is the ‘H’ component that should be of primary concern to expecting mothers and fathers and those seeking to have children. While it may not be possible to eliminate exposure to all pernicious factors, prevention/remediation strategies may tip the scale to health rather than disease. By understanding disruptive DOHaD mechanisms, it may also illuminate behavioral modifications that parents can adapt before fertilization and throughout the neonatal period to promote the lifelong health of their male and female offspring. Three possibilities will be explored in the current review: parental exercise, probiotic supplementation and breastfeeding in the case of mothers. The ‘H’ paradigm should be the focus going forward as a healthy start can indeed last a lifetime.
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High-fat diet disrupts metabolism in two generations of rats in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31857. [PMID: 27550193 PMCID: PMC4994008 DOI: 10.1038/srep31857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental and epidemiological evidence demonstrate that ancestral diet might contribute towards offspring health. This suggests that nutrition may be able to modify genetic or epigenetic information carried by germ cells (GCs). To examine if a parental high fat diet (HFD) influences metabolic health in two generations of offspring, GC-eGFP Sprague Dawley rats were weaned onto HFD (45% fat) or Control Diet (CD; 10% fat). At 19 weeks, founders (F0) were bred with controls, establishing the F1 generation. HFD resulted in 9.7% and 14.7% increased weight gain in male and female F0 respectively. F1 offspring of HFD mothers and F1 daughters of HFD-fed fathers had increased weight gain compared to controls. F1 rats were bred with controls at 19 weeks to generate F2 offspring. F2 male offspring derived from HFD-fed maternal grandfathers exhibited increased adiposity, plasma leptin and luteinising hormone to testosterone ratio. Despite transmission via the founding male germline, we did not find significant changes in the F0 intra-testicular GC transcriptome. Thus, HFD consumption by maternal grandfathers results in a disrupted metabolic and reproductive hormone phenotype in grandsons in the absence of detectable changes in the intra-testicular GC transcriptome.
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Andersen JM, Rønning PO, Herning H, Bekken SD, Haugen TB, Witczak O. Fatty acid composition of spermatozoa is associated with BMI and with semen quality. Andrology 2016; 4:857-65. [PMID: 27371336 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
High body mass index (BMI) is negatively associated with semen quality. In addition, the composition of fatty acids of spermatozoa has been shown to be important for their function. The aim of the study was to examine the association between BMI and the composition of spermatozoa fatty acids in men spanning a broad BMI range. We also analysed the relation between fatty acid composition of spermatozoa and semen characteristics, and the relationship between serum fatty acids and spermatozoa fatty acids. One hundred forty-four men with unknown fertility status were recruited from the general population, from couples with identified female infertility and from morbid obesity centres. Standard semen analysis (WHO) and sperm DNA integrity (DFI) analysis were performed. Fatty acid compositions were assessed by gas chromatography. When adjusted for possible confounders, BMI was negatively associated with levels of sperm docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p < 0.001) and palmitic acid (p < 0.001). The amount of sperm DHA correlated positively with total sperm count (r = 0.482), sperm concentration (r = 0.469), sperm vitality (r = 0.354), progressive sperm motility (r = 0.431) and normal sperm morphology (r = 0.265). A negative association was seen between DHA levels and DNA fragmentation index (r = -0.247). Levels of spermatozoa palmitic acid correlated positively with total sperm count (r = 0.227), while levels of linoleic acid correlated negatively (r = -0.254). When adjusted for possible confounders, only the levels of arachidonic acid showed positive correlation between spermatozoa and serum phospholipids (r = 0.262). Changes in the fatty acid composition of spermatozoa could be one of the mechanisms underlying the negative association between BMI and semen quality. The relationship between fatty acids of spermatozoa and serum phospholipids was minor, which indicates that BMI affects fatty acid composition of spermatozoa through regulation of fatty acid metabolism in the testis. The role of dietary intake of fatty acids on the spermatozoa fatty acid composition remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Andersen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - P O Rønning
- Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Herning
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - S D Bekken
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - T B Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - O Witczak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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Montanholi Y, Fontoura A, Diel de Amorim M, Foster R, Chenier T, Miller S. Seminal plasma protein concentrations vary with feed efficiency and fertility-related measures in young beef bulls. Reprod Biol 2016; 16:147-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Soler L, Labas V, Thélie A, Grasseau I, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Blesbois E. Intact Cell MALDI-TOF MS on Sperm: A Molecular Test For Male Fertility Diagnosis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:1998-2010. [PMID: 27044871 PMCID: PMC5083112 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.058289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, evaluation of sperm quality is primarily based on in vitro measures of sperm function such as motility, viability and/or acrosome reaction. However, results are often poorly correlated with fertility, and alternative diagnostic tools are therefore needed both in veterinary and human medicine. In a recent pilot study, we demonstrated that MS profiles from intact chicken sperm using MALDI-TOF profiles could detect significant differences between fertile/subfertile spermatozoa showing that such profiles could be useful for in vitro male fertility testing. In the present study, we performed larger standardized experimental procedures designed for the development of fertility- predictive mathematical models based on sperm cell MALDI-TOF MS profiles acquired through a fast, automated method. This intact cell MALDI-TOF MS-based method showed high diagnostic accuracy in identifying fertile/subfertile males in a large male population of known fertility from two distinct genetic lineages (meat and egg laying lines). We additionally identified 40% of the m/z peaks observed in sperm MS profiles through a top-down high-resolution protein identification analysis. This revealed that the MALDI-TOF MS spectra obtained from intact sperm cells contained a large proportion of protein degradation products, many implicated in important functional pathways in sperm such as energy metabolism, structure and movement. Proteins identified by our predictive model included diverse and important functional classes providing new insights into sperm function as it relates to fertility differences in this experimental system. Thus, in addition to the chicken model system developed here, with the use of appropriate models these methods should effectively translate to other animal taxa where similar tests for fertility are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Soler
- From the ‡INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- From the ‡INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Aurore Thélie
- From the ‡INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Isabelle Grasseau
- From the ‡INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Ana-Paula Teixeira-Gomes
- **INRA, Plateforme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ‡‡INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §§Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Elisabeth Blesbois
- From the ‡INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Wu H, Hauser R, Krawetz SA, Pilsner JR. Environmental Susceptibility of the Sperm Epigenome During Windows of Male Germ Cell Development. Curr Environ Health Rep 2016; 2:356-66. [PMID: 26362467 PMCID: PMC4623071 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-015-0067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Male germ cells require multiple epigenetic reprogramming events during their lifespan to achieve reproductive capacity. An emerging body of compelling data demonstrates that environmental exposures can be embodied within the developing male germ cell as epigenetic marks. In turn, these epigenetic marks can impart information at fertilization to affect the trajectory of offspring health and development. While it is recognized that in utero epigenetic reprogramming of male germ cells is a particularly susceptible window to environmental exposures, other such windows exist during germ cell development. The objective of this review is to discuss epigenetic reprogramming events during male germ cell development and to provide supporting evidence from animal and human studies that during specific periods of development, germ cells are susceptible to environmentally induced epigenetic errors. Moving forward, the nascent field of sperm epigenetics research is likely to advance our understanding of paternal environmental determinants of offspring health and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 149 Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Building I 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Building I 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 East. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 149 Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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47
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Javurek AB, Spollen WG, Ali AMM, Johnson SA, Lubahn DB, Bivens NJ, Bromert KH, Ellersieck MR, Givan SA, Rosenfeld CS. Discovery of a Novel Seminal Fluid Microbiome and Influence of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Genetic Status. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23027. [PMID: 26971397 PMCID: PMC4789797 DOI: 10.1038/srep23027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria harbored in the male reproductive system may influence reproductive function and health of the male and result in developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) effects in his offspring. Such effects could be due to the seminal fluid, which is slightly basic and enriched with carbohydrates; thereby, creating an ideal habitat for microbes or a potential seminal fluid microbiome (SFM). Using wild-type (WT) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) knockout (KO) male mice, we describe a unique SFM whose inhabitants differ from gut microbes. The bacterial composition of the SFM is influenced according to whether mice have functional Esr1 genes. Propionibacterium acnes, causative agent of chronic prostatitis possibly culminating in prostate cancer, is reduced in SFM of ESR1 KO compared to WT mice (P ≤ 0.0007). In certain genetic backgrounds, WT mice show a greater incidence of prostate cancer than ESR1 KO, which may be due to increased abundance of P. acnes. Additionally, select gut microbiome residents in ESR1 KO males, such as Lachnospiraceae and Christensenellaceae, might contribute to previously identified phenotypes, especially obesity, in these mutant mice. Understanding how genetics and environmental factors influence the SFM may provide the next frontier in male reproductive disorders and possibly paternal-based DOHaD diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Javurek
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - William G Spollen
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Informatics Research Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Amber M Mann Ali
- Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Sarah A Johnson
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Dennis B Lubahn
- Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- DNA Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Karen H Bromert
- DNA Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Mark R Ellersieck
- Agriculture Experimental Station-Statistics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Scott A Givan
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Informatics Research Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
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Alaee S, Talaiekhozani A, Ziaei GR, Lohrasbi P. Evaluation of Iranian College Students’ Awareness about Infertility Risk Factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jjhs-34172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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49
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Lopomo A, Burgio E, Migliore L. Epigenetics of Obesity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 140:151-84. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Bönisch C, Irmler M, Brachthäuser L, Neff F, Bamberger MT, Marschall S, Hrabě de Angelis M, Beckers J. Dexamethasone treatment alters insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels in male mice as observed in DIO but does not lead to alterations of metabolic phenotypes in the offspring. Mamm Genome 2015; 27:17-28. [PMID: 26662513 PMCID: PMC4731435 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-015-9616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance (EI) of metabolic phenotypes via the paternal lineage has been shown in rodent models of diet-induced obesity (DIO). However, the factors involved in soma-to-germline information transfer remain elusive. Here, we address the role of alterations in insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels for EI of metabolic phenotypes by treating C57BL/6NTac male mice (F0) with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone and generating offspring (F1) either by in vitro fertilization or by natural fecundation. Dexamethasone treatment slightly alters F0 body composition by increasing fat mass and decreasing lean mass, and significantly improves glucose tolerance. Moreover, it increases insulin and leptin levels and reduces adiponectin levels in F0 fathers as observed in mouse models of DIO. However, these paternal changes of metabolic hormones do not alter metabolic parameters, such as body weight, body composition and glucose homeostasis in male and female F1 mice even when these are challenged with a high-fat diet. Accordingly, sperm transcriptomes are not altered by dexamethasone treatment. Our results suggest that neither increased glucocorticoid, insulin, and leptin levels, nor decreased adiponectin levels in fathers are sufficient to confer soma-to-germline information transfer in EI of obesity via the paternal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Bönisch
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Laura Brachthäuser
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Frauke Neff
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mareike T Bamberger
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susan Marschall
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
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