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Hao J, Ren J, Chang B, Xu H, Wang H, Ji L. Transcriptome and proteomic analysis reveal the protective mechanism of acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36664. [PMID: 39286182 PMCID: PMC11403502 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36664] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is an integral component of complementary and alternative medicine that has been reported to enhance sperm motility, improve semen quality, and consequently augment male fertility. However, the precise mechanisms of action and the underlying molecular pathways remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms through which acupuncture improves reproductive function in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced asthenozoospermia. We collected sperm from the epididymis for semen analysis, collected serum to determine gonadotropin and oxidative stress marker levels, conducted histological examination of testicular tissue using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also assessed oxidative stress levels and total iron content in testicular tissue and validated the proteomic and transcriptomic analysis results of testicular tissue using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), protein imprinting analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our results indicate that acupuncture enhances sperm quality in asthenozoospermic mice; increases serum testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; and attenuates oxidative damage, iron accumulation, and mitochondrial injury in mouse testicular tissues. Through protein and transcriptomic analyses, we identified 21 key genes, of which cytochrome b-245 heavy chain (CYBB), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1 (ACSL1), and ferritin mitochondria (FTMT) were closely associated with ferroptosis. RT-qPCR, protein imprinting, and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses collectively indicated that acupuncture reduced ACSL1 and CYBB expression, and increased GPX4 and FTMT expression. Overall, the ferroptosis pathway associated with ACSL1/CYBB/FTMT/GPX4 represents a potential strategy through which acupuncture can improve the reproductive function in asthenozoospermic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianheng Hao
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Jia Ren
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Boya Chang
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Huichao Xu
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Haijun Wang
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Laixi Ji
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
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Shaker Kordedeh Z, Ghorbani S, Ahmadi S, Soleimani Mehranjani M. Silymarin mitigates toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in mice. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100946. [PMID: 39217820 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, increases oxidative stress in sperm and testicular tissue. This study evaluated the effect of silymarin, a potent antioxidant, on the quality of sperm and testicular tissue in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. NMRI adult male mice were divided into four groups: control; cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg/kg, once a week); cyclophosphamide + silymarin; and silymarin (intraperitoneal injection, 200 mg/kg, every other day). After a 35-day treatment period, the caudal region of the epididymis was examined for sperm parameters, the right testis was used for stereological studies, and the left testis was used to assess biochemical factors. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. In the cyclophosphamide group, there was a significant reduction in the mean total volume of testicular tissue, the average volume of seminiferous tubules and their components, and the average volume of interstitial tissue. Additionally, there was a notable decrease (p < 0.001) in the average number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and sperm parameters. The mean concentration of testosterone hormone (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level (p < 0.01) also significantly decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, these adverse changes were mitigated in the cyclophosphamide + silymarin group compared to the cyclophosphamide group. Our results showed that silymarin as an antioxidant can mitigate the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeid Ghorbani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Sepideh Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
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Rajpoot A, Yadav K, Yadav A, Mishra RK. Shilajit mitigates chemotherapeutic drug-induced testicular toxicity: Study on testicular germ cell dynamics, steroidogenesis modulation, and Nrf-2/Keap-1 signaling. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2024; 15:100930. [PMID: 39121783 PMCID: PMC11362644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications, including chemotherapeutic drugs, contribute to male infertility as external factors by inducing oxidative stress in testicular cells. Shilajit is a naturally occurring bioactive antioxidant used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. OBJECTIVE This study examines the potential of Shilajit to counteract the negative effects of the chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CPA) on testicular germ cell dynamics. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male Parkes mice received single intraperitoneal CPA injection (200 mg/kg BW) on day one, followed by daily supplementation of Shilajit (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for one spermatogenic cycle. RESULTS CPA adversely affected testicular germ cell dynamics by inhibiting the conversion of spermatogonia-to-spermatids, altering testicular histoarchitecture, impairing Sertoli cell function and testicular steroidogenesis, and disturbing the testicular oxido-apoptotic balance. Shilajit supplementation restores testicular germ cell dynamics in CPA-exposed mice, as evidenced by improved histoarchitecture of the testis. Shilajit improves testicular daily production and sperm quality by promoting the conversion of spermatogonia (2C) into spermatids (1C), stimulating germ cell proliferation (PCNA), improving Sertoli cell function (N-Cadherin and β-Catenin), and maintaining the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Additionally, Shilajit enhances testosterone biosynthesis by activating enzymes like 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Shilajit also reduces testicular oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD) and decreasing lipid peroxidation (LPO). These effects are mediated by upregulation of the antioxidant protein Nrf-2 and downregulation of Keap-1. CONCLUSION The findings underscore the potent androgenic and antioxidant characteristics of Shilajit, as well as its ability to enhance fertility in cases of testicular damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Rajpoot
- Male Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Kiran Yadav
- Male Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Anupam Yadav
- Male Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Raghav Kumar Mishra
- Male Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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Fang C, Ye Y, Yang F, Wang F, Shen Y, Chang D, You Y. Integrative proteomics and metabolomics approach to identify the key roles of icariin-mediated protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040544. [PMID: 36588705 PMCID: PMC9794755 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The alkylating antineoplastic agent cyclophosphamide (CP) is known to be toxic to the male reproductive system, but there are no effective prevention or treatment options. The flavonoid icariin (ICA), which is used in Chinese medicine, has been shown to have a number of biological functions, including testicular protection. The current study looked into the protective effects of ICA in preventing CP-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction. The current study looked into the role of ICA in preventing testicular dysfunction caused by CP. For 5 days, healthy adult mice were given saline or a single dose of CP (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p). For the next 30 days, mice were given ICA (80 mg/kg) by gavage. Animals were euthanized 12 h after receiving ICA, and testes were removed for biochemical, histopathological, sperm evaluation, and transmission electron microscope analysis (TEM). We also investigated the potential biological effects of ICA on CP-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction in mice using an integrated proteomic and metabolomic approach. The levels of 8309 proteins and 600 metabolites were measured. The majority of the differential proteins and metabolites were found to be enriched in a variety of metabolic pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, necroptosis, the mTOR signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and ABC transporters, implying that ICA may have molecular mechanisms that contribute to CP-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction in the testis. Taken together, these findings show that ICA effectively reduces testis injury, implying that ICA may have a role in male infertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Fang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulong Ye
- Tea Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Yang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyue Wang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifeng Shen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Degui Chang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Degui Chang, ; Yaodong You,
| | - Yaodong You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Degui Chang, ; Yaodong You,
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Tang R, Xu C, Zhu Y, Yan J, Yao Z, Zhou W, Gui L, Li M. Identification and expression analysis of sex biased miRNAs in chinese hook snout carp Opsariichthys bidens. Front Genet 2022; 13:990683. [PMID: 36118893 PMCID: PMC9478731 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.990683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As an economically important fish, Opsariichthys bidens has obvious sexual dimorphism and strong reproductive capacity, but no epigenetics study can well explain its phenotypic variations. In recent years, many microRNAs involved in the regulation of reproductive development have been explored. In this study, the small RNA libraries of O. bidens on the testis and ovary were constructed and sequenced. A total of 295 known miRNAs were obtained and 100 novel miRNAs were predicted. By comparing testis and ovary libraries, 115 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were selected, of which 53 were up-regulated and 62 were down-regulated. A total of 64 GO items (padj < 0.01) and 206 KEGG pathways (padj < 0.01) were enriched in the target gene of miRNA. After that, the expression levels of nine DE miRNAs, including let-7a, miR-146b, miR-18c, miR-202-5p, miR-135c, miR-9-5p, miR-34c-3p, miR-460-5p and miR-338 were verified by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, bidirectional prediction of DE miRNAs and sex-related genes was carried out and the targeting correlation between miR-9-5p and nanos1 was verified by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Our findings identified the differentially expressed miRNA and paved the way to new possibilities for the follow-up study on the mechanism of miRNA-mRNA interaction in the gonads of O. bidens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongkang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yefei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Eco-Environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinpeng Yan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziliang Yao
- Lishui Fishery Technical Extension Station, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenzong Zhou
- Eco-Environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lang Gui
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lang Gui, ; Mingyou Li,
| | - Mingyou Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lang Gui, ; Mingyou Li,
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