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Li R, Du Y, Li K, Xiong X, Zhang L, Guo C, Gao S, Yao Y, Xu Y, Yang J. Single-cell transcriptome profiling implicates the psychological stress-induced disruption of spermatogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102158. [PMID: 38439912 PMCID: PMC10910125 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility has emerged as a global issue, partly attributed to psychological stress. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of psychological stress on male reproductive function remain elusive. We created a psychologically stressed model using terrified-sound and profiled the testes from stressed and control rats using single-cell RNA sequencing. Comparative and comprehensive transcriptome analyses of 11,744 testicular cells depicted the cellular landscape of spermatogenesis and revealed significant molecular alterations of spermatogenesis suffering from psychological stress. At the cellular level, stressed rats exhibited delayed spermatogenesis at the spermatogonia and pachytene phases, resulting in reduced sperm production. Additionally, psychological stress rewired cellular interactions among germ cells, negatively impacting reproductive development. Molecularly, we observed the down-regulation of anti-oxidation-related genes and up-regulation of genes promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the stress group. These alterations led to elevated ROS levels in testes, affecting the expression of key regulators such as ATF2 and STAR, which caused reproductive damage through apoptosis or inhibition of testosterone synthesis. Overall, our study aimed to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which psychological stress disrupts spermatogenesis, offering insights into the mechanisms of psychological stress-induced male infertility in other species and promises in potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yuefeng Du
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Xiong
- Center for Tumor and Immunology, the Precision Medical Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shanfeng Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yufei Yao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yungang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi’an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
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AlTamimi JZ, AlFaris NA, Alshammari GM, Alagal RI, Aljabryn DH, Yahya MA. Esculeoside A alleviates reproductive toxicity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats' s model by activating Nrf2 signaling. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103780. [PMID: 37663394 PMCID: PMC10472313 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103780] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This examination studied if Esculeoside A (ESA) alleviates reproductive toxicity in a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rat model and if activating Nrf2 underlies this protection. T1DM was established by a single injection of STZ. Aged-matched adult control and STZ-DM rats were administered either the vehicle (5% carboxymethyl cellulose) or ESA (100 mg/kg). An additional group [STZ-DM + ESA (100 mg) + brusatol (2 m/kg] was added. All treatments were conducted for 16 weeks. ESA failed to attenuate weight loss, hyperglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia but significantly attenuated the associated dyslipidemia in STZ-DM rats. In parallel, ESA also enhanced total sperm count, motility, survival, reduced head and tail sperm abnormalities, increased circulatory concentrations of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and Luteinizing hormone (LH), and stimulated the testicular expression of several steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 3β-HSD1) in STZ-DM rats. These observations were associated with a higher testicular increase in the transcription, protein levels, and nuclear activities of Nrf2 that coincided with a reduction in the total levels of MDA and keap1 and a significant increase in the total levels of some antioxidants such as HO-1, SOD, and GSH. In concomitance, ESA reduced the testicular mRNA and nuclear concentrations of NF-κB and depressed the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Brusatol prevented all these protective effects of ESA. In conclusion, activation of Nrf2 triggers the protective potential of ESA against reproductive toxicity in STZ-DM rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozaa Z. AlTamimi
- Department of Physical Sports Sciences, College of Education, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora A. AlFaris
- Department of Physical Sports Sciences, College of Education, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghedeir M. Alshammari
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham I. Alagal
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalal H. Aljabryn
- Department of Physical Sports Sciences, College of Education, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abdo Yahya
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Shi C, Zhang Z, Xu R, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Contribution of HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy to lipid accumulation during irinotecan-induced liver injury. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6528. [PMID: 37085612 PMCID: PMC10121580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33848-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor which has been widely used to combat several solid tumors, whereas irinotecan therapy can induce liver injury. Liver injury generally leads to tissue hypoxia, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a pivotal transcription factor, mediates adaptive pathophysiological responses to lower oxygen condition. Previous studies have reported a relationship between HIF-1α and autophagy, and autophagy impairment is a common characteristic in a variety of diseases. Here, irinotecan (50 mg/kg) was employed on mice, and HepG2 and L-02 cells were cultured with irinotecan (10, 20 and 40 μM). In vivo study, we found that irinotecan treatment increased final liver index, serum aminotransferase level and hepatic lipid accumulation. Impaired autophagic flux and activation of HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway were also demonstrated in the liver of irinotecan-treated mice. Moreover, irinotecan treatment significantly deteriorated hepatic oxidative stress, evidenced by increased MDA and ROS contents, as well as decreased GSH-Px, SOD and CAT contents. Interestingly, protein levels of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1 and IL-1β were enhanced in the liver of mice injected with irinotecan. In vitro study, irinotecan-treated HepG2 and L-02 cells also showed impaired autophagic flux, while HIF-1α inhibition efficaciously removed the accumulated autophagosomes induced by irinotecan. Additionally, irinotecan treatment aggravated lipid accumulation in HepG2 and L-02 cells, and HIF-1α inhibition reversed the effect of irinotecan. Furthermore, HIF-1α inhibition weakened irinotecan-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in HepG2 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that irinotecan induces liver injury by orchestrating autophagy via HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway, and HIF-1α inhibition could alleviate irinotecan-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 and L-02 cells, which will provide a new clue and direction for the prevention of side effects of clinical chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congjian Shi
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, No.8, Shangsan Road, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, No.8, Shangsan Road, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Renfeng Xu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, No.8, Shangsan Road, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, No.8, Shangsan Road, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, No.8, Shangsan Road, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
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Zheng Y, Qin C, Li F, Qi J, Chu X, Li H, Shi T, Yan Z, Yang L, Xin X, Liu L, Han X, Yin L. Self-assembled thioether-bridged paclitaxel-dihydroartemisinin prodrug for amplified antitumor efficacy-based cancer ferroptotic-chemotherapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:3321-3334. [PMID: 36946490 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02032g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis has been proposed as one form of iron-dependent cell death, overgeneration of high-toxicity hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) tumor sites via Fenton reactions induced cell membrane damage. However, the insufficient intracellular concentrations of both iron and H2O2 limited the anticancer performance of ferroptosis. In this study, ROS-sensitive prodrug nanoassemblies composed of a PEG2000-ferrous compound and a single thioether bond bridged dihydroartemisinin-paclitaxel prodrug were constructed, which fully tapped ex/endogenous iron, ferroptosis inducers, and chemotherapeutic agents. Following cellular uptake, the intracellular oxidizing environment accelerated the self-destruction of nanoassemblies and triggered drug release. In addition to the chemotherapeutic effect, the activated dihydroartemisinin was capable of acting as a toxic ˙OH amplifier via the reinforced Fenton reaction, simultaneously depleting intracellular GSH, as well as inducing glutathione peroxidase 4 inactivation, further enhancing ferroptosis-dependent cancer cell proliferation inhibition. Meanwhile, the ROS generation-inductive and cell cycle arrest effect from the paclitaxel augmented synergetic ferroptotic-chemotherapy of cancer. Thus, the prodrug integrating dihydroartemisinin with paclitaxel via a single thioether bond represents a potent nanoplatform to exert amplified ferroptotic-chemotherapy for improved anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Chao Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jingxin Qi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xinyu Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Ting Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lisha Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lifang Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Chen X, Sun S, Huang S, Yang H, Ye Q, Lv L, Liang Y, Shan J, Xu J, Liu W, Ma T. Gold(I) selenium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as potent antibacterial agents against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria via inhibiting thioredoxin reductase. Redox Biol 2023; 60:102621. [PMID: 36758467 PMCID: PMC9939723 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria have become a global threat to human life and health, and novel antibiotics are urgently needed. The thioredoxin (Trx) system can be used as an antibacterial target to combat MDR bacteria. Here, we found that two active gold(I) selenium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes H7 and H8 show more promising antibacterial effects against MDR bacteria than auranofin. Both H7 and H8 irreversibly inhibit the bacterial TrxR activity via targeting the redox-active motif, abolishing the capacity of TrxR to quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) and finally leading to oxidative stress. The increased cellular superoxide radical levels impact a variety of functions necessary for bacterial survival, such as cellular redox balance, cell membrane integrity, amino acid metabolism, and lipid peroxidation. In vivo data present much better antibacterial activity of H7 and H8 than auranofin, promoting the wound healing and prolonging the survival time of Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) induced peritonitis. Most notably in this study, we revealed the influence of gold(I) complexes on both the Trx system and the cellular metabolic states to better understand their killing mechanism and to support further antibacterial drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Chen
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shibo Sun
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Han Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing Ye
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lin Lv
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yanshan Liang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jinjun Shan
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jianqiang Xu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China.
| | - Wukun Liu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Tonghui Ma
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Xu W, Sun T, Wang J, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Liu K, Li H. Ferroptosis is involved in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells impairment in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction. Andrology 2023; 11:332-343. [PMID: 36098277 PMCID: PMC10087266 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common andrological disorder that tends to afflict diabetic patients, among others. Pharmacological therapy of diabetes mellitus-induced ED (DMED) is ineffective, as it is linked with smooth muscle cell loss in the corpus cavernosum. Ferroptosis is a recently identified kind of cell death evoked by lipid peroxidation, and it is connected with a number of diabetic complications. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of ferroptosis in DMED. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established the rat model of DMED and conducted a combined analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, DMED disease targets were determined by cross-referencing DEGs and DMED-related genes in the DisGeNET, GenCLiP3, and GeneCards databases. Additionally, these targets were analyzed using "clusterProfiler" in R utilizing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of rat penile tissues was used to validate several targets. Notably, the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Western blotting, oxidative stress (OS) level, and iron concentration were tested in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) stimulated with high glucose (HG), and treated with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). RESULTS Sixty-nine disease targets of DMED were identified. According to KEGG analysis, these targets were primarily enriched in the ferroptosis pathway. Additionally, IHC results revealed that the expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and ACSL4 was deregulated in the DMED group compared to the control group. Significantly, HG decreased cell viability and increased OS and iron levels in CCSMCs, which could be reversed by Fer-1 treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study revealed that ferroptosis may indeed exist in DMED. GPX4, SLC7A11, and ACSL4 all have a role in controlling the viability of CCSMCs, making them potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Saurin S, Meineck M, Erkel G, Opatz T, Weinmann-Menke J, Pautz A. Drug Candidates for Autoimmune Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:503. [PMID: 35631330 PMCID: PMC9143092 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the immunosuppressive drugs used in the clinic to prevent organ rejection or to treat autoimmune disorders were originally isolated from fungi or bacteria. Therefore, in addition to plants, these are valuable sources for identification of new potent drugs. Many side effects of established drugs limit their usage and make the identification of new immunosuppressants necessary. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of natural products with potent anti-inflammatory activities that have been tested successfully in different models of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these candidates already have passed first clinical trials. The anti-inflammatory potency of these natural products was often comparable to those of established drugs, and they could be used at least in addition to standard therapy to reduce their dose to minimize unwanted side effects. A frequent mode of action is the inhibition of classical inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, in combination with downregulation of oxidative stress. A drawback for the therapeutic use of those natural products is their moderate bioavailability, which can be optimized by chemical modifications and, in addition, further safety studies are necessary. Altogether, very interesting candidate compounds exist which have the potential to serve as starting points for the development of new immunosuppressive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Saurin
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.S.); (M.M.)
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Myriam Meineck
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.S.); (M.M.)
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gerhard Erkel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Systems Biology, Technical University, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany;
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.S.); (M.M.)
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrea Pautz
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Kannan A, Mariajoseph-Antony LF, Panneerselvam A, Loganathan C, Kiduva Jothiraman D, Anbarasu K, Prahalathan C. Aquaporin 9 regulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis in diabetes. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:213-226. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2033350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kannan
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Lezy Flora Mariajoseph-Antony
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Antojenifer Panneerselvam
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Chithra Loganathan
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Diwakar Kiduva Jothiraman
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Kumarasamy Anbarasu
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Marine Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Chidambaram Prahalathan
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
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Shabani E, Kalantari H, Kalantar M, Goudarzi M, Mansouri E, Kalantar H. Berberine ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:301. [PMID: 34930229 PMCID: PMC8690423 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03472-2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major urologic problem that mostly develops in older males. Oxidative stress and inflammation influence the occurrence of BPH. Berberine (BBR) is a natural ingredient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research aims at examining the effects of BBR on testosterone-stimulated BPH in rats. METHODS Animals were randomly categorized to six groups. In the control group, normal saline and olive oil were injected as the vehicle. BPH group: received testosterone (3 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 28 days), BPH + BBR groups; received BBR (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BPH + finasteride groups: received finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BBR (50 mg/kg, p.o, alone) was administered for subjects in the BBR group. On the 29th day, after anesthesia, cervical dislocation was used to kill the subjects. Serum concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was measured and prostate tissues were excised and used for biochemical, inflammation, and histological analysis. RESULTS BBR prevented increased serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. BBR considerably reduced BPH-stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation through preventing the rise in lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration and declined the accumulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α) and declining the depletion rate of GSH and the function of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Histopathological investigations reported that administration of BBR could suppress testosterone-stimulated BPH. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that BBR could significantly prevent the development of BPH in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Shabani
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Heibatullah Kalantari
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kalantar
- Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Esrafil Mansouri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hadi Kalantar
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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10
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Zhang KL, Li SJ, Pu XY, Wu FF, Liu H, Wang RQ, Liu BZ, Li Z, Li KF, Qian NS, Yang YL, Yuan H, Wang YY. Targeted up-regulation of Drp1 in dorsal horn attenuates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity by increasing mitochondrial fission. Redox Biol 2021; 49:102216. [PMID: 34954498 PMCID: PMC8718665 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play an essential role in pathophysiology of both inflammatory and neuropathic pain (NP), but the mechanisms are not yet clear. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is broadly expressed in the central nervous system and plays a role in the induction of mitochondrial fission process. Spared nerve injury (SNI), due to the dysfunction of the neurons within the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), is the most common NP model. We explored the neuroprotective role of Drp1 within SDH in SNI. SNI mice showed pain behavior and anxiety-like behavior, which was associated with elevation of Drp1, as well as increased density of mitochondria in SDH. Ultrastructural analysis showed SNI induced damaged mitochondria into smaller perimeter and area, tending to be circular. Characteristics of vacuole in the mitochondria further showed SNI induced the increased number of vacuole, widened vac-perimeter and vac-area. Stable overexpression of Drp1 via AAV under the control of the Drp1 promoter by intraspinal injection (Drp1 OE) attenuated abnormal gait and alleviated pain hypersensitivity of SNI mice. Mitochondrial ultrastructure analysis showed that the increased density of mitochondria induced by SNI was recovered by Drp1 OE which, however, did not change mitochondrial morphology and vacuole parameters within SDH. Contrary to Drp1 OE, down-regulation of Drp1 in the SDH by AAV-Drp1 shRNA (Drp1 RNAi) did not alter painful behavior induced by SNI. Ultrastructural analysis showed the treatment by combination of SNI and Drp1 RNAi (SNI + Drp1 RNAi) amplified the damages of mitochondria with the decreased distribution density, increased perimeter and area, as well as larger circularity tending to be more circular. Vacuole data showed SNI + Drp1 RNAi increased vacuole density, perimeter and area within the SDH mitochondria. Our results illustrate that mitochondria within the SDH are sensitive to NP, and targeted mitochondrial Drp1 overexpression attenuates pain hypersensitivity. Drp1 offers a novel therapeutic target for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Long Zhang
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shu-Jiao Li
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xue-Yin Pu
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fei-Fei Wu
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Yan-An University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Rui-Qing Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Yan-An University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Bo-Zhi Liu
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ze Li
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Kai-Feng Li
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Nian-Song Qian
- Department of Oncology, First Medical Center, The General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Liver and Gallbladder Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Hua Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Ya-Yun Wang
- Specific Lab for Mitochondrial Plasticity Underlying Nervous System Diseases, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China; State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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11
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Khashab F, Al-Saleh F, Al-Kandari N, Fadel F, Al-Maghrebi M. JAK Inhibition Prevents DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Modulation of the ATM/ATR/Chk Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413390. [PMID: 34948185 PMCID: PMC8706947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular ischemia reperfusion injury (tIRI) causes oxidative stress-induced DNA damage leading to germ cell apoptosis (GCA). The aim of the study is to establish a direct link between JAK2 activation and the DNA damage response (DDR) signaling pathways and their role in tIRI-induced GCA using AG490, a JAK2 specific inhibitor. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 36) were divided into three groups: sham, unilateral tIRI and tIRI + AG490 (40 mg/kg). During tIRI, augmentation in the phosphorylation levels of the JAK2/STAT1/STAT3 was measured by immunohistochemistry. Observed spermatogenic arrest was explained by the presence of considerable levels of DSB, AP sites and 8OHdG and activation of caspase 9, caspase 3 and PARP, which were measured by colorimetric assays and TUNEL. The ATM/Chk2/H2AX and ATR/Chk1 pathways were also activated as judged by their increased phosphorylation using Western blot. These observations were all prevented by AG490 inhibition of JAK2 activity. Our findings demonstrate that JAK2 regulates tIRI-induced GCA, oxidative DNA damage and activation of the ATM/Chk2/H2AX and ATR/Chk1 DDR pathways, but the cell made the apoptosis decision despite DDR efforts.
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12
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Liu M, Li H, Zhang L, Xu Z, Song Y, Wang X, Chu R, Xiao Y, Sun M, Ma Y, Mi W. Cottonseed Oil Alleviates Ischemic Stroke-Induced Oxidative Stress Injury Via Activating the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2494-2507. [PMID: 33443681 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is believed to be one of the primary causes in ischemic stroke injury, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is the most important endogenous antioxidative stress damage pathway. Cottonseed oil (CSO), which is used mostly as a solvent for lipid-soluble drugs, has been shown to exert antioxidative effects against peripheral tissue injury. However, the effects and mechanisms of CSO on ischemic stroke-induced oxidative stress injury and the Nrf2 signaling pathway remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential of CSO in regulating oxidative stress injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO-R), or oxygen and glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD-R). We found that 1.3 mL/kg CSO treatment of male rats with a subcutaneous injection once every other day for 3 weeks significantly improved neurological deficit; reduced infarction volume; alleviated neuronal injuries; reduced the content of ROS and MDA; increased the activity of SOD, GSH, and GSH-PX; and markedly increased the expression of Nrf2. Furthermore, treatment with 10-9 μL/mL CSO to a neuron cell line (HT-22) for 24 h significantly increased cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis after OGD-R injury; significantly reduced the levels of ROS and MDA; increased the activity of SOD, GSH, and GSH-PX; and induced an increase in Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Based on our findings, we conclude that CSO treatment alleviates ischemic stroke injury-induced oxidative stress via activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, highlighting the potential that CSO has as a therapeutic for ischemic strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yuxiang Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ruitong Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yunming Xiao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yulong Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Weidong Mi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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13
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Tirpák F, Greifová H, Lukáč N, Stawarz R, Massányi P. Exogenous Factors Affecting the Functional Integrity of Male Reproduction. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:213. [PMID: 33803103 PMCID: PMC8001766 DOI: 10.3390/life11030213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural processes along with increased industrial production and the irresponsible behavior of mankind have resulted in environmental pollution. Environmental pollutants can be categorized based on their characteristics and appearance into the following groups: physical, biological, and chemical. Every single one of them represents a serious threat to the male reproductive tract despite the different modes of action. Male gonads and gametes are especially vulnerable to the effect of exogenous factors; therefore, they are considered a reliable indicator of environmental pollution. The impact of xenobiotics or radiation leads to an irreversible impairment of fertility displayed by histological changes, modulated androgen production, or compromised spermatozoa (or germ cells) quality. The present article reviews the exogenous threats, male reproductive system, the mode of action, and overall impact on the reproductive health of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Tirpák
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Hana Greifová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (H.G.); (N.L.)
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (H.G.); (N.L.)
| | - Robert Stawarz
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Peter Massányi
- Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (H.G.); (N.L.)
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland;
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14
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Gao X, Liu Z, Song J, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Ma D, Wang J, Yuan P, Li R, Bai J, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Liu X. Berberine is sufficient to restore the destroyed seminiferous tubule structure and hypospermatogenesis in diabetes mellitus. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e193. [PMID: 33135343 PMCID: PMC7548097 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Gao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Hongyang Jiang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Delin Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jian Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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