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Crafa A, Cannarella R, Calogero AE, Gunes S, Agarwal A. Behind the Genetics: The Role of Epigenetics in Infertility-Related Testicular Dysfunction. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:803. [PMID: 39063558 PMCID: PMC11277947 DOI: 10.3390/life14070803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, we have witnessed a progressive decline in male fertility. This is partly related to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., obesity and diabetes mellitus) and risky lifestyle behaviors. These conditions alter male fertility through various non-genetic mechanisms. However, there is increasing evidence that they are also capable of causing sperm epigenetic alterations, which, in turn, can cause infertility. Furthermore, these modifications could be transmitted to offspring, altering their general and reproductive health. Therefore, these epigenetic modifications could represent one of the causes of the progressive decline in sperm count recorded in recent decades. This review focuses on highlighting epigenetic modifications at the sperm level induced by non-genetic causes of infertility. In detail, the effects on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression profiles of non-coding RNAs are evaluated. Finally, a focus on the risk of transgenerational inheritance is presented. Our narrative review aims to demonstrate how certain conditions can alter gene expression, potentially leading to the transmission of anomalies to future generations. It emphasizes the importance of the early detection and treatment of reversible conditions (such as obesity and varicocele) and the modification of risky lifestyle behaviors. Addressing these issues is crucial for individual health, in preserving fertility, and in ensuring the well-being of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (R.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (R.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (R.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55280 Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Li Y, Song P, Zhao J, Zhang W, Liu X, Lv X, Zhao J. Neonatal vitamin A supplementation improves sheep fertility potential. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1370576. [PMID: 38756517 PMCID: PMC11097686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1370576] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects of neonatal vitamin A (VA) supplementation on testis development and spermatogenesis. A total of 32 newborn lambs were intramuscularly injected with corn oil (control group) or corn oil + 2500 IU/kg BW VA (VA group). They were slaughtered and sampled at 3 weeks and 8 months of age to analyze spermatogenesis, cell proliferation, hormone secretion, antioxidant status of the testis, and adult sheep sperm parameters. Compared with the control group, the expression of spermatogonial differentiation-related genes in VA group was up-regulated (P < 0.05). Testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, number of spermatogonium and spermatocyte, and sperm density increased significantly in VA group at 8 months of age (P < 0.05). Neonatal VA injection upregulated the expression of the cell proliferation marker PCNA and cell cycle-related genes in the testis (P < 0.05). VA increased the concentrations of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum and upregulated steroidogenesis-related genes in the testis (P < 0.05). The antioxidant levels in the VA group were maintained at high levels. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), antioxidant enzyme content and antioxidant-related genes were increased in the testis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, neonatal VA injection activated retinoic acid (RA) signaling to maintain the blood-testosterone barrier (BTB) in the testis of 3-week-old sheep. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling were also modulated in the sheep testis (P < 0.05). Taken together, VA supplementation in newborn rams promotes testis development and spermatogenesis to improve fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Pengkang Song
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiamin Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Weipeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoyang Lv
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxing Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
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Fathi M, Ghafouri-Fard S. Impacts of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:322. [PMID: 38393415 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Two classes of non-coding RNAs, namely lncRNAs and miRNAs have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of varicocele. MIR210HG, MLLT4-AS1, gadd7, and SLC7A11-AS1 are among lncRNAs whose expression has been changed in patients with varicocele in association with the sperm quality. Animal studies have also suggested contribution of NONRATG001060, NONRATG002949, NONRATG013271, NONRATG027523 and NONRATG023747 lncRNAs in this pathology. Meanwhile, expression of some miRNAs, such as miR-210-3p, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-122a, miR-181a, miR-34c and miR-192a has been altered in this condition. Some of these transcripts have the potential to predict the sperm quality. We summarize the impacts of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Fathi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wang K, Gao Y, Wang C, Liu Z, Liang M, Liao Y, Hu K. Is Parthanatos Involved in Varicocele? DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:861-870. [PMID: 36067068 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicoceles (VCs) have received widespread attention as a primary factor affecting male fertility and a pathological condition that may lead to decreased sperm count and motility in patients. Many studies have shown that an imbalance of local antioxidant balance exists in patients with VC, leading to an obvious increase in the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may cause reductive stress. Excessive ROS may aggravate spermatogenesis dysfunction and affect male fertility. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme associated with DNA repair in eukaryotic cells, can be activated by DNA fragments with structural damage, and has been considered a DNA damage receptor in DNA damage repair and apoptosis. We built a rat model of VC and an oxidative damage model of a spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2 cells) induced by hydrogen peroxide to study the role of PARP1 in VC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by RNA sequencing in the testes of VC rats. Analysis of DEGs revealed some genes with significantly altered expression, which were validated in rat and cell models. Immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR analysis, Western blot, and flow cytometry were used to analyze the changes between the control group and the VC or hydrogen peroxide group. Overall, we found that PARP1 protein expression increased in VC rats and in the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress model of GC-2 cells. Parthanatos may be one of the factors leading to reduced reproductive capacity in VC patients. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of male infertility induced by oxidative stress and provides a new therapeutic target for VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanxian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zirui Liu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Liao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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Wang Y, Pan Y, Wang M, Afedo SY, Zhao L, Han X, Liu M, Zhao T, Zhang T, Ding T, Wang J, Cui Y, Yu S. Transcriptome sequencing reveals differences between leydig cells and sertoli cells of yak. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:960250. [PMID: 36090173 PMCID: PMC9449347 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.960250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we detected the expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in primary cultured leydig cells (LCs) and sertoli cells (SCs) of yak by RNA sequencing technology. A total of 84 differently expression mRNAs (DEmRNAs) (LCs vs. SCs: 15 up and 69 down), 172 differently expression lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) (LCs vs. SCs: 36 up and 136 down), and 90 differently expression miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) (LCs vs. SCs: 72 up and 18 down) were obtained between the two types of cells. GO enrichment and KEGG analysis indicated that the differential expression genes (DEGs) were more enriched in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, Rap1/MAPK signaling pathway, steroid biosynthesis, focal adhesion, and pathways associated with metabolism. Targeted regulation relationship pairs of 3β-HSD and MSTRG.54630.1, CNTLN and MSTRG.19058.1, BRCA2 and MSTRG.28299.4, CA2 and novel-miR-148, and ceRNA network of LAMC3-MSTRG.68870.1- bta-miR-7862/novel-miR-151/novel-miR-148 were constructed by Cytoscape software. In conclusion, the differences between LCs and SCs were mainly reflected in steroid hormone synthesis, cell proliferation and metabolism, and blood-testicular barrier (BTB) dynamic regulation, and 3β-HSD, CNTLN, BRCA2, CA2, and LAMC3 may be the key factors causing these differences, which may be regulated by ncRNAs. This study provides a basic direction for exploring the differential regulation of LCs and SCs by ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Seth Yaw Afedo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tongxiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Sijiu Yu
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Imakawa K, Matsuno Y, Fujiwara H. New Roles for EVs, miRNA and lncRNA in Bovine Embryo Implantation. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:944370. [PMID: 35909679 PMCID: PMC9334902 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.944370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sine qua non of new life is fertilization. However, approximately 50% of fertilized eggs/blastocysts in cattle and up to 75% of those from human assisted reproductive procedures fail during the first 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, including peri-implantation periods. In these periods, blastocyst hatching and implantation to the maternal endometrium proceeds, during which physiological events such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and trophoblast cell fusion occur. Quite recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play a pivotal role for the establishment of the proper uterine environment required for peri-implantation processes to proceed. New findings of EVs, miRNA, and lncRNAs will be described and discussed to elucidate their connections with conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction, Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazuhiko Imakawa
| | - Yuta Matsuno
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction, Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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