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Saito H, Yokota S, Kitajima S. Immunohistochemical analysis of the vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells is a powerful tool for the prediction of spermatogenic dysfunction. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152046. [PMID: 37224719 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152046] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The close interaction between male germ cells and Sertoli cells, a type of somatic cell found in the seminiferous tubules of mammalian testis, is essential for the normal progression of spermatogenesis in mammals. Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that primarily provides mechanical support, preserves cell shape, and maintains the nuclear position, and it is often used as a marker to identify Sertoli cells. Vimentin is known to be involved in many diseases and aging processes; however, how vimentin is related to spermatogenic dysfunction and the associated functional changes is still unclear. In a previous study, we reported that vitamin E deficiency affected the testes, epididymis, and spermatozoa of mice, accelerating the progression of senescence. In this study, we focused on the Sertoli cell marker vimentin and explored the relationship between the cytoskeletal system of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic dysfunction using testis tissue sections that caused male reproductive dysfunction with vitamin E deficiency. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that the proportion of the vimentin-positive area in seminiferous tubule cross-sections was significantly increased in testis tissue sections of the vitamin E-deficient group compared with the proportion in the control group. The histological analysis of testis tissue sections from the vitamin E-deficient group showed that vimentin-positive Sertoli cells were greatly extended from the basement membrane, along with an increased abundance of vimentin. These findings suggest that vimentin may be a potential indicator for detecting spermatogenic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokatsu Saito
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokota
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Kitajima
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
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2
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Sun ZY, Yu S, Tian Y, Han BQ, Zhao Y, Li YQ, Wang Y, Sun YJ, Shen W. Chestnut polysaccharides restore impaired spermatogenesis by adjusting gut microbiota and the intestinal structure. Food Funct 2022; 13:425-436. [PMID: 34913451 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03145g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study confirmed the beneficial effects of chestnut polysaccharides (CPs) on the spermatogenesis process, but the exact mechanism is not clear. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of balanced gut microbiota in maintaining normal reproductive function. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of CPs from the perspective of gut microbiota function, expecting to find out the specific mechanism of CPs in restoring impaired spermatogenesis. Compared with the control group, the mice treated with busulfan showed a reduced number of germ cells, structural changes in the small intestine and composition alteration in the gut microbiota at several levels, including the phylum and genus. In contrast, the number of germ cells in seminiferous tubules was significantly increased, and the structure of the small intestine and the composition of the gut microbiota were altered in the busulfan-treated mice after the CPs treatment. The 16s rRNA analysis results showed that the Firmicutes was the predominant phylum in all groups followed by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, Cyanobacteria and unidentified bacteria. Interestingly, the subsequent functional analysis implied that the steroid hormone biosynthesis process is the major metabolic pathway in the CPs-mediated restoration process and the experimental results confirmed this speculation. In conclusion, this study confirmed that CPs can restore the impaired spermatogenesis process by adjusting the gut microbiota and intestinal structure, which will also provide technical support and a theoretical basis for the subsequent treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yi Sun
- Urology Department, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuai Yu
- Urology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yu Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| | - Bao-Quan Han
- Urology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100000 China
| | - Ya-Qi Li
- Urology Department, Zaozhuang Hospital of Zaozhuang Mining Group, Zaozhuang 277100, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Urology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yu-Jiang Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China. .,Dongying Vocational Institute, Dongying 257091, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
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3
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In vivo enrichment of busulfan-resistant germ cells for efficient production of transgenic avian models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9127. [PMID: 33911174 PMCID: PMC8080772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most transgenic animals are generated using a genome-modified stem cell system and genome modification directly in embryos. Although this system is well-established in the development of transgenic animals, donor cell-derived transgenic animal production is inefficient in some cases. Especially in avian models such as chickens, the efficiency of transgenic animal production through primordial germ cells (PGCs) is highly variable compared with embryonic manipulation of mammalian species. Because germ cell and germline-competent stem cell-mediated systems that contain the transgene are enriched only at the upstream level during cell cultivation, the efficiency of transgenic animal production is unreliable. Therefore, we developed an in vivo selection model to enhance the efficiency of transgenic chicken production using microsomal glutathione-S-transferase II (MGSTII)-overexpressing PGCs that are resistant to the alkylating agent busulfan, which induces germ cell-specific cytotoxicity. Under in vitro conditions, MGSTII-tg PGCs were resistant to 1 μM busulfan, which was highly toxic to wild-type PGCs. In germline chimeric roosters, transgene-expressing germ cells were dominantly colonized in the recipient testes after busulfan exposure compared with non-treated germline chimera. In validation of germline transmission, donor PGC-derived progeny production efficiency was 94.68%, and the transgene production rate of heterozygous transgenic chickens was significantly increased in chickens that received 40 mg/kg busulfan (80.33–95.23%) compared with that of non-treated germline chimeras (51.18%). This system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of generating transgenic chickens and other animal species by increasing the distribution of donor cells in adult testes.
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The Therapeutic Potential of Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells on Busulfan-Induced Azoospermia in Adult Rats. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:279-295. [PMID: 33713308 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00309-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Busulfan is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that is routinely prescribed for leukemic patients to induce myelo-ablation. However, it also results in azoospermia and infertility in cancer survivors. This research was constructed to explore the possible therapeutic role of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) in improving busulfan-induced azoospermia in adult rats. METHODS Forty two adult male albino rats were randomized into: (1) control group, (2) azoospermia group, (3) spontaneous recovery group, and (4) AFSCs-treated group, in which AFSCs were transplanted through their injection into the testicular efferent ducts. The assessment included a histo-pathological examination of the seminiferous tubules by the light and transmission electron microscopes. Additionally, the confocal laser scanning microscope was used for confirmation of homing of the implanted cells. Moreover, we conducted an immuno-fluorescence study for detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the spermatogenic cells, epididymal sperm count, and a histo-morphometric study. RESULTS AFSCs successfully homed over the basement membrane of the injured seminiferous tubules. They greatly attenuated busulfan-induced degenerative and oxidative changes. They also caused a re-expression of PCNA in the germ cells, leading to resumption of spermatogenesis and re-appearance of spermatozoa. CONCLUSION AFSCs could be a promising treatment modality for male infertility induced by chemotherapy, as they possess prominent regenerative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory potentials.
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Yu S, Zhao Y, Zhang FL, Li YQ, Shen W, Sun ZY. Chestnut polysaccharides benefit spermatogenesis through improvement in the expression of important genes. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:11431-11445. [PMID: 32568099 PMCID: PMC7343452 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently there has been a continuing worldwide decrease in the quality of human spermatozoa, especially in spermatozoa motility and concentration. Many factors are involved in this decline, and great efforts have been made to rescue spermatogenesis; however, there has been little progress in the improvement of sperm quality. Chestnuts are used in traditional Chinese medicine; their major active components are chestnut polysaccharides (CPs). CPs have many biological activities but their effects on spermatogenesis are unknown. The current investigation was designed to explore the impact of CPs on spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that CPs significantly increased sperm motility and concentration (4-fold and 12-fold, respectively), and improved seminiferous tubule development by increasing the number of germ cells after busulfan treatment. CPs dramatically rescued the expression of important genes and proteins (STRA8, DAZL, SYCP1, SYCP3, TNP1 etc.) in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, CPs increased the levels of hormone synthesis proteins such as CYP17A1 and HSD17β1. All the data suggested that CPs improved the testicular microenvironment to rescue spermatogenesis. With CPs being natural products, they may be an attractive alternative for treating infertile patients in the future. At the same time, the deep underlying mechanisms of their action need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yu
- Urology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Fa-Li Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ya-Qi Li
- Urology Department, Zaozhuang Hospital of Zaozhuang Mining Group, Zaozhuang 277100, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Zhong-Yi Sun
- Urology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
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6
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Bothe MK, Franckenstein D, Cade D, Quatresous E, Westphal M. Daily Intravenous Infusion of Busulfan Impurity 5 for 4 Days Is Not Associated With Toxic Effects in the Rat. Int J Toxicol 2019; 39:39-44. [PMID: 31777300 DOI: 10.1177/1091581819888834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The alkylating agent busulfan is used in conditioning treatment of chronic myelogenous or granulocytic leukemia prior to stem cell transplantations. Its cytotoxic activity results in primary damage or destruction of hematopoietic cells. While the toxicity of busulfan is well investigated, little is known about the toxic effects of its impurities. In this study, the effect of 4-day intravenous infusion (3 h/d) of 4.8 mg/kg/d busulfan and 0.49, 4.9, and 49 mg/kg/d busulfan impurity 5 (4-((methylsulfonyl)oxy)butyl acetate) was investigated in rats. Whereas busulfan elicited myelotoxic and hepatotoxic effects, no toxic effects were observed in animals receiving the impurity at dosages up to 10 times higher than busulfan. The highest impurity dose of 49 mg/kg/d is therefore considered the no-observed-adverse-effect level of busulfan impurity 5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Didier Cade
- Charles River SAS, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France
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7
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Beltrame FL, de Santi F, Vendramini V, Cabral REL, Miraglia SM, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Vitamin B 12 Prevents Cimetidine-Induced Androgenic Failure and Damage to Sperm Quality in Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:309. [PMID: 31354617 PMCID: PMC6635670 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cimetidine, used as an anti-ulcer and adjuvant treatment in cancer therapy, causes disorders in the male reproductive tract, including steroidogenesis. However, its effect on sperm quality and male fertility has been poorly addressed. Since vitamin B12 has demonstrated to recover spermatogonia number and sperm concentration in cimetidine-treated rats, we evaluated the impact of cimetidine on sperm quality and fertility potential and whether vitamin B12 is able to prevent the harmful effect of this drug on steroidogenesis and sperm parameters. Adult male rats were treated for 52 consecutive days as follows: cimetidine group (100 mg/kg of cimetidine), cimetidine/vitamin B12 group (100 mg/kg of cimetidine + 3 μg vitamin B12), vitamin B12 group (3 μg vitamin B12) and control group (saline). Serum testosterone levels and immunofluorescence associated to western blot for detection of 17β-HSD6 were performed. Sperm morphology and motility, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, DNA integrity by Comet assay, lipid peroxidation as well as fertility potential were analyzed in all groups. Apoptotic spermatids were also evaluated by caspase-3 immunohistochemistry. In the cimetidine-treated animals, reduced serum testosterone levels, weak 17β-HSD6 levels and impaired spermiogenesis were observed. Low sperm motility and mitochondrial activity were associated with high percentage of sperm tail abnormalities, and the percentage of spermatozoa with damaged acrosome and DNA fragmentation increased. MDA levels were normal in all groups, indicating that the cimetidine-induced changes are associated to androgenic failure. In conclusion, despite the fertility potential of rats was unaffected by the treatment, the sperm quality was significantly impaired. Therefore, considering a possible sperm-mediated transgenerational inheritance, the long term offspring health needs to be investigated. The administration of vitamin B12 to male rats prevents the androgenic failure and counteracts the damage inflicted by cimetidine upon sperm quality, indicating that this vitamin may be used as a therapeutic agent to maintain the androgenic status and the sperm quality in patients exposed to androgen disrupters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Luciana Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiane de Santi
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Vendramini
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Maria Miraglia
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Cerri
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphology, Dental School – São Paulo State University (UNESP/FOAr), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphology, Dental School – São Paulo State University (UNESP/FOAr), Araraquara, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Estela Sasso-Cerri
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8
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Câmara ML, Almeida TB, de Santi F, Rodrigues BM, Cerri PS, Beltrame FL, Sasso-Cerri E. Fluoxetine-induced androgenic failure impairs the seminiferous tubules integrity and increases ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1): Possible androgenic control of UCHL1 in germ cell death? Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:1126-1139. [PMID: 30551363 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine has been used for the treatment of depression. Although sexual disorders have been reported in male patients, few studies have demonstrated the fluoxetine effect on the reproductive histophysiology, and the target of this antidepressant in testes is unknown. We evaluated the impact of short-term treatment with fluoxetine on the adult rat testes, focusing on steroidogenesis by Leydig cells (LC) and androgen-dependent testicular parameters, including Sertoli cells (SC) and peritubular myoid cells (PMC). Since UCHL1 (ubiquitincarboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1) seems to control spermatogenesis, the immunoexpression of this hydrolase was also analyzed. Adult male rats received 20 mg/kg BW of fluoxetine (FG) or saline (CG) for eleven days. In historesin-embedded testis sections, the seminiferous tubule (ST) and epithelial (Ep) areas, and the LC nuclear diameter (LCnu) were measured. The number of abnormal ST, androgen-dependent ST, SC and PMC was quantified. Testicular β-tubulin levels and peritubular actin immunofluorescence were evaluated. Serum testosterone levels (STL) and steroidogenesis by 17β-HSD6 immunofluorescence were analyzed, and either UCHL1-immunolabeled or TUNEL-positive germ cells were quantified. In FG, abnormal ST frequency increased whereas ST and Ep areas, androgen-dependent ST number, LCnu, 17β-HSD6 activity and STL reduced significantly. TUNEL-positive PMC and SC was related to decreased number of these cells and reduction in peritubular actin and β-tubulin levels. In FG, uncommon UCHL1-immunoexpression was found in spermatocytes and spermatids, and the number of UCHL1-immunolabeled and TUNEL-positive germ cells increased in this group. These findings indicate that LC may be a fluoxetine target in testes, impairing PMC-SC integrity and disturbing spermatogenesis. The increase of UCHL1 in the damaged tubules associated with high incidence of cell death confirms that this hydrolase regulates germ cell death and may be controlled by androgens. The fertility in association with the androgenic status of patients treated with fluoxetine should be carefully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Câmara
- Dental School of São Paulo State University, Department of Morphology, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Talita B Almeida
- Dental School of São Paulo State University, Department of Morphology, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Fabiane de Santi
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Morphology and Genetics, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Rodrigues
- Dental School of São Paulo State University, Department of Morphology, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Cerri
- Dental School of São Paulo State University, Department of Morphology, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Beltrame
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Morphology and Genetics, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Dental School of São Paulo State University, Department of Morphology, Araraquara, Brazil.
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9
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Dehghani F, Sotoude N, Bordbar H, Panjeshahin M, Karbalay-Doust S. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve structural impairment of rat testis induced by busulfan. Platelets 2018; 30:513-520. [DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2018.1478400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Dehghani
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Sotoude
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Bordbar
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M.R. Panjeshahin
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saied Karbalay-Doust
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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10
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Fang F, Ni K, Cai Y, Zhao Q, Shang J, Zhang X, Shen S, Xiong C. Busulfan administration produces toxic effects on epididymal morphology and inhibits the expression of ZO-1 and vimentin in the mouse epididymis. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171059. [PMID: 29101242 PMCID: PMC5725615 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulfan is an alkane sulphonate currently used as an anticancer drug and to prepare azoospermic animal models, because it selectively destroys differentiated spermatogonia in the testes. However, few studies have focussed on the exact effects of busulfan treatment on the epididymis currently. The present study assessed the effect of busulfan on epididymal morphology and the blood-epididymis barrier in mice. We treated mice with a single injection of busulfan and detected the effect at different time points. We showed that busulfan was toxic to the morphological structure and function of the epididymis. Furthermore, busulfan treatment down-regulated the epididymal expression of vimentin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, there was an increase in total androgen receptor (AR) levels, whereas the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) levels were reduced, both in the caput and cauda regions after busulfan treatment, which may be secondary to the testicular damage. In conclusion, our study describes the effects of busulfan administration on the mouse epididymis and also provides a potential understanding of male infertility arising from chemotherapy-related defects in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiting Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiliang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Zhong Shen Bioscience Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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11
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Sasso-Cerri E, Oliveira B, de Santi F, Beltrame FL, Caneguim BH, Cerri PS. The antineoplastic busulphan impairs peritubular and Leydig cells, and vitamin B 12 stimulates spermatogonia proliferation and prevents busulphan-induced germ cell death. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1619-1630. [PMID: 28950662 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulphan (Bu), an alkylating agent used for bone marrow and spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT), impairs Sertoli (SC) cells, which are necessary for the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) homing during transplantation. As Leydig (LC) and peritubular myoid (PMC) cells are essential for SC support and maintenance of spermatogonial niche, we evaluated the impact of Bu on the LC and PMC structural integrity. Vitamin B12 (B12) has demonstrated beneficial effects against drug-induced testicular changes; thus, we also examined whether this vitamin is able to stimulate spermatogonia mitotic activity and prevent Bu-induced germ cell death. Rats received 10mg/kg of Bu in the 1st and 4th days, and daily B12 supplementation during Bu treatment and for 6days after the last injection of Bu (Bu-6d), totaling 10days of treatment. Other animals received the same treatment as Bu-6d, and B12 supplementation (Bu+7dB12) or saline (Bu+7dS) for 7 more days, totaling 17days of treatment. Serum testosterone levels were measured. In the historesin-embedded testis sections, the seminiferous tubule and epithelial areas were measured, and the number of spermatogonia and PMC was quantified. Actin and 17β-HSD6 immunofluorescence was detected, and the number of TUNEL-positive LC and germ cells was computed. In Bu-6d, PMC number reduced, and a weak actin immunoexpression and death in these cells was observed. The testosterone levels reduced, and the interstitial tissue showed a weak 17β-HSD6 immunoexpression and increased number of TUNEL-positive LC. In Bu+7dB12, the number of spermatogonia was higher than in Bu-6d and Bu+7dS, and the number of TUNEL-positive germ cells was significantly lower than in Bu+7dS. Bu exerts a harmful impact on PMC and LC, reducing the testosterone levels. Vitamin B12 prevents significantly Bu-induced germ cell death and stimulates spermatogonia proliferation, being a useful strategy for the enrichment of SSC in vitro and an adjuvant therapy for spermatogenesis recovery in oncologic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Dental School of São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Dental School of São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiane de Santi
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Breno H Caneguim
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Dental School of São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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12
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Xian Y, Wu M, Liu Y, Hao J, Wu Y, Liao X, Li G. Increased Sat2 expression is associated with busulfan-induced testicular Sertoli cell injury. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 43:47-57. [PMID: 28578006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Busulfan is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and other myeloproliferative disorders. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that busulfan may induce testicular dysfunction by targeting genes that are expressed in the testis. Here, we showed that spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 2 (Sat2) was present in testicular Sertoli cells, and its expression was significantly increased by busulfan treatment. To investigate the implications of Sat2 upregulation for cell growth and function, a Sat2-overexpressing TM4 Sertoli cell model was established. Increased Sat2 expression led to inhibited cell proliferation and arrested cell cycle. Based on iTRAQ proteomics analysis, we revealed that Sat2 overexpression is detrimental to cell cycle progression and cell communication, and notably, Sat2 may disturb protein metabolic processes by altering translation regulation and protein complex subunit organization. In summary, the present study provides evidence that Sat2 upregulation induces alterations in the growth and function of Sertoli cells. In testis tissue subjected to busulfan, increased expression of Sat2 can cause cellular injury and subsequent organ damage, which could lead to male infertility. Therefore, Sat2 may be a novel molecular target for treating busulfan-induced testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xian
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mingjun Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jie Hao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaogang Liao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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