Heme oxygenase enzyme activity in human seminal plasma of fertile and infertile males

Heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system and development of the heart

Progressive differentiation controlled by intercellular signaling between pharyngeal mesoderm, foregut endoderm, and neural crest-derived mesenchyme is required for normal embryonic and fetal development. Gasotransmitters (criteria: 1) a small gas molecule; 2) freely permeable across membranes; 3) endogenously and enzymatically produced and its production regulated; 4) well-defined and specific functions at physiologically relevant concentrations; 5) functions can be mimicked by exogenously applied counterpart; and 6) cellular effects may or may not be second messenger-mediated, but should have specific cellular and molecular targets) are integral to gametogenesis and subsequent embryogenesis, fetal development, and normal heart maturation. Important for in utero development, the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system is expressed during gametogenesis, by the placenta, during embryonic development, and by the fetus. Complex sequences of biochemical pathways result in the progressive maturation of the human heart in utero . The resulting myocardial architecture, consisting of working myocardium, coronary arteries and veins, epicardium, valves and cardiac skeleton, endocardial lining, and cardiac conduction system, determines function. Oxygen metabolism in normal and maldeveloping hearts, which develop under reduced and fluctuating oxygen concentrations, is poorly understood. "Normal" hypoxia is critical for heart formation, but "abnormal" hypoxia in utero affects cardiogenesis. The heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system is important for in utero cardiac development, and other factors also result in alterations of the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system during in utero cardiac development. This review will address the role of the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system during cardiac development in embryo and fetal development.

Mechanisms of damage to sperm structure in mice on the zinc-deficient diet

BACKGROUND

Zinc (Zn)is an essential trace element for spermatogenesis and its deficiency causes abnormal spermatogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to examine the mechanisms by which Zn-deficient diet impairs sperm morphology and its reversibility.

METHODS

30 SPF grade male Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into three groups, 10 mice per group. Zn-normal diet group (ZN group) was given Zn-normal diet（Zn content= 30 mg/kg）for 8 weeks. Zn-deficienct diet group (ZD group) was given Zn-deficienct diet（Zn content< 1 mg/kg）for 8 weeks. Zn-deficient and Zn-normal diet group（ZDN group）was given 4 weeks Zn-deficienct diet followed by 4 weeks Zn-normal diet. After 8 weeks, the overnight fasted mice were sacrificed, and blood and organs were collected for further analysis.

RESULTS

The experimental results showed that Zn-deficienct diet leads to increased abnormal morphology sperm and testicular oxidative stress.The rate of abnormal morphology sperm, chromomycin A3(CMA3), DNA fragmentation index (DFI), malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased, and a-kinase anchor protein 4(AKAP4), dynein axonemal heavy chain 1(DNAH1), sperm associated antigen 6(SPAG6), cilia and flagella associated protein 44(CFAP44), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1)and heme oxygenase 1(HO1) were significantly decreased in the ZD group mice. While the changes in above indicators caused by Zn-deficient diet were significantly alleviated in the ZDN group.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that Zn-deficient diet causes abnormal morphology sperm and testicular oxidative stress in male mice. Abnormal morphology sperm caused by Zn-deficient diet are reversible, and Zn-normal diet can alleviate them.

Deterioration of semen quality and sperm-DNA integrity as influenced by cigarette smoking in fertile and infertile human male smokers-A prospective study

In modernized lifestyle smoking is one of the trendy, psychological, and socioeconomic scenarios of young adolescents mainly in the age of the reproductive stage. Based on a number of cigarettes smoked, age, and duration of the smoke, the study aims to search for the profound effects of smoking and its impact on semen parameters, sperm-DNA integrity, and fragmentation of sperm DNA with cotinine and apoptotic caspase-3 marker in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile smokers. To determine oxidative damage by 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) from isolated sperm DNA (steps: reactive oxygen species washing by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT), sperm lysis, salt digestion, ethanol washing, and finally with high-performance liquid chromatography analysis). Level of DNA fragmentation (percentage) in native and intact DNA, the activity of caspase-3 in infertile smokers will be compared with the control group of nonsmokers. Also, the sperm viability was visualized by eosin-nigrosin and aniline blue staining. Cotinine is one of the best markers of smoking. The cotinine level (2224.24 ± 1.19 *** ng/mL), when abundant it negative correlates with morphology and rapid motility in infertile smokers than nonsmokers. Gel preprogram measured the sperm integrity and was found to be less in smokers than nonsmokers. The spermatic oxidative marker 8-OHdG was high and gave an R ² value of 0.9104 with morphology and 0.9007 for rapid motility of infertile sperm, respectively. Infertile smoking subjects (<10 cigarettes/day) had significant changes increase in sperm fragmentation, caspase-3, and cotinine while negative impact with motility, morphology, and pH of semen compared with fertile, infertile nonsmoking subjects.

Melatonin reduces oxidative damage and upregulates heat shock protein 90 expression in cryopreserved human semen

Sperm cells can be damaged during the semen cryopreservation process, decreasing their fertilizing ability. Physical damage and oxidative stress may occur during the freeze-thawing process. Antioxidants such as the native antioxidant melatonin can potentially improve cryopreservation outcomes. In this study, we added melatonin to cryoprotectant to examine its effect on frozen-thawed human sperm. We found that adding 0.1mM melatonin to cryoprotectant significantly increased sperm viability (24.80 ± 0.46% vs. 20.97 ± 1.27%, P < 0.05) and membrane integrity (P < 0.05), and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation damage. Furthermore, mRNA levels of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor-2 and its downstream genes were significantly increased. Resistance to oxidative stress was enhanced and expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 was increased by inclusion of 0.1mM melatonin in the cryoprotectant. Moreover, 0.1mM melatonin upregulated the expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), which confers resistance to stressors in frozen-thawed sperm. Results obtained upon addition of inhibitors of melatonin receptors (luzindole and 4-P-PDOT) and an HSP90 inhibitor (geldanamycin) in the cryoprotectant demonstrated that melatonin promoted HSP90 translation via the melatonin receptor MT1 and increased adenosine triphosphate levels, thus increasing the viability of thawed sperm.

TNF-α -308 polymorphisms and male infertility risk: A meta-analysis and systematic review

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies discussing TNF-α -308 polymorphism and male infertility. This study was conformed to Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant studies by two independent reviewers. Hazard ratios were pooled using fixed-effect or random-effects models when appropriate. Q-test was performed to evaluate study heterogeneity and publication bias appraised using funnel plots. The search yielded five studies (three of Caucasians ethnicity and 2 of Asian ethnicity) comprising 2939 men (2262 infertile men and 677 fertile controls). Most of the studied cases were carried out on TNF-α promoter region at positions -308 G/A (four studies) where -308 C/T was dealt with in one study. Overall, significant associations between TNF-α -308 gene polymorphisms and idiopathic male infertility risk were observed (fixed effect: OR = 0.472, 95% CI: 0.378-0.589; P = 0.001; random effect: OR = 0.407, 95% CI: 0.211-0.785; P = 0.007) with robust findings according to sensitivity analyses. Funnel plot inspections did not give evidences of publication bias. A stratified analysis performed for ethnic groups revealed significant association in both Caucasian and Asian populations. It is concluded that there are evidences of associations between TNF-α -308 gene polymorphisms and male infertility risk.

Tumor necrosis factor-α gene polymorphism relationship to seminal variables in infertile men

OBJECTIVE

To assess the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α gene polymorphism relationship with seminal variables in fertile men (N) and those with asthenozoospermia (A), asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 infertile men without a female factor who were attending a fertility clinic and 48 fertile men were randomly screened for semen analysis, analysis of the TNF-α promoter region for polymorphism, seminal caspase-9, acrosin activity, α-glucosidase, and reproductive hormones.

RESULTS

The TNF-α GG genotype was present in 83.9%, 72.7%, 66.7%, and 59.5%, the TNF-α AA genotype in 3.2%, 6.8%, 10.4%, and 11.9%, and TNF-α AG genotype in 12.9%, 20.5%, 22.9%, and 28.6% in the N, A, AT, OAT groups, respectively. The occurrence of A allele was significantly greater among infertile patients than among fertile controls (21.6% vs 9.7%; odds ratio 0.388, 95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.75, P = .005). Men with the TNF-α AA genotype demonstrated a significant decrease in the sperm count, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, acrosin activity, and seminal α-glucosidase and a significant increase in seminal caspase-9 compared with those with the TNF-α GG genotype.

CONCLUSION

This single nucleotide polymorphism in the TNF-α(-308) gene was associated with significantly increased seminal caspase-9 and a significantly decreased sperm count, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, acrosin activity, and seminal α-glucosidase.

Sperm DNA and RNA abnormalities in fertile and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic smokers

This study aimed to assess sperm DNA and RNA abnormalities in fertile and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) smokers. In all, 140 subjects were included and classified into fertile nonsmokers, fertile smokers, OAT nonsmokers and OAT smokers. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, assessment of sperm DNA and RNA abnormalities. The results showed that an increased percentage of abnormal sperm DNA and RNA was demonstrated in fertile smokers compared with fertile nonsmokers and in OAT smokers compared with OAT nonsmokers. Increased percentage of severe, moderate sperm DNA and RNA damage was demonstrated in fertile heavy smokers compared with fertile light smokers and in OAT heavy smokers compared with OAT light smokers. It is concluded that smoking has a negative impact on sperm DNA and RNA abnormalities that is accentuated in heavy smokers compared with light smokers.

Study of GT-repeat expansion in Heme oxygenase-1 gene promoter as genetic cause of male infertility

PURPOSE

The length of GT-repeats polymorphic region in the promoter of human Heme oxygenase-1 gene (HO-1) alters the level of its transcriptional activity in response to oxidative stresses. Decreased level of HO-1 protein in the seminal plasma has been reported to be associated with oligospermia and azoospermia in male infertility. This is the first study to investigate the association between GT-repeats expansion in the promoter of the HO-1 gene and male infertility.

METHODS

The frequencies of different GT-repeats alleles in the promoter of HO-1 gene were determined in 100 cases and 100 normal controls using PCR-PAGE, ABI fragment analysis genotyping and sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

All alleles were classified into S and L alleles. S alleles were specified as number 0 to 3 with <27 GT-repeats and L alleles were specified as number 4 to 6 with >27 repeats. The L allele frequency was significantly higher among case group (54.5%) than that was obtained in the normal control group (37.5%). Statistical analysis provided a significant relationship between L allele and male infertility (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows for the first time that GT-repeats expansion in promoter of the HO-1 gene is associated with oligospermia and azoospermia among Iranian infertile cases.

Study of GT-repeat expansion in Heme oxygenase-1 gene promoter as genetic cause of male infertility

PURPOSE

The length of GT-repeats polymorphic region in the promoter of human Heme oxygenase-1 gene (HO-1) alters the level of its transcriptional activity in response to oxidative stresses. Decreased level of HO-1 protein in the seminal plasma has been reported to be associated with oligospermia and azoospermia in male infertility. This is the first study to investigate the association between GT-repeats expansion in the promoter of the HO-1 gene and male infertility.

METHODS

The frequencies of different GT-repeats alleles in the promoter of HO-1 gene were determined in 100 cases and 100 normal controls using PCR-PAGE, ABI fragment analysis genotyping and sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

All alleles were classified into S and L alleles. S alleles were specified as number 0 to 3 with <27 GT-repeats and L alleles were specified as number 4 to 6 with >27 repeats. The L allele frequency was significantly higher among case group (54.5%) than that was obtained in the normal control group (37.5%). Statistical analysis provided a significant relationship between L allele and male infertility (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows for the first time that GT-repeats expansion in promoter of the HO-1 gene is associated with oligospermia and azoospermia among Iranian infertile cases.

Hsp60 and heme oxygenase-1 (Hsp32) in acute myocardial infarction

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are produced in response to various stressors, including ischemia-reperfusion, and they can exit cells and reach the blood. In this pilot study, we determined serum levels of Hsp60 and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1; also named Hsp32) in subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to assess their clinical significance and potential prognostic value. We also performed a bioinformatics analysis of the 2 molecules in search of structural clues on the mechanism of their release from cells. We studied 40 patients consecutively admitted for AMI (male:female patient ratio=20:20, mean age: 64 ± 13 years) and 40 matched controls. A blood sample was drawn for biochemical analyses within 24 h of symptoms onset, and Hsp60 and HO-1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All patients were followed up for 6 months to register adverse post-AMI cardiovascular events. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated Hsp60 (P=0.0361), creatine phosphokinase-muscle brain (CK-MB) (P=0.0446), and troponin (P=0.0490) were predictive of post-AMI adverse events. In contrast, increased HO-1 showed a significant association with less severity of coronary artery diseases (P=0.0223). These findings suggest that Hsp60 and HO-1 play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of AMI and subsequent AMI-related pathology. The possibility that these proteins differ in their roles and mechanisms of action in AMI and post-AMI pathology was supported also by the bioinformatics estimates of probability of their localization in various subcellular compartments. The results clear the way for subsequent investigation on the pathogenetic role and clinical significance of Hsp60 and HO-1 in AMI.

Heme oxygenase enzyme activity in seminal plasma of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males with varicocele

This work aimed to assess seminal plasma heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme activity in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) males with varicocele. Ninety-three men were divided according to their sperm count and clinical examination into: healthy fertile controls (n = 34), OAT without varicocele (n = 37) and OAT associated with varicocele (n = 22). They were subjected to semen analysis and estimation of seminal plasma HO enzyme activity in the form of bilirubin concentration. Seminal plasma HO enzyme activity decreased significantly in OAT cases compared with controls. Seminal plasma HO in OAT cases associated with varicocele decreased significantly compared with OAT cases without varicocele and healthy controls (mean +/- SD; 109.2 +/- 29.5, 283.6 +/- 88.4, 669.5 +/- 236.1 nMol bilirubin/mg ptn/min, P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between seminal plasma HO enzyme activity and sperm concentration, per cent of motile spermatozoa, number of motile spermatozoas ml(-1) and significant negative correlation with sperm abnormal forms per cent. It is concluded that varicocele has a negative impact on seminal HO enzyme activity. Therefore, improved seminal picture after correcting varicocele repair might be related, in part, to improved HO action(s).