1
|
Chieffi Baccari G, Iurato G, Santillo A, Dale B. Male Germ Cell Telomeres and Chemical Pollutants. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050745. [PMID: 37238614 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050745] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, male infertility has been correlated with the shortening of sperm telomeres. Telomeres regulate the reproductive lifespan by mediating the synapsis and homologous recombination of chromosomes during gametogenesis. They are composed of thousands of hexanucleotide DNA repeats (TTAGGG) that are coupled to specialized shelterin complex proteins and non-coding RNAs. Telomerase activity in male germ cells ensures that the telomere length is maintained at maximum levels during spermatogenesis, despite telomere shortening due to DNA replication or other genotoxic factors such as environmental pollutants. An emerging body of evidence has associated an exposure to pollutants with male infertility. Although telomeric DNA may be one of the important targets of environmental pollutants, only a few authors have considered it as a conventional parameter for sperm function. The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive and up-to-date data on the research carried out so far on the structure/function of telomeres in spermatogenesis and the influence of environmental pollutants on their functionality. The link between pollutant-induced oxidative stress and telomere length in germ cells is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Brian Dale
- Centro Fecondazione Assistita (CFA-Italia), 80127 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Role of Resveratrol in Human Male Fertility. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092495. [PMID: 33923359 PMCID: PMC8123193 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) (3,4′,5 trihydroxystilbene) is a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol widely present in the Mediterranean diet. In particular, RSV is found in grapes, peanuts, berries, and red wine. Many beneficial effects of this molecule on human health have been reported. In fact, it improves some clinical aspects of various diseases, such as obesity, tumors, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about the relationship between this compound and male fertility and the few available results are often controversial. Therefore, this review evaluated the effects of RSV on human male fertility and the mechanisms through which this polyphenol could act on human spermatozoa.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pizzol D, Foresta C, Garolla A, Demurtas J, Trott M, Bertoldo A, Smith L. Pollutants and sperm quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:4095-4103. [PMID: 33196997 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility and semen quality have declined over recent decades. Among other causes, exposure to environmental and occupational pollution has been linked to adverse reproductive outcomes, but effects on male semen quality are still uncertain. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess current evidence regarding the impact of exposure to tobacco smoke and environmental and occupational pollution on sperm quality in humans. In the meta-analysis, 22 studies are included showing that environmental and occupational pollutants may affect sperm count, volume, concentration, motility, vitality and sperm DNA, and chromatin integrity. All included articles reported significant alterations in at least one of the outcomes studied in association with at least one of the pollutants studied. Considering that sperm quality can be considered a proxy for general health and that pollutants have a dramatic impact on climate change, it would be strongly recommended to better understand the role of pollutants on human, animal, and planetary health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Pizzol
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, 33 Street, Amarat, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Demurtas
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mike Trott
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mohammad I. Gold nanoparticle: An efficient carrier for MCP I of Carica papaya seeds extract as an innovative male contraceptive in albino rats. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
5
|
Alamo A, Condorelli RA, Mongioì LM, Cannarella R, Giacone F, Calabrese V, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Environment and Male Fertility: Effects of Benzo-α-Pyrene and Resveratrol on Human Sperm Function In Vitro. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040561. [PMID: 31027257 PMCID: PMC6518055 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle, cigarette smoking and environmental pollution have a negative impact on male fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro effects of benzo-α-pyrene (BaP) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists on motility and bio-functional sperm parameters. We further assessed whether resveratrol (RES), an AHR antagonist and antioxidant molecule, had any protective effect. To accomplish this, 30 normozoospermic, healthy, non-smoker men not exposed to BaP were enrolled. Spermatozoa of 15 men were incubated with increasing concentrations of BaP to evaluate its effect and to establish its dose response. Then, spermatozoa of the 15 other men were incubated with BaP (15 µM/mL), chosen according to the dose-response and/or RES to evaluate its antagonistic effects. The effects of both substances were evaluated after 3 h of incubation on total and progressive sperm motility and on the following bio-functional sperm parameters evaluated by flow cytometry: Degree of chromatin compactness, viability, phosphatidylserine externalization (PS), late apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA fragmentation, degree of lipoperoxidation (LP), and concentrations of mitochondrial superoxide anion. Benzo-α-pyrene decreased total and progressive sperm motility, impaired chromatin compactness, and increased sperm lipoperoxidation and mitochondrial superoxide anion levels. All these effects were statistically significant at the lowest concentration tested (15 µM/mL) and they were confirmed at the concentration of 45 µM/mL. In turn, RES was able to counteract the detrimental effects of BaP on sperm motility, abnormal chromatin compactness, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial superoxide. This study showed that BaP alters sperm motility and bio-functional sperm parameters and that RES exerts a protective effect on BaP-induced sperm damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Alamo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Laura M Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Filippo Giacone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- CoHEAR, Research Center for Smoking Damage Reduction, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- CoHEAR, Research Center for Smoking Damage Reduction, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mesdaghinia E, Mohammad-Ebrahimi B, Foroozanfard F, Banafshe HR. The effect of vitamin E and aspirin on the uterine artery blood flow in women with recurrent abortion: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.10.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
|
7
|
Golshan Iranpour F, Fazelian K, Dashti GR. Thymoquinone as a natural spermostatic substance in reproductive medicine: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.10.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
|
8
|
Barbonetti A, Castellini C, Di Giammarco N, Santilli G, Francavilla S, Francavilla F. In vitro exposure of human spermatozoa to bisphenol A induces pro-oxidative/apoptotic mitochondrial dysfunction. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 66:61-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
9
|
Bonanno O, Romeo G, Asero P, Pezzino FM, Castiglione R, Burrello N, Sidoti G, Frajese GV, Vicari E, D'Agata R. Sperm of patients with severe asthenozoospermia show biochemical, molecular and genomic alterations. Reproduction 2016; 152:695-704. [PMID: 27651518 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The multifactorial pathological condition, that is, severe low sperm motility is a frequent cause of infertility. However, mechanisms underlying the development of this condition are not completely understood. Single abnormalities have been reported in sperm of patients with asthenozoospermia. In this study, we characterized, in 22 normozoospermic men and in 37 patients with asthenozoospermia, biochemical, molecular and genomic abnormalities that frequently occur in sperm of patients with asthenozoospermia. We evaluated a panel of sperm biomarkers that may affect the motility and fertilizing ability of sperm of patients with severe asthenozoospermia. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is involved in the pathogenesis of such sperm abnormalities, we determined the association between ROS production and sperm abnormalities. High percentage of patients with severe asthenozoospermia showed increased basal and stimulated ROS production. Moreover, these patients showed increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number but decreased mtDNA integrity and they were associated with elevated ROS levels. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential was also significantly decreased and again associated with high ROS production in these patients. However, the rate of nuclear DNA fragmentation was increased only in less than one-fifth of these patients. An important cohort of these patients showed multiple identical biochemical, molecular and genomic abnormalities, which are typical manifestations of oxidative stress. The most frequent association was found in patients with high ROS levels, increased mtDNA copy number and decreased integrity, and low MMP. A smaller cohort of the aforementioned patients also showed nDNA fragmentation. Therefore, patients with asthezoospermia likely present reduced fertilizing potential because of such composed abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Bonanno
- Section of EndocrinologyAndrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences
| | - Giulietta Romeo
- Section of Clinic Pathology and Molecular OncologyDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Asero
- Section of EndocrinologyAndrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences
| | - Franca Maria Pezzino
- Section of Clinic Pathology and Molecular OncologyDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Castiglione
- Section of EndocrinologyAndrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences
| | - Nunziatina Burrello
- Section of EndocrinologyAndrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences
| | - Giuseppe Sidoti
- Division of Internal MedicineGaribaldi Hospital Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Enzo Vicari
- Section of EndocrinologyAndrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences
| | - Rosario D'Agata
- Section of EndocrinologyAndrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Analysis of the effects of polyphenols on human spermatozoa reveals unexpected impacts on mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress and DNA integrity; implications for assisted reproductive technology. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 121:78-96. [PMID: 27659810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The need to protect human spermatozoa from oxidative stress during assisted reproductive technology, has prompted a detailed analysis of the impacts of phenolic compounds on the functional integrity of these cells. Investigation of 16 individual compounds revealed a surprising variety of negative effects including: (i) a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) via mechanisms that were not related to opening of the permeability transition pore but associated with a reduction in thiol expression, (ii) a decline in intracellular reduced glutathione, (iii) the stimulation of pro-oxidant activity including the induction of ROS generation from mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial sources, (iv) stimulation of lipid peroxidation, (v) the generation of oxidative DNA damage, and (vi) impaired sperm motility. For most of the polyphenolic compounds examined, the loss of motility was gradual and highly correlated with the induction of lipid peroxidation (r=0.889). The exception was gossypol, which induced a rapid loss of motility due to its inherent alkylating activity; one consequence of which was a marked reduction in carboxymethyl lysine expression on the sperm tail; a post-translational modification that is known to play a key role in the regulation of sperm movement. The only polyphenols that did not appear to have adverse effects on spermatozoa were resveratrol, genistein and THP at doses below 100μM. These compounds could, therefore, have some therapeutic potential in a clinical setting.
Collapse
|
11
|
Role of disulfide linkage in action of bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl)disulfides as potent double-Edged microbicidal spermicide: Design, synthesis and biology. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 115:275-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
12
|
Purdey MS, Connaughton HS, Whiting S, Schartner EP, Monro TM, Thompson JG, Aitken RJ, Abell AD. Boronate probes for the detection of hydrogen peroxide release from human spermatozoa. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 81:69-76. [PMID: 25640728 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatozoa are compromised by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and detection of ROS in spermatozoa is important for the diagnosis of male infertility. The probes 2',7'-dichlorohydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH), dihydroethidium (DHE), and MitoSOX red (MSR) are commonly used for detecting ROS by flow cytometry; however, these probes lack sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is particularly damaging to mammalian sperm cells. This study reports the synthesis and use of three aryl boronate probes, peroxyfluor-1 (PF1), carboxyperoxyfluor-1, and a novel probe, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethoxyperoxyfluor-1 (EEPF1), in human spermatozoa. PF1 and EEPF1 were effective at detecting H2O2 and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) produced by spermatozoa when stimulated with menadione or 4-hydroxynonenal. EEPF1 was more effective at detection of ROS in spermatozoa than DCFH, DHE, or MSR; furthermore it distinguished poorly motile sperm as shown by greater ROS production. EEPF1 should therefore have a significant role in the diagnosis of oxidative stress in male infertility, cryopreservation, age, lifestyle, and exposure to environmental toxicants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm S Purdey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing, and School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Haley S Connaughton
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Sara Whiting
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Erik P Schartner
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing, and School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Tanya M Monro
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing, and School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The Robinson Research Institute, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Andrew D Abell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing, and School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taylor U, Barchanski A, Petersen S, Kues WA, Baulain U, Gamrad L, Sajti L, Barcikowski S, Rath D. Gold nanoparticles interfere with sperm functionality by membrane adsorption without penetration. Nanotoxicology 2013; 8 Suppl 1:118-27. [DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2013.859321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Taylor
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany,
| | - Annette Barchanski
- Nanotechnology Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hannover, Germany,
| | - Svea Petersen
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany, and
| | | | - Ulrich Baulain
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany,
| | - Lisa Gamrad
- Technical Chemistry I and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laszlo Sajti
- Nanotechnology Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hannover, Germany,
| | - Stephan Barcikowski
- Technical Chemistry I and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Detlef Rath
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Aitken RJ, Smith TB, Lord T, Kuczera L, Koppers AJ, Naumovski N, Connaughton H, Baker MA, De Iuliis GN. On methods for the detection of reactive oxygen species generation by human spermatozoa: analysis of the cellular responses to catechol oestrogen, lipid aldehyde, menadione and arachidonic acid. Andrology 2013; 1:192-205. [PMID: 23316012 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2012.00056.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is known to have a major impact on human sperm function and, as a result, there is a need to develop sensitive methods for measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by these cells. A variety of techniques have been developed for this purpose including chemiluminescence (luminol and lucigenin), flow cytometry (MitoSOX Red, dihydroethidium, 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) and spectrophotometry (nitroblue tetrazolium). The relative sensitivity of these assays and their comparative ability to detect ROS generated in different subcellular compartments of human spermatozoa, have not previously been investigated. To address this issue, we have compared the performance of these assays when ROS generation was triggered with a variety of reagents including 2-hydroxyestradiol, menadione, 4-hydroxynonenal and arachidonic acid. The results revealed that menadione predominantly induced release of ROS into the extracellular space where these metabolites could be readily detected by luminol-peroxidase and, to a lesser extent, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein. However, such sensitivity to extracellular ROS meant that these assays were particularly vulnerable to interference by leucocytes. The remaining reagents predominantly elicited ROS generation by the sperm mitochondria and could be optimally detected by MitoSOX Red and DHE. Examination of spontaneous ROS generation by defective human spermatozoa revealed that MitoSOX Red was the most effective indicator of oxidative stress, thereby emphasizing the general importance of mitochondrial dysregulation in the aetiology of defective sperm function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Aitken
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, Mitchell LA, Lambourne SR, Connaughton HS, De Iuliis GN. Sperm Motility Is Lost In Vitro as a Consequence of Mitochondrial Free Radical Production and the Generation of Electrophilic Aldehydes but Can Be Significantly Rescued by the Presence of Nucleophilic Thiols1. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:110. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.102020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
|
16
|
Tröger J, Moutty MC, Skroblin P, Klussmann E. A-kinase anchoring proteins as potential drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:420-33. [PMID: 22122509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01796.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) crucially contribute to the spatial and temporal control of cellular signalling. They directly interact with a variety of protein binding partners and cellular constituents, thereby directing pools of signalling components to defined locales. In particular, AKAPs mediate compartmentalization of cAMP signalling. Alterations in AKAP expression and their interactions are associated with or cause diseases including chronic heart failure, various cancers and disorders of the immune system such as HIV. A number of cellular dysfunctions result from mutations of specific AKAPs. The link between malfunctions of single AKAP complexes and a disease makes AKAPs and their interactions interesting targets for the development of novel drugs. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Novel cAMP Signalling Paradigms. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tröger
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin-Buch (MDC), Berlin, Germany Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aitken RJ, Whiting S, De Iuliis GN, McClymont S, Mitchell LA, Baker MA. Electrophilic aldehydes generated by sperm metabolism activate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis by targeting succinate dehydrogenase. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:33048-60. [PMID: 22851170 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.366690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major cause of defective sperm function in cases of male infertility. Such stress is known to be associated with high levels of superoxide production by the sperm mitochondria; however, the causes of this aberrant activity are unknown. Here we show that electrophilic aldehydes such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) and acrolein, generated as a result of lipid peroxidation, target the mitochondria of human spermatozoa and stimulate mitochondrial superoxide generation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The activation of mitochondrial electron leakage by 4HNE is shown to involve the disruption of succinate dehydrogenase activity and subsequent activation of an intrinsic apoptotic cascade beginning with a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and terminating in oxidative DNA adduct formation, DNA strand breakage, and cell death. A tight correlation between spontaneous mitochondrial superoxide generation and 4HNE content (R(2) = 0.89) in untreated populations of human spermatozoa emphasized the pathophysiological significance of these findings. The latter also provide a biochemical explanation for the self-perpetuating nature of oxidative stress in the male germ line, with the products of lipid peroxidation stimulating free radical generation by the sperm mitochondria in a positive feedback loop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Gibb Z, Baker MA. The Simmet Lecture: New Horizons on an Old Landscape - Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage and Apoptosis in the Male Germ Line. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:7-14. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02049.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
19
|
Florez M, Díaz ES, Brito I, González J, Morales P. N,N'-Dithiobisphthalimide, a disulfide aromatic compound, is a potent spermicide agent in humans. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2011; 57:309-17. [PMID: 21942567 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2011.613977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that users of vaginal preparations containing nonoxynol-9 (N-9) are at a high risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Therefore, there is a great interest in identifying compounds that can specifically inhibit sperm without damaging the vaginal lining, possess a powerful spermicide activity, and can be used in contraceptive vaginal preparations to replace N-9. In this work, we studied the spermostatic and/or spermicidal activity of five non-detergent, disulfide compounds on human sperm, HeLa cells, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The motility and viability of human sperm in semen and culture medium was evaluated after treatment with different concentrations of the disulfide compounds (2.5 - 100 µM). In addition, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells and L. acidophilus. We identified compound 101, N,N'-dithiobisphthalimide (No. CAS 7764-30-9), as the most effective molecule. It has a half maximal effective concentration (EC(50)) of 8 µM and a minimum effective concentration (defined as the concentration that immobilizes 100 percent of the sperm in 20 sec) of 24 µM. At these concentrations, compound 101 does not affect the viability of the sperm, HeLa cells, or L. acidophilus. Our results indicate that dithiobisphthalimide has a potent spermostatic, irreversible effect with no toxic effects on HeLa cells and L. acidophilus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Florez
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ainsworth CJ, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. The electrophoretic separation of spermatozoa: an analysis of genotype, surface carbohydrate composition and potential for capacitation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e422-34. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
21
|
Aitken RJ, Carey AJ, Beagley KW. Dual purpose contraceptives: targeting fertility and sexually transmitted disease. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 88:228-32. [PMID: 21247637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There have been no radically new forms of contraception since the pill was introduced 1960 and even this form of fertility regulation can be traced back to endocrine advances that were made in the 1920s. Whatever new forms of fertility control we introduce for the future, they should exploit the significant advances that have been made in our understanding of the reproductive system in recent years and be tailored to the needs of the 21st century. In this context, there is an urgent need to develop novel, safe, effective, dual-purpose contraceptive agents that combine the prevention of pregnancy with protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To achieve this aim we have researched a class of a topical contraceptive agent that selectively and instantaneously immobilizes millions of spermatozoa, while suppressing the infectivity of pathogenic microbes, such as Chlamydia, in the ejaculate. This approach is based upon the ability of small molecular mass organic compounds to selectively and covalently adduct key proteins in spermatozoa and pathogenic organisms and disrupt their biological function. We have also successfully developed strategies for the preparation of latent formulations that would only become activated on contact with seminal plasma. The further development and refinement of these molecules should permit a radical rethink in the way that safe, effective topical protection is provided to control both fertility and the world-wide spread of STDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Aitken
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sipinen V, Laubenthal J, Baumgartner A, Cemeli E, Linschooten JO, Godschalk RWL, Van Schooten FJ, Anderson D, Brunborg G. In vitro evaluation of baseline and induced DNA damage in human sperm exposed to benzo[a]pyrene or its metabolite benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide, using the comet assay. Mutagenesis 2010; 25:417-25. [PMID: 20488941 PMCID: PMC2893308 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geq024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to genotoxins may compromise DNA integrity in male reproductive cells, putting future progeny at risk for developmental defects and diseases. To study the usefulness of sperm DNA damage as a biomarker for genotoxic exposure, we have investigated cellular and molecular changes induced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in human sperm in vitro, and results have been compared for smokers and non-smokers. Sperm DNA obtained from five smokers was indeed more fragmented than sperm of six non-smokers (mean % Tail DNA 26.5 and 48.8, respectively), as assessed by the alkaline comet assay (P < 0.05). B[a]P-related DNA adducts were detected at increased levels in smokers as determined by immunostaining. Direct exposure of mature sperm cells to B[a]P (10 or 25 μM) caused moderate increases in DNA fragmentation which was independent of addition of human liver S9 mix for enzymatic activation of B[a]P, suggesting some unknown metabolism of B[a]P in ejaculates. In vitro exposure of samples to various doses of B[a]P (with or without S9) did not reveal any significant differences in sensitivity to DNA fragmentation between smokers and non-smokers. Incubations with the proximate metabolite benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8-dihydrodiol-t9,10-epoxide (BPDE) produced DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner (20 or 50 μM), but only when formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase treatment was included in the comet assay. These levels of DNA fragmentation were, however, low in relation to very high amounts of BPDE–DNA adducts as measured with 32P postlabelling. We conclude that sperm DNA damage may be useful as a biomarker of direct exposure of sperm using the comet assay adapted to sperm, and as such the method may be applicable to cohort studies. Although the sensitivity is relatively low, DNA damage induced in earlier stages of spermatogenesis may be detected with higher efficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Sipinen
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jain RK, Jain A, Kumar R, Verma V, Maikhuri JP, Sharma VL, Mitra K, Batra S, Gupta G. Functional attenuation of human sperm by novel, non-surfactant spermicides: precise targeting of membrane physiology without affecting structure. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:1165-76. [PMID: 20176593 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have attempted to identify structural, physiological and other targets on human sperm vulnerable to the spermicidal action of two novel series of non-detergent molecules, reported to irreversibly immobilize human sperm in <30 s, apparently without disrupting plasma membrane. METHODS Three sperm samples were studied. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess structural aberrations of sperm membrane; plasma membrane potential and intracellular pH measurements (fluorometric) were used to detect changes in sperm physiology; reactive oxygen species (ROS, fluorometric) and superoxide dismutase activity (colorimetric) were indicators of oxidative stress; and sperm dynein ATPase activity demonstrated alterations in motor energy potential, in response to spermicide treatment. Post-ejaculation tyrosine phosphorylation of human sperm proteins (immunoblotting) was a marker for functional integrity. RESULTS Disulfide esters of carbothioic acid (DSE compounds) caused complete sperm attenuation at > or =0.002% concentration with hyper-polarization of sperm membrane potential (P < 0.001), intracellular alkalinization (P < 0.01), ROS generation (P < 0.05) and no apparent effect on sperm (n = 150) membrane structure. Isoxazolecarbaldehyde compounds required > or =0.03% for spermicidal action and caused disrupted outer acrosomal membrane structure, depolarization of membrane potential (P < 0.001), intracellular acidification (P < 0.01) and ROS generation (P < 0.01). Detergent [nonoxynol-9 (N-9)] action was sustainable at > or =0.05% and involved complete breakdown of structural and physiological membrane integrity with ROS generation (P < 0.001). All spermicides caused functional attenuation of sperm without inhibiting motor energetics. Unlike N-9, DSE-37 (vaginal dose, 200 microg) completely inhibited pregnancy in rats and vaginal epithelium was unchanged (24 h,10 mg). CONCLUSIONS The study reveals a unique mechanism of action for DSE spermicides. DSE-37 holds promise as a safe vaginal contraceptive. CDRI Communication No. 7545.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Jain
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR), Lucknow 226 001, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mechanisms of protein kinase A anchoring. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 283:235-330. [PMID: 20801421 DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(10)83005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is produced by adenylyl cyclases following stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors, exerts its effect mainly through the cAMP-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase A (PKA). Due to the ubiquitous nature of the cAMP/PKA system, PKA signaling pathways underlie strict spatial and temporal control to achieve specificity. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) bind to the regulatory subunit dimer of the tetrameric PKA holoenzyme and thereby target PKA to defined cellular compartments in the vicinity of its substrates. AKAPs promote the termination of cAMP signals by recruiting phosphodiesterases and protein phosphatases, and the integration of signaling pathways by binding additional signaling proteins. AKAPs are a heterogeneous family of proteins that only display similarity within their PKA-binding domains, amphipathic helixes docking into a hydrophobic groove formed by the PKA regulatory subunit dimer. This review summarizes the current state of information on compartmentalized cAMP/PKA signaling with a major focus on structural aspects, evolution, diversity, and (patho)physiological functions of AKAPs and intends to outline newly emerging directions of the field, such as the elucidation of AKAP mutations and alterations of AKAP expression in human diseases, and the validation of AKAP-dependent protein-protein interactions as new drug targets. In addition, alternative PKA anchoring mechanisms employed by noncanonical AKAPs and PKA catalytic subunit-interacting proteins are illustrated.
Collapse
|