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Pleuger C, Silva EJR, Pilatz A, Bhushan S, Meinhardt A. Differential Immune Response to Infection and Acute Inflammation Along the Epididymis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:599594. [PMID: 33329594 PMCID: PMC7729520 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is a tubular structure connecting the vas deferens to the testis. This organ consists of three main regions—caput, corpus, and cauda—that face opposing immunological tasks. A means of combating invading pathogens is required in the distally located cauda, where there is a risk of ascending bacterial infections originating from the urethra. Meanwhile, immune tolerance is necessary at the caput, where spermatozoa with immunogenic neo-antigens originate from the testis. Consistently, when challenged with live bacteria or inflammatory stimuli, the cauda elicits a much stronger immune response and inflammatory-inflicted damage than the caput. At the cellular level, a role for diverse and strategically positioned mononuclear phagocytes is emerging. At the mechanistic level, differential expression of immunoprotective and immunomodulatory mediators has been detected between the three main regions of the epididymis. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about region-specific immunological characteristics and unveil possible underlying mechanisms on cellular and molecular levels. Improved understanding of the different immunological microenvironments is the basis for an improved therapy and counseling of patients with epididymal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Erick José Ramo Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Klein B, Pant S, Bhushan S, Kautz J, Rudat C, Kispert A, Pilatz A, Wijayarathna R, Middendorff R, Loveland KL, Hedger MP, Meinhardt A. Dexamethasone improves therapeutic outcomes in a preclinical bacterial epididymitis mouse model. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1195-1205. [PMID: 31211847 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can dexamethasone improve infertility-related cauda epididymidal tissue damage caused by bacterial epididymitis? SUMMARY ANSWER Dexamethasone in addition to anti-microbial treatment effectively reduces long-term deleterious epididymal tissue damage by dampening the host's adaptive immune response. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite effective anti-microbial treatment, ~40% of patients with epididymitis experience subsequent sub- or infertility. An epididymitis mouse model has shown that the host immune response is mainly responsible for the magnitude of epididymal tissue damage that is fundamentally causative of the subsequent fertility issues. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Bacterial epididymitis was induced in male mice by using uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). From Day 3 after infection onwards, mice were treated with daily doses of levofloxacin (20 mg/kg, total n = 12 mice), dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, total n = 9) or both in combination (total n = 11) for seven consecutive days. Control animals were left untreated, i.e. given no interventional treatment following UPEC infection (total n = 11). Half of the animals from each group were killed either at 10 or 31 days post-infection. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A mouse model of induced bacterial epididymitis was applied to adult male C57BL/6J mice. At the respective endpoints (10 or 31 days post-infection), epididymides were collected. Effectiveness of antibiotic treatment was assessed by plating of epididymal homogenates onto lysogeny broth agar plates. Overall tissue morphology and the degree and nature of tissue damage were assessed histologically. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess local cytokine transcript levels. Blood was drawn and serum analysed for systemic IgG and IgM levels by ELISA. In addition, correlation analyses of clinical data and serum-analyses of IgG and IgM levels in patients with epididymitis were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The addition of dexamethasone to the standard anti-microbial treatment did not further worsen epididymal tissue integrity. In fact, an obviously dampened immune response and reduced tissue reaction/damage was observed at both 10 and 31 days post-infection following combined treatment. More specifically, epididymal duct continuity was preserved, enabling sperm transit. In contrast, in untreated or antibiotic-treated animals, damage of the epididymal duct and duct constrictions were observed, associated with a lack of cauda spermatozoa. In line with the bacteriostatic/bactericidal effect of levofloxacin (alone as well as in combination), local cytokine transcript levels were significantly and similarly reduced in animals treated with levofloxacin alone (P < 0.01) or in combination with dexamethasone (P < 0.05) compared to UPEC-infected untreated animals. Interestingly, the addition of dexamethasone to the anti-microbial treatment induced a unique dampening effect on adaptive immunity, since systemic IgG and IgM levels as well as the pan-T cell marker CD3 were reduced at both 10 and 31 days post-infection. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Breeding studies to address the fertility-protecting effect of the combined treatment were not possible in the experimental animals because the vas deferens was ligated (model specific). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Whereas innate immunity is necessary and involved in acute bacterial clearance, adaptive immunity seems to be responsible for long-term, subclinical immunological activities that may negatively affect the pathogenesis of bacterial epididymitis even after effective bacterial eradication. These effects can be reduced in mice by the additional treatment with dexamethasone. This immunological characteristic of bacterial epididymitis shows similarities to the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction known from other types of bacterial infection. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Monash University and the Medical Faculty of Justus-Liebig University to the International Research Training Group on 'Molecular pathogenesis of male reproductive disorders' (GRK 1871). R.W., K.L.L. and M.P.H. were supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (ID1079646, ID1081987, ID1020269 and ID1063843) and by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER No clinical trial involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Klein
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Swapnila Pant
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Kautz
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carsten Rudat
- Institute for Molecular Biology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Kispert
- Institute for Molecular Biology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Fijak M, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Nicolas N, Bhushan S, Michel V, Tung KSK, Schuppe HC, Meinhardt A. Infectious, inflammatory and 'autoimmune' male factor infertility: how do rodent models inform clinical practice? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:416-441. [PMID: 29648649 PMCID: PMC6016649 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract are significant causes of male factor infertility. Ascending infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary tract pathogens represent the most frequent aetiology of epididymo-orchitis, but viral, haematogenous dissemination is also a contributory factor. Limitations in adequate diagnosis and therapy reflect an obvious need for further understanding of human epididymal and testicular immunopathologies and their contribution to infertility. A major obstacle for advancing our knowledge is the limited access to suitable tissue samples. Similarly, the key events in the inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies affecting human male fertility are poorly amenable to close examination. Moreover, the disease processes generally have occurred long before the patient attends the clinic for fertility assessment. In this regard, data obtained from experimental animal models and respective comparative analyses have shown promise to overcome these restrictions in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This narrative review will focus on male fertility disturbances caused by infection and inflammation, and the usefulness of the most frequently applied animal models to study these conditions. SEARCH METHODS An extensive search in Medline database was performed without restrictions until January 2018 using the following search terms: 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'testis' and/or 'epididymis', 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'male genital tract', 'male infertility', 'orchitis', 'epididymitis', 'experimental autoimmune' and 'orchitis' or 'epididymitis' or 'epididymo-orchitis', antisperm antibodies', 'vasectomy'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional publications independently by each author. Selected articles were verified by each two separate authors and discrepancies discussed within the team. OUTCOMES There is clear evidence that models mimicking testicular and/or epididymal inflammation and infection have been instructive in a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this regard, rodent models of acute bacterial epididymitis best reflect the clinical situation in terms of mimicking the infection pathway, pathogens selected and the damage, such as fibrotic transformation, observed. Similarly, animal models of acute testicular and epididymal inflammation using lipopolysaccharides show impairment of reproduction, endocrine function and histological tissue architecture, also seen in men. Autoimmune responses can be studied in models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and vasectomy. In particular, the early stages of EAO development showing inflammatory responses in the form of peritubular lymphocytic infiltrates, thickening of the lamina propria of affected tubules, production of autoantibodies against testicular antigens or secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, replicate observations in testicular sperm extraction samples of patients with 'mixed atrophy' of spermatogenesis. Vasectomy, in the form of sperm antibodies and chronic inflammation, can also be studied in animal models, providing valuable insights into the human response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This is the first comprehensive review of rodent models of both infectious and autoimmune disease of testis/epididymis, and their clinical implications, i.e. their importance in understanding male infertility related to infectious and non-infectious/autoimmune disease of the reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kenneth S K Tung
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Ryan L, Daly P, Cullen I, Doyle M. Epididymo-orchitis caused by enteric organisms in men > 35 years old: beyond fluoroquinolones. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 37:1001-1008. [PMID: 29450767 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3212-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Epididymo-orchitis is a common urological condition in men of all ages, causing a unilateral or bilateral swelling of the epididymis and/or testis. It is frequently caused by sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrheae, as well as common enteric organisms implicated in urinary tract infections. Men over 35 years old may develop epididymo-orchitis associated with enteric organisms, often associated with functional bladder outlet problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or urethral stricture disease. Fluoroquinolones, especially ciprofloxacin, have long been the mainstay of treatment for these infections; however, rising resistance to ciprofloxacin in E. coli isolates in Europe and the USA means that there is an unprecedented necessity for alternative antimicrobials with adequate penetration into genital tissues (epididymis and testes) to allow appropriate and comprehensive treatment of epididymo-orchitis in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ryan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland.
| | - Padraig Daly
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Ivor Cullen
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Maeve Doyle
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
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Eskandari M, Jani S, Kazemi M, Zeighami H, Yazdinezhad A, Mazloomi S, Shokri S. Ameliorating Effect of Ginseng on Epididymo-Orchitis Inducing Alterations in Sperm Quality and Spermatogenic Cells Apoptosis following Infection by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Rats. CELL JOURNAL 2016; 18:446-57. [PMID: 27602327 PMCID: PMC5011333 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective Epididymo-orchitis (EO) potentially results in reduced fertility in up to 60%
of affected patients. The anti-inflammatory effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and its
ability to act as an immunoenhancer in parallel with the beneficial effects of this ancient
herbal medicine on the reproductive systems of animals and humans led us to evaluate its
protective effects against acute EO.
Materials and Methods This animal experimental study was conducted in the Department of Anatomical Sciences,
Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences
(ZUMS), Zanjan, Iran during 2013-2015. We divided 50 Wistar rats into five following
groups (n=10 per group): i. Control-intact animals, ii. Vehicle-phosphate buffered saline
(PBS) injection into the vas deferens, iii. KRG-an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of KRG, iv.
EO-an injection of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain M39 into the vas defer-
ens, and v. EO/ KRG-injections of both UPEC strain M39 and KRG. The treatment lasted
seven days. We then evaluated sperm parameters, number of germ cell layers, Johnson’s
criteria, germ cell apoptosis, body weight and relative sex organs weight.
Results Acute EO increased the relative weight of prostate and seminal vesicles (P≤0.05).
It also reduced sperm quality such as total motility, sperm concentration (P≤0.01), and the
percentage of normal sperm (P≤0.001). Moreover, acute EO decreased Miller’s (P≤0.05)
and Johnsen’s scores and increased apoptotic indexes of spermatogenic cells (P≤0.001).
KRG treatment decreased prostate weight gain (P≤0.05) and improved the percentage of
sperm with normal morphology, total motility (P≤0.01), and progressive motility (P≤0.05).
The apoptotic indexes of spermatogenic cells reduced (P≤0.001), whereas both Johnsen’s (P≤0.01) and Miller’s criteria increased in the KRG-treated EO testis (P≤0.05).
Conclusion Consequently, KRG ameliorated the devastating effects of EO on the sperm
retrieved from either epididymis or testicle in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Eskandari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Soghra Jani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kazemi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habib Zeighami
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Alireza Yazdinezhad
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Sahar Mazloomi
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saeed Shokri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Michel V, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Meinhardt A. Epididymitis: revelations at the convergence of clinical and basic sciences. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:756-63. [PMID: 26112484 PMCID: PMC4577585 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute epididymitis represents a common medical condition in the urological outpatient clinic. Mostly, epididymitis is caused by bacterial ascent through the urogenital tract, with pathogens originating either from sexually transmitted diseases or urinary tract infections. Although conservative antimicrobial therapy is possible in the majority of patients and is usually sufficient to eradicate the pathogen, studies have shown persistent oligozoospermia and azoospermia in up to 40% of these patients. Animal models of epididymitis are created to delineate the underlying reasons for this observation and the additional impairment of sperm function that is often associated with the disease. Accumulated data provide evidence of a differential expression of immune cells, immunoregulatory genes and pathogen-sensing molecules along the length of the epididymal duct. The evidence suggests that a tolerogenic environment exists in the caput epididymidis, but that inflammatory responses are most intense toward the cauda epididymidis. This is consistent with the need to provide protection for the neo-antigens of spermatozoa emerging from the testis, without compromising the ability to respond to ascending infections. However, severe inflammatory responses, particularly in the cauda, may lead to collateral damage to the structure and function of the epididymis. Convergence of the clinical observations with appropriate animal studies should lead to better understanding of the immunological environment throughout the epididymis, the parameters underlying susceptibility to epididymitis, and to therapeutic approaches that can mitigate epididymal damage and subsequent fertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35385 Giessen, Germany
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Pilatz A, Ceylan I, Schuppe HC, Ludwig M, Fijak M, Chakraborty T, Weidner W, Bergmann M, Wagenlehner F. Experimental Escherichia coli epididymitis in rats: assessment of testicular involvement in a long-term follow-up. Andrologia 2014; 47:160-7. [PMID: 24528296 DOI: 10.1111/and.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate spermatogenesis and testicular inflammation in a rat model of unilateral Escherichia coli epididymitis in a long-term follow-up. Unilateral epididymitis was induced in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting E. coli into the right ductus deferens. Oral antimicrobial treatment with sparfloxacin (50 mg kg(-1) body weight/7 days) was administered in half of the animals 24 h after infection. Five treated and five untreated rats were killed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after infection. Spermatogenesis was investigated using a histological semi-quantitative score. The presence of inflammatory cells (B- and T lymphocytes, macrophages and granulocytes) in the testicular tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The testes were sterile at all times. Over the course of 6 months, spermatogenesis underwent significant incremental impairment on the inoculated side as compared to the contralateral side (P < 0.001). However, overall spermatogenesis scores were not significantly different between treated and untreated animals (P > 0.3 at each time point). Finally, loss of testicular architecture on the inoculated side was not associated with any cellular inflammatory response. Thus, adjuvant therapies need to be studied, and research is necessary on how to prevent deterioration of testicular function in bacterial epididymitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Cao W, Chen W, Liang X, Zhou J, Wei C, Cui S, Liu J. All-trans-retinoic acid ameliorates the inflammation by inducing transforming growth factor beta 1 and interleukin 10 in mouse epididymitis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 71:312-21. [PMID: 24410928 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Epididymitis, one of the most common urological diseases, can lead to the destruction of the epididymal duct and cause transient or permanent sterility. The aim of this study was to investigate the functions and related mechanisms of all trans retinoic acid (atRA) in alleviating the acute inflammation of epididymitis. METHOD OF STUDY The mouse model of the epididymitis was induced by injecting Escherichia coli into the cauda epididymis. atRA was administrated for five consecutive days through intraperitoneal injection. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot. In addition, cultured primary mouse epididymal epithelial cells were treated with different concentrations of atRA and RAR antagonists to identify whether the effect of atRA was mediated through RAR. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that atRA ameliorates the inflammation in mouse epididymitis by decreasing the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory factors including TGF-β1 and IL-10. Our results show that the upregulating effect of atRA on TGF-β1 was mediated by RARα, and the enhancing effect of atRA on IL-10 expression was mediated via RARβ. CONCLUSION These new results suggest that atRA is involved in regulating the inflammatory response of epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Turner TT, Mammen T, Kavoussi P, Lysiak JJ, Costabile RA. Cytokine Responses to E. coli-induced Epididymitis in the Rat: Blockade by Vasectomy. Urology 2011; 77:1507.e9-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2011.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis. Infect Dis (Lond) 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-04579-7.00054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Montag M, Ven H, Haidl G. Recovery of ejaculated spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection after anti-inflammatory treatment of an azoospermic patient with genital tract infection: a case report. Andrologia 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1999.tb01407.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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12
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Kosan M, Gonulalan U, Ozturk B, Kulacoglu S, Erguder I, Akdemir O, Cetinkaya M. Tissue reactions of suture materials (polyglactine 910, chromed catgut and polydioxanone) on rat bladder wall and their role in bladder stone formation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 36:43-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00240-007-0124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2007] [Accepted: 10/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Fei Z, Chen Z, Wang Z, Fei J. Conditional RNA interference achieved by Oct-1 POU/rtTA fusion protein activator and a modified TRE-mouse U6 promoter. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 354:906-12. [PMID: 17276396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.01.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2006] [Accepted: 01/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful technique and is widely used to down-regulate expression of specific genes in cultured cells and in vivo. In this paper, we report our development of a new tetracycline-inducible RNAi expression using a modified TRE-mouse U6 promoter in which the distal sequence element (DSE) was replaced by the tetracycline-responsive element (TRE). The modified TRE-mouse U6 promoter can be activated by a Tet-on version tetracycline-regulated artificial activator rTetOct which was constructed by fusing the rtTA DNA binding domain with the Oct-1 POU activation domain. This rTetOct/TRE-U6 system was successfully applied to conditionally and reversibly down-regulate the expression of endogenous p53 gene in MCF7 cells, and the expression of beta-defensin gene (mBin1b) either transiently expressed in COS7 cells or stably expressed in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Fei
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Model Organism Research Center, SIBS, CAS, Shanghai, China
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14
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Kaya M, Boleken ME, Zeyrek F, Ozardali I, Kanmaz T, Erel O, Yücesan S. Oxidative and antioxidative status in the testes of rats with acute epididymitis. Urol Int 2006; 76:353-8. [PMID: 16679840 DOI: 10.1159/000092063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2005] [Accepted: 07/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epididymitis is an inflammation or infection of the epididymis, a convoluted duct that lies on the posterior surface of the testicle. Oxidative stress due to excessive production of reactive oxygen species in epididymitis, impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms, or both, precipitates a range of pathologies that are currently believed to negatively affect the male reproductive function. How oxidative stress affects the testes is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the oxidative and antioxidative status of testes of rats with unilateral acute Escherichia coli epididymitis. METHODS The study included 36 male Wistar albino rats which were divided into three groups. In the epididymitis group (n = 12), an E. coli suspension was injected into the right ductus deferens of rats, and the same amount of saline was injected in the saline groups (n = 12). No surgery was performed in the control group (n = 12) for baseline values. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h and the epididymis and testes removed. The infection was confirmed by histopathologic evaluation and microbiological tests. The oxidative status of testes was evaluated by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and antioxidative status was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant response (TAR) and total antioxidant capacity levels (TAC). RESULTS MPO activity in both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes of the epididymitis group was significantly higher than those of the saline and control groups (p < 0.05). The TAR and TAC levels in both testes were also significantly elevated in the epididymitis group versus the two other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Acute epididymitis causes an increase of oxidative stress in the ipsilateral and contralateral testes, but this condition is strived for to tolerate the increase of endogenous antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mete Kaya
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Harran University, School of Medicine, Sanliurfa, Turkey.
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Wang JZY, Nightingale CH, Sweeney KS, Xi NZ, Wang DM. An approach for the evaluation of synergy between antimicrobials. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2003; 21:274-8. [PMID: 12636991 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(02)00348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Synergy can be assessed by a variety of microbiological techniques. Mathematical modelling of synergy data can accomplish similar results and may provide more information than currently available techniques. In this study a combination of 1/4 MIC of aztreonam (AZTR) and 1 MIC of ciprofloxacin (CIPX) showed synergy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in killing curve studies (based on the two log different criteria) at the end of 24 h. However, re-growth was always observed even when bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics were present. The surviving organisms showed a two-fold increase of MIC to CIPX after the studies and this resistance was not reversible. A mathematical model to quantitatively describe this observation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Z Y Wang
- Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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16
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Ludwig M, Johannes S, Bergmann M, Failing K, Schiefer HG, Weidner W. Experimental Escherichia coli epididymitis in rats: a model to assess the outcome of antibiotic treatment. BJU Int 2002; 90:933-8. [PMID: 12460359 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.2002.03029.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of initial antimicrobial therapy with a new highly potent quinolone (sparfloxacin) on the outcome of infection, especially acute and chronic inflammation, in a rat model of unilateral Escherichia coli epididymitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 60 Sprague-Dawley rats, each of which received 0.1 mL of an E. coli (0:6 strain) suspension (106 colony forming units/mL) injected into the right ductus deferens. At 24 h after infection an oral antimicrobial treatment with sparfloxacin was initiated in half of the animals. The rats were killed 14 days, 3 and 6 months after infection, and both epididymes and the prostate gland cultured to re-isolate E. coli. To evaluate the grade of inflammation in both epididymes, histological variables, including acute and chronic inflammation and scar formation, were evaluated and a total inflammatory score, representing the sum of all variables, computed. RESULTS Whereas antimicrobial therapy eradicated the pathogen, in untreated animals the pathogen was detectable for up to 6 months after infection in the infected epididymis and/or the prostate gland, while the contralateral epididymis was sterile. The inflammatory reaction in the infected epididymis was significantly less in treated animals (P < 0.001). Subclinical nonbacterial inflammation was present in the contralateral epididymis. CONCLUSIONS Although adequate antimicrobial treatment eradicated the pathogen and reduced the grade of epididymal damage, inflammation was not avoided. Subclinical inflammation of the contralateral epididymis may contribute to impaired fertility. These results indicate that an inflammatory reaction initiated by bacteria might persist as a nonbacterial process despite early therapy, or by bacteria undetectable by conventional culture techniques, and may compromise male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ludwig
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie and Kinderurologie, Giessen, Germany
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Montag M, van der Ven H, Haidl G. Recovery of ejaculated spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection after anti-inflammatory treatment of an azoospermic patient with genital tract infection: a case report. Andrologia 1999; 31:179-81. [PMID: 10363124 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.1999.00277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper our experiences with anti-inflammatory treatment of an infertile patient with azoospermia and concomitant silent genital infection are reported. The patient was referred to our fertility centre with prediagnosed non-obstructive azoospermia and no spermatozoa were found in the ejaculate on two occasions. The patient showed leukocytospermia and was suspected to be affected by genital infection. Therefore, anti-inflammatory treatment was initiated and 8 weeks later examination of the ejaculate revealed a decreased number of leukocytes and the presence of few but motile spermatozoa. Subsequently, two ICSI cycles were performed with anti-inflammatory therapy in parallel and a sufficient number of spermatozoa could be retrieved for injection. However, in a third cycle without previous treatment, examination of the ejaculate again revealed azoospermia and leukocytospermia. It is concluded that, in cases of azoospermia and chronic genital infection, some patients will benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment prior to and during ICSI treatment. This may allow retrieval of spermatozoa from the ejaculate and thus may avoid the need for a therapeutic testicular biopsy. Using this approach, sufficient spermatozoa in three out of four ICSI cycles could be retrieved and a pregnancy was finally achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Montag
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Bonn, Germany
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Ludwig M, Jantos CA, Wolf S, Bergmann M, Failing K, Schiefer HG, Weidner W. Tissue penetration of sparfloxacin in a rat model of experimental Escherichia coli epididymitis. Infection 1997; 25:178-84. [PMID: 9181388 DOI: 10.1007/bf02113609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The epididymal, testicular, and prostatic tissue penetration of sparfloxacin, a new quinolone, was assessed in a rat model of acute epididymitis. Seventy-two hours after injection of 0.1 ml (10(6) cfu/ml) of an Escherichia coli suspension into the right epididymis via the right ductus deferens, a single oral dose of sparfloxacin 50 mg/kg body weight was administered. One, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after administration the animals were sacrificed and the sparfloxacin concentrations and "areas under the curve" (AUC0-24) in both epididymides, both testes, the prostate gland and in the serum were measured by bioassay. The highest mean AUC0-24 was found in the prostate gland, followed by left epididymis, right epididymis, serum, right testis, and left testis (190, 79, 60, 28, 12, and 9 mg/kg x h, respectively). Though there was no statistically significant difference in the sparfloxacin concentration of both epididymides (p = 0.09), the mean AUC0-24 was significantly higher in the non-infected left epididymis (p < 0.0001). The AUC0-24 and sparfloxacin concentrations of the right infected epididymis were significantly higher than those observed in the serum (p < 0.0001). In both testes, the AUC0-24 and sparfloxacin concentrations were lower than in the serum (p < 0.0001), however, the concentration exceeded the MIC tenfold for approximately 20 h. It is concluded that the pharmacokinetic properties of sparfloxacin (good in vitro activity, high penetration into the prostate gland, testes, infected and non-infected epididymides) make this drug a recommendable choice for the initial treatment of acute epididymitis caused by E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ludwig
- Urologische Klinik, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
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