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Marino M, D’Auria R, Mele E, Pastorino GMG, Di Pietro P, D’Angelo S, Della Rocca N, Operto FF, Vecchione C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Viggiano A, Meccariello R, Santoro A. The interplay between kisspeptin and endocannabinoid systems modulates male hypothalamic and gonadic control of reproduction in vivo. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269334. [PMID: 37900144 PMCID: PMC10602894 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Male reproduction is under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the kisspeptin system (KS) are two major signaling systems in the central and peripheral control of reproduction, but their possible interaction has been poorly investigated in mammals. This manuscript analyzes their possible reciprocal modulation in the control of the HPG axis. Materials and methods Adolescent male rats were treated with kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) and endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), the latter alone or in combination with the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A). The hypothalamic KS system and GnRH expression, circulating sex steroids and kisspeptin (Kiss1) levels, and intratesticular KS and ECS were evaluated by immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Non-coding RNAs (i.e., miR145-5p, miR-132-3p, let7a-5p, let7b-5p) were also considered. Results Circulating hormonal values were not significantly affected by Kp10 or AEA; in the hypothalamus, Kp10 significantly increased GnRH mRNA and aromatase Cyp19, Kiss1, and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R) proteins. By contrast, AEA treatment affected the hypothalamic KS at the protein levels, with opposite effects on the ligand and receptor, and SR141716A was capable of attenuating the AEA effects. Among the considered non-coding RNA, only the expression of miR145-5p was positively affected by AEA but not by Kp10 treatment. Localization of Kiss1+/Kiss1R+ neurons in the arcuate nucleus revealed an increase of Kiss1R-expressing neurons in Kp10- and AEA-treated animals associated with enlargement of the lateral ventricles in Kp10-treated animals. In the brain and testis, the selected non-coding RNA was differently modulated by Kp10 or AEA. Lastly, in the testis, AEA treatment affected the KS at the protein levels, whereas Kp10 affected the intragonadal levels of CB1 and FAAH, the main modulator of the AEA tone. Changes in pubertal transition-related miRNAs and the intratesticular distribution of Kiss1, Kiss1R, CB1, and CB2 following KP and AEA treatment corroborate the KS-ECS crosstalk also showing that the CB1 receptor is involved in this interplay. Conclusion For the first time in mammals, we report the modulation of the KS in both the hypothalamus and testis by AEA and revealed the KP-dependent modulation of CB1 and FAAH in the testis. KP involvement in the progression of spermatogenesis is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Elena Mele
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa (U.O.C.) Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Giovanni di Dio Ruggi d’Aragona, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Vecchione
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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Chang JH, Chou CH, Wu JC, Liao KM, Luo WJ, Hsu WL, Chen XR, Yu SL, Pan SH, Yang PC, Su KY. LCRMP-1 is required for spermatogenesis and stabilises spermatid F-actin organization via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Commun Biol 2023; 6:389. [PMID: 37037996 PMCID: PMC10086033 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-form collapsin response mediator protein-1 (LCRMP-1) belongs to the CRMP family which comprises brain-enriched proteins responsible for axon guidance. However, its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here we find that LCRMP-1 is abundantly expressed in the testis. To characterize its physiological function, we generate LCRMP-1-deficient mice (Lcrmp-1-/-). These mice exhibit aberrant spermiation with apoptotic spermatids, oligospermia, and accumulation of immature testicular cells, contributing to reduced fertility. In the seminiferous epithelial cycle, LCRMP-1 expression pattern varies in a stage-dependent manner. LCRMP-1 is highly expressed in spermatids during spermatogenesis and especially localized to the spermiation machinery during spermiation. Mechanistically, LCRMP-1 deficiency causes disorganized F-actin due to unbalanced signaling of F-actin dynamics through upregulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. In conclusion, LCRMP-1 maintains spermatogenesis homeostasis by modulating cytoskeleton remodeling for spermatozoa release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Chou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ching Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Mao Liao
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jia Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Hsu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xuan-Ren Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Liang Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Hua Pan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program of Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pan-Chyr Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yi Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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3
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Manfrevola F, Potenza N, Chioccarelli T, Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Porreca V, Scialla A, Mele VG, Petito G, Russo A, Lanni A, Senese R, Ricci G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R, Cobellis G. Actin remodeling driven by circLIMA1: sperm cell as an intriguing cellular model. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5136-5153. [PMID: 35982890 PMCID: PMC9379403 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNA cargo in spermatozoa (SPZ) participates in setting cell quality, in terms of morphology and motility. Cannabinoid receptor CB1 activity is correlated with a proper spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. Despite CB1 promotes endogenous skill to circularize mRNAs in SPZ, few notions are reported regarding the functional link between endocannabinoids and spermatic circRNA cargo. In CB1 knock-out male mice, we performed a complete dataset of spermatic circRNA content by microarray strategy. Differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs, as a function of genotype, were identified. Within DE-circRNAs, we focused the attention on circLIMA1, as putative actin-cytoskeleton architecture regulator. The validation of circLIMA1 dependent-competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network (ceRNET) in in vitro cell line confirmed its activity in the regulation of the cytoskeletal actin. Interestingly, a dynamic actin regulation in SPZ nuclei was found during their epididymal maturation. In this scenario, we showed for the first time an intriguing sperm nuclear actin remodeling, regulated via a ceRNET-independent pathway, consisting in the nuclear shuttling of circLIMA1-QKI interactome and downstream in Gelsolin regulation. In particular, the increased levels of circLIMA1 in CB1 knock-out SPZ, associated with an inefficient depolymerization of nuclear actin, specifically illustrate how endocannabinoids, by regulating circRNA cargo, may contribute to sperm morpho-cellular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Scialla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonia Lanni
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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4
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Chioccarelli T, Falco G, Cappetta D, De Angelis A, Roberto L, Addeo M, Ragusa M, Barbagallo D, Berrino L, Purrello M, Ambrosino C, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. FUS driven circCNOT6L biogenesis in mouse and human spermatozoa supports zygote development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:50. [PMID: 34936029 PMCID: PMC8739325 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) biogenesis requires a backsplicing reaction, promoted by inverted repeats in cis-flanking sequences and trans factors, such as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Among these, FUS plays a key role. During spermatogenesis and sperm maturation along the epididymis such a molecular mechanism has been poorly explored. With this in mind, we chose circCNOT6L as a study case and wild-type (WT) as well as cannabinoid receptor type-1 knock-out (Cb1−/−) male mice as animal models to analyze backsplicing mechanisms. Our results suggest that spermatozoa (SPZ) have an endogenous skill to circularize mRNAs, choosing FUS as modulator of backsplicing and under CB1 stimulation. A physical interaction between FUS and CNOT6L as well as a cooperation among FUS, RNA Polymerase II (RNApol2) and Quaking (QKI) take place in SPZ. Finally, to gain insight into FUS involvement in circCNOT6L biogenesis, FUS expression was reduced through RNA interference approach. Paternal transmission of FUS and CNOT6L to oocytes during fertilization was then assessed by using murine unfertilized oocytes (NF), one-cell zygotes (F) and murine oocytes undergoing parthenogenetic activation (PA) to exclude a maternal contribution. The role of circCNOT6L as an active regulator of zygote transition toward the 2-cell-like state was suggested using the Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) system. Intriguingly, human SPZ exactly mirror murine SPZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Geppino Falco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Roberto
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Martina Addeo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università del Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
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5
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Sayed TS, Balasinor NH, Nishi K. Diverse role of endocannabinoid system in mammalian male reproduction. Life Sci 2021; 286:120035. [PMID: 34637799 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known for its modulatory role in numerous physiological processes in the body. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous lipid molecules which function both centrally and peripherally. The ECS is best studied in the central nervous system (CNS), immune system as well as in the metabolic system. The role of ECS in male reproductive system is emerging and the presence of a complete enzymatic machinery to synthesize and metabolize eCBs has been demonstrated in male reproductive tract. Endocannabinoid concentrations and alterations in their levels have been reported to affect the functioning of spermatozoa. A dysfunctional ECS has also been linked to the development of prostate cancer, the leading cause of cancer related mortality among male population. This review is an attempt to provide an insight into the significant role of endocannabinoids in male reproduction and further summarize recent findings that demonstrate the manner in which the endocannabinoid system impacts male sexual behavior and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahseen S Sayed
- Department of Biotechnology, R.D. and S.H. National College and S.W.A Science College, Mumbai 400050, India
| | - Nafisa H Balasinor
- Neuroendocrinology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
| | - Kumari Nishi
- Neuroendocrinology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
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6
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Ben Maamar M, Nilsson EE, Skinner MK. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance, gametogenesis and germline development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:570-592. [PMID: 33929020 PMCID: PMC8444706 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important developing cell types in any biological system is the gamete (sperm and egg). The transmission of phenotypes and optimally adapted physiology to subsequent generations is in large part controlled by gametogenesis. In contrast to genetics, the environment actively regulates epigenetics to impact the physiology and phenotype of cellular and biological systems. The integration of epigenetics and genetics is critical for all developmental biology systems at the cellular and organism level. The current review is focused on the role of epigenetics during gametogenesis for both the spermatogenesis system in the male and oogenesis system in the female. The developmental stages from the initial primordial germ cell through gametogenesis to the mature sperm and egg are presented. How environmental factors can influence the epigenetics of gametogenesis to impact the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic and physiological change in subsequent generations is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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7
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Bornman MS, Aneck-Hahn NH. EDCs and male urogenital cancers. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:521-553. [PMID: 34452696 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Male sex determination and sexual differentiation occur between 6-12 weeks of gestation. During the "male programming window" the fetal testes start to produce testosterone that initiates the development of the male reproductive tract. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) able to mimic or disrupt steroid hormone actions may disrupt testicular development and adversely impact reproductive health at birth, during puberty and adulthood. The testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) occurs as a result inhibition of androgen action on fetal development preceding Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunction and may result from direct or epigenetic effects. Hypospadias, cryptorchidism and poor semen quality are elements of TDS, which may be considered a risk factor for testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). Exposure to estrogen or estrogenic EDCs results in developmental estrogenization/estrogen imprinting in the rodent for prostate cancer (PCa). This can disrupt prostate histology by disorganization of the epithelium, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, in particular high-grade PIN (HGPIN) lesions which are precursors of prostatic adenocarcinoma. These defects persist throughout the lifespan of the animal and later in life estrogen exposure predispose development of cancer. Exposure of pregnant dams to vinclozolin, a competitive anti-androgen, and results in prominent, focal regions of inflammation in all exposed animals. The inflammation closely resembles human nonbacterial prostatitis that occurs in young men and evidence indicates that inflammation plays a central role in the development of PCa. In conclusion, in utero exposure to endocrine disrupters may predispose to the development of TDS, testicular cancer (TCa) and PCa and are illustrations of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD).
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Bornman
- Environmental Chemical Pollution and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - N H Aneck-Hahn
- Environmental Chemical Pollution and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Environmental Chemical Pollution and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Urology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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8
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Bhardwaj JK, Paliwal A, Saraf P. Effects of heavy metals on reproduction owing to infertility. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22823. [PMID: 34051019 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive performance of most of the species is adversely affected by hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, zinc, and copper. Heavy metals are liberated in the environment by natural sources like rock weathering, volcanic eruption, and other human activities like industrial discharge, mineral mining, automobile exhaust, and so forth. Heavy metals alter several reproductive functions in both males and females like a decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, spermatogenesis, hormonal imbalance, follicular atresia, and delay in oocyte maturation, and so forth, and thus, forms an important aspect of reproductive toxicology. The present review compiles toxicity aspects of various heavy metals and their efficacy and mechanism of action in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender K Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Aakansha Paliwal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Priyanka Saraf
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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Environmental Factors-Induced Oxidative Stress: Hormonal and Molecular Pathway Disruptions in Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060837. [PMID: 34073826 PMCID: PMC8225220 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypogonadism is an endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate serum testosterone production by the Leydig cells of the testis. It is triggered by alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common disorder in men that involves an alteration in erectile response–organic, relational, or psychological. The incidence of hypogonadism and ED is common in men aged over 40 years. Hypogonadism (including late-onset hypogonadism) and ED may be linked to several environmental factors-induced oxidative stresses. The factors mainly include exposure to pesticides, radiation, air pollution, heavy metals and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These environmental risk factors may induce oxidative stress and lead to hormonal dysfunctions. To better understand the subject, the study used many keywords, including “hypogonadism”, “late-onset hypogonadism”, “testosterone”, “erectile dysfunction”, “reactive oxygen species”, “oxidative stress”, and “environmental pollution” in major online databases, such as SCOPUS and PUBMED to extract relevant scientific information. Based on these parameters, this review summarizes a comprehensive insight into the important environmental issues that may have a direct or indirect association with hypogonadism and ED in men. The study concludes that environmental factors-induced oxidative stress may cause infertility in men. The hypothesis and outcomes were reviewed critically, and the mechanistic approaches are applied through oxidant-sensitive pathways. This study also provides reccomendations on future therapeutic interventions and protective measures against such adverse environmental factors-induced hypogonadism and ED.
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Manfrevola F, Guillou F, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. LINCking the Nuclear Envelope to Sperm Architecture. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050658. [PMID: 33925685 PMCID: PMC8145172 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear architecture undergoes an extensive remodeling during spermatogenesis, especially at levels of spermatocytes (SPC) and spermatids (SPT). Interestingly, typical events of spermiogenesis, such as nuclear elongation, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum formation, need a functional cooperation between proteins of the nuclear envelope and acroplaxome/manchette structures. In addition, nuclear envelope plays a key role in chromosome distribution. In this scenario, special attention has been focused on the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, a nuclear envelope-bridge structure involved in the connection of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, governing mechanotransduction. It includes two integral proteins: KASH- and SUN-domain proteins, on the outer (ONM) and inner (INM) nuclear membrane, respectively. The LINC complex is involved in several functions fundamental to the correct development of sperm cells such as head formation and head to tail connection, and, therefore, it seems to be important in determining male fertility. This review provides a global overview of the main LINC complex components, with a special attention to their subcellular localization in sperm cells, their roles in the regulation of sperm morphological maturation, and, lastly, LINC complex alterations associated to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Florian Guillou
- PRC, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Characterization of Estrogenic Activity and Site-Specific Accumulation of Bisphenol-A in Epididymal Fat Pad: Interfering Effects on the Endocannabinoid System and Temporal Progression of Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052540. [PMID: 33802611 PMCID: PMC7961766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work has been to characterize the estrogenic activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating germ cell progression. Male offspring exposed to BPA during the foetal-perinatal period at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level were used to investigate the exposure effects in adulthood. Results showed that BPA accumulates specifically in epididymal fat rather than in abdominal fat and targets testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 aromatase, thus promoting sustained increase of estrogens and a decrease of testosterone. The exposure to BPA affects the expression levels of some ECS components, namely type-1 (CB1) and type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptor and monoacylglycerol-lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, it affects the temporal progression of germ cells reported to be responsive to ECS and promotes epithelial germ cell exfoliation. In particular, it increases the germ cell content (i.e., spermatogonia while reducing spermatocytes and spermatids), accelerates progression of spermatocytes and spermatids, promotes epithelial detachment of round and condensed spermatids and interferes with expression of cell–cell junction genes (i.e., zonula occcludens protein-1, vimentin and β-catenin). Altogether, our study provides evidence that early exposure to BPA produces in adulthood sustained and site-specific BPA accumulation in epididymal fat, becoming a risk factor for the reproductive endocrine pathways associated to ECS.
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12
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The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
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Gundewar T, Kuchakulla M, Ramasamy R. A paradoxical decline in semen parameters in men treated with clomiphene citrate: A systematic review. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13848. [PMID: 33108678 DOI: 10.1111/and.13848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clomiphene, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, has been utilised in managing male sub-fertility since 1967. Numerous controlled and uncontrolled studies have been published regarding the efficacy of clomiphene citrate in male sub-fertility cohorts. Although the primary intention of treating men with clomiphene citrate is to improve sperm parameters and testosterone levels, some studies have reported paradoxical decline in semen parameters. The information available on decline in sperm parameters following treatment with clomiphene is sparse. We conducted a systemic review using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases for original studies reporting adverse effects of clomiphene citrate therapy on sperm parameters. This systematic review includes 384 men from 11 different studies that reported adverse effects of clomiphene citrate therapy. Of the men included in these studies, 19%, 21%, 17% and 24% of clomiphene-treated men demonstrated a decrease in sperm count, concentration, motility and total motile sperm count respectively. In up to 17% of patients, deterioration of semen parameters did not recover following discontinuation of therapy. In the future, more studies should report on this aspect so the magnitude of this effect can be more clearly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas Gundewar
- Department of Reproductive Medicine & Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chennai, India
| | - Manish Kuchakulla
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Barut O, Seyithanoglu M, Kucukdurmaz F, Demir BT, Olmez C, Dogan NT, Resim S. Relationship between the G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor and spermatogenesis, and its correlation with male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13779. [PMID: 32776559 DOI: 10.1111/and.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of serum G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) levels and their correlation with semen parameters in men with infertility. The participants were divided into two groups as follows: 76 fertile control men (Group 1) and 77 infertile men (Group 2). Semen analysis, hormonal evaluation, serum GPER level and scrotal ultrasound of the participants were evaluated. Follicle-stimulating hormone and total testosterone levels were not significantly different between the groups (p = .413 and p = .535 respectively). The oestradiol level in Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 2 (p < .001). The serum GPER level was found to be significantly higher in Group 1 than that of Group 2 (p < .001). GPER levels were positively correlated with the total sperm count, sperm concentration, motility and morphology in Group 2 (r = 0.303, 0.345, 0.260 and 0.322, respectively, p < .001). In this study, GPER levels were positively correlated with sperm parameters, and it was hypothesised that the decrease in GPER expression might be associated with male infertility by adversely affecting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Barut
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Seyithanoglu
- Department of Clinic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Faruk Kucukdurmaz
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Sanko University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Bekir Turkay Demir
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Caner Olmez
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Temiz Dogan
- Department of Medical Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Sefa Resim
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
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15
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Nassan FL, Arvizu M, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Attaman J, Petrozza J, Hauser R, Chavarro J. Marijuana smoking and markers of testicular function among men from a fertility centre. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:715-723. [PMID: 30726923 PMCID: PMC6443114 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is marijuana smoking associated with semen quality, sperm DNA integrity or serum concentrations of reproductive hormones among subfertile men? SUMMARY ANSWER Men who had ever smoked marijuana had higher sperm concentration and count and lower serum FSH concentrations than men who had never smoked marijuana; no differences were observed between current and past marijuana smokers. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies of marijuana abuse in humans and animal models of exposure to marijuana suggest that marijuana smoking adversely impacts spermatogenesis. Data is less clear for moderate consumption levels and multiple studies have found higher serum testosterone concentrations among marijuana consumers. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This longitudinal study included 662 subfertile men enroled at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center between 2000 and 2017. The men provided a total of 1143 semen samples; 317 men also provided blood samples in which we measured reproductive hormones. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Use of marijuana and other drugs was self-reported at baseline. Standard protocols were followed for measuring semen quality, sex hormones and DNA integrity. We used linear mixed effect models with a random intercept to evaluate the associations of self-reported marijuana smoking at enrolment with semen parameters from subsequently collected samples, and linear regression models for sperm DNA integrity and serum reproductive hormones, while adjusting for confounders including smoking and cocaine use. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Men who had ever smoked marijuana (N = 365) had significantly higher sperm concentration (62.7 (95% confidence interval: 56.0, 70.3) million/mL) than men who had never smoked marijuana (N = 297) (45.4 (38.6, 53.3) million/mL) after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.0003). There were no significant differences in sperm concentration between current (N = 74) (59.5 (47.3, 74.8) million/mL) and past marijuana smokers (N = 291) (63.5 (56.1, 72.0) million/mL; P = 0.60). A similar pattern was observed for total sperm count. Furthermore, the adjusted prevalence of sperm concentration and total sperm motility below WHO reference values among marijuana smokers was less than half that of never marijuana smokers. Marijuana smokers had significantly lower follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations than never marijuana smokers (-16% (-27%, -4%)) and there were no significant differences between current and past marijuana smokers (P = 0.53). Marijuana smoking was not associated with other semen parameters, with markers of sperm DNA integrity or with reproductive hormones other than FSH. Chance findings cannot be excluded due to the multiple comparisons. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our results may not be generalisable to men from the general population. Marijuana smoking was self-reported and there may be misclassification of the exposure. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings are not consistent with a deleterious effect of marijuana on testicular function. Whether these findings are reflective of the previously described role of the endocannabinoid system in spermatogenesis or a spurious association requires confirmation in further studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was funded by grants R01ES009718 and P30ES000002 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiby L Nassan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariel Arvizu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jill Attaman
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Petrozza
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jorge Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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The Cannabinoid Receptor CB1 Stabilizes Sperm Chromatin Condensation Status During Epididymal Transit by Promoting Disulphide Bond Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093117. [PMID: 32354121 PMCID: PMC7247701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor CB1 regulates differentiation of spermatids. We recently characterized spermatozoa from caput epididymis of CB1-knock-out mice and identified a considerable number of sperm cells with chromatin abnormality such as elevated histone content and poorly condensed chromatin. In this paper, we extended our findings and studied the role of CB1 in the epididymal phase of chromatin condensation of spermatozoa by analysis of spermatozoa from caput and cauda epididymis of wild-type and CB1-knock-out mouse in both a homozygous or heterozygous condition. Furthermore, we studied the impact of CB1-gene deletion on histone displacement mechanism by taking into account the hyperacetylation of histone H4 and players of displacement such as Chromodomain Y Like protein (CDYL) and Bromodomain testis-specific protein (BRDT). Our results show that CB1, via local and/or endocrine cell-to-cell signaling, modulates chromatin remodeling mechanisms that orchestrate a nuclear condensation extent of mature spermatozoa. We show that CB1-gene deletion affects the epididymal phase of chromatin condensation by interfering with inter-/intra-protamine disulphide bridges formation, and deranges the efficiency of histone removal by reducing the hyper-acetylation of histone H4. This effect is independent by gene expression of Cdyl and Brdt mRNA. Our results reveal a novel and important role for CB1 in sperm chromatin condensation mechanisms.
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17
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Ivanski F, de Oliveira VM, de Oliveira IM, de Araújo Ramos AT, de Oliveira Tonete ST, de Oliveira Hykavei G, Bargi-Souza P, Schiessel DL, Martino-Andrade AJ, Romano MA, Marino Romano R. Prepubertal acrylamide exposure causes dose-response decreases in spermatic production and functionality with modulation of genes involved in the spermatogenesis in rats. Toxicology 2020; 436:152428. [PMID: 32151602 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increase in human infertility prevalence due to male reproductive disorders has been associated with extensive endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure. Acrylamide (AA) is a compound formed spontaneously during heat processing of some foods that are mainly consumed by children and adolescents. In this study, we evaluated the prepubertal AA exposure effects on male adult reproductive physiology using a prepubertal experimental model to analyze the pubertal development, spermatogenesis hormones levels and genes expression involved in male reproductive function. This study is the first one to use the validated protocol to correlate the AA exposure with puberty development, as well as the AA-induced endocrine disrupting effects on reproductive axis. AA did not affect the age at puberty, the reproductive organ's weight and serum hormonal levels. AA reduces spermatogenesis, induces morphological and functional defects on sperm and alters transcript expression of sexual hormone receptors (Ar and Esr2), the transcript expression of Tnf, Egr2, Rhcg and Lrrc34. These findings suggest that excessive AA consumption may impair their reproductive capacity at adulthood, despite no changes in hormonal profile being observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Ivanski
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Viviane Matoso de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Isabela Medeiros de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Anderson Tadeu de Araújo Ramos
- Department of Physiology, Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, 81531-980,PO Box 19031, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Selma Thaisa de Oliveira Tonete
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel de Oliveira Hykavei
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Paula Bargi-Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Dalton Luiz Schiessel
- Department of Nutrition, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Anderson Joel Martino-Andrade
- Department of Physiology, Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, 81531-980,PO Box 19031, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
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Chioccarelli T, Pierantoni R, Manfrevola F, Porreca V, Fasano S, Chianese R, Cobellis G. Histone Post-Translational Modifications and CircRNAs in Mouse and Human Spermatozoa: Potential Epigenetic Marks to Assess Human Sperm Quality. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030640. [PMID: 32121034 PMCID: PMC7141194 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa (SPZ) are motile cells, characterized by a cargo of epigenetic information including histone post-translational modifications (histone PTMs) and non-coding RNAs. Specific histone PTMs are present in developing germ cells, with a key role in spermatogenic events such as self-renewal and commitment of spermatogonia (SPG), meiotic recombination, nuclear condensation in spermatids (SPT). Nuclear condensation is related to chromatin remodeling events and requires a massive histone-to-protamine exchange. After this event a small percentage of chromatin is condensed by histones and SPZ contain nucleoprotamines and a small fraction of nucleohistone chromatin carrying a landascape of histone PTMs. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a new class of non-coding RNAs, characterized by a nonlinear back-spliced junction, able to play as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, protein scaffolds and translation templates, have been recently characterized in both human and mouse SPZ. Since their abundance in eukaryote tissues, it is challenging to deepen their biological function, especially in the field of reproduction. Here we review the critical role of histone PTMs in male germ cells and the profile of circRNAs in mouse and human SPZ. Furthermore, we discuss their suggested role as novel epigenetic biomarkers to assess sperm quality and improve artificial insemination procedure.
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Errico S, Chioccarelli T, Moggio M, Diano N, Cobellis G. A New LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous and Quantitative Detection of Bisphenol-A and Steroids in Target Tissues: A Power Tool to Characterize the Interference of Bisphenol-A Exposure on Steroid Levels. Molecules 2019; 25:molecules25010048. [PMID: 31877782 PMCID: PMC6983012 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, may affect in situ steroidogenesis and alter steroids levels. The present work proposes a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to simultaneously quantify BPA, 17β-Estradiol and testosterone in two target tissues: testis and visceral fat mass. Analytes were isolated and lipophilic impurities removed by two serial steps: liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction. All compounds were separated in a single gradient run by Kinetex F5 column and detected via multiple reaction monitoring using a triple quadrupole with a TurboIon electrospray source in both negative and positive modes. The method is selective and very sensitive. In the investigated concentration range, the linearity of the detector response is verified in both tissues. The use of specific SPE cartridges for affinity chromatography purification allows obtaining high percentages of process efficiency (68.0-83.3% for testicular tissue; 63.7-70.7% for visceral fat mass). Good repeatability and reproducibility was observed. The validated method can be efficiently applied for direct biological monitoring in testis and visceral fat mass from mice exposed to BPA. The quantification of compounds in a single assay could be achieved without a loss of sensitivity.
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20
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FSH and estradiol benzoate administration recover spermatogenesis and sexual hormone levels in a busulfan-injured rat model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-019-03029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Campos PD, Oliveira IM, Sena de Souza J, Da Conceição RR, Giannocco G, Chiamolera MI, Silva MRDD, Romano MA, Romano RM. Maternal bisphenol A exposure disrupts spermatogenesis in adult rat offspring. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:163-175. [PMID: 30755151 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1572557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that is widely used in the manufacturing of plastics and inner linings of food cans. Previously, it was reported that BPA disturbed the sexual dimorphic nucleus of the hypothalamus and delaying the onset of puberty attributed to an estrogenic action. In addition, BPA during the perinatal period increased LH serum concentrations in male offspring of dams at doses below the reproductive NOAEL (No Observable Adverse Effect Level) based upon World Health Organization guidelines. Based upon these findings, the objective of this study was to (1) determine the effects of perinatal treatment with low doses of BPA on regulation of spermatogenesis in adult offspring and (2) elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of gonadal dysfunction. The expression of genes related to spermatogenesis was disrupted with adverse consequences on sperm production, reserves, and function. Both BPA treated groups exhibited reduction in sperm production and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules, accompanied by diminished integrity of the acrosome and plasma membrane, decreased mitochondrial activity and increased incidence of morphological abnormalities. The sperm transit time was also slower. However, only in the group receiving the higher BPA dose was transcript expression of genes affected (reduced Ar and increased Esr1). It is of interest that serum testosterone levels were elevated in the same group where Ar was decreased. Data suggest that exposure to low BPA doses during hypothalamic sexual differentiation period produces permanent deleterious effects on spermatogenesis in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia De Campos
- a Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Parana , Brazil
| | - Isabela M Oliveira
- a Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Parana , Brazil
| | - Janaina Sena de Souza
- b Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues Da Conceição
- b Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Gisele Giannocco
- b Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Maria I Chiamolera
- b Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Magnus R Dias-Da Silva
- b Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Marco A Romano
- a Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Parana , Brazil
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- a Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Parana , Brazil
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Forner-Piquer I, Mylonas CC, Fakriadis I, Papadaki M, Piscitelli F, Di Marzo V, Calduch-Giner J, Pérez-Sánchez J, Carnevali O. Effects of diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) on the endocannabinoid and reproductive systems of male gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) during the spawning season. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:727-741. [PMID: 30600365 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a plasticizer used to improve plastic performance in a large variety of items which has been reported as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) in several organisms. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cellular signaling system, whose functionality is tightly involved with reproductive function. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the effects of DiNP on the gonadal ECS and on the reproductive function of male gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, an important marine aquacultured species in Europe, during the reproductive season. Fish were fed for 21 days with two diets contaminated with different nominal concentrations of DiNP (DiNP LOW at 15 µg DiNP kg-1 bw day-1 and DiNP HIGH at 1500 µg DiNP kg-1 bw day-1), based on the tolerable daily intake (TDI) ruled by the European Food Safety Authority for humans. The transcription of several genes related to the ECS was affected by the DiNP. Specifically, DiNP reduced the levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like mediators, concomitant with the increase of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. At the histological level, DiNP LOW induced the highest occurrence of individuals with regressed testes. Steroidogenesis was affected significantly, since plasma 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), the main active androgen in fish, was significantly decreased by the DiNP HIGH treatment, while plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) levels were raised, associated with an increase of the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Additionally, the level of testosterone (T) was significantly increased in the DiNP LOW group, however, the same DiNP concentration reduced the levels of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-P). The production of sperm was in general not affected, since spermiation index, sperm density, survival and the duration of forward motility did not exhibit any changes compared to controls. However, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) showed that DiNP reduced the percentage of motile cells. The results clearly suggest a negative effect of DiNP via the diet on the male endocrine system of gilthead sea bream during the reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Constantinos C Mylonas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Fakriadis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Papadaki
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Josep Calduch-Giner
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - Jaume Pérez-Sánchez
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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Chianese R, Coccurello R, Viggiano A, Scafuro M, Fiore M, Coppola G, Operto FF, Fasano S, Laye S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Impact of Dietary Fats on Brain Functions. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1059-1085. [PMID: 29046155 PMCID: PMC6120115 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171017102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate dietary intake and nutritional status have important effects on brain functions and on brain health. Energy intake and specific nutrients excess or deficiency from diet differently affect cognitive processes, emotions, behaviour, neuroendocrine functions and synaptic plasticity with possible protective or detrimental effects on neuronal physiology. Lipids, in particular, play structural and functional roles in neurons. Here the importance of dietary fats and the need to understand the brain mechanisms activated by peripheral and central metabolic sensors. Thus, the manipulation of lifestyle factors such as dietary interventions may represent a successful therapeutic approach to maintain and preserve brain health along lifespan. METHODS This review aims at summarizing the impact of dietary fats on brain functions. RESULTS Starting from fat consumption, nutrient sensing and food-related reward, the impact of gut-brain communications will be discussed in brain health and disease. A specific focus will be on the impact of fats on the molecular pathways within the hypothalamus involved in the control of reproduction via the expression and the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone. Lastly, the effects of specific lipid classes such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and of the "fattest" of all diets, commonly known as "ketogenic diets", on brain functions will also be discussed. CONCLUSION Despite the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms is still a work in progress, the clinical relevance of the manipulation of dietary fats is well acknowledged and such manipulations are in fact currently in use for the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,UO Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical School, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sophie Laye
- INRA, Bordeaux University, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR, Bordeaux, France
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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24
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Migliaccio M, Ricci G, Suglia A, Manfrevola F, Mackie K, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chioccarelli T, Cobellis G. Analysis of Endocannabinoid System in Rat Testis During the First Spermatogenetic Wave. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:269. [PMID: 29896156 PMCID: PMC5986923 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators, enzymatically synthesized and hydrolyzed, that bind cannabinoid receptors. Together with their receptors and metabolic enzymes, they form the "endocannabinoid system" (ECS). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the main endocannabinoids studied in testis. In this study, using the first wave of spermatogenesis as an in vivo model to verify the progressive appearance of germ cells in seminiferous tubules [i.e., spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids], we analyzed the expression of the main enzymes and receptors of ECS in rat testis. In particular, the expression profile of the main enzymes metabolizing AEA and 2-AG as well as the expression of cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, and specific markers of mitotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic germ cell appearance or activities have been analyzed by RT-PCR and appropriately correlated. Our aim was to envisage a relationship between expression of ECS components and temporal profile of germ cell appearance or activity as well as among ECS components. Results show that expression of ECS components is related to germ cell progression. In particular, CB2 and 2-AG appear to be related to mitotic/meiotic stages, while CB1 and AEA appear to be related to spermatogonia stem cells activity and spermatids appearance, respectively. Our data also suggest that a functional interaction among ECS components occurs in the testis. Indeed, in vitro-incubated testis show that AEA-CB2 activity affects negatively monoacylglycerol-lipase levels via upregulation of CB1 suggesting a CB1/CB2-mediated relationship between AEA and 2-AG. Finally, we provide the first evidence that CB1 is present in fetal gonocytes, during mitotic arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratorio di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Suglia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gilda Cobellis,
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25
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Cavallin MD, Wilk R, Oliveira IM, Cardoso NCS, Khalil NM, Oliveira CA, Romano MA, Romano RM. The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and the testicular function are modulated after silver nanoparticle exposure. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2018; 7:102-116. [PMID: 30090567 PMCID: PMC6060733 DOI: 10.1039/c7tx00236j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industrial and medical applications and humans may be exposed through different routes, increasing the risk of toxicity. We investigated the transcript expression of genes involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis and the parameters associated with sperm functionality after prepubertal exposure. AgNPs modulated the transcript expression of genes involved in the control of the HPT axis and spermatogenesis in the groups treated with lower doses, while the functional parameters related to sperm and puberty were affected in the groups administered higher doses. These results suggest that the HPT axis is disrupted by AgNPs during the prepubertal and pubertal periods, which are highly susceptible windows for the endocrine-disrupting chemical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Cavallin
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - R Wilk
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - I M Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - N C S Cardoso
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - N M Khalil
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil
| | - C A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Hormonal Dosages , Department of Animal Reproduction , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Sao Paulo , Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva , 87 , 05508-270 , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - M A Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - R M Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
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26
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27
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Zanatta AP, Brouard V, Gautier C, Goncalves R, Bouraïma-Lelong H, Mena Barreto Silva FR, Delalande C. Interactions between oestrogen and 1α,25(OH) 2-vitamin D 3 signalling and their roles in spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions. Basic Clin Androl 2017; 27:10. [PMID: 28491323 PMCID: PMC5421336 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-017-0053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oestrogens and 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25-D3) are steroids that can provide effects by binding to their receptors localised in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus or the plasma membrane respectively inducing genomic and non-genomic effects. As confirmed notably by invalidation of the genes, coding for their receptors as tested with mice with in vivo and in vitro treatments, oestrogens and 1,25-D3 are regulators of spermatogenesis. Moreover, some functions of ejaculated spermatozoa as viability, DNA integrity, motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fertilizing ability are targets for these hormones. The studies conducted on their mechanisms of action, even though not completely elicited, have allowed the demonstration of putative interactions between their signalling pathways that are worth examining more closely. The present review focuses on the elements regulated by oestrogens and 1,25-D3 in the testis and spermatozoa as well as the interactions between the signalling pathways of both hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Zanatta
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France.,Biochemistry Department, Laboratory of Hormones & Signal Transduction, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brouard
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Camille Gautier
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Renata Goncalves
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France.,Biochemistry Department, Laboratory of Hormones & Signal Transduction, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | - Christelle Delalande
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France.,Laboratoire Œstrogènes, Reproduction, Cancer (OeReCa), EA 2608 USC INRA1377, Université de Caen Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, CS 14032, 14032 CAEN cedex 5, France
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28
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Ogawa E, Kawate N, Inaba T, Tamada H. Testicular gene expression of steroidogenesis-related factors in prepubertal, postpubertal, and aging dogs. Theriogenology 2017; 90:42-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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29
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30
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El-Magd MA, Kahilo KA, Nasr NE, Kamal T, Shukry M, Saleh AA. A potential mechanism associated with lead-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. El-Magd
- Anatomy Department; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - K. A. Kahilo
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - N. E. Nasr
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - T. Kamal
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - M. Shukry
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - A. A. Saleh
- Department of Animal Wealth Development; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Zagazig University; Zagazig Egypt
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31
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Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Effects of Neuroendocrine CB1 Activity on Adult Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:47. [PMID: 27375550 PMCID: PMC4891325 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids control male reproduction acting at central and local level via cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor CB1 has been characterized in the testis, in somatic and germ cells of mammalian and non-mammalian animal models, and its activity related to Leydig cell differentiation, steroidogenesis, spermiogenesis, sperm quality, and maturation. In this short review, we provide a summary of the insights concerning neuroendocrine CB1 activity in male reproduction focusing on adult Leydig cell ontogenesis and steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
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32
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Ham S, Brown KA, Simpson ER, Meachem SJ. Immunolocalisation of aromatase regulators liver kinase B1, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase and cAMP response element-binding protein-regulated transcription co-activators in the human testis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 29:RD15390. [PMID: 26946412 DOI: 10.1071/rd15390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although oestrogens are essential for spermatogenesis and their biosynthesis is dependent on aromatase expression, the molecular mechanism of aromatase regulation is poorly understood. Our laboratory has demonstrated that liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a negative regulator of aromatase in the breast by phosphorylating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the cAMP response element-binding protein-regulated transcription co-activator (CRTC) 2. The aim of this study was to determine the location of testis-associated proteins in the LKB1-CRTC pathway. Aromatase, LKB1, phosphorylated AMPK (pAMPK) and CRTC1-3 were examined by selected immunofluorescent antibodies in testis samples from a prepubertal boy and three fertile men. Aromatase, pAMPK and LKB1 proteins were present in the seminiferous epithelium and interstitium of the testis and were expressed in a differential and developmental manner in particular cell types. The expression pattern of LKB1 was similar to that of pAMPK and inversely related to aromatase expression. CRTC1 and CRTC3 were localised in the seminiferous epithelium, whereas CRTC2 was barely detectable in testis. These results lead to the conclusion that LKB1 is involved in the molecular pathway that underpins aromatase regulation in the testis via CRTC1 and CRTC3 and may be important for the oestrogen-mediated development of germ cells.
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33
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Octylphenol induces changes in glycosylation pattern, calcium level and ultrastructure of bank vole spermatozoa in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:529-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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34
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O'Shaughnessy PJ. Hormonal control of germ cell development and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 29:55-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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35
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Bovolin P, Cottone E, Pomatto V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R. Endocannabinoids are Involved in Male Vertebrate Reproduction: Regulatory Mechanisms at Central and Gonadal Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:54. [PMID: 24782832 PMCID: PMC3995072 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are natural lipids regulating a large array of physiological functions and behaviors in vertebrates. The eCB system is highly conserved in evolution and comprises several specific receptors (type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors), their endogenous ligands (e.g., anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and a number of biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. In the last few years, eCBs have been described as critical signals in the control of male and female reproduction at multiple levels: centrally, by targeting hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neurons and pituitary, and locally, with direct effects on the gonads. These functions are supported by the extensive localization of cannabinoid receptors and eCB metabolic enzymes at different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammals, as well as bonyfish and amphibians. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that eCBs centrally regulate gonadal functions by modulating the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-gonadotropin-steroid network through direct and indirect mechanisms. Several proofs of local eCB regulation have been found in the testis and male genital tracts, since eCBs control Sertoli and Leydig cells activity, germ cell progression, as well as the acquisition of sperm functions. A comparative approach usually is a key step in the study of physiological events leading to the building of a general model. Thus, in this review, we summarize the action of eCBs at different levels of the male reproductive axis, with special emphasis, where appropriate, on data from non-mammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bovolin
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Patrizia Bovolin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy e-mail:
| | - Erika Cottone
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pomatto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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36
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Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Modulators of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis for the control of spermatogenesis and sperm quality in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:135. [PMID: 25183961 PMCID: PMC4135230 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere (DiSMEB), Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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37
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Chimento A, Sirianni R, Casaburi I, Pezzi V. Role of estrogen receptors and g protein-coupled estrogen receptor in regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis and spermatogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:1. [PMID: 24474947 PMCID: PMC3893621 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive function is under the control of both gonadotropins and androgens through a negative feedback loop that involves the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis known as hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG). Indeed, estrogens also play an important role in regulating HPG axis but the study on relative contribution to the inhibition of gonadotropins secretion exerted by the amount of estrogens produced within the hypothalamus and/or the pituitary or by the amount of circulating estrogens is still ongoing. Moreover, it is known that the maintenance of spermatogenesis is controlled by gonadotropins and testosterone, the effects of which are modulated by a complex network of locally produced factors, including estrogens. Physiological effects of estrogens are mediated by the classical nuclear estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta, which mediate both genomic and rapid signaling events. In addition, estrogens induce rapid non-genomic responses through a membrane-associated G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Ours and other studies reported that, in the testis, GPER is expressed in both normal germ cells and somatic cells and it is involved in mediating the estrogen action in spermatogenesis controlling proliferative and/or apoptotic events. Interestingly, GPER expression has been revealed also in the hypothalamus and pituitary. However, its role in mediating estrogen rapid actions in this context is under investigation. Recent studies indicate that GPER is involved in modulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release as well as gonadotropins secretion. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge concerning the role of estrogen/estrogen receptors molecular pathways in regulating GnRH, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone release at the hypothalamic and pituitary levels in males as well as in controlling specific testicular functions such as spermatogenesis, focusing our attention mainly on estrogen signaling mediated by GPER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Chimento
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rosa Sirianni
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Ivan Casaburi
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pezzi
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vincenzo Pezzi, Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza 87036, Italy e-mail:
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Cobellis G, Noviello C, Nino F, Romano M, Mariscoli F, Martino A, Parmeggiani P, Papparella A. Spermatogenesis and cryptorchidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:63. [PMID: 24829558 PMCID: PMC4013472 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism represents the most common endocrine disease in boys, with infertility more frequently observed in bilateral forms. It is also known that undescended testes, if untreated, lead to an increased risk of testicular tumors, usually seminomas, arising from mutant germ cells. In normal testes, germ cell development is an active process starting in the first months of life when the neonatal gonocytes transform into adult dark (AD) spermatogonia. These cells are now thought to be the stem cells useful to support spermatogenesis. Several researches suggest that AD spermatogonia form between 3 and 9 months of age. Not all the neonatal gonocytes transform into AD spermatogonia; indeed, the residual gonocytes undergo involution by apoptosis. In the undescended testes, these transformations are inhibited leading to a deficient pool of stem cells for post pubertal spermatogenesis. Early surgical intervention in infancy may allow the normal development of stem cells for spermatogenesis. Moreover, it is very interesting to note that intra-tubular carcinoma in situ in the second and third decades have enzymatic markers similar to neonatal gonocytes suggesting that these cells fail transformation into AD spermatogonia and likely generate testicular cancer (TC) in cryptorchid men. Orchidopexy between 6 and 12 months of age is recommended to maximize the future fertility potential and decrease the TC risk in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cobellis
- Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Cobellis, Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Corridoni, Ancona 11, Italy e-mail:
| | - Carmine Noviello
- Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabiano Nino
- Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Romano
- Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Mariscoli
- Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ascanio Martino
- Paediatric Surgery, Salesi Children’s Hospital, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pio Parmeggiani
- Paediatric Surgery, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Papparella
- Paediatric Surgery, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Intra-testicular signals regulate germ cell progression and production of qualitatively mature spermatozoa in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:69. [PMID: 24847312 PMCID: PMC4021137 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a highly conserved process in vertebrates, is mainly under the hypothalamic-pituitary control, being regulated by the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, in response to stimulation exerted by gonadotropin releasing hormone from hypothalamic neurons. At testicular level, gonadotropins bind specific receptors located on the somatic cells regulating the production of steroids and factors necessary to ensure a correct spermatogenesis. Indeed, besides the endocrine route, a complex network of cell-to-cell communications regulates germ cell progression, and a combination of endocrine and intra-gonadal signals sustains the production of high quality mature spermatozoa. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the area of the intra-gonadal signals supporting sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, Naples 80138, Italy e-mail:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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Chimento A, Sirianni R, Casaburi I, Pezzi V. GPER Signaling in Spermatogenesis and Testicular Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:30. [PMID: 24639669 PMCID: PMC3944538 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens play important roles in the regulation of testis development and spermatogenesis. Moreover, several evidences suggest that estrogen signaling can be involved in testicular tumorigenesis. The physiological effects of estrogen are mediated by the classical nuclear estrogen receptors ESR1 and 2, which regulate both genomic and rapid signaling events. In the recent years, a member of the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor family, GPR30 (GPER), has been identified to promote estrogen action in target cells including testicular cells. Ours and other studies reported that GPER is expressed in normal germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids), somatic cells (Sertoli and Leydig cells), and it is also involved in mediating estrogen action during spermatogenesis and testis development. In addition, GPER seems to be involved in modulating estrogen-dependent testicular cancer cell growth. However, in this context, the effects of GPER stimulation on cell survival and proliferation appear to be cell type specific. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functions regulated by estrogens and mediated by GPER in normal and tumor testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Chimento
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rosa Sirianni
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Ivan Casaburi
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pezzi
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vincenzo Pezzi, Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza 87036, Italy e-mail:
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