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Benko F, Urminská D, Ďuračka M, Tvrdá E. Signaling Roleplay between Ion Channels during Mammalian Sperm Capacitation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2519. [PMID: 37760960 PMCID: PMC10525812 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to accomplish their primary goal, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of physiological, biochemical, and functional changes crucial for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Spermatozoa are highly polarized cells, which must swiftly respond to ionic changes on their passage through the female reproductive tract, and which are necessary for male gametes to acquire their functional competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about specific ion channels and transporters located in the mammalian sperm plasma membrane, which are intricately involved in the initiation of changes within the ionic milieu of the sperm cell, leading to variations in the sperm membrane potential, membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg fusion. We also discuss the functionality of selected ion channels in male reproductive health and/or disease since these may become promising targets for clinical management of infertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Dana Urminská
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
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2
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Pinto FM, Odriozola A, Candenas L, Subirán N. The Role of Sperm Membrane Potential and Ion Channels in Regulating Sperm Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6995. [PMID: 37108159 PMCID: PMC10138380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last seventy years, studies on mammalian sperm cells have demonstrated the essential role of capacitation, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction in the acquisition of fertilization ability. These studies revealed the important biochemical and physiological changes that sperm undergo in their travel throughout the female genital tract, including changes in membrane fluidity, the activation of soluble adenylate cyclase, increases in intracellular pH and Ca2+ and the development of motility. Sperm are highly polarized cells, with a resting membrane potential of about -40 mV, which must rapidly adapt to the ionic changes occurring through the sperm membrane. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relationship between variations in the sperm potential membrane, including depolarization and hyperpolarization, and their correlation with changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction, a calcium-dependent exocytosis process. We also review the functionality of different ion channels that are present in spermatozoa in order to understand their association with human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Ainize Odriozola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
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3
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Swain DK, Sharma P, Shah N, Sethi M, Mahajan A, Gupta S, Mishra AK, Yadav S. Introduction to the pathways involved in the activation and regulation of sperm motility: A review of the relevance of ion channels. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:107052. [PMID: 35987804 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To participate in sperm-oocyte fusion, spermatozoa need to be motile. In the testes, spermatozoa are immotile, although these gametes acquire the capacity for motility during the transit through the epididymis. During the period of epididymal transport from the male genital tract to the female genital tract, spermatozoa exhibit various types of motility that are regulated by complex signalling and communication mechanisms. Because motility is very dynamic, it can be affected by small changes in the external or internal environment of spermatozoa within a very short time. This indicates that regulatory membrane proteins, known as sperm ion channels, are involved in the regulation of sperm motility. Research results from studies, where there was use of electrophysiological, pharmacological, molecular and knock-out approaches, indicate ion channels are possibly involved in the regulation of sperm membrane polarisation, intracellular pH, motility, energy homeostasis, membrane integrity, capacitation, hyperactivity, acrosome reaction and fertilisation processes. In this review, there is summarisation of the key functions that ion channels have in the regulation, initiation, maintenance, and modulation of sperm motility. In addition, in this review there is highlighting of novel insights about the pathways of ion channels that are activated in spermatozoa while these gametes are located in the oviduct leading to the fertilisation capacity of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Kumar Swain
- Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Pratishtha Sharma
- Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nadeem Shah
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Manisha Sethi
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Abhishek Mahajan
- Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shashikant Gupta
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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4
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Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073718. [PMID: 35409078 PMCID: PMC8998313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells. However, to date the literature is insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of FAs on human spermatozoan ion channels. Here, we aimed to discern the possible effects of FAs on spermatozoan ion channels and direct guidance for future research. After investigating the effects of FAs on characteristics related to human spermatozoan motility, reproductive pathologies, and the modulation of similar ion channels in other cells by FAs, we extrapolated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) to have the highest potency in modulating sperm ion channels to increase sperm motility. Of the PUFAs, the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids have the greatest effect. We speculate that saturated and monounsaturated FAs will have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity, though the possible effects could be opposite to those of the PUFAs, considering the differences between FA structure and behavior.
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Gmel AI, Burger D, Neuditschko M. A Novel QTL and a Candidate Gene Are Associated with the Progressive Motility of Franches-Montagnes Stallion Spermatozoa after Thaw. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1501. [PMID: 34680896 PMCID: PMC8536120 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of frozen-thawed semen is an important reproduction tool to preserve the biodiversity of small, native horse breeds such as the Franches-Montagnes (FM). However, not all stallions produce cryotolerant semen with a progressive motility after thaw ≥ 35%. To improve our understanding of the genetic background of male fertility traits in both fresh and frozen-thawed semen, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gel-free volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility in fresh and frozen-thawed semen from 109 FM stallions using 335,494 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified one significant (p < 1.69 × 10-7) quantitative trait locus (QTL) on ECA6 within the SCN8A gene for progressive motility after thaw, which was previously associated with progressive motility in boars. Homozygous stallions showed a substantial drop in progressive motility after thaw. This QTL could be used to identify cryointolerant stallions, avoiding the costly cryopreservation process. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this QTL is also present in other horse breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annik Imogen Gmel
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland;
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Bern, Les Longs Prés, 1580 Avenches, Switzerland;
| | - Markus Neuditschko
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland;
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6
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Nowicka-Bauer K, Szymczak-Cendlak M. Structure and Function of Ion Channels Regulating Sperm Motility-An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063259. [PMID: 33806823 PMCID: PMC8004680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is linked to the activation of signaling pathways that trigger movement. These pathways are mainly dependent on Ca2+, which acts as a secondary messenger. The maintenance of adequate Ca2+ concentrations is possible thanks to proper concentrations of other ions, such as K+ and Na+, among others, that modulate plasma membrane potential and the intracellular pH. Like in every cell, ion homeostasis in spermatozoa is ensured by a vast spectrum of ion channels supported by the work of ion pumps and transporters. To achieve success in fertilization, sperm ion channels have to be sensitive to various external and internal factors. This sensitivity is provided by specific channel structures. In addition, novel sperm-specific channels or isoforms have been found with compositions that increase the chance of fertilization. Notably, the most significant sperm ion channel is the cation channel of sperm (CatSper), which is a sperm-specific Ca2+ channel required for the hyperactivation of sperm motility. The role of other ion channels in the spermatozoa, such as voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), Ca2+-activated Cl-channels (CaCCs), SLO K+ channels or voltage-gated H+ channels (VGHCs), is to ensure the activation and modulation of CatSper. As the activation of sperm motility differs among metazoa, different ion channels may participate; however, knowledge regarding these channels is still scarce. In the present review, the roles and structures of the most important known ion channels are described in regard to regulation of sperm motility in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Nowicka-Bauer
- Department of Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Monika Szymczak-Cendlak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
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Brown SG, Publicover SJ, Barratt CLR, Martins da Silva SJ. Human sperm ion channel (dys)function: implications for fertilization. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:758-776. [PMID: 31665287 PMCID: PMC6847974 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive research on sperm ion channels has identified members of several ion channel families in both mouse and human sperm. Gene knock-out studies have unequivocally demonstrated the importance of the calcium and potassium conductances in sperm for fertility. In both species, the calcium current is carried by the highly complex cation channel of sperm (CatSper). In mouse sperm, the potassium current has been conclusively shown to be carried by a channel consisting of the pore forming subunit SLO3 and auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing 52 (LRRC52). However, in human sperm it is controversial whether the pore forming subunit of the channel is composed of SLO3 and/or SLO1. Deciphering the role of the proton-specific Hv1 channel is more challenging as it is only expressed in human sperm. However, definitive evidence for a role in, and importance for, human fertility can only be determined through studies using clinical samples. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to provide insight into the role of sperm ion channels in human fertilization as evidenced from recent studies of sperm from infertile men. We also summarize the key discoveries from mouse ion channel knock-out models and contrast the properties of mouse and human CatSper and potassium currents. We detail the evidence for, and consequences of, defective ion channels in human sperm and discuss hypotheses to explain how defects arise and why affected sperm have impaired fertilization potential. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies were identified using PubMed and were limited to ion channels that have been characterized in mouse and human sperm. Additional notable examples from other species are included as appropriate. OUTCOMES There are now well-documented fundamental differences between the properties of CatSper and potassium channel currents in mouse and human sperm. However, in both species, sperm lacking either channel cannot fertilize in vivo and CatSper-null sperm also fail to fertilize at IVF. Sperm-lacking potassium currents are capable of fertilizing at IVF, albeit at a much lower rate. However, additional complex and heterogeneous ion channel dysfunction has been reported in sperm from infertile men, the causes of which are unknown. Similarly, the nature of the functional impairment of affected patient sperm remains elusive. There are no reports of studies of Hv1 in human sperm from infertile men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Recent studies using sperm from infertile men have given new insight and critical evidence supporting the supposition that calcium and potassium conductances are essential for human fertility. However, it should be highlighted that many fundamental questions remain regarding the nature of molecular and functional defects in sperm with dysfunctional ion channels. The development and application of advanced technologies remains a necessity to progress basic and clinical research in this area, with the aim of providing effective screening methodologies to identify and develop treatments for affected men in order to help prevent failed ART cycles. Conversely, development of drugs that block calcium and/or potassium conductances in sperm is a plausible strategy for producing sperm-specific contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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8
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Boye JK, Katzman SA, Kass PH, Dujovne GA. Effects of lidocaine on equine ejaculated sperm and epididymal sperm post-castration. Theriogenology 2019; 134:83-89. [PMID: 31153092 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In equids, it is common to inject lidocaine into the testicles at the time of routine castration to provide analgesia. The effects of lidocaine on equine sperm have not been evaluated in vitro or on epididymal sperm collected following castration. The aims of this study were to determine effects of clinically relevant doses of lidocaine on equine spermatozoa in vitro using freshly collected semen and to compare the characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa after routine castration with or without intra-testicular lidocaine administration. We hypothesized that increasing concentrations of lidocaine would decrease total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), velocity of the average path (VAP), velocity of the curved line (VCL), linearity (LIN), normal morphology (M) and membrane integrity (MI). We also hypothesized that injection of intra-testicular lidocaine would decrease TM, PM, VAP, VCL, LIN, M, and MI following routine castration, epididymal flushing and cryopreservation. In experiment 1, sperm was collected from four stallions and mixed with lidocaine at concentrations of 1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 1,000 μg/ml and 10,000 μg/ml. M and MI were compared to the control sample at 0 and 48 h. Motility parameters were analyzed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h. In experiment 2, 12 stallions were castrated under general anesthesia. One testicle was removed without the use of intra-testicular lidocaine and the other testicle was removed 10 min after injection of 10 ml of 2% lidocaine. Results: In experiment 1, fresh sperm showed no significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to control at either 1 μg/ml or 10 μg/ml concentrations of lidocaine. There were significant decreases in PM, VAP, VCL, and LIN at concentrations of 100μg/ml-10,000 μg/ml and for TM at lidocaine concentrations of 1,000-10,000 μg/ml compared to control. Morphology did not change at any lidocaine concentration. Membrane integrity decreased significantly at 10,000 μg/ml lidocaine. In the second experiment 1.03 ± 0.42 μg/ml lidocaine was detected in the epididymal flush of stallions treated with lidocaine. There were no significant differences in any measured parameters between the control and the lidocaine treated testicles. Intra-testicular lidocaine injection at the time of castration did not affect any measured parameters after epididymal flush. Lidocaine concentrations higher than 100 μg/ml in-vitro resulted in decreased motility parameters of the spermatozoa independent of exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Boye
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - S A Katzman
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - P H Kass
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - G A Dujovne
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Zhang XY, Bi RY, Zhang P, Gan YH. Veratridine modifies the gating of human voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:1716-1724. [PMID: 29950616 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Veratridine is a lipid-soluble neurotoxin derived from plants in the family Liliaceae. It has been broadly investigated for its action as a sodium channel agonist. However, the effects of veratridine on subtypes of sodium channels, especially Nav1.7, remain to be studied. Here, we investigated the effects of veratridine on human Nav1.7 ectopically expressed in HEK293A cells and recorded Nav1.7 currents from the cells using whole-cell patch clamp technique. We found that veratridine exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the peak current of Nav1.7, with the half-maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) of 18.39 µM. Meanwhile, veratridine also elicited tail current (linearly) and sustained current [half-maximal concentration (EC50): 9.53 µM], also in a dose-dependent manner. Veratridine (75 µM) shifted the half-maximal activation voltage of the Nav1.7 activation curve in the hyperpolarized direction, from -21.64 ± 0.75 mV to -28.14 ± 0.66 mV, and shifted the half-inactivation voltage of the steady-state inactivation curve from -59.39 ± 0.39 mV to -73.78 ± 0.5 mV. An increased frequency of stimulation decreased the peak and tail currents of Nav1.7 for each pulse along with pulse number, and increased the accumulated tail current at the end of train stimulation. These findings reveal the different modulatory effects of veratridine on the Nav1.7 peak current and tail current.
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Marques DBD, Bastiaansen JWM, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Lopes MS, Knol EF, Harlizius B, Guimarães SEF, Silva FF, Lopes PS. Weighted single-step GWAS and gene network analysis reveal new candidate genes for semen traits in pigs. Genet Sel Evol 2018; 50:40. [PMID: 30081822 PMCID: PMC6080523 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-018-0412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, there has been increased interest in the study of the molecular processes that affect semen traits. In this study, our aim was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions associated with four semen traits (motility, progressive motility, number of sperm cells per ejaculate and total morphological defects) in two commercial pig lines (L1: Large White type and L2: Landrace type). Since the number of animals with both phenotypes and genotypes was relatively small in our dataset, we conducted a weighted single-step genome-wide association study, which also allows unequal variances for single nucleotide polymorphisms. In addition, our aim was also to identify candidate genes within QTL regions that explained the highest proportions of genetic variance. Subsequently, we performed gene network analyses to investigate the biological processes shared by genes that were identified for the same semen traits across lines. Results We identified QTL regions that explained up to 10.8% of the genetic variance of the semen traits on 12 chromosomes in L1 and 11 chromosomes in L2. Sixteen QTL regions in L1 and six QTL regions in L2 were associated with two or more traits within the population. Candidate genes SCN8A, PTGS2, PLA2G4A, DNAI2, IQCG and LOC102167830 were identified in L1 and NME5, AZIN2, SPATA7, METTL3 and HPGDS in L2. No regions overlapped between these two lines. However, the gene network analysis for progressive motility revealed two genes in L1 (PLA2G4A and PTGS2) and one gene in L2 (HPGDS) that were involved in two biological processes i.e. eicosanoid biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism. PTGS2 and HPGDS were also involved in the cyclooxygenase pathway. Conclusions We identified several QTL regions associated with semen traits in two pig lines, which confirms the assumption of a complex genetic determinism for these traits. A large part of the genetic variance of the semen traits under study was explained by different genes in the two evaluated lines. Nevertheless, the gene network analysis revealed candidate genes that are involved in shared biological pathways that occur in mammalian testes, in both lines. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12711-018-0412-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele B D Marques
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36.570-000, Brazil
| | - John W M Bastiaansen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Marcos S Lopes
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V., P.O. Box 43, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands.,Topigs Norsvin, Curitiba, PR, 80.420-210, Brazil
| | - Egbert F Knol
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V., P.O. Box 43, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Harlizius
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V., P.O. Box 43, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simone E F Guimarães
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36.570-000, Brazil
| | - Fabyano F Silva
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36.570-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Lopes
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36.570-000, Brazil
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Vajanthri KY, Yadav P, Poddar S, Mahto SK. Development of optically sensitive liver cells. Tissue Cell 2018; 52:129-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Candenas L, Pinto FM, Cejudo-Román A, González-Ravina C, Fernández-Sánchez M, Pérez-Hernández N, Irazusta J, Subirán N. Veratridine-sensitive Na + channels regulate human sperm fertilization capacity. Life Sci 2018; 196:48-55. [PMID: 29307525 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The sperm plasma membrane contains specific ion channels and transporters that initiate changes in Ca2+, Na+, K+ and H+ ions in the sperm cytoplasm. Ion channels are key regulators of the sperm membrane potential, cytoplasmic Ca2+ and intracellular pH (pHi), which leads to regulate motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and other physiological processes crucial for successful fertilization. Expression of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) and voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in human spermatozoa has been reported, but the role of Na+ fluxes sodium channels in the regulation of sperm cell function remains poorly understood. In this context, we aimed to analyze the physiological role of Nav channels in human sperm. MAIN METHODS Motility and hyperactivation analysis was conducted by CASA analysis. Flow cytometry and spectrophotometry approaches were carried out to measure Capacitation, Acrosome reaction, immunohistochemistry for Tyr-residues phosporylation, [Ca2+]i levels and membrane potential. KEY FINDINGS Functional studies showed that veratridine, a voltage-gated sodium channel activator, increased sperm progressive motility without producing hyperactivation while the Nav antagonist lidocaine did induce hyperactivated motility. Veratridine increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation, an event occurring during capacitation, and its effects were inhibited in the presence of lidocaine and tetrodotoxin. Veratridine had no effect on the acrosome reaction by itself, but was able to block the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Moreover, veratridine caused a membrane depolarization and modified the effect of progesterone on [Ca2+]i and sperm membrane potential. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that veratridine-sensitive Nav channels are involved on human sperm fertility acquisition regulating motility, capacitation and the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain.
| | - F M Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - A Cejudo-Román
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - C González-Ravina
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (C.G.R., M.F.-S.), Seville, Spain
| | | | - N Pérez-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - J Irazusta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad del País Vasco (J.I., N.S.), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N Subirán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad del País Vasco (J.I., N.S.), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
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Chauhan DS, Swain DK, Shah N, Yadav HP, Sharma A, Yadav B, Yadav S, Nigam R, Garg SK. Modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels induces capacitation in bull spermatozoa through phosphorylation of tyrosine containing proteins. Theriogenology 2017; 108:207-216. [PMID: 29248843 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, we have reported the molecular presence of Nav 1.8 in bull spermatozoa and its potential involvement in regulation of sperm functions. With the selective blocking of Nav 1.8 using A-803467, alterations in sperm functions were observed, therefore, we envisaged of investigating the involvement of Nav in regulating sperm function and the mechanism(s) involved in it using veratridine, a selective opener of Nav channels. Forty ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls and semen samples were pooled in view of the non-significant variations between the different ejaculates. Treatment of sperm cells with veratridine (6, 8, and 10 μM) resulted in concentration- and time-dependent increase in forward progressive sperm motility and it persisted up to 6 h. However, hyperactive motility was induced by veratridine at higher concentrations (8 and 10 μM) and after 2 h of incubation, which was confirmed by subjective assessment followed by chlortetracycline staining showing the increased B-pattern spermatozoa, and thereby suggesting the involvement of Nav in regulation of capacitation in spermatozoa. To substantiate the functional study observations especially veratridine-induced capacitation, immunoblotting and indirect immune fluorescence assays were performed for detection of the tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. The immune blot study revealed the presence of five tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, namely-p17, p30, p54, p90 and p100. The p17 protein showed the highest band intensity compared to other protein bands indicating its potential involvement in the process of capacitation. Immunolocalization study revealed positive immunoreactivity for tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in the middle piece, post acrosomal region (high fluorescence) and tail of the spermatozoa (low fluorescence). From the results of present study, it is evident that activation of NaV by veratridine, especially at higher concentrations, induced capacitation which is evidently mediated through phosphorylation of the tyrosine containing proteins localized in the post acrosomal regions, middle piece and tail of the spermatozoa. However, further studies will help in unraveling the involvement of Nav and other ion channels regulating different physiological functions of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Singh Chauhan
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Nadeem Shah
- Department of Veterinary Gynecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hanuman Prasad Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Gynecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Nigam
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Satish Kumar Garg
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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14
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Yadav HP, Kumar A, Shah N, Chauhan DS, Saxena A, Yadav S, Swain DK. Effect of cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin supplementation on tyrosine phosphorylation and apoptosis like changes in frozen thawed Hariana bull spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2017; 96:164-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Functional and molecular characterization of voltage gated sodium channel Na v 1.8 in bull spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2017; 90:210-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Brown SG, Publicover SJ, Mansell SA, Lishko PV, Williams HL, Ramalingam M, Wilson SM, Barratt CLR, Sutton KA, Da Silva SM. Depolarization of sperm membrane potential is a common feature of men with subfertility and is associated with low fertilization rate at IVF. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1147-57. [PMID: 27052499 PMCID: PMC4871192 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are significant abnormalities in outward (K+) conductance and resting membrane potential (Vm) present in the spermatozoa of patients undertaking IVF and ICSI and if so, what is their functional effect on fertilization success? SUMMARY ANSWER Negligible outward conductance (≈5% of patients) or an enhanced inward conductance (≈4% of patients), both of which caused depolarization of Vm, were associated with a low rate of fertilization following IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm-specific potassium channel knockout mice are infertile with defects in sperm function, suggesting that these channels are essential for fertility. These observations suggest that malfunction of K+ channels in human spermatozoa might contribute significantly to the occurrence of subfertility in men. However, remarkably little is known of the nature of K+ channels in human spermatozoa or the incidence and functional consequences of K+ channel defects. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Spermatozoa were obtained from healthy volunteer research donors and subfertile IVF and ICSI patients attending a hospital assisted reproductive techniques clinic between May 2013 and December 2015. In total, 40 IVF patients, 41 ICSI patients and 26 normozoospermic donors took part in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Samples were examined using electrophysiology (whole-cell patch clamping). Where abnormal electrophysiological characteristics were identified, spermatozoa were further examined for Ca2+ influx induced by progesterone and penetration into viscous media if sufficient sample was available. Full exome sequencing was performed to specifically evaluate potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M α 1 (KCNMA1), potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily U member 1 (KCNU1) and leucine-rich repeat containing 52 (LRRC52) genes and others associated with K+ signalling. In IVF patients, comparison with fertilization rates was done to assess the functional significance of the electrophysiological abnormalities. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patch clamp electrophysiology was used to assess outward (K+) conductance and resting membrane potential (Vm) and signalling/motility assays were used to assess functional characteristics of sperm from IVF and ICSI patient samples. The mean Vm and outward membrane conductance in sperm from IVF and ICSI patients were not significantly different from those of control (donor) sperm prepared under the same conditions, but variation between individuals was significantly greater (P< 0.02) with a large number of outliers (>25%). In particular, in ≈10% of patients (7/81), we observed either a negligible outward conductance (4 patients) or an enhanced inward current (3 patients), both of which caused depolarization of Vm. Analysis of clinical data from the IVF patients showed significant association of depolarized Vm (≥0 mV) with low fertilization rate (P= 0.012). Spermatozoa with electrophysiological abnormities (conductance and Vm) responded normally to progesterone with elevation of [Ca2+]i and penetration of viscous medium, indicating retention of cation channel of sperm (CatSper) channel function. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For practical, technical, ethical and logistical reasons, we could not obtain sufficient additional semen samples from men with conductance abnormalities to establish the cause of the conductance defects. Full exome sequencing was only available in two men with conductance defects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data add significantly to the understanding of the role of ion channels in human sperm function and its impact on male fertility. Impaired potassium channel conductance (Gm) and/or Vm regulation is both common and complex in human spermatozoa and importantly is associated with impaired fertilization capacity when the Vm of cells is completely depolarized. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The majority of the data were obtained using funding from MRC project grants (#MR/K013343/1, MR/012492/1). Additional funding was provided by NHS Tayside, TENOVUS, Chief Scientist Office NRS Fellowship and University of Abertay. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G Brown
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Steven A Mansell
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hannah L Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Mythili Ramalingam
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Stuart M Wilson
- Wolfson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton on Tees TS17 6BH, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Keith A Sutton
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah Martins Da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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Marzec-Wróblewska U, Kamiński P, Łakota P, Szymański M, Wasilow K, Ludwikowski G, Kuligowska-Prusińska M, Odrowąż-Sypniewska G, Stuczyński T, Wo Niak A. The employment of IVF techniques for establishment of sodium, copper and selenium impact upon human sperm quality. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD15041. [PMID: 25786584 DOI: 10.1071/rd15041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We analysed sodium (Na), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) levels in human semen and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) in seminal plasma and examined their relationships with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (n=168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on standard ejaculate parameters: Group I (n=39) with normal ejaculates (normozoospermia) and Group II (n=129) with a pathological spermiogram. Se concentration (but not Na or Cu) and GPx activity were significantly higher in normozoospermic males than in those with a pathological spermiogram and also in males with correct sperm motility and normal sperm morphology than in asthenozoospermic and teratozoospermic males. There were significant correlations between sperm motility, Se and GPx, between rapid progressive motility and Cu, between sperm motility and Na, between normal sperm morphology and Se and Cu and between sperm concentration and Cu and GPx. Significant correlations were found between Na and Cu, between Na and Se and between Cu and Se in human semen in relation to alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Na, Cu, Se and GPx are related to sperm characteristics and male fertility and their survey could improve male infertility diagnosis.
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18
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Christidis N, Kang I, Cairns BE, Kumar U, Dong X, Rosén A, Kopp S, Ernberg M. Expression of 5-HT3 receptors and TTX resistant sodium channels (Na(V)1.8) on muscle nerve fibers in pain-free humans and patients with chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorders. J Headache Pain 2014; 15:63. [PMID: 25261281 PMCID: PMC4182444 DOI: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that 5-HT3-antagonists reduce muscle pain, but there are no studies that have investigated the expression of 5-HT3-receptors in human muscles. Also, tetrodotoxin resistant voltage gated sodium-channels (NaV) are involved in peripheral sensitization and found in trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the rat masseter muscle. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of nerve fibers that express 5-HT3A-receptors alone and in combination with NaV1.8 sodium-channels in human muscles and to compare it between healthy pain-free men and women, the pain-free masseter and tibialis anterior muscles, and patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and pain-free controls. METHODS Three microbiopsies were obtained from the most bulky part of the tibialis and masseter muscles of seven and six healthy men and seven and six age-matched healthy women, respectively, while traditional open biopsies were obtained from the most painful spot of the masseter of five female patients and from a similar region of the masseter muscle of five healthy, age-matched women. The biopsies were processed by routine immunohistochemical methods. The biopsy sections were incubated with monoclonal antibodies against the specific axonal marker PGP 9.5, and polyclonal antibodies against the 5-HT3A-receptors and NaV1.8 sodium-channels. RESULTS A similar percentage of nerve fibers in the healthy masseter (85.2%) and tibialis (88.7%) muscles expressed 5-HT3A-receptors. The expression of NaV1.8 by 5-HT3A positive nerve fibers associated with connective tissue was significantly higher than nerve fibers associated with myocytes (P < .001). In the patients, significantly more fibers per section were found with an average of 3.8 ± 3 fibers per section in the masseter muscle compared to 2.7 ± 0.2 in the healthy controls (P = .024). Further, the frequency of nerve fibers that co-expressed NaV1.8 and 5-HT3A receptors was significantly higher in patients (42.6%) compared to healthy controls (12.0%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the 5-HT3A-receptor is highly expressed in human masseter and tibialis muscles and that there are more nerve fibers that express 5-HT3A-receptors in the masseter of women with myofascial TMD compared to healthy women. These findings indicate that 5-HT3-receptors might be up-regulated in myofascial TMD and could serve as potential biomarkers of chronic muscle pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Christidis
- Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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19
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Rahman MS, Kwon WS, Lee JS, Kim J, Yoon SJ, Park YJ, You YA, Hwang S, Pang MG. Sodium nitroprusside suppresses male fertility in vitro. Andrology 2014; 2:899-909. [PMID: 25180787 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00273.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sodium nitroprusside is a nitric oxide donor involved in the regulation of the motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction (AR) of spermatozoa. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the molecular basis for the effects of sodium nitroprusside on different processes in spermatozoa and its consequences on subsequent oocyte fertilization and embryo development. In this in vitro study, mouse spermatozoa were incubated with various concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (1, 10, and 100 μM) for 90 min. Our results showed that sodium nitroprusside inhibited sperm motility and motion kinematics in a dose-dependent manner by significantly enhancing intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing Ca(2+), and adenosine triphosphate levels in spermatozoa. Moreover, short-term exposure of spermatozoa to sodium nitroprusside increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins involved in PKA-dependent regulation of intracellular calcium levels, which induced a robust AR. Finally, sodium nitroprusside significantly decreased the rates of fertilization and blastocyst formation during embryo development. Based on these results, we propose that sodium nitroprusside increases ROS production and precocious AR may alter overall sperm physiology, leading to poor fertilization and compromised embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rahman
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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20
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Young HA, Meeker JD, Martenies SE, Figueroa ZI, Barr DB, Perry MJ. Environmental exposure to pyrethroids and sperm sex chromosome disomy: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health 2013; 12:111. [PMID: 24345058 PMCID: PMC3929259 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-12-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of environmental pesticide exposures, such as pyrethroids, and their relationship to sperm abnormalities are not well understood. This study investigated whether environmental exposure to pyrethroids was associated with altered frequency of sperm sex chromosome disomy in adult men. METHODS A sample of 75 subjects recruited through a Massachusetts infertility clinic provided urine and semen samples. Individual exposures were measured as urinary concentrations of three pyrethroid metabolites ((3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), cis- and trans- 3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-1-methylcyclopropane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid (CDCCA and TDCCA)). Multiprobe fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 was used to determine XX, YY, XY, 1818, and total sex chromosome disomy in sperm nuclei. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the association between aneuploidy rates and pyrethroid metabolites while adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Between 25-56% of the sample were above the limit of detection (LOD) for the pyrethroid metabolites. All sex chromosome disomies were increased by 7-30% when comparing men with CDCCA and TDCCA levels above the LOD to those below the LOD. For 3PBA, compared to those below the LOD, those above the LOD had YY18 disomy rates 1.28 times higher (95% CI: 1.15, 1.42) whereas a reduced rate was seen for XY18 and total disomy (IRR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.87; IRR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97), and no association was seen for XX18 and 1818. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that urinary concentrations of CDCCA and TDCCA above the LOD were associated with increased rates of aneuploidy. However the findings for 3BPA were not consistent. This is the first study to examine these relationships, and replication of our findings is needed before the association between pyrethroid metabolites and aneuploidy can be fully defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sheena E Martenies
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Zaida I Figueroa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Melissa J Perry
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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The voltage-gated sodium channel nav1.8 is expressed in human sperm. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76084. [PMID: 24086692 PMCID: PMC3785426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Na(+) fluxes through voltage-gated sodium channels in the regulation of sperm cell function remains poorly understood. Previously, we reported that several genes encoding voltage-gated Na(+) channels were expressed in human testis and mature spermatozoa. In this study, we analyzed the presence and function of the TTX-resistant VGSC α subunit Nav1.8 in human capacitated sperm cells. Using an RT-PCR assay, we found that the mRNA of the gene SCN10A, that encode Na v1.8, was abundantly and specifically expressed in human testis and ejaculated spermatozoa. The Na v1.8 protein was detected in capacitated sperm cells using three different specific antibodies against this channel. Positive immunoreactivity was mainly located in the neck and the principal piece of the flagellum. The presence of Na v1.8 in sperm cells was confirmed by Western blot. Functional studies demonstrated that the increases in progressive motility produced by veratridine, a voltage-gated sodium channel activator, were reduced in sperm cells preincubated with TTX (10 μM), the Na v1.8 antagonist A-803467, or a specific Na v1.8 antibody. Veratridine elicited similar percentage increases in progressive motility in sperm cells maintained in Ca(2+)-containing or Ca(2+)-free solution and did not induce hyperactivation or the acrosome reaction. Veratridine caused a rise in sperm intracellular Na(+), [Na(+)]i, and the sustained phase of the response was inhibited in the presence of A-803467. These results verify that the Na(+) channel Na v1.8 is present in human sperm cells and demonstrate that this channel participates in the regulation of sperm function.
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Lee GS, He Y, Dougherty EJ, Jimenez-Movilla M, Avella M, Grullon S, Sharlin DS, Guo C, Blackford JA, Awasthi S, Zhang Z, Armstrong SP, London EC, Chen W, Dean J, Simons SS. Disruption of Ttll5/stamp gene (tubulin tyrosine ligase-like protein 5/SRC-1 and TIF2-associated modulatory protein gene) in male mice causes sperm malformation and infertility. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:15167-80. [PMID: 23558686 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.453936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
TTLL5/STAMP (tubulin tyrosine ligase-like family member 5) has multiple activities in cells. TTLL5 is one of 13 TTLLs, has polyglutamylation activity, augments the activity of p160 coactivators (SRC-1 and TIF2) in glucocorticoid receptor-regulated gene induction and repression, and displays steroid-independent growth activity with several cell types. To examine TTLL5/STAMP functions in whole animals, mice were prepared with an internal deletion that eliminated several activities of the Stamp gene. This mutation causes both reduced levels of STAMP mRNA and C-terminal truncation of STAMP protein. Homozygous targeted mutant (Stamp(tm/tm)) mice appear normal except for marked decreases in male fertility associated with defects in progressive sperm motility. Abnormal axonemal structures with loss of tubulin doublets occur in most Stamp(tm/tm) sperm tails in conjunction with substantial reduction in α-tubulin polyglutamylation, which closely correlates with the reduction in mutant STAMP mRNA. The axonemes in other structures appear unaffected. There is no obvious change in the organs for sperm development of WT versus Stamp(tm/tm) males despite the levels of WT STAMP mRNA in testes being 20-fold higher than in any other organ examined. This defect in male fertility is unrelated to other Ttll genes or 24 genes previously identified as important for sperm function. Thus, STAMP appears to participate in a unique, tissue-selective TTLL-mediated pathway for α-tubulin polyglutamylation that is required for sperm maturation and motility and may be relevant for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun-Shik Lee
- Steroid Hormones Section, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1772, USA
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Kwon WS, Park YJ, Mohamed ESA, Pang MG. Voltage-dependent anion channels are a key factor of male fertility. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:354-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (VP) is neurohypophysial hormone has been implicated in stimulating contractile activity of the male reproductive tract in the testis. Higher levels of VP decrease sperm count and motility. However, very little is known about the involvement of VP in controlling mammalian reproductive process. The goal of this study was to confirm that effect of VP receptor (AVPR2) on sperm function in capacitation condition. Deamino [Cys 1, D-ArgS] vasopressin (dDAVP), an AVPR2 agonist that operates only on AVPR2, was used. Also, Mouse spermatozoa were incubated with various concentrations of dDAVP (10(-11)-10(-5) M) and sperm motility, capacitation status, Protein Kinase A activity (PKA), tyrosine phosphorylation, fertilization, and embryo development were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis, Combined Hoechst 33258/chlortetracycline fluorescence, Western blotting, and in vitro fertilization, respectively. AVPR2 was placed on the acrosome region and mid-piece in cauda epididymal spermatozoa, but the caput epididymal spermatozoa was mid-piece only. The high dDAVP treatment (10(-8) and 10(-5) M) significantly decreased sperm motility, intracellular pH and PKA substrates (approximately 55 and 22 kDa) and increased Ca(2+) concentration. The highest concentration treatment significantly decreased PKA substrate (approximately 23 kDa) and tyrosine phosphorylation (approximately 30 kDa). VP detrimentally affected capacitation, acrosome reaction, and embryo development. Treatment with the lowest concentration (10(-11) M) was not significantly different. Our data have shown that VP stimulates ion transport across sperm membrane through interactions with AVPR2. VP has a detrimental effect in sperm function, fertilization, and embryonic development, suggesting its critical role in the acquisition of fertilizing ability of mouse spermatozoa. These research findings will enable further study to determine molecular mechanism associated with fertility in capacitation and fertilization. It is also an important pivotal precondition to the progress of diagnostic test to identify infertility and to apply male contraception.
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Byers MR, Westenbroek RE. Odontoblasts in developing, mature and ageing rat teeth have multiple phenotypes that variably express all nine voltage-gated sodium channels. Arch Oral Biol 2011; 56:1199-220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2011.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Buffone MG, Ijiri TW, Cao W, Merdiushev T, Aghajanian HK, Gerton GL. Heads or tails? Structural events and molecular mechanisms that promote mammalian sperm acrosomal exocytosis and motility. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:4-18. [PMID: 22031228 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sperm structure has evolved to be very compact and compartmentalized to enable the motor (the flagellum) to transport the nuclear cargo (the head) to the egg. Furthermore, sperm do not exhibit progressive motility and are not capable of undergoing acrosomal exocytosis immediately following their release into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, the site of spermatogenesis in the testis. These cells require maturation in the epididymis and female reproductive tract before they become competent for fertilization. Here we review aspects of the structural and molecular mechanisms that promote forward motility, hyperactivated motility, and acrosomal exocytosis. As a result, we favor a model articulated by others that the flagellum senses external signals and communicates with the head by second messengers to affect sperm functions such as acrosomal exocytosis. We hope this conceptual framework will serve to stimulate thinking and experimental investigations concerning the various steps of activating a sperm from a quiescent state to a gamete that is fully competent and committed to fertilization. The three themes of compartmentalization, competence, and commitment are key to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of sperm activation. Comprehending these processes will have a considerable impact on the management of fertility problems, the development of contraceptive methods, and, potentially, elucidation of analogous processes in other cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano G Buffone
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Pinto FM, Cejudo-Román A, Ravina CG, Fernández-Sánchez M, Martín-Lozano D, Illanes M, Tena-Sempere M, Candenas ML. Characterization of the kisspeptin system in human spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:63-73. [PMID: 21651574 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin, the product of the KISS1 gene, plays an essential role in the regulation of spermatogenesis acting primarily at the hypothalamic level of the gonadotropic axis. However, the presence of kisspeptin and its canonical receptor, KISS1R, in spermatozoa has not been explored nor the direct effects of kisspeptin on sperm function have been studied so far. In the present study, we analysed the expression of kisspeptin and its receptor in sperm cells by western blot and immunocytochemistry assays and evaluated the effects of exposure to kisspeptin on sperm intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, [Ca(2+)]i, sperm motility, sperm hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. Changes in [Ca(2+)]i were monitored using Fura-2, sperm kinematic parameters were measured using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and the acrosome reaction was measured using fluorescein isothiocyanate-coupled Pisum sativum agglutinin lectin (FITC-PSA method). We found that kisspeptin and its receptor are present in sperm cells, where both are mainly localized in the sperm head, around the neck and in the flagellum midpiece. Exposure to kisspeptin caused a slow, progressive increase in [Ca(2+)]i, which reached a plateau about 3-6 min after kisspeptin exposure. In addition, kisspeptin modulated sperm progressive motility causing a biphasic (stimulatory and inhibitory) response and also induced transient sperm hyperactivation. The effects of kisspeptin on sperm motility and hyperactivation were inhibited by the antagonist of KISS1R, peptide 234. Kisspeptin did not induce the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. These data show for the first time that kisspeptin and its receptor are present in human spermatozoa and modulate key parameters of sperm function. This may represent an additional mechanism for their crucial function in the control of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
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Pinto FM, Ravina CG, Subiran N, Cejudo-Román A, Fernández-Sánchez M, Irazusta J, Garrido N, Candenas L. Autocrine regulation of human sperm motility by tachykinins. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:104. [PMID: 20796280 PMCID: PMC2936315 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the presence and function of tachykinins and the tachykinin-degrading enzymes neprilysin (NEP) and neprilysin-2 (NEP2) in human spermatozoa. METHODS Freshly ejaculated semen was collected from forty-eight normozoospermic human donors. We analyzed the expression of substance P, neurokinin A, neurokinin B, hemokinin-1, NEP and NEP2 in sperm cells by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and immunocytochemistry assays and evaluated the effects of the neprilysin and neprilysin-2 inhibitor phosphoramidon on sperm motility in the absence and presence of tachykinin receptor-selective antagonists. Sperm motility was measured using WHO procedures or computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). RESULTS The mRNAs of the genes that encode substance P/neurokinin A (TAC1), neurokinin B (TAC3), hemokinin-1 (TAC4), neprilysin (MME) and neprilysin-2 (MMEL1) were expressed in human sperm. Immunocytochemistry studies revealed that tachykinin and neprilysin proteins were present in spermatozoa and show specific and differential distributions. Phosphoramidon increased sperm progressive motility and its effects were reduced in the presence of the tachykinin receptor antagonists SR140333 (NK1 receptor-selective) and SR48968 (NK2 receptor-selective) but unmodified in the presence of SR142801 (NK3 receptor-selective). CONCLUSION These data show that tachykinins are present in human spermatozoa and participate in the regulation of sperm motility. Tachykinin activity is regulated, at least in part, by neprilysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cristina G Ravina
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad de Sevilla, Avenida Republica Argentina 58, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Nerea Subiran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Antonio Cejudo-Román
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad de Sevilla, Avenida Republica Argentina 58, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jon Irazusta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad de Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
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Restrepo-Angulo I, De Vizcaya-Ruiz A, Camacho J. Ion channels in toxicology. J Appl Toxicol 2010; 30:497-512. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.1556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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