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Weigel Muñoz M, Cohen DJ, Da Ros VG, González SN, Rebagliati Cid A, Sulzyk V, Cuasnicu PS. Physiological and pathological aspects of epididymal sperm maturation. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 100:101321. [PMID: 39340983 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, sperm that leave the testes are nonfunctional and require a complex post-testicular maturation process to acquire their ability to recognize and fertilize the egg. The crucial maturation changes that provide sperm their fertilizing capability occur while passing through the epididymis. Due to the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies to address male infertility, there has been a significant decrease in research focusing on the mechanisms underlying the maturation process over the past decades. Considering that up to 40% of male infertility is idiopathic and could be reflecting sperm maturation defects, the study of post-testicular sperm maturation will clearly contribute to a better understanding of the causes of male infertility and to the development of both new approaches to maturing sperm in vitro and safer male contraceptive methods. Based on this, the present review focuses on the physiopathology of the epididymis as well as on current approaches under investigation to improve research in sperm maturation and as potential therapeutic options for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Débora J Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Soledad N González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Abril Rebagliati Cid
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Wang P, Zeng Q, Liu JC, Yang C, Tong D, Li Y, Duan YG. Immunodeviation towards T cell-mediated immune response in the testes of LPS-induced mouse epididymo-orchitis. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104272. [PMID: 38838578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The testicular consequences of acute epididymo-orchitis remain largely unelucidated in long-term damage, which might be a neglected factor for male infertility. In this study, the differential phenotype of testicular immune cell subpopulations in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse epididymo-orchitis were analyzed by flow cytometry on day 1, day 7, and day 28. The number of macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) steadily decreased in the testes with inoculation. Total F4/80-CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) maintained a relatively stable level, whereas conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) increased gradually from day 1 to day 28. There was a lower number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at day 1 and day 7, and they had similar results with a ceiling level at day 28. The testes displayed a higher level of CD3+ T cells but a lower frequency of macrophages, cDC2, and neutrophils at 28 days post-inoculation compared with the epididymis. In summary, our data indicates acute epididymo-orchitis could lead to long-term damage in the testes, which is characterized by CD3+ T cell (including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells)-mediated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Jin-Chuan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Dali Tong
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China.
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3
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez-Serrano CA. How does the boar epididymis regulate the emission of fertile spermatozoa? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106829. [PMID: 34452796 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is responsible for peripheral immune tolerance of maturing spermatozoa even though these have xeno-antigens foreign to the male and female immune system. The epididymis also produces factors required for fertilization and serves as a sperm repository until the time of ejaculation. These reproduction-relevant epididymal functions occur in the mesonephros-derived duct-system that is composed of absorptive and secretory epithelial cells with the capacity for merocrine and apocrine secretion of proteins, antioxidative- and electrolyte/pH-regulating enzymes and small, non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), many stored in epididymosomes for sperm adhesion and long-lasting modifications of sperm functions. This paper provides a review summary of current and new knowledge of how the boar epididymis affects the quality of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of breeding boars. There is a particular focus on sperm maturation, survival, function and the role of signaling to the female immune system in fertility modulation. Furthermore, aspects related to the ductus epithelial contributions regarding electrolyte control, protein production, release of epididymosomes that contain sncRNAs are emphasized as are novel associations with fertility of the male, sperm quiescence during storage in the cauda epididymis, and on changes occurring in sperm subsequent to ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina A Martinez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
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4
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Santacroce L, Imbimbo C, Ballini A, Crocetto F, Scacco S, Cantore S, Di Zazzo E, Colella M, Jirillo E. Testicular Immunity and Its Connection with the Microbiota. Physiological and Clinical Implications in the Light of Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1335. [PMID: 36013286 PMCID: PMC9409709 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a complex process, which is based on the cooperation between the endocrine-immune system and the microbiota. Testicular immunity is characterized by the so-called immune privilege, a mechanism that avoids autoimmune attacks against proteins expressed by spermatozoa. Testicular microbiota is connected with the gut microbiota, the most prevalent site of commensals inthe body. Both microbiotas take part inthe development of the immune system and protection againstpathogen invasion. Dysbiosis is caused by concurrent pathologies, such as obesity, diabetes, infections and trauma. The substitution of beneficial bacteria with pathogens may lead to destruction of spermatozoa directly or indirectly and, ultimately, to male infertility. Novel therapeutic interventions, i.e., nutritional interventions and supplementation of natural products, such as, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants and polyphenols, may lead to the restoration of the otherwise-impaired male reproductive potential, even if experimental and clinical results are not always concordant. In this review, the structure and immune function of the testis will be described with special reference to the blood-testisbarrier. The regulatory role of both the gut and testicular microbiota will be illustrated in health and disease, also emphasizing therapeutic attempts with natural products for the correction of male infertility, in the era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cantore
- Independent Researcher, Sorriso & Benessere—Ricerca e Clinica, 70129 Bari, Italy
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marica Colella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Wu Y, Li H, Qin Y. S100A4 promotes the progression of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute epididymitis in mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1213-1224. [PMID: 32072170 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
S100A4 has been suggested to be a critical regulator of tumor metastasis and is implicated in the progression of inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression and possible role of S100A4 in epididymitis. Using a mouse model of epididymitis induced by the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the deferent duct, we found that LPS administration induced an upregulation of S100a4 transcription (P < 0.05) and a recruitment of S100A4 positive cells in the epididymal interstitium of wild type (WT) mice. Co-immunofluorescence showed that S100A4 was mainly expressed by granulocytes, CD4 lymphocytes, and macrophages. Deficiency of S100A4 reduced epididymal pathological reaction and the mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α (P < 0.01), suggesting that S100A4 promotes the progression of epididymitis. Furthermore, S100A4 deficiency alleviated the decline of sperm motility and rectified the abnormal expression of sperm membrane protein AMAD3, which suggested that in the progression of epididymitis, S100A4 aggravates the damage to sperm vitality. In addition, both Ki-67 marked cell proliferation and transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling detected cell apoptosis were reduced in S100a4-/- mice compared with WT mice after LPS treatment, indicating that S100A4 promotes both cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in epididymitis. Overall, these results demonstrate that S100A4 promotes the progression of LPS-induced epididymitis and facilitates a decline in sperm vitality, and its function may be related to the process of cell proliferation and apoptosis during inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghe Qin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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Shi J, Fok KL, Dai P, Qiao F, Zhang M, Liu H, Sang M, Ye M, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Wang C, Sun F, Xie G, Chen H. Spatio-temporal landscape of mouse epididymal cells and specific mitochondria-rich segments defined by large-scale single-cell RNA-seq. Cell Discov 2021; 7:34. [PMID: 34001862 PMCID: PMC8129088 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00260-7] [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: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility during epididymal transit, suggesting the importance of the epididymis. Although the cell atlas of the epididymis was reported recently, the heterogeneity of the cells and the gene expression profile in the epididymal tube are still largely unknown. Considering single-cell RNA sequencing results, we thoroughly studied the cell composition, spatio-temporal differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in epididymal segments and mitochondria throughout the epididymis with sufficient cell numbers. In total, 40,623 cells were detected and further clustered into 8 identified cell populations. Focused analyses revealed the subpopulations of principal cells, basal cells, clear/narrow cells, and halo/T cells. Notably, two subtypes of principal cells, the Prc7 and Prc8 subpopulations were enriched as stereocilia-like cells according to GO analysis. Further analysis demonstrated the spatially specific pattern of the DEGs in each cell cluster. Unexpectedly, the abundance of mitochondria and mitochondrial transcription (MT) was found to be higher in the corpus and cauda epididymis than in the caput epididymis by scRNA-seq, immunostaining, and qPCR validation. In addition, the spatio-temporal profile of the DEGs from the P42 and P56 epididymis, including transiting spermatozoa, was depicted. Overall, our study presented the single-cell transcriptome atlas of the mouse epididymis and revealed the novel distribution pattern of mitochondria and key genes that may be linked to sperm functionalities in the first wave and subsequent wave of sperm, providing a roadmap to be emulated in efforts to achieve sperm maturation regulation in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwu Shi
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Pengyuan Dai
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Feng Qiao
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Mengya Zhang
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Huage Liu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Mengmeng Sang
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Mei Ye
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Yang Liu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chengniu Wang
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Fei Sun
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Gangcai Xie
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Hao Chen
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
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Zheng W, Zhang S, Chen X, Jiang S, Li Z, Li M. Case Report: Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Capture Sperm in Chronically Inflamed Human Epididymis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:629680. [PMID: 33708220 PMCID: PMC7942197 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.629680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation of the male genital tract is thought to be a primary etiological factor of male infertility. The abundance and activation of macrophages and dendritic cells in patients with chronic inflammation of genital tract were closely associated with oligozoospermia and asthenospermia. Chronic epididymitis appears to be more important than seminal vesiculitis or prostatitis due to the direct interaction between spermatozoa and epididymal inflammatory cells. In this study, we present a case report of a 41-year-old male with oligoasthenospermia and chronic epididymitis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescence analyses showed that antigen presenting cells including macrophages and dendritic cells were found capturing spermatozoa in the lumen of cauda epididymis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that directly observed dendritic cells capturing spermatozoa in the lumen of an inflamed epididymis. This finding directly explains chronic epididymitis as the possible cause of oligospermia in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Zheng
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shiqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Kidney and Urology Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaobao Chen
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaoqin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhihao Li
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mengqiang Li
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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8
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Zhao H, Yu C, He C, Mei C, Liao A, Huang D. The Immune Characteristics of the Epididymis and the Immune Pathway of the Epididymitis Caused by Different Pathogens. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2115. [PMID: 33117332 PMCID: PMC7561410 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is an important male accessory sex organ where sperm motility and fertilization ability develop. When spermatozoa carrying foreign antigens enter the epididymis, the epididymis shows "immune privilege" to tolerate them. It is well-known that a tolerogenic environment exists in the caput epididymis, while pro-inflammatory circumstances prefer the cauda epididymis. This meticulously regulated immune environment not only protects spermatozoa from autoimmunity but also defends spermatozoa against pathogenic damage. Epididymitis is one of the common causes of male infertility. Up to 40% of patients suffer from permanent oligospermia or azoospermia. This is related to the immune characteristics of the epididymis itself. Moreover, epididymitis induced by different pathogenic microbial infections has different characteristics. This article elaborates on the distribution and immune response characteristics of epididymis immune cells, the role of epididymis epithelial cells (EECs), and the epididymis defense against different pathogenic infections (such as uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, and viruses to provide therapeutic approaches for epididymitis and its subsequent fertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiqian Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyu He
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunlei Mei
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Elbashir S, Magdi Y, Rashed A, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Epididymal contribution to male infertility: An overlooked problem. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13721. [PMID: 32816323 DOI: 10.1111/and.13721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, excluding assisted conception, are limited because of, but not limited to, poor understanding of sperm post-testicular development and storage. Many may think that sperm dysfunction is only self-contained in the sperm cell itself as a result of defective spermatogenesis. However, it can also be a consequence of inadequate epididymal maturation following disorders of the epididymis. Improper epididymal functions can disturb semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity, result in high leucocyte concentrations and high numbers of immature germ cells and debris or even cause idiopathic infertility. To date, the data are limited regarding critical markers of sperm maturation and studies that can identify such markers for diagnosis and managing epididymal dysfunction are scarce. Therefore, this article aims to draw attention to recognise a disturbed epididymal environment as a potential cause of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Elbashir
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Magdi
- Al-Yasmeen Fertility and Gynecology Center, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ayman Rashed
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, 6th of October University, Egypt
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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10
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Dias FCR, Machado-Neves M, Lima GDA, Martins ALP, Menezes TP, Melo FCSA, Gomes MLM, Cupertino MC, Otoni WC, Matta SLP. How bad is brazilian ginseng extract for reproductive parameters in mice? Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:1135-1149. [PMID: 32735026 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n = 60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3-3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C R Dias
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - M Machado-Neves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - G D A Lima
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - A L P Martins
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - T P Menezes
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - F C S A Melo
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - M L M Gomes
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - M C Cupertino
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - W C Otoni
- Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - S L P Matta
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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11
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Schneider S, Shakeri F, Trötschel C, Arévalo L, Kruse A, Buness A, Poetsch A, Steger K, Schorle H. Protamine-2 Deficiency Initiates a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Mediated Destruction Cascade during Epididymal Sperm Maturation in Mice. Cells 2020; 9:E1789. [PMID: 32727081 PMCID: PMC7463811 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are the safeguards of the paternal sperm genome. They replace most of the histones during spermiogenesis, resulting in DNA hypercondensation, thereby protecting its genome from environmental noxa. Impaired protamination has been linked to male infertility in mice and humans in many studies. Apart from impaired DNA integrity, protamine-deficient human and murine sperm show multiple secondary effects, including decreased motility and aberrant head morphology. In this study, we use a Protamine-2 (Prm2)-deficient mouse model in combination with label-free quantitative proteomics to decipher the underlying molecular processes of these effects. We show that loss of the sperm's antioxidant capacity, indicated by downregulation of key proteins like Superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) and Peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5), ultimately initiates an oxidative stress-mediated destruction cascade during epididymal sperm maturation. This is confirmed by an increased level of 8-OHdG in epididymal sperm, a biomarker for oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage. Prm2-deficient testicular sperm are not affected and initiate the proper development of blastocyst stage preimplantation embryos in vitro upon intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into oocytes. Our results provide new insight into the role of Prm2 and its downstream molecular effects on sperm function and present an important contribution to the investigation of new treatment regimens for infertile men with impaired protamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
| | - Farhad Shakeri
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Trötschel
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (C.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
| | - Alexander Kruse
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Andreas Buness
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ansgar Poetsch
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (C.T.); (A.P.)
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
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12
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Natural killer and NKT cells in the male reproductive tract. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103178. [PMID: 32739646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important effector lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in the innate and adaptive immune responses to tumors and viral infection. NKT cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties with both T cells and NK cells. They display immunoregulatory properties as they facilitate the cell-mediated immune response to tumors and infectious diseases, and inhibit cell-mediated immunity associated with autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection. However, the roles of NK and NKT cells in the male reproductive tract remain largely unexplored, in particular, NKT cells, tissue distribution, and state of health or disease. Infection and inflammation of the male genital tract are thought to be the primary etiological factors of male infertility. In this review, we considered this complex and rapidly growing field. We summarize the recent findings and the characterization and roles of NK and NKT cells in the male reproductive tract, including the testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle, and semen, to enhance our understanding of the immunological mechanisms of male infertility and for the design effective vaccines for male reproductive health in the future.
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13
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Wijayarathna R, Pasalic A, Nicolas N, Biniwale S, Ravinthiran R, Genovese R, Muir JA, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, Fijak M, Hedger MP. Region-specific immune responses to autoimmune epididymitis in the murine reproductive tract. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 381:351-360. [PMID: 32383098 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epididymitis is a common pathology of the male reproductive tract, potentially leading to infertility. Studies on bacterial epididymitis indicate that the cauda epididymis is more susceptible to inflammatory damage than the caput. These regional differences in immunoregulation are further investigated using an experimental autoimmune epididymo-orchitis model. Adult mice were immunized against testicular antigens and tissues were collected at 30 and 50 days following the first immunization. Epididymitis developed progressively; 70% of the mice developed disease at 30 days after the initial immunization and 93% at 50 days. Epididymitis was characterized by epithelial damage, immune cell infiltrates and fibrosis in the cauda, with minimal changes in the corpus, while the caput was unaffected. The incidence of epididymitis was greater than that of orchitis but similar to vasitis. The severity of epididymitis was positively correlated with the orchitis severity. Expression of key genes implicated in epididymal immunoregulation, inflammation and fibrosis, such as Ido1, Tnf, Tgfb1, Ccl2, Il1b, Il10, Cx3cl1 and Col1a1, was unchanged in the caput but increased in proportion to damage severity in the cauda at 50 days. Activin receptor mRNA expression in the cauda was negatively correlated with disease severity. These data suggest that the cauda is highly susceptible to inflammatory damage following an autoimmune challenge but the caput is minimally affected. This may be because the cauda is required to combat ascending infections through a robust inflammatory response, while the caput provides a more tolerogenic environment in order to protect the auto-antigenic sperm released from the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alen Pasalic
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sneha Biniwale
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rama Ravinthiran
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosemary Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie A Muir
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Nafia I, Toulmonde M, Bortolotto D, Chaibi A, Bodet D, Rey C, Velasco V, Larmonier CB, Cerf L, Adam J, Le Loarer F, Savina A, Bessede A, Italiano A. IDO Targeting in Sarcoma: Biological and Clinical Implications. Front Immunol 2020; 11:274. [PMID: 32194552 PMCID: PMC7066301 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous malignant mesenchymal neoplasms with limited sensitivity to immunotherapy. We recently demonstrated an increase in Kynurenine Pathway (KP) activity in the plasma of sarcoma patients treated with pembrolizumab. While the KP has already been described to favor immune escape through the degradation of L-Tryptophan and production of metabolites including L-Kynurenine, Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO1), a first rate-limiting enzyme of the KP, still represents an attractive therapeutic target, and its blockade had not yet been investigated in sarcomas. Using immunohistochemistry, IDO1 and CD8, expression profiles were addressed within 203 cases of human sarcomas. At a preclinical level, we investigated the modulation of the KP upon PDL1 blockade in a syngeneic model of sarcoma through mRNA quantification of key KP enzymes within the tumor. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the possible anti-tumor effect of IDO blockade in combination with PDL1 blockade, an innovative IDO inhibitor (GDC-0919) was used. Its effect was first assessed on Kynurenine to Tryptophan ratio at plasmatic level and also within the tumor. Following GDC-0919 treatment, alone or in combination with anti-PDL1 antibody, tumor growth, immune cell infiltration, and gene expression profiling were measured. IDO1 expression was observed in 39.1% of human sarcoma cases and was significantly higher in tumors with high CD8 infiltration. In the pre-clinical setting, blockade of PDL1 led to a strong anti-tumor effect and was associated with an intratumoral inflammatory cytokines signature driven by Ifng but also with a modulation of the KP enzymes including Ido1 and Ido2. IDO1 inhibition using GDC-0919 resulted in (i) a significant decrease of plasmatic Kynurenine to Tryptophan ratio and in (ii) a decrease of tumoral Kynurenine. However, GDC-0919 used alone or combined with anti-PDL1, did not show anti-tumoral activity and did not affect the tumor immune cell infiltrate. In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying the lack of effect of GDC-0919, we analyzed the gene expression profile of intratumoral biopsies. Interestingly, we have found that GDC-0919 induced a downregulation of the expression of pvr and granzymes, and an upregulation of inhba and Dtx4 suggesting a potential role of the IDO pathway in the control of NK function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maud Toulmonde
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Valerie Velasco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Loïc Cerf
- Explicyte Immuno-Oncology, Bordeaux, France
| | - Julien Adam
- Department of Pathology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | | | - Antoine Italiano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France.,Inserm U1218, Bordeaux, France
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15
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Le Tortorec A, Matusali G, Mahé D, Aubry F, Mazaud-Guittot S, Houzet L, Dejucq-Rainsford N. From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1349-1414. [PMID: 32031468 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The male genital tract (MGT) is the target of a number of viral infections that can have deleterious consequences at the individual, offspring, and population levels. These consequences include infertility, cancers of male organs, transmission to the embryo/fetal development abnormalities, and sexual dissemination of major viral pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus. Lately, two emerging viruses, Zika and Ebola, have additionally revealed that the human MGT can constitute a reservoir for viruses cleared from peripheral circulation by the immune system, leading to their sexual transmission by cured men. This represents a concern for future epidemics and further underlines the need for a better understanding of the interplay between viruses and the MGT. We review here how viruses, from ancient viruses that integrated the germline during evolution through old viruses (e.g., papillomaviruses originating from Neanderthals) and more modern sexually transmitted infections (e.g., simian zoonotic HIV) to emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola and Zika) take advantage of genital tract colonization for horizontal dissemination, viral persistence, vertical transmission, and endogenization. The MGT immune responses to viruses and the impact of these infections are discussed. We summarize the latest data regarding the sources of viruses in semen and the complex role of this body fluid in sexual transmission. Finally, we introduce key animal findings that are relevant for our understanding of viral infection and persistence in the human MGT and suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Le Tortorec
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Giulia Matusali
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Dominique Mahé
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Aubry
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Houzet
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
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16
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Breton S, Nair AV, Battistone MA. Epithelial dynamics in the epididymis: role in the maturation, protection, and storage of spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 7:631-643. [PMID: 31044554 PMCID: PMC6688936 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells line the lumen of tubular organs and are key players in their respective functions. They establish a unique luminal environment by providing a protective barrier and by performing vectorial transport of ions, nutrients, solutes, proteins, and water. Complex intercellular communication networks, specific for each organ, ensure their interaction with adjacent epithelial and non-epithelial cells, allowing them to respond to and modulate their immediate environment. In the epididymis, several epithelial cell types work in a concerted manner to establish a luminal acidic milieu that is essential for the post-testicular maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis also prevents autoimmune responses against auto-antigenic spermatozoa, while ensuring protection against ascending and blood pathogens. This is achieved by a network of immune cells that are in close contact and interact with epithelial cells. This review highlights the coordinated interactions between spermatozoa, basal cells, principal cells, narrow cells, clear cells, and immune cells that contribute to the maturation, protection, selection, and storage of spermatozoa in the lumen of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A V Nair
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. Activins, follistatin and immunoregulation in the epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:703-711. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - M. P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
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18
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Avellar MCW, Ribeiro CM, Dias-da-Silva MR, Silva EJR. In search of new paradigms for epididymal health and disease: innate immunity, inflammatory mediators, and steroid hormones. Andrology 2019; 7:690-702. [PMID: 31207127 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The primary job of the epididymis is to mature and protect the luminally transiting spermatozoa. Mounting evidence is showing that innate immune components [including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and antimicrobial proteins, among which are β-defensins] and inflammatory mediators, under the primary influence of androgens, participate in the cellular and molecular processes that define this tissue. Here, we present an overview of the contributions of these signaling pathway components during epididymal homeostasis and discuss the hypotheses as to their involvement in epididymitis, the most common urological inflammatory condition in men, frequently impairing their fertility. Drawing primarily from rodent models, we also focus on how the distribution and functional expression of innate immune components are differentially regulated in the prenatal developing epididymis, providing new insights into the disruption of these signaling pathways throughout the lifespan. Male infertility is caused by a variety of conditions, such as congenital malformations, genetic and endocrine disorders, exposure to environmental toxicants, and inflammatory/infectious conditions. More than one-third of infertile men with an idiopathic condition cannot currently be adequately diagnosed. Thinking about the innate immunity and inflammation context of the epididymis may provide new insights and directions as to how these systems contribute to male fertility, as well as also uncover urological and andrological outcomes that may aid clinicians in diagnosing and preventing epididymal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - C M Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M R Dias-da-Silva
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E J R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho', Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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19
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Todd EV, Liu H, Lamm MS, Thomas JT, Rutherford K, Thompson KC, Godwin JR, Gemmell NJ. Female Mimicry by Sneaker Males Has a Transcriptomic Signature in Both the Brain and the Gonad in a Sex-Changing Fish. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 35:225-241. [PMID: 29136184 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity represents an elegant adaptive response of individuals to a change in their environment. Bluehead wrasses (Thalassoma bifasciatum) exhibit astonishing sexual plasticity, including female-to-male sex change and discrete male morphs that differ strikingly in behavior, morphology, and gonadal investment. Using RNA-seq transcriptome profiling, we examined the genes and physiological pathways underlying flexible behavioral and gonadal differences among female, dominant (bourgeois) male, and female-mimic (sneaker) male blueheads. For the first time in any organism, we find that female mimicry by sneaker males has a transcriptional signature in both the brain and the gonad. Sneaker males shared striking similarity in neural gene expression with females, supporting the idea that males with alternative reproductive phenotypes have "female-like brains." Sneaker males also overexpressed neuroplasticity genes, suggesting that their opportunistic reproductive strategy requires a heightened capacity for neuroplasticity. Bourgeois males overexpressed genes associated with socio-sexual behaviors (e.g., isotocin), but also neuroprotective genes and biomarkers of oxidative stress and aging, indicating a hitherto unexplored cost to these males of attaining the reproductively privileged position at the top of the social hierarchy. Our novel comparison of testicular transcriptomes in a fish with male sexual polymorphism associates greater gonadal investment by sneaker males with overexpression of genes involved in cell proliferation and sperm quality control. We propose that morphological female-mimicry by sneaker male teleosts entails pervasive downregulation of androgenesis genes, consistent with low androgen production in males lacking well-developed secondary sexual characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica V Todd
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Melissa S Lamm
- Department of Biological Sciences and WM Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jodi T Thomas
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kim Rutherford
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kelly C Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences and WM Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - John R Godwin
- Department of Biological Sciences and WM Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Guazzone VA. Exploring the role of antigen presenting cells in male genital tract. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13120. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa A. Guazzone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires; Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II.; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED); Buenos Aires Argentina
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21
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Carvajal G, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Guazzone VA, Ikawa M, Haruhiko M, Lustig L, Breton S, Cuasnicu PS. Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17531. [PMID: 30510210 PMCID: PMC6277452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miyata Haruhiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina.
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22
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Légaré C, Akintayo A, Blondin P, Calvo E, Sullivan R. Impact of male fertility status on the transcriptome of the bovine epididymis. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:355-369. [PMID: 28379507 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can region-specific transcriptional profiling of the epididymis from fertile and sub-fertile bulls predict the etiology of fertility/sub-fertility in males? SUMMARY ANSWER The highly regulated gene expression along the bovine epididymis is affected by the fertility status of bulls used for artificial insemination. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In mammals, sperm maturation and storage occur in the epididymis. Each epididymal segment has his own transcriptomic signature that modulates the intraluminal composition and consequently governs sequential modifications of the maturing male gamete. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Epididymides from six Holstein bulls with documented fertility were used. These bulls were divided into two groups: high fertility (n = 3), and medium-low fertility (n = 3) and their epididymal transcriptomic profiles were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Bovine cDNA microarray probing and bioinformatic tools were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in caput, corpus and cauda epididymidal tissues of bulls with the documented fertility index. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between caput, corpus and cauda epididymides. Some transcripts characterize a particular anatomical segment, whereas others are expressed in two out of three epididymal segments. Gene ontology analysis allowed deduction of specific functions played by each epididymal segment. The transcriptional profiles between fertile versus sub-fertile conditions clustered most closely in the corpus and cauda segments, whereas the profiles in the caput segment were distinct between fertile and sub-fertile bulls. Of the differently expressed genes, 10 (AKAP4, SMCP, SPATA3, TCP11, ODF1, CTCFL, SPATA18, ADAM28, SORD and FAM161A) were found to exert functions related to reproductive systems and 5 genes (DEAD, CYST11, DEFB119, DEFB124 and MX1) were found to be associated with the defense response. LARGE SCALE DATA The GEO number for public access of bovine epididymis microarray data is GSE96602. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further work is required to link these modulations of epididymal functions with sperm fertilizing ability in order to understand the etiology of certain cases of idiopathic infertility in livestock and men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As fertility can be quantified in bulls used for artificial insemination, this species is a unique model to aid in the understanding of male fertility/sub-fertility in man. Our data provide a molecular characterization that will facilitate advances in understanding the involvement of epididymal physiology in sub/infertility etiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a grant to R.S. from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. C.L., A.A., E.C. and R.S. have no conflict of interest to declare. P.B. is R&D director at Alliance Boviteq Inc., a bovine artificial insemination company.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Légaré
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Ayodélé Akintayo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L'Alliance Boviteq, Inc., 19320 Rang Grand Saint François Ouest, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
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23
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Voisin A, Whitfield M, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Goubely C, Henry-Berger J, Saez F, Kocer A, Drevet JR, Guiton R. Comprehensive overview of murine epididymal mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes: Unexpected populations arise. J Reprod Immunol 2018; 126:11-17. [PMID: 29421624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing evidence that epididymal immune disorders can lead to infertility, the cells and mechanisms underlying epididymal immunity remain poorly understood. In this study, we propose a rather exhaustive overview of innate and adaptive immune cells present in the murine caput and cauda epididymis. Using flow cytometry and a wide set of markers, we screened the broadest panel of immune cells ever, in this organ. For the first time, we unequivocally quantified the innate populations of monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells subtypes. We also revealed the presence of B cells, gamma delta T cells, and double negative T cells in the murine epididymis. They were localized by immunofluorescence stainings, and appeared to be all present in the interstitium and epithelium along the organ, but with respective preferential regional distribution. Altogether, these findings provide new insights on the actors and potential mechanisms involved in the immune responses against genital tract ascending pathogens and in the setting and maintenance of tolerance toward the sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Voisin
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Chantal Goubely
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joëlle Henry-Berger
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Rachel Guiton
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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24
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Fang F, Ni K, Cai Y, Zhao Q, Shang J, Zhang X, Shen S, Xiong C. Busulfan administration produces toxic effects on epididymal morphology and inhibits the expression of ZO-1 and vimentin in the mouse epididymis. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171059. [PMID: 29101242 PMCID: PMC5725615 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulfan is an alkane sulphonate currently used as an anticancer drug and to prepare azoospermic animal models, because it selectively destroys differentiated spermatogonia in the testes. However, few studies have focussed on the exact effects of busulfan treatment on the epididymis currently. The present study assessed the effect of busulfan on epididymal morphology and the blood-epididymis barrier in mice. We treated mice with a single injection of busulfan and detected the effect at different time points. We showed that busulfan was toxic to the morphological structure and function of the epididymis. Furthermore, busulfan treatment down-regulated the epididymal expression of vimentin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, there was an increase in total androgen receptor (AR) levels, whereas the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) levels were reduced, both in the caput and cauda regions after busulfan treatment, which may be secondary to the testicular damage. In conclusion, our study describes the effects of busulfan administration on the mouse epididymis and also provides a potential understanding of male infertility arising from chemotherapy-related defects in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiting Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiliang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Zhong Shen Bioscience Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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25
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Wijayarathna R, Sarraj MA, Genovese R, Girling JE, Michel V, Ludlow H, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and follistatin interactions in the male reproductive tract: activin expression and morphological abnormalities in mice lacking follistatin 288. Andrology 2017; 5:578-588. [PMID: 28235253 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is an important regulator of testicular and epididymal development and function, as well as inflammation and immunity. In the adult murine reproductive tract, activin A mRNA (Inhba) expression levels are highest in the caput epididymis and decrease progressively towards the distal vas deferens. The activin-binding protein, follistatin (FST), shows the opposite expression pattern, with exceptionally high levels of the Fst288 mRNA variant in the vas deferens. This unique pattern of expression suggests that activin A and follistatin, in particular FST288, play region-specific roles in regulating the epididymis and vas deferens. The cellular distribution of activin and follistatin and structural organization of the male reproductive tract was examined in wild-type and transgenic (TghFST315) mice lacking FST288. Compared to wild-type littermates, TghFST315 mice showed a 50% reduction in serum follistatin and a significant elevation of both activin A and B. Testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights were reduced, but intra-testicular testosterone was normal. A decrease in the epididymal duct diameter in the corpus and thickening of the peritubular smooth muscle in the cauda, together with increased coiling of the proximal vas deferens, were observed in TghFST315 mice. No immune cell infiltrates were detected. Immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelial cells are the main source of activins and follistatin in the epididymis and vas deferens. Activin A, but not activin B, was also localized to sperm heads in the lumen of the epididymis and vas deferens. Expression of Inhba and another immunoregulatory gene, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido-1), was increased approximately twofold in the TghFST315 caput epididymis, but several other genes associated with immunoregulation, inflammation or fibrosis were unaffected. Our novel data indicate that disruption of follistatin expression has significant effects on the testis and epididymis, and suggest an association between activin A and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in the caput epididymis, with implications for the epididymal immunoenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M A Sarraj
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - J E Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - V Michel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Ludlow
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - K L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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26
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Wang P, Duan YG. The role of dendritic cells in male reproductive tract. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:186-92. [PMID: 27353336 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Urology; Daping Hospital; Institute of Surgery Research; The Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
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27
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Sullivan R, Mieusset R. The human epididymis: its function in sperm maturation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:574-87. [PMID: 27307387 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility properties during epididymal transit. Our knowledge of gamete physiology is based on studies conducted in laboratory and domestic species; our knowledge of these processes in humans is limited. Medical indications for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have progressed to include male infertility. Surgical procedures allow collection of spermatozoa from all along the human excurrent ducts, and the former have been used with some success in reproductive medicine. This has raised questions over the role of the epididymis in human sperm physiology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To reanalyze what we now know about epididymal physiology in humans and to assess the relevance of laboratory animal models for understanding human physiology and the pathophysiology of the epididymis. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographic search of PubMed for articles published in English before May 2015 was carried out using the search terms 'epididymis' and 'sperm maturation'. Literature on the consequences of vasectomy on the epididymis was also searched. OUTCOMES Whereas the proximal epididymis is almost exclusively occupied by efferent ducts, the sperm reservoir capacity is poorly developed in humans. At the molecular level, the human transcriptome and proteome show some segment specificity; conflicting results persist with regard to secretome variation along the tubule. The number of genes regulated along the excurrent ducts in men is lower when compared to rodent species, but remains significant. It is challenging to reconcile biochemical and physiological studies with clinical data obtained from men undergoing reanastomosis of the vas deferens at different points along the excurrent duct. We propose that vasectomy/vasovasostomy is a model to understand the consequences of obstruction on epididymis function in humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the scarcity of biological material available, the interspecies variability of the male reproductive tract urges us to use modern molecular and cellular biology tools to better understand human epididymis physiology in order to apply ART in a more responsible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant,
| | - Roger Mieusset
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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28
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Abstract
The onslaught of foreign antigens carried by spermatozoa into the epididymis, an organ that has not demonstrated immune privilege, a decade or more after the establishment of central immune tolerance presents a unique biological challenge. Historically, the physical confinement of spermatozoa to the epididymal tubule enforced by a tightly interwoven wall of epithelial cells was considered sufficient enough to prevent cross talk between gametes and the immune system and, ultimately, autoimmune destruction. The discovery of an intricate arrangement of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) comprising dendritic cells and macrophages in the murine epididymis suggests that we may have underestimated the existence of a sophisticated mucosal immune system in the posttesticular environment. This review consolidates our current knowledge of the physiology of MPs in the steady state epididymis and speculates on possible interactions between auto-antigenic spermatozoa, pathogens and the immune system by drawing on what is known about the immune system in the intestinal mucosa. Ultimately, further investigation will provide valuable information regarding the origins of pathologies arising as a result of autoimmune or inflammatory responses in the epididymis, including epididymitis and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Da Silva N, Barton CR. Macrophages and dendritic cells in the post-testicular environment. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:97-104. [PMID: 26337514 PMCID: PMC4703462 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous families of functionally and developmentally related immune cells that play crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and the regulation of immune responses. During the past 5 years, immunologists have generated a considerable amount of data that challenge dogmas about the ontogeny and functions of these highly versatile cells. The male excurrent duct system plays a critical role in the establishment of fertility by allowing sperm maturation, transport and storage. In addition, it is challenged by pathogens and must establish a protective and tolerogenic environment for a continuous flow of autoantigenic spermatozoa. The post-testicular environment and, in particular, the epididymis contain an intricate network of DCs and MΦ; however, the immunophysiology of this intriguing and highly specialized mucosal system is poorly understood. This review summarizes the current trends in mouse MΦ and DC biology and speculates about their roles in the steady-state epididymis. Unraveling immune cell functions in the male reproductive tract is an essential prerequisite for the design of innovative strategies aimed at controlling male fertility and treating infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA.
| | - Claire R Barton
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA
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30
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Duan YG, Wang P, Zheng W, Zhang Q, Huang W, Jin F, Cai Z. Characterisation of dendritic cell subsets in chronically inflamed human epididymis. Andrologia 2015; 48:431-40. [PMID: 26257153 DOI: 10.1111/and.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y.-G. Duan
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
- Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - P. Wang
- Department of Urology; Daping Hospital; Institute of Surgery Research; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - W. Zheng
- Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - Q. Zhang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - W. Huang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - F. Jin
- Department of Urology; Daping Hospital; Institute of Surgery Research; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Z. Cai
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
- Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen China
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31
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Redgrove KA, McLaughlin EA. The Role of the Immune Response in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection of the Male Genital Tract: A Double-Edged Sword. Front Immunol 2014; 5:534. [PMID: 25386180 PMCID: PMC4209867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the world, with more than 100 million cases reported annually. While there have been extensive studies into the adverse effects that CT infection has on the female genital tract, and on the subsequent ability of these women to conceive, studies into the consequences on male fertility have been limited and controversial. This is in part due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection, where it is estimated that 50% of men with Chlamydia fail to show any symptoms. It is accepted, however, that acute and/or persistent CT infection is the causative agent for conditions such as urethritis, epididymitis, epididymo-orchitis, and potentially prostatitis. As with most infections, the immune system plays a fundamental role in the body’s attempts to eradicate the infection. The first and most important immune response to Chlamydia infection is a local one, whereby immune cells such as leukocytes are recruited to the site of infections, and subsequently secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as interferon gamma. Immune cells also work to initiate and potentiate chronic inflammation through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the release of molecules with degradative properties including defensins, elastase, collagenase, cathespins, and lysozyme. This long-term inflammation can lead to cell proliferation (a possible precursor to cancer), tissue remodeling, and scarring, as well as being linked to the onset of autoimmune responses in genetically disposed individuals. This review will focus on the ability of the immune system to recognize and clear acute and persistent chlamydial infections in the male genital tract, and on the paradoxical damage that chronic inflammation resulting from the infection can cause on the reproductive health of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Redgrove
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Biology and Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia ; School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Biology and Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia ; School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia
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