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Valipour J, Taghizadeh F, Esfahani R, Ramesh M, Rastegar T. Role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in female and male fertility. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29752. [PMID: 38720768 PMCID: PMC11076650 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress refers to a condition where there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and their removal by antioxidants. While the function of reactive oxygen species as specific second messengers under physiological conditions is necessary, their overproduction can lead to numerous instances of cell and tissue damage. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of many cytoprotective genes that respond to redox stresses. Nrf2 is regularly degraded by kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 and Nrf2 complex have attracted attention in both basic and clinical infertility research fields. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of female infertility, including primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis, as well as male infertility, namely varicocele, cryptorchidism, spermatic cord torsion, and orchitis. Most scientists believe that Nrf2 is a potential therapeutic method in female and male infertility disorders due to its antioxidant effect. Here, the potential roles of oxidative stress and Nrf2 in female and male infertility disorders are reviewed. Moreover, the key role of Nrf2 in the inhibition or induction of these diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Valipour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Taghizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Esfahani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Ramesh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Taghian Dinani H, Naderi N, Tavalaee M, Rabiee F, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Aberrant Expression of TET2 Accounts for DNA Hypomethylation in Varicocele. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:706-716. [PMID: 37865879 PMCID: PMC10591265 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.2000170.1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a key role in male infertility etiology. This study aimed to explore the global DNA methylation status in testicular spermatogenic cells of varicocele-induced rats and consider their semen quality, with a focus on key epigenetic marks, namely 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), as well as the mRNA and proteins of ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases 1-3. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, 24 mature male Wistar rats (8 in each group) were assigned amongst the control, sham, and varicocele groups. Sperm quality was assessed, and DNA methylation patterns of testicular spermatogenic cells were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques. RESULTS Sperm parameters, chromatin and DNA integrity were significantly lower, and sperm lipid peroxidation significantly increased in varicocele-induced rats in comparison with control rats. During spermatogenesis in rat testis, 5-mC and 5-hmC epigenetic marks, and TET1-3 mRNA and proteins were expressed. In contrast to the 5-mC fluorescent signal which was presented in all testicular cells, the 5-hmC fluorescent signal was presented exclusively in spermatogonia and a few spermatids. In varicocele-induced rats, the 5-mC signal decreased in all cells within the tubules, whereas a strong signal of 5-hmC was detected in seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. As well, the levels of TET2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly upregulated in varicocele-induced rats in comparison with the control group. Also, our results showed that the varicocele-induced animals exhibited strong fluorescent signals of TET1-3 in testicular cells, whereas weak fluorescent signals were identified in the seminiferous tubules of the control animals. CONCLUSION Consequently, we showed TET2 upregulation and the 5-hmC gain at testicular levels are associated with varicocele and sperm quality decline, and therefore they can be exploited as potential biomarkers of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengameh Taghian Dinani
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nushin Naderi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Rabiee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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Yuan W, Sun Z, Ji G, Hu H. Emerging roles of ferroptosis in male reproductive diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:358. [PMID: 37770442 PMCID: PMC10539319 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01665-x] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that leads to excessive lipid peroxidation in different cells. Ferroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death and is associated with various diseases. Iron is essential for spermatogenesis and male reproductive function. Therefore, it is not surprising that new evidence supports the role of ferroptosis in testicular injury. Although the molecular mechanism by which ferroptosis induces disease is unknown, several genes and pathways associated with ferroptosis have been linked to testicular dysfunction. In this review, we discuss iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and related regulatory pathways. In addition, we analyze the endogenous and exogenous factors of ferroptosis in terms of iron metabolism and testicular dysfunction, as well as summarize the relationship between ferroptosis and male reproductive dysfunction. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to target ferroptosis for treating male reproductive diseases and provide new directions for preventing male reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Institute of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Zhibin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Guojie Ji
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Huanhuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
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Peng M, Wang W, Zhu W, Bai Y, Ning N, Huang Q, Pang X, Zhou J, Zhang H, Zhao K. Zishen Yutai Pill improves sperm quality and reduces testicular inflammation in experimental varicocele rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17161. [PMID: 37484236 PMCID: PMC10361325 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP), containing 15 Chinese traditional medicine, is a safe and well quality-controlled TCM preparation with promising effects in many fields of reproduction. The current study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ZYP on sperm quality and testis in varicocele (VC) rats. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6), i.e., a sham group, a VC group, and VC groups treated with different dose of ZYP (1575 and 3150 mg/kg/d, respectively). The experimental VC model was established by partial ligation of left renal vein. Six weeks after model establishment, ZYP was orally administered once a day for the next 6 weeks. Parameters relating to testis and sperm quality were assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to showed testicular tissue damage in experimental VC rats. Expressions of proteins relating to NLRP3 inflammasome pathways were determined using Western blot (WB). The mRNA expressions of relating genes were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results ZYP could significantly improve sperm motility and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation index in VC rats (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed that ZYP could alleviate testicular tissue damage caused by experimental varicocele in rats. Compared to the VC model, expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in rats treated with ZYP were significantly down-regulated, as validated by both qRT-PCR and WB analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusions In brief, ZYP could improve sperm DNA integrity by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and alleviating the chronic inflammation of testicular tissue induced by experimental varicocele in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Peng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Hospital of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Ning
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuling Huang
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiufei Pang
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiewen Zhou
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Yang X, Chen Y, Song W, Huang T, Wang Y, Chen Z, Chen F, Liu Y, Wang X, Jiang Y, Zhang C. Review of the Role of Ferroptosis in Testicular Function. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245268. [PMID: 36558426 PMCID: PMC9785324 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an important metal element involved in the regulation of male reproductive functions and has dual effects on testicular tissue. A moderate iron content is necessary to maintain testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis. Iron overload can lead to male reproductive dysfunction by triggering testicular oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and even testicular ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death that is characterized by iron overload, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial damage, and glutathione peroxidase depletion. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and the research progress on testicular ferroptosis caused by endogenous and exogenous toxicants. The purpose of the present review is to provide a theoretical basis for the relationship between ferroptosis and male reproductive function. Some toxic substances or danger signals can cause male reproductive dysfunction by inducing testicular ferroptosis. It is crucial to deeply explore the testicular ferroptosis mechanism, which will help further elucidate the molecular mechanism of male reproductive dysfunction. It is worth noting that ferroptosis does not exist alone but rather coexists with other forms of cell death (such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagic death). Alleviating ferroptosis alone may not completely reverse male reproductive dysfunction caused by various risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yunhe Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Wenxi Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Tingyu Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Youshuang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Fengjuan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xuebing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yibao Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-371-56990161 or +86-15765540919; Fax: +86-371-56990161
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Wang K, Gao Y, Wang C, Liu Z, Liang M, Liao Y, Hu K. Is Parthanatos Involved in Varicocele? DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:861-870. [PMID: 36067068 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicoceles (VCs) have received widespread attention as a primary factor affecting male fertility and a pathological condition that may lead to decreased sperm count and motility in patients. Many studies have shown that an imbalance of local antioxidant balance exists in patients with VC, leading to an obvious increase in the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may cause reductive stress. Excessive ROS may aggravate spermatogenesis dysfunction and affect male fertility. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme associated with DNA repair in eukaryotic cells, can be activated by DNA fragments with structural damage, and has been considered a DNA damage receptor in DNA damage repair and apoptosis. We built a rat model of VC and an oxidative damage model of a spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2 cells) induced by hydrogen peroxide to study the role of PARP1 in VC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by RNA sequencing in the testes of VC rats. Analysis of DEGs revealed some genes with significantly altered expression, which were validated in rat and cell models. Immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR analysis, Western blot, and flow cytometry were used to analyze the changes between the control group and the VC or hydrogen peroxide group. Overall, we found that PARP1 protein expression increased in VC rats and in the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress model of GC-2 cells. Parthanatos may be one of the factors leading to reduced reproductive capacity in VC patients. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of male infertility induced by oxidative stress and provides a new therapeutic target for VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanxian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zirui Liu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Liao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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The relationship between plant and animal based protein with semen parameters: A cross-sectional study in infertile men. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 49:372-377. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Sadraei MR, Tavalaee M, Forouzanfar M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effect of curcumin, and nano-curcumin on sperm function in varicocele rat model. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14282. [PMID: 34755901 DOI: 10.1111/and.14282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is one of the most important causes of infertility in men which gradually leads to testicular dysfunction. Testicular heat stress-induced oxidative stress is considered the main cause of pathology in these individuals. In this study, the effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin, as natural antioxidants, were investigated on spermatogenesis and sperm function in varicocele-induced rats. Seventy Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups; sham, control, varicocele, varicocele + curcumin 50 mg, varicocele + curcumin 100 mg, varicocele + nano-curcumin 4 mg and varicocele + nano-curcumin 8 mg. After 2 months of antioxidant therapy, all the rats were sacrificed. The results demonstrated that the mean sperm concentration and motility were significantly lower while the mean of abnormal morphology, lipid peroxidation, intracytoplasmic ROS and DNA damage was significantly higher in varicocelised rats compared to control and sham groups (p < .05). Both doses of curcumin and also nano-curcumin were significantly effective in improving the aforementioned parameters except for abnormal sperm morphology, and motility where nano-curcumin (4 mg) was significantly more effective than other groups (p < .05). The results of the current study suggest the application of nano-curcumin is more preferable to curcumin in infertile individuals with varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Reza Sadraei
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Forouzanfar
- Department of Biology, College of Science Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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