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Wang J, Wen W, Liu L, He J, Deng R, Su M, Zhao S, Wang H, Rao M, Tang L. Effect of Humanin and MOTS-c on ameliorating reproductive damage induced by prepubertal cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in male mice. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 129:108674. [PMID: 39079574 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108674] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Male patients who undergo prepubertal chemotherapy face the dual problems of fertility preservation in adulthood, including low testosterone, hypersexual function, and infertility. Humanin, as a small polypeptide coded within the mitochondrial DNA, with the mitochondrial short open reading frame named MOTS-c, both was believed to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, be anti-inflammatory, improve metabolism, anti-apoptosis, and multiple pharmacological effects. However, there exists little evidence that reported Humanin and MOTS-c 's effects on moderating male spermatogenic function of patients after prepubertal chemotherapy. Here, we found that in vivo, mitochondrial polypeptides Humanin analog (HNG) and MOTS-c efficaciously protected the testicular spermatogenic function from reproductive injury. Moreover, transcriptomic sequencing analysis was performed to verify the differentially expressed genes such as Piwil2, AGT (angiotensinogen), and PTGDS (glycoprotein prostaglandin D2 synthase), which are related to the regulation of male reproductive function of male mice induced by prepubertal chemotherapy. Collectively, our data revealed that both Humanin analogs HNG and MOTS-c are the feasible approaches attached to the protective effect on the male reproductive function damaged by prepubertal chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Wang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Junhui He
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Renhe Deng
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Mingxuan Su
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Huawei Wang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Meng Rao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China.
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China.
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Gao Y, Wang Z, Long Y, Yang L, Jiang Y, Ding D, Teng B, Chen M, Yuan J, Gao F. Unveiling the roles of Sertoli cells lineage differentiation in reproductive development and disorders: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1357594. [PMID: 38699384 PMCID: PMC11063913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1357594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammals, gonadal somatic cell lineage differentiation determines the development of the bipotential gonad into either the ovary or testis. Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells in the spermatogenic tubules, support spermatogenesis during gonadal development. During embryonic Sertoli cell lineage differentiation, relevant genes, including WT1, GATA4, SRY, SOX9, AMH, PTGDS, SF1, and DMRT1, are expressed at specific times and in specific locations to ensure the correct differentiation of the embryo toward the male phenotype. The dysregulated development of Sertoli cells leads to gonadal malformations and male fertility disorders. Nevertheless, the molecular pathways underlying the embryonic origin of Sertoli cells remain elusive. By reviewing recent advances in research on embryonic Sertoli cell genesis and its key regulators, this review provides novel insights into sex determination in male mammals as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the genealogical differentiation of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zican Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Long
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lici Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjian Jiang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongyu Ding
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Baojian Teng
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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3
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Wagner S, Whiteley SL, Castelli M, Patel HR, Deveson IW, Blackburn J, Holleley CE, Marshall Graves JA, Georges A. Gene expression of male pathway genes sox9 and amh during early sex differentiation in a reptile departs from the classical amniote model. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:243. [PMID: 37147622 PMCID: PMC10163765 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09334-0] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex determination is the process whereby the bipotential embryonic gonads become committed to differentiate into testes or ovaries. In genetic sex determination (GSD), the sex determining trigger is encoded by a gene on the sex chromosomes, which activates a network of downstream genes; in mammals these include SOX9, AMH and DMRT1 in the male pathway, and FOXL2 in the female pathway. Although mammalian and avian GSD systems have been well studied, few data are available for reptilian GSD systems. RESULTS We conducted an unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis of gonad development throughout differentiation in central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) embryos with GSD. We found that sex differentiation of transcriptomic profiles occurs at a very early stage, before the gonad consolidates as a body distinct from the gonad-kidney complex. The male pathway genes dmrt1 and amh and the female pathway gene foxl2 play a key role in early sex differentiation in P. vitticeps, but the central player of the mammalian male trajectory, sox9, is not differentially expressed in P. vitticeps at the bipotential stage. The most striking difference from GSD systems of other amniotes is the high expression of the male pathway genes amh and sox9 in female gonads during development. We propose that a default male trajectory progresses if not repressed by a W-linked dominant gene that tips the balance of gene expression towards the female trajectory. Further, weighted gene expression correlation network analysis revealed novel candidates for male and female sex differentiation. CONCLUSION Our data reveal that interpretation of putative mechanisms of GSD in reptiles cannot solely depend on lessons drawn from mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Wagner
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Sarah L Whiteley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Meghan Castelli
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Hardip R Patel
- Genome Sciences Department. John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ira W Deveson
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Blackburn
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare E Holleley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Marshall Graves
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.
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Seth A, Bournat JC, Medina-Martinez O, Rivera A, Moore J, Flores H, Rosenfeld JA, Hu L, Jorgez CJ. Loss of WNT4 in the gubernaculum causes unilateral cryptorchidism and fertility defects. Development 2022; 149:dev201093. [PMID: 36448532 PMCID: PMC10112923 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Undescended testis (UDT) affects 6% of male births. Despite surgical correction, some men with unilateral UDT may experience infertility with the contralateral descended testis (CDT) showing no A-dark spermatogonia. To improve our understanding of the etiology of infertility in UDT, we generated a novel murine model of left unilateral UDT. Gubernaculum-specific Wnt4 knockout (KO) mice (Wnt4-cKO) were generated using retinoic acid receptor β2-cre mice and were found to have a smaller left-unilateral UDT. Wnt4-cKO mice with abdominal UDT had an increase in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and an absence of germ cells in the undescended testicle. Wnt4-cKO mice with inguinal UDT had normal hormonal profiles, and 50% of these mice had no sperm in the left epididymis. Wnt4-cKO mice had fertility defects and produced 52% fewer litters and 78% fewer pups than control mice. Wnt4-cKO testes demonstrated increased expression of estrogen receptor α and SOX9, upregulation of female gonadal genes, and a decrease in male gonadal genes in both CDT and UDT. Several WNT4 variants were identified in boys with UDT. The presence of UDT and fertility defects in Wnt4-cKO mice highlights the crucial role of WNT4 in testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Seth
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Juan C. Bournat
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Armando Rivera
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joshua Moore
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hunter Flores
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jill A. Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Baylor Genetics Laboratories, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Liya Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Carolina J. Jorgez
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Delbes G, Blázquez M, Fernandino JI, Grigorova P, Hales BF, Metcalfe C, Navarro-Martín L, Parent L, Robaire B, Rwigemera A, Van Der Kraak G, Wade M, Marlatt V. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gonad development: Mechanistic insights from fish and mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112040. [PMID: 34509487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past century, evidence has emerged that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have an impact on reproductive health. An increased frequency of reproductive disorders has been observed worldwide in both wildlife and humans that is correlated with accidental exposures to EDCs and their increased production. Epidemiological and experimental studies have highlighted the consequences of early exposures and the existence of key windows of sensitivity during development. Such early in life exposures can have an immediate impact on gonadal and reproductive tract development, as well as on long-term reproductive health in both males and females. Traditionally, EDCs were thought to exert their effects by modifying the endocrine pathways controlling reproduction. Advances in knowledge of the mechanisms regulating sex determination, differentiation and gonadal development in fish and rodents have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of early exposure to EDCs on reproduction. In this manuscript, we review the key developmental stages sensitive to EDCs and the state of knowledge on the mechanisms by which model EDCs affect these processes, based on the roadmap of gonad development specific to fish and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Canada.
| | - M Blázquez
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J I Fernandino
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | | | - B F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - C Metcalfe
- School of Environment, Trent University, Trent, Canada
| | - L Navarro-Martín
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Parent
- Université TELUQ, Montréal, Canada
| | - B Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Rwigemera
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Canada
| | - G Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - M Wade
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - V Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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6
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Savard C, Gawhary S, Boyer A, Chorfi Y. Assessment of Zearalenone-Induced Cell Survival and of Global Gene Regulation in Mouse TM4 Sertoli Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020098. [PMID: 35202126 PMCID: PMC8874968 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a non-steroidal xenoestrogen mycotoxin produced by many Fusarium fungal species, which are common contaminants of cereal crops destined for worldwide human and animal consumption. ZEA has been reported in various male reproduction dysfonctions, including decreased fertility potential. In this report, the direct effect of ZEA on the immature Sertoli TM4 cell line was evaluated. The results show that high concentrations of ZEA increase reactive oxygen species via the activation of MAPK signaling. Transcriptome analysis was performed on the TM4 cell line treated with ZEA, and genes involved in sex differentiation (Fgfr2, Igf1, Notch1, Sox9) and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation (Ctgf, Fam20a, Fbn1, Mmp9, Postn, Sparcl1, Spp1) were identified at the center of the functional protein association network, suggesting that ZEA could be detrimental to the early steps of Sertoli cell differentiation.
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7
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Xing W, Pourteymoor S, Chen Y, Mohan S. Targeted Deletion of the Claudin12 Gene in Mice Increases Articular Cartilage and Inhibits Chondrocyte Differentiation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:931318. [PMID: 35937800 PMCID: PMC9354527 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.931318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the role of Claudin (CLDN)12 in bone, we developed mice with a targeted deletion of exon2 in the Cldn12 gene for skeletal phenotype analysis. Micro-CT analysis of the secondary spongiosa of distal femurs of mice with targeted disruption of the Cldn12 gene and control littermates showed no significant genotype-specific differences in either cortical or trabecular bone parameters for either gender in 13-week-old mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that while CLDN12 was expressed in both differentiating chondrocytes and osteoblasts of the secondary spongiosa of 3-week-old wild-type mice, its expression was restricted to differentiating chondrocytes in the articular cartilage and growth plate in adult mice. Articular cartilage area at the knee were increased by 47% in Cldn12 knockout (KO) mice compared to control littermates. Micro-CT analyses found that while the trabecular number was increased by 9% and the trabecular spacing was reduced by 9% in the femoral epiphysis of Cldn12 KO mice, neither bone volume nor bone volume adjusted for tissue volume was different between the two genotypes. The expression levels of Clusterin, Lubricin and Mmp13 were increased by 56%, 46%, and 129%, respectively, in primary articular chondrocytes derived from KO compared to control mice. Our data indicate that targeted deletion of the Cldn12 gene in mice increases articular cartilage, in part, by promoting articular chondrocyte phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weirong Xing
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare Systems, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Sheila Pourteymoor
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare Systems, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Yian Chen
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare Systems, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Subburaman Mohan
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare Systems, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Subburaman Mohan,
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8
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Oestrogen Activates the MAP3K1 Cascade and β-Catenin to Promote Granulosa-like Cell Fate in a Human Testis-Derived Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810046. [PMID: 34576208 PMCID: PMC8471392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810046] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination triggers the differentiation of the bi-potential gonad into either an ovary or testis. In non-mammalian vertebrates, the presence or absence of oestrogen dictates gonad differentiation, while in mammals, this mechanism has been supplanted by the testis-determining gene SRY. Exogenous oestrogen can override this genetic trigger to shift somatic cell fate in the gonad towards ovarian developmental pathways by limiting the bioavailability of the key testis factor SOX9 within somatic cells. Our previous work has implicated the MAPK pathway in mediating the rapid cellular response to oestrogen. We performed proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses to investigate the precise mechanism through which oestrogen impacts these pathways to activate β-catenin-a factor essential for ovarian development. We show that oestrogen can activate β-catenin within 30 min, concomitant with the cytoplasmic retention of SOX9. This occurs through changes to the MAP3K1 cascade, suggesting this pathway is a mechanism through which oestrogen influences gonad somatic cell fate. We demonstrate that oestrogen can promote the shift from SOX9 pro-testis activity to β-catenin pro-ovary activity through activation of MAP3K1. Our findings define a previously unknown mechanism through which oestrogen can promote a switch in gonad somatic cell fate and provided novel insights into the impacts of exogenous oestrogen exposure on the testis.
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9
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Huang J, Fang L, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Ou K, Wang C. Long-term exposure to environmental levels of phenanthrene disrupts spermatogenesis in male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117488. [PMID: 34090074 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phenanthrene (Phe) is a tricyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with high bioavailability under natural exposure. However, there are few studies on the reproductive toxicity of Phe in mammals. In this study, male Kunming mice were gavaged once every two days with Phe (5, 50, and 500 ng/kg) for 28 weeks. The accumulation levels of Phe in the testis were dose-dependently increased. Histopathological staining showed that Phe exposure reduced the number of spermatogonia, sperm and Sertoli cells. The percentage of testicular apoptotic cells was significantly increased, which was further verified by the upregulated BAX protein. The expression of the GDNF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was downregulated, which might suppress the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. Meanwhile, Phe exposure inhibited the expression of Sertoli cell markers (Fshr, WT1, Sox9) and the Leydig cell marker Cyp11a1, indicating damage to the function of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Serum estrogen and testicular estrogen receptor alpha were significantly upregulated, while androgen receptor expression was downregulated. These alterations might be responsible for impaired spermatogenesis. This study provides new insights for evaluating the reproductive toxicity and potential mechanisms of Phe in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Lu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Shenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Kunlin Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Chonggang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China.
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10
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Impact of Estrogens Present in Environment on Health and Welfare of Animals. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072152. [PMID: 34359280 PMCID: PMC8300725 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones that recently have gained even more attention in the eyes of scientists. There is an ongoing discussion in the scientific community about their relevance as environmental contaminants and the danger they pose to animal health and welfare. In available literature we can find many examples of their negative effects and mechanisms that are involved with such phenomena. Abstract Nowadays, there is a growing interest in environmental pollution; however, knowledge about this aspect is growing at an insufficient pace. There are many potential sources of environmental contamination, including sex hormones—especially estrogens. The analyzed literature shows that estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and synthetic ethinyloestradiol (EE2) are the most significant in terms of environmental impact. Potential sources of contamination are, among others, livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and large urban agglomerations. Estrogens occurring in the environment can negatively affect the organisms, such as animals, through phenomena such as feminization, dysregulation of natural processes related to reproduction, lowering the physiological condition of the organisms, disturbances in the regulation of both proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic processes, and even the occurrence of neoplastic processes thus drastically decreasing animal welfare. Unfortunately, the amount of research conducted on the negative consequences of their impact on animal organisms is many times smaller than that of humans, despite the great richness and diversity of the fauna. Therefore, there is a need for further research to help fill the gaps in our knowledge.
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11
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Oestrogen regulates SOX9 bioavailability by rapidly activating ERK1/2 and stabilising microtubules in a human testis-derived cell line. Exp Cell Res 2020; 398:112405. [PMID: 33271127 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear SOX9 is essential for Sertoli cell differentiation and the development of a testis. Exposure of Sertoli cells to exogenous oestrogen causes cytoplasmic retention of SOX9, inhibiting testis development and promoting ovarian development. The cytoplasmic localisation of SOX9 requires a stabilised microtubule network and a key MAPK complex, ERK1/2, is responsive to oestrogen and known to affect the microtubule network. We hypothesised that oestrogen could stabilise microtubules through the activation of ERK1/2 to promote the cytoplasmic retention of SOX9. Treatment of human testis-derived NT2/D1 cells for 30 min with oestrogen rapidly activated ERK1/2, stabilised the microtubule network and increased cytoplasmic localisation of SOX9. The effects of oestrogen on SOX9 and tubulin were blocked by the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126, demonstrating that ERK1/2 mediates the stabilisation of microtubules and cytoplasmic retention of SOX9 by oestrogen. Together, these data revealed a previously unknown mechanism for oestrogen in impacting MAPK signalling to block SOX9 bioavailability and the differentiation of Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deidre M Mattiske
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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12
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Exogenous Oestrogen Impacts Cell Fate Decision in the Developing Gonads: A Potential Cause of Declining Human Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8377. [PMID: 33171657 PMCID: PMC7664701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome-related conditions and overall decline in human fertility has been linked to the prevalence of oestrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Ectopic activation of oestrogen signalling by EDCs in the gonad can impact testis and ovary function and development. Oestrogen is the critical driver of ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, and in its absence a testis will form. In contrast, oestrogen is not required for mammalian ovarian differentiation, but it is essential for its maintenance, illustrating it is necessary for reinforcing ovarian fate. Interestingly, exposure of the bi-potential gonad to exogenous oestrogen can cause XY sex reversal in marsupials and this is mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of the testis-determining factor SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box transcription factor 9). Oestrogen can similarly suppress SOX9 and activate ovarian genes in both humans and mice, demonstrating it plays an essential role in all mammals in mediating gonad somatic cell fate. Here, we review the molecular control of gonad differentiation and explore the mechanisms through which exogenous oestrogen can influence somatic cell fate to disrupt gonad development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining the effects of oestrogenic EDCs on the developing gonads and ultimately their impacts on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (D.M.M.); (A.J.P.)
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