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Carrageta DF, Pereira SC, Ferreira R, Monteiro MP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Signatures of metabolic diseases on spermatogenesis and testicular metabolism. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:477-494. [PMID: 38528255 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Diets leading to caloric overload are linked to metabolic disorders and reproductive function impairment. Metabolic and hormonal abnormalities stand out as defining features of metabolic disorders, and substantially affect the functionality of the testis. Metabolic disorders induce testicular metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The disruption of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, adipose tissue and testicular hormonal regulation induced by metabolic disorders can also contribute to a state of compromised fertility. In this Review, we will delve into the effects of high-fat diets and metabolic disorders on testicular metabolism and spermatogenesis, which are crucial elements for male reproductive function. Moreover, metabolic disorders have been shown to influence the epigenome of male gametes and might have a potential role in transmitting phenotype traits across generations. However, the existing evidence strongly underscores the unmet need to understand the mechanisms responsible for transgenerational paternal inheritance of male reproductive function impairment related to metabolic disorders. This knowledge could be useful for developing targeted interventions to prevent, counteract, and most of all break the perpetuation chain of male reproductive dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Pereira
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal.
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2
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Cannarella R, Curto R, Condorelli RA, Lundy SD, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Molecular insights into Sertoli cell function: how do metabolic disorders in childhood and adolescence affect spermatogonial fate? Nat Commun 2024; 15:5582. [PMID: 38961093 PMCID: PMC11222552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49765-1] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major public health concern globally with unknown etiology in approximately half of cases. The decline in total sperm count over the past four decades and the parallel increase in childhood obesity may suggest an association between these two conditions. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms through which obesity during childhood and adolescence may impair future testicular function. Several mechanisms occurring in obesity can interfere with the delicate metabolic processes taking place at the testicular level during childhood and adolescence, providing the molecular substrate to hypothesize a causal relationship between childhood obesity and the risk of low sperm counts in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Cannarella R, Crafa A, Curto R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Obesity and male fertility disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101273. [PMID: 38593513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101273] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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4
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Rindone GM, Dasso ME, Centola CL, Sobarzo CM, Galardo MN, Meroni SB, Riera MF. Effect of Metformin on Sertoli Cell Fatty Acid Metabolism and Blood-Testis Barrier Formation. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:330. [PMID: 38785812 PMCID: PMC11117697 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential to maintaining germ cell development. Metformin, the main pharmacologic treatment for pediatric type 2 diabetes, is administered to children during SC maturation. The present study aimed to analyze whether metformin affects SC energy metabolism and blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity. Primary SC cultures were used for the in vitro studies. In vivo effects were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 200 mg/kg metformin from Pnd14 to Pnd30. Metformin decreased fatty acid oxidation and increased 3-hydroxybutyrate production in vitro. Moreover, it decreased the transepithelial electrical resistance across the monolayer and induced ZO-1 redistribution, suggesting an alteration of cell junctions. In vivo, a mild but significant increase in BTB permeability and ZO-1 expression was observed in the metformin group, without changes in testicular histology and meiosis progression. Additionally, adult rats that received metformin treatment during the juvenile period showed no alteration in BTB permeability or daily sperm production. In conclusion, metformin exposure may affect BTB permeability in juvenile rats, but this seems not to influence spermatogenesis progression. Considering the results obtained in adult animals, it is possible to speculate that metformin treatment during the juvenile period does not affect testicular function in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Marcelo Rindone
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FEI–División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina; (G.M.R.); (M.E.D.); (C.L.C.); (M.N.G.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Marina Ercilia Dasso
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FEI–División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina; (G.M.R.); (M.E.D.); (C.L.C.); (M.N.G.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Cecilia Lucia Centola
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FEI–División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina; (G.M.R.); (M.E.D.); (C.L.C.); (M.N.G.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Cristian Marcelo Sobarzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina;
| | - María Noel Galardo
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FEI–División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina; (G.M.R.); (M.E.D.); (C.L.C.); (M.N.G.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Silvina Beatriz Meroni
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FEI–División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina; (G.M.R.); (M.E.D.); (C.L.C.); (M.N.G.); (S.B.M.)
| | - María Fernanda Riera
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FEI–División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina; (G.M.R.); (M.E.D.); (C.L.C.); (M.N.G.); (S.B.M.)
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5
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Kong Z, Zhu L, Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen G, Jiang T, Wang H. Effects of azithromycin exposure during pregnancy at different stages, doses and courses on testicular development in fetal mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116063. [PMID: 38154271 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116063] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Azithromycin is a commonly used antibiotic during pregnancy, but some studies have suggested its potential developmental toxicity. Currently, the effects and mechanisms of prenatal azithromycin exposure (PAzE) on fetal testicular development are still unclear. The effects of prenatal exposure to the same drug on fetal testicular development could vary depending on different stages, doses, and courses. Hence, in this study, based on clinical medication characteristics, Kunming mice was administered intragastrically with azithromycin at different stages (mid-/late-pregnancy), doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg·d), and courses (single-/multi-course). Fetal blood and testicular samples were collected on GD18 for relevant assessments. The results indicated that PAzE led to changes in fetal testicular morphology, reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased expression of markers related to Leydig cells (Star), Sertoli cells (Wt1), and spermatogonia (Plzf). Further investigation revealed that the effects of PAzE on fetal testicular development were characterized by mid-pregnancy, high dose (clinical dose), and single course having more pronounced effects. Additionally, the TGFβ/Smad and Nrf2 signaling pathways may be involved in the changes in fetal testicular development induced by PAzE. In summary, this study confirmed that PAzE influences fetal testicular morphological development and multicellular function. It provided theoretical and experimental evidence for guiding the rational use of azithromycin during pregnancy and further exploring the mechanisms underlying its developmental toxicity on fetal testicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Wuhan University People's Hospital, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Suizhou Emergency Medical Center, Suizhou 441300, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen G, Wang H. Epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 mediates lower sperm quality in male offspring induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:kfad016. [PMID: 36790081 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreased sperm quality is the main cause of male infertility. Studies have found that prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) decreases sperm quality in male offspring after birth, but the mechanism is unclear. Wistar pregnant rats were subcutaneously injected with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg.d dexamethasone at gestational day 9-20. The testes and sperm of first-generation (F1) offspring were collected, and F1 offspring were mated with wild-type female rats to obtain F2. Compared with the control group, F1 offspring in PDE group had lower sperm count and motility after birth, and the deformity rate increased. F2 fetal rats' body length and weight decreased, and the intrauterine growth retardation rate increased. Meanwhile, PDE decreased the expression of connexin 43 (CX43) in offspring testes, while T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) promoter region histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level and its expression were increased. Traced back to F1 fetus testes, PDE increased the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and P300, activated GR protein into the nucleus, and made GR act on the TBX2 promoter region. Further, a series of Sertoli cell interventions confirmed that dexamethasone promoted GR to recruit P300, increased the H3K9ac level of TBX2 promoter region and its expression, and inhibited the expression of CX43. This study confirmed that PDE decreased sperm quality of male offspring, which is related to the epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 in the Sertoli cells, provided a theoretical and experimental basis for guiding the rational use of drugs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Kh. Al-Aqbi MA. Effects of Leptin antagonist treatments on testosterone and testis histological characteristics of immature male mice. BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.04.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to ascertain how leptin antagonist injection affected testis weights, testis morphology and testosterone levels in immature male Swiss mice. Animals were administered with anti-leptin antibody subcutaneously, with or without equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Control animals were treated with non-immune serum. Blood and testis were collected. The Androgen profile was analyzed in serum and tissue homogenates, and testes were histologically examined. Compared to controls, mice treated with an anti-leptin antibody with or without gonadotropins had a significant (p<0.05) increase in testis weight. Testosterone concentrations in the testis were significantly (p<0.05) higher in mice administered with anti-leptin antibody compared to control, but testosterone concentrations in blood were not affected. The diameter of seminiferous tubules, the diameter of the lumen and the width of spermatogenic cells were significantly (p<0.05) higher in mice in treatment groups compared to controls. We conclude that anti-leptin antibody administration in immature male mice increased testosterone concentrations in the testis and improved testis histological characteristics.
Keywords: leptin; mouse; histology; testis; testosterone; immature male
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8
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Almabhouh FA, Singh HJ. Systematic Review of Literature Documenting the Link Between BMI, Sperm Parameters, and Leptin. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318222500013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Leptin administration to rats causes adverse effects on sperm that resemble those reported in obese males. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to examine whether human and animal studies have taken this information on board and have attempted to link the poor sperm quality in obese or overweight individuals to leptin in their methodology, data analysis, and discussion. The review also documents the link between low sperm quality in the obese and leptin. Method: A search was made for articles reporting body mass index (BMI), sperm parameters, and leptin, published until September 2020 in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Springer Link using a number of search terms. Results: Forty-four of the 53 human and animal studies on BMI and sperm parameters reported abnormal sperm parameters in the obese but only 9 of those had measured serum leptin. None, however, attempted to link sperm abnormalities to leptin. Nine animal studies report of adverse effects of leptin on sperm in normal weight rats that were found to be similar to those reported in obese males. Conclusion: Although none of the human studies had actually linked the raised leptin to sperm abnormalities in the obese, there is nevertheless, convincing evidence linking leptin to obesity-related poor sperm quality and male infertility. There is a need, therefore, to include measures that will help reduce the impact of raised leptin levels on male reproductive function, particularly, in obese infertile or subfertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayez A. Almabhouh
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Harbindar Jeet Singh
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
- I-PerFForm, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
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Komninos D, Ramos L, van der Heijden GW, Morrison MC, Kleemann R, van Herwaarden AE, Kiliaan AJ, Arnoldussen IAC. High fat diet-induced obesity prolongs critical stages of the spermatogenic cycle in a Ldlr -/-.Leiden mouse model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:430. [PMID: 35017550 PMCID: PMC8752771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04069-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity can disturb spermatogenesis and subsequently affect male fertility and reproduction. In our study, we aim to elucidate at which cellular level of adult spermatogenesis the detrimental effects of obesity manifest. We induced high fat diet (HFD) obesity in low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out Leiden (Ldlr−/−.Leiden) mice, and studied the morphological structure of the testes and histologically examined the proportion of Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. We examined sperm DNA damage and chromatin condensation and measured plasma levels of leptin, testosterone, cholesterol and triglycerides. HFD-induced obesity caused high plasma leptin and abnormal testosterone levels and induced an aberrant intra-tubular organisation (ITO) which is associated with an altered spermatids/spermatocytes ratio (2:1 instead of 3:1). Mice fed a HFD had a higher level of tubules in stages VII + VIII in the spermatogenic cycle. The stages VII + VII indicate crucial processes in spermatogenic development like initiation of meiosis, initiation of spermatid elongation, and release of fully matured spermatids. In conclusion, HFD-induced obese Ldlr−/−.Leiden mice develop an aberrant ITO and alterations in the spermatogenic cycle in crucial stages (stages VII and VII). Thereby, our findings stress the importance of lifestyle guidelines in infertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Komninos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - L Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G W van der Heijden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M C Morrison
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Kleemann
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A E van Herwaarden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A J Kiliaan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - I A C Arnoldussen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Yardimci A, Ulker N, Bulmus O, Sahin E, Alver A, Gungor IH, Turk G, Artas G, Kaya Tektemur N, Ozcan M, Kelestimur H, Canpolat S. Irisin Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Obese Male Rats. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:1087-1103. [PMID: 35189621 DOI: 10.1159/000523689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is known to cause sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and poor semen quality. Lifestyle modifications such as exercise have increasingly been more recognized to lower the likelihood of having sexual dysfunction or infertility in obese men. In this context, as an exercise-mimetic hormone, irisin has a potential to improve obesity-related reproductive dysfunctions. We aimed to elucidate possible effects of irisin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced reproductive dysfunction in obese male rats. METHODS Rats were divided into four groups: vehicle, irisin, obese, and obese + irisin. The rats in obese and obese+irisin groups were fed with HFD (60% kcal fat) pellets for 12 weeks to induce obesity, and then obesity-induced sexual dysfunction was confirmed by the sexual behavior test (SBT). Irisin and obese+irisin groups received irisin (100 ng/kg/day) infusion by an s.c. osmotic minipump for 4 weeks after HFD-induced obesity was formed. RESULTS Irisin did improve a number of measures of copulation, including penile erection, ejaculation, and sexual performance, and also improved sperm morphology and motility and decreased fat-induced testicular damage. It decreased serum leptin levels. On the other hand, irisin did not affect serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. It also increased gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and adrenoceptor alpha 1A (ADRA1A) in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). CONCLUSION Irisin provided a marked enhancement of HFD-induced decrease in libido, potency, sexual performance, and erection in SBT. Taken together, our results emphasize that irisin has a restorative and improver role in HFD-induced reproductive dysfunctions in obese male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Yardimci
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Nazife Ulker
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Bulmus
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Elif Sahin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Alver
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Halil Gungor
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Gaffari Turk
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Artas
- Department of Medical Pathology, Firat University, Faculty of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Nalan Kaya Tektemur
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mete Ozcan
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kelestimur
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sinan Canpolat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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11
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Akhtar MF, Shafiq M, Ali I. Improving Gander Reproductive Efficacy in the Context of Globally Sustainable Goose Production. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:44. [PMID: 35011150 PMCID: PMC8749758 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The goose is a popular poultry species, and in the past two decades the goose industry has become highly profitable across the globe. Ganders low reproductive performance remains a barrier to achieving high fertility and hatchability in subsequent flocks. To address the global demand for cheaper animal protein, various methodologies for improving avian (re)production should be explored. A large amount of literature is available on reproduction traits and techniques for commercial chicken breeder flocks, while research on improved reproduction in ganders has been carried out to a lesser extent. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive literature overview focusing on recent advancements/techniques used in improving gander reproductive efficacy in the context of ensuring a globally sustainable goose industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faheem Akhtar
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, College of Agronomy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515063, China;
| | - Ilyas Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
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12
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Lu T, Ling C, Hu M, Meng X, Deng Y, An H, Li L, Hu Y, Wang H, Song G, Guo S. Effect of Nano-Titanium Dioxide on Blood-Testis Barrier and MAPK Signaling Pathway in Male Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:2961-2971. [PMID: 32990870 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have found that nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Blood-testis barrier (BTB), as one of the tightest blood-tissue restriction, is crucial to the male reproductive system. However, the potential effects on BTB and signaling pathway changes in testis tissue induced by nano-TiO2 remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, 60 Institute of Cancer Research mice were divided randomly into four groups (per group = 15). The mice of four groups were intragastrically administered with 0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW nano-TiO2 respectively for 30 days to analyze the changes of BTB structure, BTB-related proteins, and MAPK signal pathways. Besides, testosterone level, estradiol level, and sperm parameter (sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm malformation rate) changes were also studied in this research. The results indicated that nano-TiO2 could induce the BTB structural damage and accompanied by the BTB main protein (ZO-1, Claudin-11, and F-actin) elevation of irritability. Nano-TiO2 could also activate the MAPK signaling pathways (p38, JNK, and ERK) of mice testis tissue. The testosterone and estradiol levels in serum reduced. Besides when the mice were administered with nano-TiO2, we also found the sperm motility rate decreased, and sperm malformation increased. The above changes may be associated with BTB damage and the activation of MAPK signaling pathways, thereby causing male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Lu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Chunmei Ling
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Mingjuan Hu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Xiaojia Meng
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Yaxin Deng
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Hongmei An
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Yunhua Hu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Guanling Song
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China.
| | - Shuxia Guo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China.
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13
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Lei MM, Dai ZC, Zhu HX, Chen R, Chen Z, Shao CR, Shi ZD. Impairment of testes development in Yangzhou ganders by augmentation of leptin receptor signaling. Theriogenology 2021; 171:94-103. [PMID: 34051590 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of leptin (LEP) and the leptin receptor (LEPR) in testicular development of prepubertal ganders. In an in vivo animal experiment, active immunization against LEPR severely depressed prepubertal testicular development by significantly reducing testicular weights at 200 and 227 days of age. The number of elongated spermatids in the seminiferous tubules was also significantly decreased by immunization with LEPR at ages of 200 and 227 days. Inhibition of testicular development by LEPR immunization was associated with decreases in LHR, StAR, 3β-HSD, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and PRLR mRNA expression levels in testicular tissue, which resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone synthesis. In the in vitro experiments, the addition of LEP combined with anti-LEPR antibodies strengthened LEPR signal transduction, and inhibited significantly testosterone production in cultured Leydig cells isolated from prepubertal gander testes. The mRNA expression of LHR, StAR, 3β-HSD, CYP11A1, CYP17A1 also decreased significantly after treatment with LEP combined with anti-LEPR antibodies in cultured Leydig cells. These results suggest that anti-LEPR antibodies strengthen LEPR signaling transduction in the presence of LEP, and immunization against LEPR inhibited testes development and testosterone secretion in prepubertal ganders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Lei
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Z C Dai
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - H X Zhu
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - R Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Z Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - C R Shao
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Z D Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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14
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Liu L, Zhu M, Liu X, Fei L, Shen J, Chen D. miR-122-5p regulates the tight junction of the blood-testis barrier of mice via occludin : miR-122-5p can regulate the tight junction. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:7. [PMID: 33827415 PMCID: PMC8028252 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Occludin protein is the primary assembling protein of TJs and the structural basis for tight junction formation between Sertoli cells in the spermatogenic epithelium. The expression of miR-122-5p and occludin are negatively correlated. In order to investigate the regulation mechanism of miR-122-5p on occludin and TJ, the present study isolated primary Sertoli cells from C57BL/6 mice, identified a transcription factor of miR-122-5p in testicle, studied the modulating loci of miR-122-5p on occludin using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, analyzed the regulate of miR-122-5p on the expression of occludin with real-time RT-PCR and Western blot, and studied the effect of miR-122-5p on the tight junction using a Millicell Electrical Resistance System. Results The relative luciferase activity in the pcDNA-Sp1 + pGL3-miR-122-5p promoter group was significantly higher than that in the pcDNA-Sp1 + pGL3-basic group, which suggests that transcript factor Sp1 promotes the transcription of miR-122-5p. The relative luciferase activity in the occludin 3′-UTR (wt) + miR-122-5p mimic group was significantly lower than that in the other groups (p < 0.01), which indicates that miR-122-5p modulates the expression of occludin via the ACACTCCA sequence of the occludin-3’UTR. The levels of occludin mRNA and protein in the miR-122-5p mimic group were significantly lower than that in the other groups (p < 0.05), which indicates that miR-122-5p reduces the expression of occludin. The trans-epithelial resistance of the miR-122-5p mimic group was significantly lower than that of the blank control group after day 4 (p < 0.05), which indicates that miR-122-5p inhibited the assembly of the inter-Sertoli TJ permeability barrier in vitro. Conclusion These results displayed that miR-122-5p could regulate tight junctions via the Sp1-miR-122-5p-occludin-TJ axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, Guangdong, China
| | - Maoying Zhu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, No.100 Qinghe Road, Fuyang, 236037, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, No.100 Qinghe Road, Fuyang, 236037, Anhui, China
| | - Lumin Fei
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, No.100 Qinghe Road, Fuyang, 236037, Anhui, China
| | - Jianyun Shen
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, No.100 Qinghe Road, Fuyang, 236037, Anhui, China
| | - Deyu Chen
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, No.100 Qinghe Road, Fuyang, 236037, Anhui, China.
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15
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The role of different compounds on the integrity of blood-testis barrier: A concise review based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Gene 2021; 780:145531. [PMID: 33631249 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are "nurturing cells'' in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which have essential roles in the development, proliferation and differentiation of germ cells. These cells also divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and an adluminal compartment and establish the blood-testis barrier (BTB). BTB shields haploid germ cells from recognition by the innate immune system. Moreover, after translocation of germ cells into the adluminal compartment their nutritional source is separated from the circulatory system being only supplied by the Sertoli cells. The integrity of BTB is influenced by several organic/ organometallic, hormonal and inflammatory substances. Moreover, several environmental contaminants such as BPA have hazardous effects on the integrity of BTB. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the impact of these agents on the integrity of BTB. These studies have implications in understanding the molecular mechanism of male infertility and also in the male contraception.
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16
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Abstract
A healthy nutritional state is required for all aspects of reproduction and is signaled by the adipokine leptin. Leptin acts in a relatively narrow concentration range: too much or too little will compromise fertility. The leptin signal timing is important to prepubertal development in both sexes. In the brain, leptin acts on ventral premammillary neurons which signal kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons to stimulate gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Suppression of Kiss1 neurons occurs when agouti-related peptide neurons are activated by reduced leptin, because leptin normally suppresses these orexigenic neurons. In the pituitary, leptin stimulates production of GnRH receptors (GnRHRs) and follicle-stimulating hormone at midcycle, by activating pathways that derepress actions of the messenger ribonucleic acid translational regulatory protein Musashi. In females, rising estrogen stimulates a rise in serum leptin, which peaks at midcycle, synchronizing with nocturnal luteinizing hormone pulses. The normal range of serum leptin levels (10-20 ng/mL) along with gonadotropins and growth factors promote ovarian granulosa and theca cell functions and oocyte maturation. In males, the prepubertal rise in leptin promotes testicular development. However, a decline in leptin levels in prepubertal boys reflects inhibition of leptin secretion by rising androgens. In adult males, leptin levels are 10% to 50% of those in females, and high leptin inhibits testicular function. The obesity epidemic has elucidated leptin resistance pathways, with too much leptin in either sex leading to infertility. Under conditions of balanced nutrition, however, the secretion of leptin is timed and regulated within a narrow level range that optimizes its trophic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Correspondence: Gwen V. Childs, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. E-mail:
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
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17
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De León-Ramírez YM, Lara-García M, Pacheco P, Lara-García O, Martínez-Gómez M, Cuevas-Romero E, Rodríguez-Antolín J, Nicolás-Toledo L. Histomorphological testicular changes and decrease in the sperm count in pubertal rats induced by a high-sugar diet. Ann Anat 2021; 235:151678. [PMID: 33515690 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During childhood and adolescence, excessive food consumption stimulates adipose tissue expansion promoting overweight in humans, and mice. A high-sucrose diet is related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Infertility is commonly related to these pathologies. We aim to evaluate possible histomorphological testicular changes induced by a high-sucrose diet on sperm count during the post-weaning period. METHODS Wistar male rats aged 21 days, weaned, were randomly assigned into two groups: control (fed and hydrated normally) and sugar group (fed normally but hydrated with a solution containing 30% of diluted sucrose during 30 days). At the pubertal age of 51 days, animals were killed and blood samples were taken to measure testosterone and leptin. Testicles were collected and gonadal adipose tissue and semen samples from the epididymis were excised. Testicle samples were used for morphological description using H&E staining, as well as to quantify the triacylglycerol content and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expression. Semen samples were used to assess motility, viability, and sperm count. RESULTS The sugar group presented an increase in the testicular weight, but a reduction in the cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules. Moreover, disorganization of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia, an increase in the LDH expression within the entire seminiferous tubule, and a reduced sperm count and spermatozoid motility were found. These alterations were accompanied by high serum levels of testosterone and leptin. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate strong damage of testis by sugar consumption during early life that may lead to the onset of infertility in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pablo Pacheco
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México; Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Omar Lara-García
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Margarita Martínez-Gómez
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México; Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Estela Cuevas-Romero
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Antolín
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Leticia Nicolás-Toledo
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México.
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18
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Lin N, Song X, Chen B, Ye H, Wang Y, Cheng X, Wang H. Leptin is upregulated in epididymitis and promotes apoptosis and IL-1β production in epididymal epithelial cells by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106901. [PMID: 33182054 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106901] [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: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epididymitis, one of the most common urological disease, is a significant cause of male infertility. Leptin is capable of modulating both reproduction and immune response. We analyzed the serum and seminal plasma levels of leptin in infertile patients with or without chronic epididymitis. Experimental epididymitis models were generated by administrating 200 μg Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of leptin in epididymis were detected using qPCR, Western blots 6-72 h after injection, and using immunohistochemistry 72 h after injection. Besides, rat epididymal epithelial cells were isolated as an in vitro model and were treated with leptin (5-40 ng/ml, 6-48 h), LPS (1ug/ml, 6 h), and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 (10 μM, 2 h). Cell Counting Kits-8 assay and Annexin V/PE assay were used to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Quantitive PCR and ELISA assay were used to detected inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) production. Western Blots were used to detect molecular related to cell apoptosis, IL-1β maturation, and NLRP3 inflammasome. We found that patients with chronic epididymitis presented a significantly higher level of seminal plasma leptin and correlated declined sperm progressive motility. Leptin and leptin receptor expression in epididymis was significantly upregulated 24 h after LPS administration both in mRNA and protein level, and highly expressed in the epididymis epithelium 72 h after LPS administration. In epididymal epithelial cells, leptin reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner via cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP. Leptin enhanced the LPS-induced production of IL-1β, which was associated with increased IL-1β maturation and caspase-1 activation. Furthermore, NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 attenuated the effects of leptin or co-treatment with LPS on NLRP3, ASC expression, IL-1β maturation, and caspase-1 activation, which indicated that leptin promotes IL-1β production via activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. These data suggested that leptin may act as a potential evaluation and treatment target for epididymitis and male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhe Lin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China.
| | - Hao Ye
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Youlin Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
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Derkach KV, Bakhtyukov AA, Bayunova LV, Zorina II, Shpakov AO. Normalization of Testicular Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Male Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus under the Conditions of Metformin Therapy. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2020; 493:110-113. [PMID: 32894423 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496620040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
One of the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men is steroidogenic and spermatogenic dysfunctions. There is evidence of a restoring effect of the antidiabetic drug metformin on them. We studied the effect of MF therapy (4 weeks, 200 mg/kg/day) on the hormonal parameters of the gonad axis and on the morphological characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa in male rats with a severe form of T2DM caused by a high-fat diet and a low-dose streptozotocin. It has been shown that MF therapy, along with the restoration of the metabolic parameters, normalizes the plasma levels of testosterone and leptin and the content of testosterone, its precursors, leptin and its receptors in the testes, and also increases sperm motility, which is reduced in T2DM. This is the result of both the systemic action of MF and its direct effect on testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Derkach
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A A Bakhtyukov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - L V Bayunova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - I I Zorina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A O Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Wang J, Gong X, Meng F, Deng S, Dai H, Bao B, Feng J, Li H, Wang B. Biological Network Model of Effect of Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia on Spermatogenesis in Rats. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e925579. [PMID: 32892203 PMCID: PMC7493457 DOI: 10.12659/msm.925579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to explore the effect of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on spermatogenesis and the effects of the expression of related proteins. Material/Methods Rats in Group A were normoxic (exposed to a normal level of oxygen). Rats in Group B were exposed to intermittent hypoxia. After 6 weeks, the rats were killed and their epididymides were removed. The epididymis of one testis was used to test indices of semen quality. The epididymis of the other testis was stained with hematoxylin & eosin to observe pathologic changes in the testis. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting to measure expression of the protein and mRNA of leptin, Janus kinase (JAK), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) in rat testicular cells. Cytoscape v3.7.1 was employed to construct the OSAHS–male infertility network and protein–protein interactions network. Information on common targets of OSAHS and male infertility was imported into the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Then, analyses of pathway enrichment were undertaken using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. Results Data were obtained 6 weeks after completion of OSAHS modeling. Compared with Group A, the total sperm count and sperm motility in Group B showed a downward trend (P<0.05). Staining showed no obvious abnormality in Group A. However, numerous structurally abnormal spermatogenic tubules were observed in Group B samples, and the lumen was atrophied and thinned, arranged unevenly, and the gap between the tubules was markedly increased. Western blotting and RT-qPCR showed that, compared with Group A, expression of the protein and mRNA of leptin, JAK, and STAT in the testes of rats in Group B was significantly increased (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions These data suggest that: (1) Chronic intermittent hypoxia can cause pathologic damage to rat testes; (2) Oligozoospermia was highly correlated and regulated by the JAK2/STAT6 signaling pathway; and (3) Chronic intermittent hypoxia can lead to decreased spermatogenesis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisheng Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xuefeng Gong
- Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Fanchao Meng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Sheng Deng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Hengheng Dai
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Binghao Bao
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Junlong Feng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Haisong Li
- Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bin Wang
- Andrology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
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21
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Leptin promotes proliferation of neonatal mouse stem/progenitor spermatogonia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2825-2838. [PMID: 32840762 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To keep and increase spermatogonial stem cell number (SSC) is the only available option for pediatric cancer survivors to maintain fertility. Leptin is secreted by the epididymal white adipose tissue and has receptors on stem/progenitor spermatogonia. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate dose- and time-dependent proliferative effect of leptin on stem/progenitor spermatogonia cultures from prepubertal mice testes. METHODS CD90.2 (+) stem/progenitor spermatogonia were isolated from the C57BL/6 mouse testis on postnatal day 6 and placed in culture. The proliferative effect of leptin supplementation was assessed by colony formation (diameter and number), WST proliferation assays, and xCELLigence real-time cell analysis (RTCA) on days 3, 5, and 7 of culture. Expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-STAT3, total STAT3, and p-SHP2 levels were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS Leptin supplementation of 100 ng/ml increased the diameter (p = 0.001) and number (p = 0.01) of colonies in stem/progenitor spermatogonial cultures and caused higher proliferation by WST-1 (p = 0.009) compared with the control on day 7. The EC50 was calculated as 114 ng/ml for leptin by RTCA. Proliferative dose of leptin induced increased expression of p-ERK1/2 (p = 0.009) and p-STAT3 (p = 0.023) on stem/progenitor spermatogonia when compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSION The results indicated that leptin supplementation exhibited a dose- and time-dependent proliferative effect on stem/progenitor spermatogonia that was associated with increased expression of ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways while maintaining their undifferentiated state. This output presents a new agent that may help to expand the stem/progenitor spermatogonia pool from the neonatal testis in order to autotransplant after cancer treatment.
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Molecular insights into hormone regulation via signaling pathways in Sertoli cells: With discussion on infertility and testicular tumor. Gene 2020; 753:144812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Suleiman JB, Nna VU, Othman ZA, Zakaria Z, Bakar ABA, Mohamed M. Orlistat attenuates obesity‐induced decline in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by up‐regulating steroidogenic genes. Andrology 2020; 8:1471-1485. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Bagi Suleiman
- Department of Physiology School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia
- Department of Physiology
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- College of Medical Sciences Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana Nigeria
| | - Victor Udo Nna
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Basic Sciences College of Medical Sciences University of Calabar Calabar Nigeria
| | - Zaidatul Akmal Othman
- Department of Physiology School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia
- Unit of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Kuala Terengganu Terengganu Malaysia
| | - Zaida Zakaria
- Department of Physiology School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia
| | - Ainul Bahiyah Abu Bakar
- Department of Physiology School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia
| | - Mahaneem Mohamed
- Department of Physiology School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia
- Unit of Integrative Medicine School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia
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Ding X, Ge B, Wang M, Zhou H, Sang R, Yu Y, Xu L, Zhang X. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide ameliorates impaired reproductive function caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection in male mice via regulating Nrf2-PI3K/AKT pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 151:449-458. [PMID: 32084465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) on impaired reproductive function and its mechanisms in Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-infected male mice. Results showed that IOP significantly improved the spermatogenic capacity and ameliorated pathological damage of testis, increased serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in T. gondii-infected male mice. IOP effectively up-regulated testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), P450scc and 17β-HSD expressions. IOP also significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), but increased the activities of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, IOP up-regulated the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinoneoxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), and suppressed the apoptosis of testicular cells by decreasing Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 expressions. IOP further enhanced testicular phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) expression levels. It demonstrates the beneficial effects of IOP on impaired reproductive function in T. gondii-infected male mice due to its anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis via regulating Nrf2-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ding
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Bingjie Ge
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Zhou
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Rui Sang
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Yifan Yu
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Lu Xu
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Shuangling Road, Linyi, Shandong 276005, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China.
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25
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Derkach KV, Bakhtyukov AA, Roy V, Gryaznov AY, Bayunova LV, Shpakov AO. The Testicular Leptin System in Rats with Different Severity of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093020010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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26
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Almabhouh FA, Md Mokhtar AH, Malik IA, Aziz NAAA, Durairajanayagam D, Singh HJ. Leptin and reproductive dysfunction in obese men. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13433. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ifrah Alam Malik
- Faculty of Medicine Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Malaysia
| | | | | | - Harbindar Jeet Singh
- Faculty of Medicine Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Malaysia
- I‐PerFForm Faculty of Medicine Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Malaysia
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27
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Cross-talk between ER stress and mitochondrial pathway mediated adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity and DA-9401 modulate adriamycin-induced apoptosis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:85. [PMID: 30992692 PMCID: PMC6450013 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background DA-9401 was prepared as a mixture of Chinese medicinal herb extracts from roots of Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae), outer scales of Allium cepa L. (Liliceae) and seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lamark (Convolvulaceae). The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective role of DA-9401 in adriamycin (ADR)-induced testicular toxicity associated with oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis. Methods Fifty healthy 8-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into five groups. The first CTR group was treated with normal saline 2 ml/day by gavage. The second was treated with DA-100 (DA-9401 100 mg/kg/day). The third (ADR) group received ADR (2 mg/kg/once a week) intraperitoneally, while the combination of ADR and DA-9401 was given to the fourth ADR + DA-100 (100 mg/kg/day p.o) group and fifth ADR + DA-200 (200 mg/kg/day p.o) group. At the end of the 8-week treatment period, body weight, reproductive organ weights, fertility rate, pups per female were recorded, and serum were assayed for hormone concentrations. Tissues were subjected to semen analysis, histopathological changes, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), oxidative stress markers and expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, apoptosis markers, tight junction protein markers, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cation channel of sperm (CatSper) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) by western blot. Results DA-9401 administration to ADR-treated rats significantly decreased serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, interleukin-6, TNF-α, MDA level, ROS/RNS level, ER stress response protein levels, tunnel positive cells, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Moreover, pretreatment with DA-9401 significantly increased body weight, reproductive organ weights, fertility rate, pups per female, Johnsen’s score, spermatogenic cell density, sperm count and sperm motility, serum testosterone concentration, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), tight junction protein markers, star protein level, CatSper, and GSK-3 level. Conclusions ADR treatment can markedly impair testicular function and induce testicular cell death presumably by causing significant changes in oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial pathway. DA-9401 exerts beneficial effects against oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondria-mediated cell death pathway in testis tissue by up-regulating expression levels of tight junction protein markers, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, GSK-3 alpha, and cation channels of sperm. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-019-0805-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Amjad S, Baig M, Zahid N, Tariq S, Rehman R. Association between leptin, obesity, hormonal interplay and male infertility. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13147. [PMID: 30255520 DOI: 10.1111/and.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major health problem worldwide. We investigated a possible association between leptin, obesity, hormonal interplay and male infertility. This cross-sectional study of 313 males (178 infertile and 135 fertile) was carried out in 2017. The subjects were categorised by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) into normal weight, overweight and obese. Significantly higher levels of BMI and BF% (p-value < 0.001) and lower levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, and SHBG (p-value < 0.001) were found in infertile males. However, no significant difference was observed in leptin levels (p-value = 0.35). Leptin levels were significantly higher, and all the sex hormones were significantly lower (p-value < 0.001) in obese subjects, whereas according to BF% only leptin, FSH and SHBG were significantly different. Leptin showed a significant positive correlation with BMI and BF% (p < 0.001). A strong positive link to serum testosterone was found with age, FSH, and LH (p < 0.001) and a negative one with BMI and BF% (p < 0.001). In mutivariable anlaysis, after adjusting for the other covariates, a significant association between FSH and testosterone (p-value <0.001) was found. Serum leptin levels did not differ significantly in fertile and infertile groups, and no association was found with infertility. Furthermore, male obesity was found to be associated with infertility with the decrease in levels of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amjad
- Department of Physiology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mukhtiar Baig
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nida Zahid
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sundus Tariq
- Department of Physiology, University Medical and Dental College, the University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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