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Shakeel M, Yoon M. Changes in characteristics of spermatogonial stem cells in response to heat stress in stallions. Theriogenology 2024; 224:74-81. [PMID: 38759607 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.007] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for the maintenance of male fertility and survival of species. Environmental conditions, notably heat stress, have been identified as important causes of male infertility and have a negative impact on SSCs. Animals with cryptorchid testes (CT) are optimal models for the study of long-term heat stress-related changes in germ cells. The effect of heat stress on germ cells differs depending on the spermatogenesis stage. Thus, verifying whether the specific phase of spermatogenesis is dependent or independent of heat stress in stallions is important. We evaluated the heat stress-related response of SSCs by comparing the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts and expression patterns of the undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF-1) and deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) in the seminiferous tubules of CT and normal testes (NT) of stallions using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, and western blotting. We also analyzed the relative abundance of mRNA of different proliferative markers, including minichromosome maintenance 2 (MCM2), marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI-67), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Testicular tissues from four Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid postpubertal stallions were used in this study during the breeding season. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of UTF-1 and MCM2 was significantly upregulated in the CT group than that of those in the NT group. In contrast, the relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of DAZL was significantly downregulated in the CT group than that of those in the NT group. Western blot quantification showed that the relative intensity of UTF-1 protein bands was significantly higher, while that of DAZL protein bands was significantly lower in the CT group than in the NT group. Immunofluorescence studies showed that the number of germ cells immunostained with UTF-1 was significantly higher while immunostained with DAZL was significantly lower in the CT group than that in the NT group. The higher expression level of UTF-1 in the CT group shows that undifferentiated SSCs are not affected by long-term exposure to heat stress. These results also indicate that germ cells after differentiation phase are directly affected by heat-stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, 37224, Republic of Korea.
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Gao Y, Xu S, Qiao J, Wang C, Wang K, Sun J, Liu L, Li L, Liang M, Hu K. AZIN2 is associated with apoptosis of germ cells in undescended testis. Cells Dev 2024:203925. [PMID: 38797332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Undescended testis (UDT), known as cryptorchidism (CRY), is a common congenital disorder in which one or both testicles do not descend normally into the scrotum. A unilateral UDT model was established by inducing UDT in mice through surgery. The results showed that the testis in the UDT model group was abnormal; the lumen of the seminiferous tubule was atrophic; apoptosis, necrosis and shedding were observed in many of the germ cells; the level of sex hormones was abnormal; and mature sperm was reduced. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the testicular tissue of UDT model mice. Through analysis and verification of differential genes, AZIN2 was identified as playing a key role in the decline in male fertility caused by cryptorchidism. AZIN2 expression and spermine content was down-regulated in the testis of the UDT group. We then used a combination of hypoxanthine and xanthine to create a GC-1 cell damage model. In this model, AZIN2 expression and spermine content was down-regulated. When si-Azin2 transfected GC-1 cells, cell viability and proliferation were decreased. However, in the GC-1 cell damage model transfected with Azin2 over-expressed plasmid, AZIN2 expression and spermine content was up-regulated, reversing the cell damage caused by hypoxanthine and xanthine, and restoring the proliferation ability of GC-1 cells. These results indicate that in UDT, down-regulated AZIN2 expression is a factor in testicular damage. This discussion of the connection between AZIN2 and germ cells has important clinical significance as it provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumin Xu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Qiao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Junpei Sun
- First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Leina Li
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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Tabatabaee F, Darabi S, Soltani R, Aghajanpour F, Afshar A, Abbaszadeh HA, Rajabi-Maham H. Therapeutic Effects of Exosome Therapy and Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Spermatogenesis Arrest in Male Mice After Scrotum Hyperthermia. J Lasers Med Sci 2024; 15:e3. [PMID: 38655046 PMCID: PMC11033855 DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2024.03] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: In men, several factors cause infertility, among which we can mention damage to sperm due to high temperature. So far, various treatments have been proposed for it, but they have not been highly effective. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of exosome therapy (EXO) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on spermatogenesis arrest in male mice after scrotum hyperthermia. Methods: In this experimental study, the animals were divided into four groups: control, scrotal hyperthermia, scrotal hyperthermia+EXO (100 μL/d) (mice were treated for 30 days), scrotal hyperthermia+PBMT (laser of 0.03 J/cm2 for 30 seconds/for 30 days). Hyperthermia was induced by exposure to the temperature of 43 °C for 20 minute every day for 5 times. After 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. Results: The treated groups showed a significant increase in sperm parameters, as compared to the hyperthermic groups. Moreover, these favorable effects were observed in relation to the volume of testicular tissue, the number of germ cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and the level of testosterone. Research on antioxidants showed a significant reduction in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the treatment groups in comparison to the hyperthermia group (P<0.001). Also, there has been a significant increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide enzyme observed in the hyperthermia group as opposed to the treatment group (P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings show that EXO and PBMT can improve spermatogenesis caused by hyperthermia, reduce ROS and GSSG, and increase glutathione (GSH) and sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahram Darabi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Reza Soltani
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakhroddin Aghajanpour
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azar Afshar
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjat Allah Abbaszadeh
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rajabi-Maham
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Kumar L, Solanki S, Jain A, Botts M, Gupta R, Rajput S, Roti Roti E. MAPKs signaling is obligatory for male reproductive function in a development-specific manner. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1330161. [PMID: 38406668 PMCID: PMC10885697 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1330161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represent widely expressed and evolutionarily conserved proteins crucial for governing signaling pathways and playing essential roles in mammalian male reproductive processes. These proteins facilitate the transmission of signals through phosphorylation cascades, regulating diverse intracellular functions encompassing germ cell development in testis, physiological maturation of spermatozoa within the epididymis, and motility regulation at ejaculation in the female reproductive tract. The conservation of these mechanisms appears prevalent across species, including humans, mice, and, to a limited extent, livestock species such as bovines. In Sertoli cells (SCs), MAPK signaling not only regulates the proliferation of immature SCs but also determines the appropriate number of SCs in the testes at puberty, thereby maintaining male fertility by ensuring the capacity for sperm cell production. In germ cells, MAPKs play a crucial role in dynamically regulating testicular cell-cell junctions, supporting germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Throughout spermatogenesis, MAPK signaling ensures the appropriate Sertoli-to-germ cell ratio by regulating apoptosis, controlling the metabolism of developing germ cells, and facilitating the maturation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. During ejaculation in the female reproductive tract, MAPKs regulate two pivotal events-capacitation and the acrosome reaction essential for maintaining the fertility potential of sperm cells. Any disruptions in MAPK pathway signaling possibly may disturb the testicular microenvironment homeostasis, sperm physiology in the male body before ejaculation and in the female reproductive tract during fertilization, ultimately compromising male fertility. Despite decades of research, the physiological function of MAPK pathways in male reproductive health remains inadequately understood. The current review attempts to combine recent findings to elucidate the impact of MAPK signaling on male fertility and proposes future directions to enhance our understanding of male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumar
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Ashish Jain
- Department of Microbiology, Smt. CHM College, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, India
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Kumar R, Kumar V, Gurusubramanian G, Rathore SS, Roy VK. Morin hydrate ameliorates heat-induced testicular impairment in a mouse model. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:103. [PMID: 38219219 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09157-y] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stress is known to adversely affect testicular activity and manifest the pathogenesis of spermatogenesis. Morin hydrate is a plant-derived compound, which contains a wide range of biological activities. Thus, it is hypothesized that morin hydrate might have an ameliorative effect on heat-induced testicular impairment. There has not been any research on the impact of morin hydrate on heat-induced testicular damage. METHODS The experimental mice were divided into four groups, groups1 as the normal control group (CN), and the second which underwent heat stress (HS) by immersing the lower body for 15 min in a thermostatically controlled water bath kept at 43 °C (HS), and third and fourth heat-stressed followed by two different dosages of morin hydrate 10 mg/kg (HSM10) and 100 mg/kg (HSM100) for 14 days. RESULTS Morin hydrate treatment at 10 mg/kg improved, circulating testosterone levels (increases 3βHSD), and oxidative stress along with improvement in the testis and caput and corpus epididymis histoarchitecture, however, both doses of morin hydrate improved sperm parameters. Morin hydrate treatment significantly increases germ cell proliferation, (GCNA, BrdU staining), expression of Bcl2 and decreases expression of active caspase 3. Heat stress also decreased the expression of AR, ER- α, and ER-β, and Morin hydrate treatment increased the expression of these markers in the 10 mg/kg treatment group. CONCLUSION Morin hydrate ameliorates heat-induced testicular impairment modulating testosterone synthesis, germ cell proliferation, and oxidative stress. These effects could be manifested by regulating androgen and estrogen receptors. However, the two doses showed differential effects of some parameters, which requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, East Champaran, Motihari, Bihar, 845401, India
| | - Vikash Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, East Champaran, Motihari, Bihar, 845401, India
| | | | - Saurabh Singh Rathore
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, East Champaran, Motihari, Bihar, 845401, India.
| | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796 004, India.
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Han X, Li Y, Zong Y, Li D, Yuan J, Yang H, Ma H, Ni A, Wang Y, Zhao J, Chen J, Ma T, Sun Y. Extracellular vesicle-coupled miRNA profiles of chicken seminal plasma and their potential interaction with recipient cells. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103099. [PMID: 37812871 PMCID: PMC10563059 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103099] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of EVs in seminal plasma (SPEVs) suggests their involvement on fertility via transmitting information between the original cells and recipient cells. SPEVs-coupled miRNAs have been shown to affect sperm motility, maturation, and capacitation in mammals, but rarely in poultry species. The present study aims to reveal the profile of SPEVs miRNAs and their potential effect on sperm storage and function in poultry. The SPEVs was successfully isolated from 4 different chicken breeds by ultracentrifugation and verified. Deep sequencing of SPEVs small RNA library of each breed identified 1077 miRNAs in total and 563 shared ones. The top 10 abundant miRNAs (such as miR-10-5p, miR-100-5p, and miR-10a-5p etc.) accounted for around 60% of total SPEVs miRNA reads and are highly conserved across species, predisposing their functional significance. Target genes prediction and functional enrichment analysis indicated that the most abundantly expressed miRNAs may regulate pathways like ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, mitophagy, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and fatty acid elongation. The high abundant SPEVs-coupled miRNAs were found to target 107 and 64 functionally important mRNAs in the potential recipient cells, sperm and sperm storage tubules (SST) cells, respectively. The pathways that enriched by target mRNAs revealed that the SPEVs-coupled miRNA may rule the fertility by affecting the sperm maturation and regulating the female's immune response and lipid metabolism. In summary, this study presents the distinctive repertoire of SPEVs-coupled miRNAs, and extends our understanding about their potential roles in sperm maturation, capacitation, storage, and fertility, and may help to develop new therapeutic strategies for male infertility and sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, Hebei, China
| | - Yunlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dongli Li
- Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing, 101206, China
| | - Jingwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hanhan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Aixin Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuanmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinmeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jilan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tenghe Ma
- College of medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056000, Hebei, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Soltani M, Rahmati M, Nikravesh MR, Saeedi Nejat S, Jalali M. Inhibition of Autophagy in Heat-Stressed Sperm of Adult Mice: A Possible Role of Catsper1, 2 Channel Proteins. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:6890815. [PMID: 37850157 PMCID: PMC10578978 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6890815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Various phenomena guarantee gamete maturation and formation at all stages of evolution, one of which is autophagy playing a critical role in the final morphology of gametes, particularly sperms. Autophagy is influenced by oxidative stress, disturbances of calcium homeostasis, and hyperthermia conditions. The current study aimed to assess the autophagy-related proteins along with the activity of sperm calcium channel (CatSper) proteins following the induction of heat stress (HS). Methods The study sample includes two groups of adult mice: sham and HS groups. In the HS group, the right testis was transferred to the abdominal cavity for 120 hours and then returned to the scrotum where it remained for 7 days. After 7 days, the testis and epididymis were removed to conduct real-time, immunohistochemical studies, sperm parameter evaluation, and seminiferous tubule assessment. In this study, the expression and distribution of autophagy proteins were measured. Plus, CatSper1 and CatSper2 were evaluated as proteins of calcium channels. Results The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression intensity of autophagy indices in seminiferous tubules decreased significantly after HS induction, which was associated with a decrease in the distribution of CatSper proteins in the sperms. HS led to morphological changes in sperm, reduced motility and viability of sperm, and decreased spermatogenesis indices. Conclusion In this study, following heat stress, the decrease in CatSper protein distribution may lead to the structural disorder of CatSper channels, which could strongly affect autophagic activity. Also, disruption of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters may be the consequence of decreased autophagy activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Soltani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, IR, Iran
| | - Majid Rahmati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, IR, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR, Iran
| | - Shahin Saeedi Nejat
- Schools of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jalali
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR, Iran
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Shakeel M, Yoon M. Heat stress and stallion fertility. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:683-697. [PMID: 37970501 PMCID: PMC10640949 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The threat posed by increased surface temperatures worldwide has attracted the attention of researchers to the reaction of animals to heat stress. Spermatogenesis in animals such as stallions is a temperature-dependent process, ideally occurring at temperatures slightly below the core body temperature. Thus, proper thermoregulation is essential, especially because stallion spermatogenesis and the resulting spermatozoa are negatively affected by increased testicular temperature. Consequently, the failure of thermoregulation resulting in heat stress may diminish sperm quality and increase the likelihood of stallion infertility. In this review, we emphasize upon the impact of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the somatic and germ cells and describe the subsequent testicular alterations. In addition, we explore the functions and molecular responses of heat shock proteins, including HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105, in heat-induced stress conditions. Finally, we discuss the use of various therapies to alleviate heat stress-induced reproductive harm by modulating distinct signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture
University, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild
Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Reseach Center for Horse Industry,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
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Yang Y, Ma Y, Li M, Zhu H, Shi P, An R. STUB1 directs FOXQ1-mediated transactivation of Ldha gene and facilitates lactate production in mouse Sertoli cells. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 392:565-579. [PMID: 36575252 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) preferentially use glucose to convert to lactate. As an energy source, lactate is essential for survival of developed germ cells (GCs) due to its anti-apoptotic effect. Failure to maintain lactate metabolism homeostasis leads to infertility or germ cell apoptosis. Several Sertoli cell-expressed genes, such as Foxq1 and Gata4, have been identified as critical regulators for lactate synthesis, but the pathways that potentially modulate their expression remain ill defined. Although recent work from our collaborators pointed to an involvement of STIP1 homology and U-box-containing protein 1 (STUB1) in the modulation of Sertoli cell response to GCs-derived IL-1α, a true physiological function of STUB1 signaling in SCs has not been demonstrated. We therefore conditionally ablated Stub1 in SCs using Amh-Cre. Stub1 knockout males exhibited impaired fertility due to oligozoospermia and asthenospermia, possibly caused by lactate deficiency. Furthermore, by means of chromatin immunoprecipitation, in vivo ubiquitination, and luciferase reporter assays, we showed that STUB1 directed forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1)-mediated transactivation of the lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) gene via K63-linked non-proteolytic polyubiquitination, thus facilitating lactate production in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated SCs. In agreement, overexpression of LDHA by lentivirus infection effectively rescued the lactate production in TM4Stub1-/- cells. Our results collectively identify STUB1-mediated transactivation of FOXQ1 signaling as a post-translationally modified transcriptional regulatory network underlying nursery function in SCs, which may nutritionally contribute to Sertoli cell dysfunction of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an NO.4 Hospital), 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an NO.4 Hospital), 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Panpan Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an NO.4 Hospital), 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifang An
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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Ren C, Chen Y, Tang J, Wang P, Zhang Y, Li C, Zhang Z, Cheng X. TMT-Based Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Spermatozoa of Buck (Capra hircus) and Ram (Ovis aries). Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14050973. [PMID: 37239333 DOI: 10.3390/genes14050973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are unique cells that carry a library of proteins that regulate the functions of molecules to achieve functional capabilities. Currently, large amounts of protein have been identified in spermatozoa from different species using proteomic approaches. However, the proteome characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of spermatozoa in bucks versus rams have not been fully unraveled. In this study, we performed a tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomic analysis to investigate the protein profiles in the spermatozoa of buck (Capra hircus) and ram (Ovis aries), two important economic livestock species with different fertility potentials. Overall, 2644 proteins were identified and quantified via this approach. Thus, 279 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were filtered with a p-value < 0.05, and a quantitative ratio of >2.0 or <0.5 (fold change, FC) in bucks versus rams, wherein 153 were upregulated and 126 were downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these DAPs were mainly localized in the mitochondria, extracellular and in the nucleus, and were involved in sperm motility, membrane components, oxidoreductase activity, endopeptidase complex and proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism. Specifically, partial DAPs, such as heat shock protein 90 α family class a member 1 (HSP90AA1), adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase (ACLY), proteasome 26S subunit and non-ATPase 4 (PSMD4), act as "cross-talk" nodes in protein-protein networks as key intermediates or enzymes, which are mainly involved in responses to stimuli, catalytic activity and molecular function regulator pathways that are strictly related to spermatozoa function. The results of our study offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of ram spermatozoa function, and also promote an efficient spermatozoa utilization link to fertility or specific biotechnologies for bucks and rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhuan Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yale Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jun Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Penghui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Yunnan Academy of Animal Husbandry Veterinary Sciences, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Yunnan Academy of Animal Husbandry Veterinary Sciences, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- Modern Agricultural Technology Cooperation and Popularization Center of Dingyuan County, Chuzhou 233200, China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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11
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Robinson BR, Netherton JK, Ogle RA, Baker MA. Testicular heat stress, a historical perspective and two postulates for why male germ cells are heat sensitive. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:603-622. [PMID: 36412227 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we compare the different experimental regimes used to induce testicular heat stress and summarise their impact on sperm production and male fertility. Irrespective of the protocol used, scrotal heat stress causes loss of sperm production. This is first seen 1-2 weeks post heat stress, peaking 4-5 weeks thereafter. The higher the temperature, or the longer the duration of heat, the more pronounced germ cell loss becomes, within extreme cases this leads to azoospermia. The second, and often underappreciated impact of testicular hyperthermia is the production of poor-quality spermatozoa. Typically, those cells that survive hyperthermia develop into morphologically abnormal and poorly motile spermatozoa. While both apoptotic and non-apoptotic pathways are known to contribute to hyperthermic germ cell loss, the mechanisms leading to formation of poor-quality sperm remain unclear. Mechanistically, it is unlikely that testicular hyperthermia affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, as a comparison of four different mammalian studies shows no consistent single gene changes. Using available evidence, we propose two novel models to explain how testicular hyperthermia impairs sperm formation. Our first model suggests aberrant alternative splicing, while the second model proposes a loss of RNA repression. Importantly, neither model requires consistent changes in RNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Robinson
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jacob K Netherton
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel A Ogle
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Mark A Baker
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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12
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Shi S, Shao D, Yang L, Liang Q, Han W, Xue Q, Qu L, Leng L, Li Y, Zhao X, Dong P, Walugembe M, Kayang BB, Muhairwa AP, Zhou H, Tong H. Whole Genome Analyses Reveal Novel Genes Associated with Chicken Adaptation to Tropical and Frigid Environments. J Adv Res 2022; 47:13-25. [PMID: 35907630 PMCID: PMC10173185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Investigating the genetic footprints of historical temperature selection can get insights to the local adaptation and feasible influences of climate change on long-term population dynamics. OBJECT Chicken is a significative species to study genetic adaptation on account of its similar domestication track related to human activity with the most diversified varieties. Yet, few studies have demonstrated the genetic signatures of its adaptation to naturally tropical and frigid environments. METHOD Here, we generated whole genome resequencing of 119 domesticated chickens in China including the following breeds which are in order of breeding environmental temperature from more tropical to more frigid: Wenchang chicken (WCC), green-shell chicken (GSC), Tibetan chicken (TBC), and Lindian chicken (LDC). RESULTS Our results showed WCC branched off earlier than LDC with an evident genetic admixture between WCC and LDC, suggesting their closer genetic relationship. Further comparative genomic analyses solute carrier family 33 member 1 (SLC33A1) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) genes exhibited stronger signatures for positive selection in the genome of the more tropical WCC. Furthermore, genotype data from about 3,000 African local ecotypes confirmed that allele frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these 2 genes appeared strongly associated with tropical environment adaptation. In addition, the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) gene exhibited a strong signature for positive selection in the LDC genome, and SNPs with marked allele frequency differences indicated a significant relationship with frigid environment adaptation. CONCLUSION Our findings partially clarify how selection footprints from environmental temperature stress can lead to advantageous genomic adaptions to tropical and frigid environments in poultry and provide a valuable resource for selective breeding of chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shourong Shi
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Dan Shao
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Lingyun Yang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 10089, China
| | - Qiqi Liang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 10089, China
| | - Wei Han
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Qian Xue
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Liang Qu
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Li Leng
- College of Animal Science and technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150038, China
| | - Yishu Li
- Tropical Crop Germplasm Research Institute, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Rural and Science and Technology Bureau, Xiangcheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, 626000, China
| | - Ping Dong
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Rural and Science and Technology Bureau, Xiangcheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, 626000, China
| | - Muhammed Walugembe
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2255 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Boniface B Kayang
- Department of Animal Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 233, Ghana
| | - Amandus P Muhairwa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3000 Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Huaijun Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Haibing Tong
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China.
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13
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Gao Y, Wang C, Wang K, He C, Hu K, Liang M. The effects and molecular mechanism of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the mitigation measures. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:331-347. [PMID: 35722894 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2074325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, to achieve optimal spermatogenesis, the temperature of the testes should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Cryptorchidism is one of the common pathogenic factors of male infertility. The increase of testicular temperature in male cryptorchidism patients leads to the disorder of body regulation and balance, induces the oxidative stress response of germ cells, destroys the integrity of sperm DNA, yields morphologically abnormal sperm, and leads to excessive apoptosis of germ cells. These physiological changes in the body can reduce sperm fertility and lead to male infertility. This paper describes the factors causing testicular heat stress, including lifestyle and behavioral factors, occupational and environmental factors (external factors), and clinical factors caused by pathological conditions (internal factors). Studies have shown that wearing tight pants or an inappropriate posture when sitting for a long time in daily life, and an increase in ambient temperature caused by different seasons or in different areas, can cause an increase in testicular temperature, induces testicular oxidative stress response, and reduce male fertility. The occurrence of cryptorchidism causes pathological changes within the testis and sperm, such as increased germ cell apoptosis, DNA damage in sperm cells, changes in gene expression, increase in chromosome aneuploidy, and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase activity, etc. At the end of the article, we list some substances that can relieve oxidative stress in tissues, such as trigonelline, melatonin, R. apetalus, and angelica powder. These substances can protect testicular tissue and relieve the damage caused by excessive oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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14
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Joshi M, Andrabi SW, Singh V, Bansal SK, Makker GC, Mishra G, Gupta G, Rajender S. Coding and regulatory transcriptome comparisons between fertile and infertile spermatozoa identify RNA signatures of male infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14437. [PMID: 35437806 DOI: 10.1111/and.14437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify RNA-based signatures of male infertility by sperm transcriptome analysis. In this study, deep sequencing analyses of coding (mRNA) and regulatory (miRNA) transcriptomes were performed by pooling 15 oligo/oligoasthenozoospermic infertile sperm and 9 normozoospermic fertile sperm samples. Furthermore, interesting candidates were selected for validation by real-time PCR. The comparison of miRNAs between cases and controls identified 94 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which at least 38 have known functions in spermatogenesis. In transcriptome (mRNA) data, a total of 60,505 transcripts were obtained. The comparison of coding RNAs between cases and controls revealed 11,688 differentially expressed genes. miRNA-mRNA paired analysis revealed that 94 differentially expressed miRNAs could potentially target 13,573 genes, of which 6419 transcripts were actually differentially expressed in our data. Out of these, 3303 transcripts showed inverse correlation with their corresponding regulatory miRNAs. Moreover, we found that most of the genes of miRNA-mRNA pairs were involved in male germ cell differentiation, apoptosis, meiosis, spermiogenesis and male infertility. In conclusion, we found that a number of sperm transcripts (miRNAs and mRNAs) have a very high potential of serving as infertility/sperm quality markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Syed Waseem Andrabi
- Department of Zoology, Lucknow University, Lucknow, India.,Makker Infertility Clinic, Lucknow, India
| | - Vertika Singh
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | | | | | | | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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15
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Spermatozoal Mitochondrial Dynamics Markers and Other Functionality-Related Signaling Molecules Exert Circadian-like Response to Repeated Stress of Whole Organism. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060993. [PMID: 35326444 PMCID: PMC8946903 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the search for the possible role of the mitochondrial dynamics markers in spermatozoa adaptation, an in vivo approach was designed to mimic situations in which human populations are exposed to 3 h of repeated psychological stress (the most common stress in human society) at different time points during the day (24 h). The hormones (stress hormone corticosterone and testosterone), the number and the functionality of spermatozoa (response to acrosome-reaction-inducer progesterone), as well as the transcriptional profiles of 22 mitochondrial dynamics and function markers and 22 signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality were followed at three time points (ZT3, ZT11, and ZT23). The results show that repeated stress significantly decreased the number and functionality of spermatozoa at all time points. In the same samples, the transcriptional profiles of 91% (20/22) of mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers and 86% (19/22) of signaling molecules were disturbed after repeated stress. It is important to point out that similar molecular changes in transcriptional profiles were observed at ZT3 and ZT23, but the opposite was observed at ZT11, suggesting the circadian nature of the adaptive response. The results of PCA analysis show the significant separation of repeated stress effects during the inactive/light and active/dark phases of the day, suggesting the circadian timing of molecular adaptations.
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16
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Huang S, Dou J, Li Z, Hu L, Yu Y, Wang Y. Analysis of Genomic Alternative Splicing Patterns in Rat under Heat Stress Based on RNA-Seq Data. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020358. [PMID: 35205403 PMCID: PMC8871965 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is one of the most severe challenges faced in livestock production in summer. Alternative splicing as an important post-transcriptional regulation is rarely studied in heat-stressed animals. Here, we performed and analyzed RNA-sequencing assays on the liver of Sprague-Dawley rats in control (22 °C, n = 5) and heat stress (4 °C for 120 min, H120; n = 5) groups, resulting in the identification of 636 differentially expressed genes. Identification analysis of the alternative splicing events revealed that heat stress-induced alternative splicing events increased by 20.18%. Compared with other types of alternative splicing events, the alternative start increased the most (43.40%) after heat stress. Twenty-eight genes were differentially alternatively spliced (DAS) between the control and H120 groups, among which Acly, Hnrnpd and mir3064 were also differentially expressed. For DAS genes, Srebf1, Shc1, Srsf5 and Ensa were associated with insulin, while Cast, Srebf1, Tmem33, Tor1aip2, Slc39a7 and Sqstm1 were enriched in the composition of the endoplasmic reticulum. In summary, our study conducts a comprehensive profile of alternative splicing in heat-stressed rats, indicating that alternative splicing is one of the molecular mechanisms of heat stress response in mammals and providing reference data for research on heat tolerance in mammalian livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangzhen Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.H.); (L.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Jinhuan Dou
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (Y.W.)
| | - Zhongshu Li
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Lirong Hu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.H.); (L.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Ying Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.H.); (L.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yachun Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.H.); (L.H.); (Y.Y.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (Y.W.)
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17
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Sarkar S, Yadav S, Mehta P, Gupta G, Rajender S. Histone Methylation Regulates Gene Expression in the Round Spermatids to Set the RNA Payloads of Sperm. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:857-882. [PMID: 35015293 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression during spermatogenesis undergoes significant changes due to a demanding sequence of mitosis, meiosis, and differentiation. We investigated the contribution of H3 histone modifications to gene regulation in the round spermatids. Round spermatids were purified from rat testes using centrifugal elutriation and Percoll density-gradient centrifugation. After enzymatic chromatin shearing, immuno-precipitation using antibodies against histone marks H3k4me3 and H3K9me3 was undertaken. The immunoprecipitated DNA fragments were subjected to massive parallel sequencing. Gene expression in round spermatids and sperm was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing using next-generation sequencing methods. ChIP-seq analysis showed significant peak enrichment in H3K4me3 marks in active chromatin regions and H3K9me3 peak enrichment in repressive regions. We found 53 genes which showed overlapping peak enrichment in both H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 marks. Some of the top H3K4me3-enriched genes were involved in sperm tail formation (Odf1, Odf3, Odf4, Oaz3, Ccdc42, Ccdc63, and Ccdc181), chromatin condensation (Dync1h1, Dynll1, and Kdm3a), and sperm functions such as acrosome reaction (Acrbp and Fabp9), energy generation (Gapdhs), and signaling for motility (Tssk1b, Tssk2, and Tssk4). Transcriptome sequencing in round spermatids found 64% transcripts of the H3K4me3-enriched genes at high levels and of about 25% of H3K9me3-enriched genes at very low levels. Transcriptome sequencing in sperm found that more than 99% of the ChIP-seq corresponding transcripts were also present in sperm. H3K4me3 enrichment in the round spermatids correlates significantly with gene expression and H3K9me3 correlates with gene silencing that contribute to sperm differentiation and setting the RNA payloads of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Santosh Yadav
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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18
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Starovlah IM, Radovic Pletikosic SM, Tomanic TM, Medar MLJ, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Spermatozoa Develop Molecular Machinery to Recover From Acute Stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896193. [PMID: 35909555 PMCID: PMC9329690 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to search for the possible mechanism(s) of male (in/sub)fertility by following the molecular response of spermatozoa on acute psychological stress (the most common stress in human society) and on a 20-h time-dependent recovery period. To mimic in vivo acute stress, the rats were exposed to immobilization once every 3 h. The recovery periods were as follows: 0 (immediately after stress and 3 h after the light is on-ZT3), 8 (ZT11), 14 (ZT17), and 20 (ZT23) h after stress. Results showed that acute stress provoked effects evident 20 h after the end of the stress period. Numbers of spermatozoa declined at ZT17 and ZT23, while functionality decreased at ZT3 and ZT11, but recovered at ZT17 and ZT23. Transcriptional profiles of 91% (20/22) of tracked mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers and 91% (20/22) of signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number/functionality were disturbed after acute stress and during the recovery period. Most of the changes presented as increased transcription or protein expression at ZT23. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed the clear separation of acute stress recovery effects during active/dark and inactive/light phases. The physiological relevance of these results is the recovered positive-acrosome-reaction, suggesting that molecular events are an adaptive mechanism, regulated by acute stress response signaling. The results of the PCA confirmed the separation of the effects of acute stress recovery on gene expression related to mitochondrial dynamics, cAMP, and MAPK signaling. The transcriptional patterns were different during the active and inactive phases. Most of the transcripts were highly expressed during the active phase, which is expected given that stress occurred at the beginning of the inactive phase. To the best of our knowledge, our results provide a completely new view and the first presentation of the markers of mitochondrial dynamics network in spermatozoa and their correlation with signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality during recovery from acute stress. Moreover, the interactions between the proteins important for spermatozoa homeostasis and functionality (MFN2 and PRKA catalytic subunit, MFN2 and p38MAPK) are shown for the first time. Since the existing literature suggests the importance of semen quality and male fertility not only as the fundamental marker of reproductive health but also as the fundamental biomarkers of overall health and harbingers for the development of comorbidity and mortality, we anticipate our result to be a starting point for more investigations considering the mitochondrial dynamics markers or their transcriptional profiles as possible predictors of (in/sub)fertility.
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19
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Dong Z, Kin Chau M, Li Y, Dai P, Shi M, Zhu X, Wah Chung J, Kwok Y, Choy K, Kong X. Investigation of the genetic etiology in male infertility with apparently balanced chromosomal structural rearrangements by genome sequencing. Asian J Androl 2022; 24:248-254. [PMID: 35017386 PMCID: PMC9226698 DOI: 10.4103/aja2021106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Apparently balanced chromosomal structural rearrangements are known to cause male infertility and account for approximately 1% of azoospermia or severe oligospermia. However, the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis and etiologies are still largely unknown. Herein, we investigated apparently balanced interchromosomal structural rearrangements in six cases with azoospermia/severe oligospermia to comprehensively identify and delineate cryptic structural rearrangements and the related copy number variants. In addition, high read-depth genome sequencing (GS) (30-fold) was performed to investigate point mutations causative of male infertility. Mate-pair GS (4-fold) revealed additional structural rearrangements and/or copy number changes in 5 of 6 cases and detected a total of 48 rearrangements. Overall, the breakpoints caused truncations of 30 RefSeq genes, five of which were associated with spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the breakpoints disrupted 43 topological-associated domains. Direct disruptions or potential dysregulations of genes, which play potential roles in male germ cell development, apoptosis, and spermatogenesis, were found in all cases (n = 6). In addition, high read-depth GS detected dual molecular findings in case MI6, involving a complex rearrangement and two point mutations in the gene DNAH1. Overall, our study provided the molecular characteristics of apparently balanced interchromosomal structural rearrangements in patients with male infertility. We demonstrated the complexity of chromosomal structural rearrangements, potential gene disruptions/dysregulation and single-gene mutations could be the contributing mechanisms underlie male infertility.
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20
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Qin DZ, Cai H, He C, Yang DH, Sun J, He WL, Li BL, Hua JL, Peng S. Melatonin relieves heat-induced spermatocyte apoptosis in mouse testes by inhibition of ATF6 and PERK signaling pathways. Zool Res 2021; 42:514-524. [PMID: 34254745 PMCID: PMC8317181 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal spermatogenic processes require the scrotal temperature to be lower than that of the body as excessive heat affects spermatogenesis in the testes, reduces sperm quality and quantity, and even causes infertility. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is a crucial factor in many pathologies. Although several studies have linked ERS to heat stress, researchers have not yet determined which ERS signaling pathways contribute to heat-induced testicular damage. Melatonin activates antioxidant enzymes, scavenges free radicals, and protects the testes from inflammation; however, few studies have reported on the influence of melatonin on heat-induced testicular damage. Using a murine model of testicular hyperthermia, we observed that heat stress causes both ERS and apoptosis in the testes, especially in the spermatocytes. These observations were confirmed using the mouse spermatocyte cell line GC2, where the Atf6 and Perk signaling pathways were activated during heat stress. Knockout of the above genes effectively reduced spermatocyte damage caused by heat stress. Pretreatment with melatonin alleviated heat-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the Atf6 and Perk signaling pathways. This mitigation was dependent on the melatonin receptors. In vivo experiments verified that melatonin treatment relieved heat-induced testicular damage. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ATF6 and PERK are important mediators for heat-induced apoptosis, which can be prevented by melatonin treatment. Thus, our study highlights melatonin as a potential therapeutic agent in mammals for subfertility/infertility induced by testicular hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Zhe Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hui Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chen He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Dong-Hui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Lai He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ba-Lun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jin-Lian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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Responses and coping methods of different testicular cell types to heat stress: overview and perspectives. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228844. [PMID: 34060622 PMCID: PMC8209165 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To facilitate temperature adjustments, the testicles are located outside the body cavity. In most mammals, the temperature of the testes is lower than the body temperature to ensure the normal progression of spermatogenesis. Rising temperatures affect spermatogenesis and eventually lead to a decline in male fertility or even infertility. However, the testes are composed of different cell types, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatocytes, spermatozoa, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, which have different cellular responses to heat stress. Recent studies have shown that using different drugs can relieve heat stress-induced reproductive damage by regulating different signaling pathways. Here, we review the mechanisms by which heat stress damages different cells in testes and possible treatments.
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Starovlah IM, Radovic Pletikosic SM, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Mitochondrial Dynamics Markers and Related Signaling Molecules Are Important Regulators of Spermatozoa Number and Functionality. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115693. [PMID: 34071734 PMCID: PMC8199422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we study possible mechanisms of (in/sub)fertility related to the acute or repeated psychological stresses (the most common stresses in human society) by following the transcriptional profile of 22 mitochondrial dynamics/function markers and 22 signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number/functionality. An in vivo study mimicking acute (once for 3 h) and repeated (3 h for 10 consecutive days) psychophysical stress was performed on adult rats. The analysis of hormones, the number/functionality of spermatozoa, and 44 transcriptional markers were performed on individual samples from up to 12 animals per group. Results showed that both types of stress reduced spermatozoa functionality (acute by 4.4-fold, repeated by 3.3-fold) and ATP production (acute by 2.3-fold, repeated by 14.5-fold), while only repeated stress reduces the number of spermatozoa (1.9-fold). Stress significantly disturbed transcription of 34-out-of-44 markers (77%). Mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers: 18-out-of-22 =>82% (mitochondrial-biogenesis-markers –>6-out-of-8 =>75%; mitochondrial-fusion-markers –>3-out-of-3 =>100%; mitochondrial-fission-markers –>1-out-of-2 =>50%; mitochondrial-autophagy-markers –>3-out-of-3 =>100%; mitochondrial-functionality-markers –>5-out-of-6 =>83%). Markers of signaling pathways regulating both mitochondrial dynamics/functionality and spermatozoa number/functionality important for male (in/sub)fertility –>16-out-of-22 =>73% (cAMP-signaling-markers –>8-out-of-12 =>67%; MAPK-signaling-markers –>8-out-of-10 =>80%). Accordingly, stress-triggered changes of transcriptional profile of mitochondrial dynamics/functionality markers as well as signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality represent adaptive mechanisms.
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23
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Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ER Stress) and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) Occur in a Rat Varicocele Testis Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5909306. [PMID: 32802266 PMCID: PMC7411497 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5909306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Using a surgically induced varicocele rat model, we show here strong evidence that the misfolded/unfolded protein response that is part of the stress response of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is activated in the varicocele testis (VCL), leading to the induction of apoptosis. To support this hypothesis, it is observed that the spliced variant of the X-box protein 1 (XBP1s), resulting from the activation of the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) membrane sensor, is significantly more represented in VCL testicular extracts. The activation of the IRE1/XBP1s pathway is also supported by the observation that the VCL testes show an increase phosphorylation of the c-Jun-kinase (JNK) known to be one intermediate of this pathway and an increased level of caspase-3, the terminal apoptotic effector, partly explaining the apoptotic status of the VCL testis.
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24
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Heat stress effects on sheep: Are hair sheep more heat resistant? Theriogenology 2020; 155:157-167. [PMID: 32679441 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Climatic variables can trigger physiological, biochemical, haematological and hormonal alterations that influence the maintenance of homeothermy and can affect production and productivity in sheep. Different mechanisms are responsible for tolerance to heat stress (HS) including coat and skin colour, body size, fat distribution, physiological reactions and not just coat type (hair/wool). This review looks at physical, physiological, molecular and genetic aspects of heat tolerance in sheep and how they affect hair and wool sheep. We propose that it is the adaptation to hot environments and not the type of coat (wool/hair) itself that determines the capacity of the resistance of the animal to HS, due to modifications in essential pathways such as energy metabolism, physiological responses and body size. When studied in similar environments, commercial wool breeds tend to show higher heat stress, but hair breeds tend not to differ from wool breeds that are adapted to hot environments.
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25
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Pandey A, Yadav SK, Vishvkarma R, Singh B, Maikhuri JP, Rajender S, Gupta G. The dynamics of gene expression during and post meiosis sets the sperm agenda. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1921-1939. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Pandey
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Rahul Vishvkarma
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Bineta Singh
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
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26
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Rahman MS, Kang KH, Arifuzzaman S, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Song WH, Park YJ, Pang MG. Effect of antioxidants on BPA-induced stress on sperm function in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10584. [PMID: 31332285 PMCID: PMC6646364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, bisphenol A, (BPA) an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has received increasing attention because of its detrimental health effects. There is ample evidence to support that BPA interferes with the reproductive health of humans and animals. In spermatozoa, BPA-induced adverse effects are mostly caused by increased oxidative stress. Using an in vitro experimental model, we examined whether antioxidants (glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E) have defensive effects against BPA-induced stress in spermatozoa. The results showed that antioxidants inhibit the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (basically cellular peroxides) and increase intracellular ATP levels, thereby preventing motility loss and abnormal acrosome reaction in BPA-exposed spermatozoa. In particular, glutathione and vitamin E reduced the protein kinase A-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation in spermatozoa and, thus, prevented the precocious acrosome reaction from occurring. Furthermore, we found that the compromised fertilisation and early embryo development mediated by BPA-exposed spermatozoa can be improved following their supplementation with glutathione and vitamin E. Based on these findings, we suggest that antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in BPA-exposed spermatozoa, thus preventing detrimental effects on their function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Ho Kang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Sarder Arifuzzaman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Hee Song
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 456-756, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Xue D, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang J, An F, Sun X, Yu Z. Quantitative proteomic analysis of sperm in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:52. [PMID: 31288842 PMCID: PMC6617596 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) refers to two or more spontaneous abortions that occur consecutively with the same spouse. RPL severely affects human reproduction health, and causes extreme physical and mental suffering to patients and their families. METHODS We used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ), which was coupled with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteomic analysis, in order to identify differentially expressed proteins. Moreover, we used western blot to analyze differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS Of the 2350 non-redundant proteins identified, 38 proteins were significantly altered and were identified as potential biomarkers for RPL. The protein-protein interaction network constructed using GeneMANIA revealed that 35.55% displayed similar co-expression, 30.87% were predicted, and 20.95% had physical interaction characteristics. Based on Gene ontology classification and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, the majority of these differentially expressed proteins were found to be related to biological regulation, metabolic and cellular processes, protein binding and different enzymes activities, as well as disorder of fat and glucose metabolic pathways. It is noteworthy that three metabolism related biomarkers (HK1, ACLY, and FASN) were further confirmed through western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that these differentially expressed proteins may be used as biomarkers for RPL, and related signaling pathways may play crucial roles in male induced RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Xue
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250001, Shandong, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxiao An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhai Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Sarkar S, Sujit KM, Singh V, Pandey R, Trivedi S, Singh K, Gupta G, Rajender S. Array-based DNA methylation profiling reveals peripheral blood differential methylation in male infertility. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:61-72.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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29
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Experimental mild increase in testicular temperature has drastic, but reversible, effect on sperm aneuploidy in men: A pilot study. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:189-194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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30
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Cruz DF, Farinha CM, Swiatecka-Urban A. Unraveling the Function of Lemur Tyrosine Kinase 2 Network. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:24. [PMID: 30761001 PMCID: PMC6361741 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lemur Tyrosine Kinase 2 (LMTK2) is a recently cloned transmembrane protein, actually a serine/threonine kinase named after the Madagascar primate lemur due to the long intracellular C-terminal tail. LMTK2 is relatively little known, compared to other kinases but its role has been increasingly recognized. Published data show that LMTK2 regulates key cellular events, including endocytic trafficking, nerve growth factor signaling, apoptosis, and Cl- transport. Abnormalities in the expression and function of LMTK2 are associated with human disease, such as neurodegeneration, cancer and infertility. We summarized the current state of knowledge on LMTK2 structure, regulation, interactome, intracellular localization, and tissue expression and point out future research directions to better understand the role of LMTK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Cruz
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, Portugal.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Carlos M Farinha
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, Portugal
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31
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Zavattaro M, Ceruti C, Motta G, Allasia S, Marinelli L, Di Bisceglie C, Tagliabue MP, Sibona M, Rolle L, Lanfranco F. Treating varicocele in 2018: current knowledge and treatment options. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1365-1375. [PMID: 30284221 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0952-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Varicocele is defined as a state of varicosity and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus around the testis caused by retrograde blood flow through the internal spermatic vein. The prevalence of clinically relevant varicocele ranges from 5 to 20% in the male population and is often associated with infertility and reduction of sperm quality. In this review, the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of varicocele are reviewed along with therapeutic options and treatment effects on sperm parameters and fertility both in adult and in pediatric/adolescent subjects. METHODS We conducted a Medline and a PubMed search from 1965 to 2018 to identify publications related to varicocele clinical aspects, treatment procedures and treatment outcomes. Keywords used for the search were: "varicocele", "varicocelectomy", "sclerotherapy", "male infertility", "subfertility", and "semen abnormalities". RESULTS Data from a large number of studies in adolescent and adult males indicate that varicocele correction improves semen parameters in the majority of patients, reducing oxidative stress and improving sperm nuclear DNA integrity either with surgical or percutaneous approach. CONCLUSIONS Varicocele repair seems to represent a cost-effective therapeutic option for all males (both adolescent and adults) with a clinical varicocele in the presence of testicular hypotrophy, worsening sperm alterations or infertility. On the other hand, some investigators questioned the role of varicocelectomy in the era of assisted reproduction. Thus, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of varicocele-associated male subfertility is of paramount importance to elucidating the deleterious effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis and possibly formulating new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zavattaro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Ceruti
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - S Allasia
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Di Bisceglie
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M P Tagliabue
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Sibona
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Rolle
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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