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Meena R, Bharti S. Effect of anti-estrogen and anti-progesterone on spermatogenesis, testosterone production and expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes in adult male rats. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100749. [PMID: 36867990 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100749] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study was planned to investigate the anti-spermatogenic and anti-steroidogenic effects of Clomiphene Citrate (CC) an anti-estrogen and Mifepristone (MT) an anti-progesterone in the testis of male rats. Following the oral administration of 1.0 mg and 5.0 mg/kg b.w/day of each for the duration of 30 and 60 days, quantitation of spermatogenesis, RIA for serum and intra-testicular testosterone levels, western blotting and RT-PCR for expression of StAR, 3β-HSD and P450arom enzymes in the testis was done. Clomiphene Citrate at 5.0 mg/kg b.w/day for 60 days significantly reduced testosterone (T) levels however the effect was not significant with the lower doses. Reproductive parameters in animals treated by Mifepristone remained mostly unaffected, however, a significant decline in testosterone levels and altered expression of selected genes was observed in 5.0 mg for the 30d treatment group. Clomiphene Citrate at higher doses affected the weights of the testis and secondary sex organs. Seminiferous tubules revealed hypo-spermatogenesis with a significant decrease in the number of maturing germ cells and a reduction in tubular diameter. Attenuation in serum testosterone was associated with the downregulation of expression in StAR, 3β-HSD, and P450arom mRNA and protein levels in the testis even after 30 d of CC administration. The results indicate that the anti-estrogen (Clomiphene Citrate) but not anti-progesterone (Mifepristone) induces hypo-spermatogenesis in rats which are associated with a downregulation of expression of two of the steroidogenic enzymes, 3β-HSD and P450arom mRNA and StAR protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Meena
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Shilpa Bharti
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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2
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Wang L, Cen S, Shi X, Zhang H, Wu L, Tian X, Ma W, Li X, Ma X. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Esr1 and Esr2 in gonads of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 222:106147. [PMID: 35714971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens and their receptors play crucial roles in regulating the gonadal development of vertebrates. To clarify the roles of estrogen receptors in the gonadal development of turtles, estrogen receptors (Esr1 and Esr2) in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) were identified and characterized, and their function in gonads was investigated by intraperitoneal injection of agonist propylpyrazoletriol (PPT) and diarylpropionitrile (DPN), and antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Ps-Esr1 encoded a 588 amino acid protein and Ps-Esr2 encoded a 556 amino acid protein. The two receptors contained classic domains, including the DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain, and amino acid sequences showed high homology with other turtles. Ps-Esr1 showed the highest expression in the testis, followed by the ovary and liver. However, Ps-Esr2 showed the highest expression in the ovary, followed by the brain and testis. Ps-Esr1 expression showed an up-regulation trend in gonadal differentiation. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the number of follicles increased in female juvenile turtles treated with DPN or PPT. In addition, Tsc2, GnRH, and Fshβ were up-regulated in ovaries of turtles treated with agonists, while Sycp3 and Picalm were up-regulated in testes of turtles treated with agonists. Treatment with the antagonist decreased the number of sperm in matured turtles. Stra8, Scyp3, Dmc1, Picalm, Evl, Boule, and Cdk1 were up-regulated in testis after antagonist treatment. The results indicated that Esr1 might play an important role in gonadal differentiation, and the two estrogen receptors might be involved in the spermatogenesis of the turtle. These results could provide a reference for further research on the function of the estrogen signal in male vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luming Wang
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Shuangshuang Cen
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xi Shi
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Limin Wu
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xue Tian
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Wenge Ma
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xiao Ma
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
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Tian F, Li Q, Shi L, Li J, Shi M, Zhu Y, Li H, Ge RS. In utero bisphenol AF exposure causes fetal Leydig cell dysfunction and induces multinucleated gonocytes by generating oxidative stress and reducing the SIRT1/PGC1α signals. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 447:116069. [PMID: 35605789 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is one of the primary alternatives of bisphenol A. It has been ubiquitously detected in the environment and is an emerging endocrine disrupting compound. However, the effects of BPAF exposure on fetal Leydig cells and germ cells and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. To this end, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10, 50, and 200 mg/kg/d BPAF by gavage from gestational days 14 to 21. The neonatal rats were sacrificed on day 1 at birth. The results showed that serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased at 50 and 200 mg/kg/d, the expression of Scarb1, Star, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, and Dhh and their proteins were markedly down-regulated at 50 and 100 mg/kg/d. BPAF exposure also significantly increased the incidence of multinucleated gonocytes at 200 mg/kg/d. We further detected significant increase of testicular malondialdehyde levels and reduction of antioxidants, including SOD1, SOD2, and CAT at 50 and/or 200 mg/kg/d. Furthermore, BPAF markedly reduced the levels of SIRT1 and PGC1α at 200 mg/kg/d while significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation in the testes at 50 and 200 mg/kg/d. In conclusion, our results provide novel in vivo data that BPAF can induce fetal Leydig cell dysfunction by interfering with steroidogenic networks and induce the formation of multinucleated gonocytes after suppressing the antioxidant defense system and reducing SIRT1 and PGC1α signals and increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK, which highlights the potential health risk of environmental exposure to BPAF in inducing male reproductive tract malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhong Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Qiyao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Mengna Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Huitao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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4
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Ho SM, Rao R, Ouyang B, Tam NNC, Schoch E, Song D, Ying J, Leung YK, Govindarajah V, Tarapore P. Three-Generation Study of Male Rats Gestationally Exposed to High Butterfat and Bisphenol A: Impaired Spermatogenesis, Penetrance with Reduced Severity. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103636. [PMID: 34684636 PMCID: PMC8541510 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational high butterfat (HFB) and/or endocrine disruptor exposure was previously found to disrupt spermatogenesis in adulthood. This study addresses the data gap in our knowledge regarding transgenerational transmission of the disruptive interaction between a high-fat diet and endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). F0 generation Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing butterfat (10 kcal%) and high in butterfat (39 kcal%, HFB) with or without BPA (25 µg/kg body weight/day) during mating and pregnancy. Gestationally exposed F1-generation offspring from different litters were mated to produce F2 offspring, and similarly, F2-generation animals produced F3-generation offspring. One group of F3 male offspring was administered either testosterone plus estradiol-17β (T + E2) or sham via capsule implants from postnatal days 70 to 210. Another group was naturally aged to 18 months. Combination diets of HFB + BPA in F0 dams, but not single exposure to either, disrupted spermatogenesis in F3-generation adult males in both the T + E2-implanted group and the naturally aged group. CYP19A1 localization to the acrosome and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) localization to the nucleus were associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Finally, expression of methyl-CpG-binding domain-3 (MBD3) was consistently decreased in the HFB and HFB + BPA exposed F1 and F3 testes, suggesting an epigenetic component to this inheritance. However, the severe atrophy within testes present in F1 males was absent in F3 males. In conclusion, the HFB + BPA group demonstrated transgenerational inheritance of the impaired spermatogenesis phenotype, but severity was reduced in the F3 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.N.C.T.); (Y.-K.L.)
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: (S.-M.H.); (P.T.); Tel.: +501-686-5347 (S.-M.H.); +513-558-5148 (P.T.)
| | - Rahul Rao
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
- Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Neville N. C. Tam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.N.C.T.); (Y.-K.L.)
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Emma Schoch
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
- Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.N.C.T.); (Y.-K.L.)
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Vinothini Govindarajah
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
- Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (S.-M.H.); (P.T.); Tel.: +501-686-5347 (S.-M.H.); +513-558-5148 (P.T.)
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5
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Hess RA, Sharpe RM, Hinton BT. Estrogens and development of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis and vas deferens. Differentiation 2021; 118:41-71. [PMID: 33441255 PMCID: PMC8026493 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen has always been considered the female hormone and testosterone the male hormone. However, estrogen's presence in the testis and deleterious effects of estrogen treatment during development have been known for nearly 90 years, long before estrogen receptors (ESRs) were discovered. Eventually it was learned that testes actually synthesize high levels of estradiol (E2) and sequester high concentrations in the reproductive tract lumen, which seems contradictory to the overwhelming number of studies showing reproductive pathology following exogenous estrogen exposures. For too long, the developmental pathology of estrogen has dominated our thinking, even resulting in the "estrogen hypothesis" as related to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. However, these early studies and the development of an Esr1 knockout mouse led to a deluge of research into estrogen's potential role in and disruption of development and function of the male reproductive system. What is new is that estrogen action in the male cannot be divorced from that of androgen. This paper presents what is known about components of the estrogen pathway, including its synthesis and target receptors, and the need to achieve a balance between androgen- and estrogen-action in male reproductive tract differentiation and adult functions. The review focuses on what is known regarding development of the male reproductive tract, from the rete testis to the vas deferens, and examines the expression of estrogen receptors and presence of aromatase in the male reproductive system, traces the evidence provided by estrogen-associated knockout and transgenic animal models and discusses the effects of fetal and postnatal exposures to estrogens. Hopefully, there will be enough here to stimulate discussions and new investigations of the androgen:estrogen balance that seems to be essential for development of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802 USA and Epivara, Inc., Research Park, 60 Hazelwood Dr., Suite 230G, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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6
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Boberg J, Johansson HKL, Axelstad M, Olsen GPM, Johansen M, Holmboe SA, Andersson AM, Svingen T. Using assessment criteria for pesticides to evaluate the endocrine disrupting potential of non-pesticide chemicals: Case butylparaben. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:105996. [PMID: 32771829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties depend on the use of the chemical rather than its intrinsic properties. Within the EU, the only criteria currently in place for identifying an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) are those developed for biocidal and plant protection products. We argue that ECHA/EFSA guidance for assessing endocrine disrupting properties of biocidal and plant protection products can be applied to all chemicals independent of their intended use. We have assessed the REACH-registered compound butylparaben (CAS 94-36-8), a preservative used primarily in cosmetics. Based on scientific evidence of adverse reproductive effects and endocrine activity, the open literature suggest that butylparaben is an EDC. By applying the ECHA/EFSA guidance for pesticides and biocides, we identify butylparaben as a compound with endocrine disrupting properties. Even though available data is markedly different from that for biocides and pesticides, it was possible to reach this conclusion. More generally, we propose that the ECHA/EFSA guidance can and should be used for identification of EDC regardless of their intended application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gustav P M Olsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mathias Johansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Garcia M, Thirouard L, Monrose M, Holota H, De Haze A, Caira F, Beaudoin C, Volle DH. Farnesoid X receptor alpha (FXRα) is a critical actor of the development and pathologies of the male reproductive system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4849-4859. [PMID: 31407019 PMCID: PMC11105758 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03247-6] [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: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The farnesoid-X-receptorα (FXRα; NR1H4) is one of the main bile acid (BA) receptors. During the last decades, through the use of pharmalogical approaches and transgenic mouse models, it has been demonstrated that the nuclear receptor FXRα controls numerous physiological functions such as glucose or energy metabolisms. It is also involved in the etiology or the development of several pathologies. Here, we will review the unexpected roles of FXRα on the male reproductive tract. FXRα has been demonstrated to play functions in the regulation of testicular and prostate homeostasis. Even though additional studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans, the reviewed reports open new field of research to better define the effects of bile acid-FXRα signaling pathways on fertility disorders and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Garcia
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laura Thirouard
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mélusine Monrose
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hélène Holota
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique De Haze
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Françoise Caira
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claude Beaudoin
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - David H Volle
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Fénichel P, Chevalier N. Is Testicular Germ Cell Cancer Estrogen Dependent? The Role of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2981-2989. [PMID: 31617897 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most frequent cancer of the young male, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The pathogenesis and reasons for this increase remain unknown. However, epidemiological and experimental data have suggested that, similar to genital malformations and sperm impairment, it could result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors including fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with estrogenic effects. In this review, we analyze the expression of classic and nonclassic estrogen receptors by TGCC cells, the way they may influence germ cell proliferation induced by EDCs, and discuss how this estrogen dependency supports the developmental and environmental hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Fénichel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Equipe, France
| | - Nicolas Chevalier
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Equipe, France
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9
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Wei Y, Han C, Geng Y, Cui Y, Bao Y, Shi W, Zhong X. Maternal exposure to bisphenol A during pregnancy interferes testis development of F1 male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:23491-23504. [PMID: 31201698 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) on testis development of F1 male mice. The BPA exposure model of pregnant mice was prepared by intragastric administration of BPA at the doses of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day at gestation day (GD) 0.5-17.5. The testis index of the offspring mice was calculated at postnatal day (PND) 21 and PND 56. The results showed that maternal exposure to 20 mg/kg BPA during pregnancy significantly increased the testicular index of F1 males at PND 21, and 40 mg/kg BPA significantly decreased the testicular index of F1 males at PND 56 (P < 0.01). BPA significantly reduced serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels, and improved testicular ERα and ERβ levels in F1 males at both PND 21 and PND 56. BPA exposure also upregulated transcription of testicular Dnmt1 and inhibited the transcription of testicular Dnmt3A and Dnmt3B in F1 mice at PND 21. BPA reduced the transcriptional level of testicular DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt), increased the expression of testicular caspase-7, caspase-9, and bax, and decreased the expression of bcl-2 in F1 mice at PND 56. Consistent with that, BPA improved the apoptosis rate in the testis at PND 56 (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Our study indicates that BPA disrupts the secretion of testosterone, estradiol, and estrogen receptors by interfering with the transcription of testicular DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) in offspring males, which damages testicular tissues and affects the potential reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Chao Han
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Yumeng Geng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Yuqing Cui
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Yongzhan Bao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Wanyu Shi
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China.
| | - Xiuhui Zhong
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, Hebei, China.
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10
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Hess RA, Cooke PS. Estrogen in the male: a historical perspective. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:27-44. [PMID: 29438493 PMCID: PMC6044326 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have traditionally been considered female hormones. Nevertheless, the presence of estrogen in males has been known for over 90 years. Initial studies suggested that estrogen was deleterious to male reproduction because exogenous treatments induced developmental abnormalities. However, demonstrations of estrogen synthesis in the testis and high concentrations of 17β-estradiol in rete testis fluid suggested that the female hormone might have a function in normal male reproduction. Identification of estrogen receptors and development of biological radioisotope methods to assess estradiol binding revealed that the male reproductive tract expresses estrogen receptor extensively from the neonatal period to adulthood. This indicated a role for estrogens in normal development, especially in efferent ductules, whose epithelium is the first in the male reproductive tract to express estrogen receptor during development and a site of exceedingly high expression. In the 1990s, a paradigm shift occurred in our understanding of estrogen function in the male, ushered in by knockout mouse models where estrogen production or expression of its receptors was not present. These knockout animals revealed that estrogen's main receptor (estrogen receptor 1 [ESR1]) is essential for male fertility and development of efferent ductules, epididymis, and prostate, and that loss of only the membrane fraction of ESR1 was sufficient to induce extensive male reproductive abnormalities and infertility. This review provides perspectives on the major discoveries and developments that led to our current knowledge of estrogen's importance in the male reproductive tract and shaped our evolving concept of estrogen's physiological role in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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11
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Lv Y, Li L, Fang Y, Chen P, Wu S, Chen X, Ni C, Zhu Q, Huang T, Lian Q, Ge RS. In utero exposure to bisphenol A disrupts fetal testis development in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:217-224. [PMID: 30557795 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in consumer products and is a potential endocrine disruptor linked with abnormal development of male reproductive tract. However, its action and its effects on the pathways in the development of male gonad are still unclear. Here we report that effects of BPA exposure during gestation on male gonad development. Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged daily with BPA (0, 4, 40, and 400 mg/kg body weight) from gestational day 12 to day 21. BPA dose-dependently decreased serum testosterone levels (0.45 ± 0.08 ng/ml and 0.32 ± 0.08 ng/ml for 40 and 400 mg/kg BPA, respectively) versus the control level (1.11 ± 0.22 ng/ml, Mean ± SE). BPA lowered Leydig cell Insl3 and Hsd17b3 mRNA and their protein levels at doses of 40 and 400 mg/kg. BPA also lowered Leydig cell (Lhcgr, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1) and Sertoli cell (Amh) mRNA and their protein levels at 400 mg/kg. BPA decreased fetal Leydig cell number via inhibiting their proliferation, but it did not affect fetal Sertoli cell number. In conclusion, the current study shows that in utero exposure to BPA inhibits fetal Leydig and Sertoli cell differentiation, possibly disrupting the development of male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yinghui Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiuxiu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Chaobo Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Tongliang Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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12
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Bejarano I, Rodríguez AB, Pariente JA. Apoptosis Is a Demanding Selective Tool During the Development of Fetal Male Germ Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:65. [PMID: 30003081 PMCID: PMC6031705 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is widely known to play a major role on diseases related to male infertility. Diseases of the male genital tract as defective spermatogenesis, decreased sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation, testicular torsion, varicocele and immunological infertility are strongly related to apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis must not be considered only as a fail on germ cell physiology or a secondary effect of certain pathologies and exogenous hazardous agents. Apoptosis orchestrates correct function and development of the male germ cell from the early embryonic stages of gonadal differentiation to the fertilization. In this review we have tried to address a reading frame of the main knowledge about apoptosis in male germ cell development. Focussing on mechanisms concerning cellular apoptosis, which are independent of exogenous stimuli, we aimed to highlight that apoptosis is a selective instrument that guarantees the delivery of genetic message to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José A. Pariente
- Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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13
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Bueno LM, Caun DL, Comelis MT, Beguelini MR, Taboga SR, Morielle‐Versute E. Ovarian morphology and folliculogenesis and ovulation process in the flat‐faced fruit‐eating bat
Artibeus planirostris
and the Argentine brown bat
Eptesicus furinalis
: A comparative analysis. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Mayumi Bueno
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dianelli Lisboa Caun
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Manuela Tosi Comelis
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mateus Rodrigues Beguelini
- Center of Biological and Health SciencesUFOB – Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia Bahia Barreiras Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Eliana Morielle‐Versute
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
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14
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Pathological lesions and global DNA methylation in rat prostate under streptozotocin-induced diabetes and melatonin supplementation. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:470-487. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Lee SLJ, Horsfield JA, Black MA, Rutherford K, Fisher A, Gemmell NJ. Histological and transcriptomic effects of 17α-methyltestosterone on zebrafish gonad development. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:557. [PMID: 28738802 PMCID: PMC5523153 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex hormones play important roles in teleost ovarian and testicular development. In zebrafish, ovarian differentiation appears to be dictated by an oocyte-derived signal via Cyp19a1a aromatase-mediated estrogen production. Androgens and aromatase inhibitors can induce female-to-male sex reversal, however, the mechanisms underlying gonadal masculinisation are poorly understood. We used histological analyses together with RNA sequencing to characterise zebrafish gonadal transcriptomes and investigate the effects of 17α-methyltestosterone on gonadal differentiation. RESULTS At a morphological level, 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) masculinised gonads and accelerated spermatogenesis, and these changes were paralleled in masculinisation and de-feminisation of gonadal transcriptomes. MT treatment upregulated expression of genes involved in male sex determination and differentiation (amh, dmrt1, gsdf and wt1a) and those involved in 11-oxygenated androgen production (cyp11c1 and hsd11b2). It also repressed expression of ovarian development and folliculogenesis genes (bmp15, gdf9, figla, zp2.1 and zp3b). Furthermore, MT treatment altered epigenetic modification of histones in zebrafish gonads. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of cyp19a1a or foxl2 expression in control ovaries compared to MT-treated testes and control testes were not statistically significant during early gonad development (40 dpf). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that both androgen production and aromatase inhibition are important for androgen-induced gonadal masculinisation and natural testicular differentiation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia A. Horsfield
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago New Zealand
| | - Michael A. Black
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago New Zealand
| | - Kim Rutherford
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago New Zealand
| | - Amanda Fisher
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago New Zealand
| | - Neil J. Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago New Zealand
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16
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Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:995-1043. [PMID: 28539434 PMCID: PMC6151497 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have historically been associated with female reproduction, but work over the last two decades established that estrogens and their main nuclear receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also regulate male reproductive and nonreproductive organs. 17β-Estradiol (E2) is measureable in blood of men and males of other species, but in rete testis fluids, E2 reaches concentrations normally found only in females and in some species nanomolar concentrations of estrone sulfate are found in semen. Aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in Leydig cells, seminiferous epithelium, and other male organs. Early studies showed E2 binding in numerous male tissues, and ESR1 and ESR2 each show unique distributions and actions in males. Exogenous estrogen treatment produced male reproductive pathologies in laboratory animals and men, especially during development, and studies with transgenic mice with compromised estrogen signaling demonstrated an E2 role in normal male physiology. Efferent ductules and epididymal functions are dependent on estrogen signaling through ESR1, whose loss impaired ion transport and water reabsorption, resulting in abnormal sperm. Loss of ESR1 or aromatase also produces effects on nonreproductive targets such as brain, adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Expression of GPER is extensive in male tracts, suggesting a possible role for E2 signaling through this receptor in male reproduction. Recent evidence also indicates that membrane ESR1 has critical roles in male reproduction. Thus estrogens are important physiological regulators in males, and future studies may reveal additional roles for estrogen signaling in various target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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17
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Martinot E, Sèdes L, Baptissart M, Holota H, Rouaisnel B, Damon-Soubeyrand C, De Haze A, Saru JP, Thibault-Carpentier C, Keime C, Lobaccaro JMA, Baron S, Benoit G, Caira F, Beaudoin C, Volle DH. The Bile Acid Nuclear Receptor FXRα Is a Critical Regulator of Mouse Germ Cell Fate. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:315-328. [PMID: 28669602 PMCID: PMC5511114 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process by which spermatozoa are generated from spermatogonia. This cell population is heterogeneous, with self-renewing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and progenitor spermatogonia that will continue on a path of differentiation. Only SSCs have the ability to regenerate and sustain spermatogenesis. This makes the testis a good model to investigate stem cell biology. The Farnesoid X Receptor alpha (FXRα) was recently shown to be expressed in the testis. However, its global impact on germ cell homeostasis has not yet been studied. Here, using a phenotyping approach in Fxrα−/− mice, we describe unexpected roles of FXRα on germ cell physiology independent of its effects on somatic cells. FXRα helps establish and maintain an undifferentiated germ cell pool and in turn influences male fertility. FXRα regulates the expression of several pluripotency factors. Among these, in vitro approaches show that FXRα controls the expression of the pluripotency marker Lin28 in the germ cells. FXRα regulated germ cell apoptotis independently of androgen homeostasis FXRα controls germ cell differentiation FXRα regulates the establishment and maintenance of undifferentiated germ cells In germ cells, FXRα controls the expression of pluripotency markers such as Lin28
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Martinot
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Lauriane Sèdes
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marine Baptissart
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hélène Holota
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Betty Rouaisnel
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique De Haze
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Paul Saru
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Céline Keime
- IGBMC - CNRS UMR 7104 - Inserm U 964, 1 BP 10142, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Marc A Lobaccaro
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Silvère Baron
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gérard Benoit
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire de la Cellule, Ecole normale supérieure de Lyon, UMR5239 CNRS/ENS Lyon/UCBL/HCL, 46, allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Françoise Caira
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claude Beaudoin
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David H Volle
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR 6293, Laboratoire GReD, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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18
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Zanatta AP, Brouard V, Gautier C, Goncalves R, Bouraïma-Lelong H, Mena Barreto Silva FR, Delalande C. Interactions between oestrogen and 1α,25(OH) 2-vitamin D 3 signalling and their roles in spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions. Basic Clin Androl 2017; 27:10. [PMID: 28491323 PMCID: PMC5421336 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-017-0053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oestrogens and 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25-D3) are steroids that can provide effects by binding to their receptors localised in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus or the plasma membrane respectively inducing genomic and non-genomic effects. As confirmed notably by invalidation of the genes, coding for their receptors as tested with mice with in vivo and in vitro treatments, oestrogens and 1,25-D3 are regulators of spermatogenesis. Moreover, some functions of ejaculated spermatozoa as viability, DNA integrity, motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fertilizing ability are targets for these hormones. The studies conducted on their mechanisms of action, even though not completely elicited, have allowed the demonstration of putative interactions between their signalling pathways that are worth examining more closely. The present review focuses on the elements regulated by oestrogens and 1,25-D3 in the testis and spermatozoa as well as the interactions between the signalling pathways of both hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Zanatta
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France.,Biochemistry Department, Laboratory of Hormones & Signal Transduction, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brouard
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Camille Gautier
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Renata Goncalves
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France.,Biochemistry Department, Laboratory of Hormones & Signal Transduction, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | - Christelle Delalande
- INRA, OeReCa, Normandie University, UNICAEN, 14000 Caen, France.,Laboratoire Œstrogènes, Reproduction, Cancer (OeReCa), EA 2608 USC INRA1377, Université de Caen Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, CS 14032, 14032 CAEN cedex 5, France
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19
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Menad R, Smaï S, Bonnet X, Gernigon-Spychalowicz T, Moudilou E, Khammar F, Exbrayat JM. Seasonal variations of aromatase and estrogen receptors expression in the testis of free-ranging sand rats. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:382-391. [PMID: 28427772 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies revealed the importance of estrogen in male reproduction. However, most research was conducted in laboratory rodents subjected to standardized environmental conditions. Therefore, seasonal regulations of estrogen pathways remain poorly understood under natural conditions. Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of several molecules involved in the functioning of testis (i.e. 17-β estradiol [E2], P450 aromatase, estrogen receptors ESR1, ESR2, and GPER1 [also known as GPR30]) were investigated in free-ranging fat sand rats, Psammomys obesus, during the breeding and resting seasons. Leydig cells showed a strong immunoreactivity for aromatase in the testis sampled during the breeding season only; however, E2, ESR1, ESR2 and GPER1 were present during both seasons. Sertoli cells showed a positive signal for E2 and ESR2 during the breeding season; though, all molecules, except GPER1, were present during the resting season. Spermatogonia were reactive for E2, ESR2 and GPER1 during the breeding season and for ESR1 and GPER1 during the resting season. During both seasons, spermatocytes-I presented a moderate reactivity for E2, ESR1, ESR2 and a strong reactivity for GPER1; aromatase was detected during the resting season only. Spermatids and spermatozoa were present exclusively during breeding season and were reactive for all molecules; except round spermatids that were negative for aromatase. The functioning of the testis depends on finely tuned stimulation and inhibition systems. Our results suggest that differential expression of aromatase, ESR1, ESR2, and GPER1 across cells types is involved in the seasonal activation/inactivation cycle of spermatogenesis in a free-ranging species.
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20
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Dostalova P, Zatecka E, Dvorakova-Hortova K. Of Oestrogens and Sperm: A Review of the Roles of Oestrogens and Oestrogen Receptors in Male Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050904. [PMID: 28441342 PMCID: PMC5454817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The crucial role that oestrogens play in male reproduction has been generally accepted; however, the exact mechanism of their action is not entirely clear and there is still much more to be clarified. The oestrogen response is mediated through oestrogen receptors, as well as classical oestrogen receptors’ variants, and their specific co-expression plays a critical role. The importance of oestrogen signalling in male fertility is indicated by the adverse effects of selected oestrogen-like compounds, and their interaction with oestrogen receptors was proven to cause pathologies. The aims of this review are to summarise the current knowledge on oestrogen signalling during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and discuss the available information on oestrogen receptors and their splice variants. An overview is given of species-specific differences including in humans, along with a detailed summary of the methodology outcome, including all the genetically manipulated models available to date. This review provides coherent information on the recently discovered mechanisms of oestrogens’ and oestrogen receptors’ effects and action in both testicular somatic and germ cells, as well as in mature sperm, available for mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Dostalova
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Zatecka
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Dvorakova-Hortova
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 12844 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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21
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Neonatal bisphenol A exposure induces meiotic arrest and apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:10606-15. [PMID: 26863571 PMCID: PMC4891144 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial plasticizer, which is ubiquitously present in the environment and organisms. As an endocrine disruptor, BPA has caused significant concerns regarding its interference with reproductive function. However, little is known about the impact of BPA exposure on early testicular development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of neonatal BPA exposure on the first wave of spermatogenesis. Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with BPA (0.01, 0.1 and 5 mg/kg body weight) daily from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 21. Histological analysis of testes at PND 22 revealed that BPA-treated testes contained mostly spermatogonia and spermatocytes with markedly less round spermatids, indicating signs of meiotic arrest. Terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed that BPA treatment significantly increased the number of apoptotic germ cells per tubule, which corroborated the observation of meiotic arrest. In addition, BPA caused abnormal proliferation of germ cells as revealed by Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining. Mechanistically, BPA-treated testes displayed a complete lack of BOULE expression, which is a conserved key regulator for spermatogenesis. Moreover, BPA significantly increased the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) α and β in the developing testis. The present study demonstrated that neonatal BPA exposure disrupted meiosis progression during the first wave of spermatogenesis, which may be, at least in part, due to inhibition of BOULE expression and/or up-regulation of ERα/β expression in BPA-exposed developing testis.
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Brouard V, Guénon I, Bouraima-Lelong H, Delalande C. Differential effects of bisphenol A and estradiol on rat spermatogenesis’ establishment. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 63:49-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Computational modeling and simulation of genital tubercle development. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 64:151-61. [PMID: 27180093 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypospadias is a developmental defect of urethral tube closure that has a complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors, including anti-androgenic and estrogenic disrupting chemicals; however, little is known about the morphoregulatory consequences of androgen/estrogen balance during genital tubercle (GT) development. Computer models that predictively model sexual dimorphism of the GT may provide a useful resource to translate chemical-target bipartite networks and their developmental consequences across the human-relevant chemical universe. Here, we describe a multicellular agent-based model of genital tubercle (GT) development that simulates urethrogenesis from the sexually-indifferent urethral plate stage to urethral tube closure. The prototype model, constructed in CompuCell3D, recapitulates key aspects of GT morphogenesis controlled by SHH, FGF10, and androgen pathways through modulation of stochastic cell behaviors, including differential adhesion, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. Proper urethral tube closure in the model was shown to depend quantitatively on SHH- and FGF10-induced effects on mesenchymal proliferation and epithelial apoptosis-both ultimately linked to androgen signaling. In the absence of androgen, GT development was feminized and with partial androgen deficiency, the model resolved with incomplete urethral tube closure, thereby providing an in silico platform for probabilistic prediction of hypospadias risk across combinations of minor perturbations to the GT system at various stages of embryonic development.
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Ozone treatment prevents the toxicity of an environmental mixture of estrogens on rat fetal testicular development. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 58:85-92. [PMID: 26370920 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Effluents from wastewater treatment plants contain a mixture of estrogens (MIX: 17β-estradiol: E2, estrone: E1, estriol: E3 and 17α-ethinylestradiol EE2). High doses of estrogens have been shown to negatively impact fetal testicular development, but the impact of low doses of estrogens in mixture have yet to be elucidated. Using an organ culture system in which embryonic 15.5 day-old rat testes were grown ex vivo, we showed that exposure to the MIX at environmentally relevant concentrations reduces testis growth. No effect was observed on testosterone secretion, but we quantified a significant decrease in the number of Sertoli cells and gonocytes because of higher rates of apoptosis. As ozone (O3) can be used as a disinfectant during wastewater treatment, we confirmed by HPLC-MS analysis that it removes the four parent compounds. Interestingly, the negative effects of the MIX were not observed when testes were exposed to the MIX treated with O3.
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Rouiller-Fabre V, Guerquin MJ, N’Tumba-Byn T, Muczynski V, Moison D, Tourpin S, Messiaen S, Habert R, Livera G. Nuclear receptors and endocrine disruptors in fetal and neonatal testes: a gapped landscape. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:58. [PMID: 25999913 PMCID: PMC4423451 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, many studies reported that male reproductive disorders are increasing among humans. It is currently acknowledged that these abnormalities can result from fetal exposure to environmental chemicals that are progressively becoming more concentrated and widespread in our environment. Among the chemicals present in the environment (air, water, food, and many consumer products), several can act as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), thus interfering with the endocrine system. Phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and diethylstilbestrol (DES) have been largely incriminated, particularly during the fetal and neonatal period, due to their estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic properties. Indeed, many epidemiological and experimental studies have highlighted their deleterious impact on fetal and neonatal testis development. As EDCs can affect many different genomic and non-genomic pathways, the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of EDC exposure are difficult to elucidate. Using literature data and results from our laboratory, in the present review, we discuss the role of classical nuclear receptors (genomic pathway) in the fetal and neonatal testis response to EDC exposure, particularly to phthalates, BPA, and DES. Among the nuclear receptors, we focused on some of the most likely candidates, such as peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ERα and β), liver X receptors (LXR), and small heterodimer partner (SHP). First, we describe the expression and potential functions (based on data from studies using receptor agonists and mouse knockout models) of these nuclear receptors in the developing testis. Then, for each EDC studied, we summarize the main evidences indicating that the reprotoxic effect of each EDC under study is mediated through a specific nuclear receptor(s). We also point-out the involvement of other receptors and nuclear receptor-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
- *Correspondence: Virginie Rouiller-Fabre, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, BP6, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France,
| | - Marie Justine Guerquin
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Thierry N’Tumba-Byn
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Vincent Muczynski
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - René Habert
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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Carreau S, Bouraima-Lelong H, Delalande C. Estrogens in male germ cells. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 1:90-94. [PMID: 22319655 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.2.16766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of steroids and the production of spermatozoa are two major functions of the mammalian testis which are tightly controlled by gonadotropins and numerous locally produced factors. Among these are the estrogens that are produced within the seminiferous epithelium via the irreversible transformation of androgens (C19) into estrogens (C18) by aromatase. We have recently reported that male germ cells are the new source of estrogens in the testis. For instance, estrogen receptors (ER) are found mainly in spermatids that give rise to spermatozoa. Moreover, it is noteworthy that GPR 30 (a transmembrane ER) induces rapid responses after estradiol binding, which, in turn, modulates cyclins and proapoptotic factors (e.g., BAX) to affect germ cell cycle progression and apoptosis. In summary, at least in the animal species that were studied thus far, germ cells are the major source and the target of estrogens, affecting normal male gonadal development and spermatogenesis, in particular spermiogenesis. These findings have also shed new light on the possible adverse effects of endocrine disruptors having estrogenic activities that can cause abnormal development of the male genital tract.
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27
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Beguelini MR, Falleiros LR, Góes RM, Rahal P, Morielle-Versute E, Taboga SR. Differential expression of aromatase, estrogen receptor alpha and 17β-HSD associated with the processes of total testicular regression and recrudescence in the bat Myotis nigricans (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 201:53-64. [PMID: 24726986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the worldwide distribution and many unique reproductive adaptations that bats present, many aspects of their reproductive hormonal regulation have not been adequately studied, especially in species that presented patterns of total testicular regression. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the testicular expression of 17β-HSD type 1, aromatase and ERα in the bat Myotis nigricans, during the four periods of its reproductive cycle. Immunoreactivity for ERα was detected only in the cytoplasm of elongated spermatids and in the nuclei of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Expression of aromatase was observed in round and elongated spermatids and in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Immunoreactivity for 17β-HSD was restricted to the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. The three expression patterns varied significantly during the four periods of the reproductive cycle. Expression of ERα and aromatase in spermatids was continuous, while expression of ERα in spermatogonia occurred only in initial types (Ap). Expression of ERα and aromatase in Sertoli cells varied, with expression only in periods of spermatogenetic activities; and the same variation was observed for the expression of aromatase and 17β-HSD in Leydig cells. We, therefore, propose that the processes of total testicular regression and posterior recrudescence suffered by M. nigricans from September to January in the northwest of the São Paulo State of Brazil, are directly regulated by testosterone and estrogen. This occurs via the production of testosterone by 17β-HSD, its conversion into estrogen by aromatase, and activation/deactivation of Sertoli cells' AR and spermatogonia's ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus R Beguelini
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Luiz R Falleiros
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Rejane M Góes
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Paula Rahal
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Morielle-Versute
- Department of Zoology and Botany, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
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Genetic variants of GPER/GPR30, a novel estrogen-related G protein receptor, are associated with human seminoma. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:1574-89. [PMID: 24451139 PMCID: PMC3907887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15011574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common solid cancers in young men, with an increasing incidence over several years. However, their pathogenesis remains a matter of debate. Some epidemiological data suggest the involvement of both environmental and genetic factors. We reported two distinct effects of estrogens and/or xeno-estrogens on in vitro human seminoma-derived cells proliferation: (1) an antiproliferative effect via a classical estrogen receptor beta-dependent pathway, and (2) a promotive effect via a non-classical membrane G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR30/GPER, which is only overexpressed in seminomas, the most common TGCT. In order to explain this overexpression, we investigated the possible association of polymorphisms in the GPER gene by using allele-specific tetra-primer polymerase chain reaction performed on tissue samples from 150 paraffin-embedded TGCT specimens (131 seminomas, 19 non seminomas). Compared to control population, loss of homozygous ancestral genotype GG in two polymorphisms located in the promoter region of GPER (rs3808350 and rs3808351) was more frequent in seminomas but not in non-seminomas (respectively, OR = 1.960 (1.172-3.277) and 7.000 (2.747-17.840); p < 0.01). These polymorphisms may explain GPER overexpression and represent a genetic factor of susceptibility supporting the contribution of environmental GPER ligands in testicular carcinogenesis.
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Zheng B, Zhou Q, Guo Y, Shao B, Zhou T, Wang L, Zhou Z, Sha J, Guo X, Huang X. Establishment of a proteomic profile associated with gonocyte and spermatogonial stem cell maturation and differentiation in neonatal mice. Proteomics 2014; 14:274-85. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201300395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Binbin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
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Christante CM, Taboga SR, Pinto-Fochi ME, Góes RM. Maternal obesity disturbs the postnatal development of gonocytes in the rat without impairment of testis structure at prepubertal age. Reproduction 2013; 146:549-58. [PMID: 24043845 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated whether maternal obesity (MO) affects testis development and gonocyte differentiation in the rat from 0.5 to 14.5 postnatal days. Male Wistar rats were used at 0.5, 4.5, 7.5, and 14.5 days post partum (dpp). These rats were born from obese mothers, previously fed with a high-fat diet (20% saturated fat), for 15 weeks, or normal mothers that had received a balanced murine diet (4% lipids). MO did not affect testis weight or histology at birth but changed the migratory behavior of gonocytes. The density of relocated cells was higher in MO pups at 0.5 dpp, decreased at 4.5 dpp, and differed from those of control pups, where density increased exponentially from 0.5 to 7.5 dpp. The numerical density of gonocytes within seminiferous cords did not vary in MO, in relation to control neonates, for any age considered, but the testis weight was 50% lower at 4.5 dpp. A wide variation in plasmatic testosterone and estrogen levels was observed among the groups during the first week of age and MO pups exhibited higher steroid concentrations at 4.5 dpp, in comparison with controls. At this age, higher estrogen levels of MO pups impaired the gonocyte proliferation. At 7.5 dpp, the testicular size and other parameters of gonocyte development are retrieved. In conclusion, MO and saturated lipid diets disturb gonocyte development and sexual steroid levels during the first days of life, with recovery at prepubertal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Maria Christante
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, IBILCE/UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, CEP 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Migrenne S, Moreau E, Pakarinen P, Dierich A, Merlet J, Habert R, Racine C. Mouse testis development and function are differently regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone receptors signaling during fetal and prepubertal life. PLoS One 2012; 7:e53257. [PMID: 23300903 PMCID: PMC3531970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently admitted that Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is physiologically involved in the development and function of fetal/neonatal Sertoli cells in the rat but not the mouse. However, FSH is produced by both species from late fetal life onwards. We thus reinvestigated the role of FSH in mouse testis development at day 0 (birth) 6, 8 and 10 post-partum (dpp) by using mice that lack functional FSH receptors (FSH-R−/−). At birth, the number and proliferative index of Sertoli cells were significantly lower in FSH-R−/− mice than in wild type neonates. Claudin 11 mRNA expression also was significantly reduced in FSH-R−/− testes at 0 and 8 dpp, whereas the mRNA levels of other Sertoli cell markers (Transferrin and Desert hedgehog) were comparable in FSH-R−/− and wild type testes. Conversely, AMH mRNA and protein levels were higher at birth, comparable at 6 dpp and then significantly lower in FSH-R−/− testes at 8–10 dpp in FSH-R−/− mice than in controls. Although the plasma concentration of LH and the number of Leydig cells were similar in FSH-R−/− and control (wild type), testosterone concentration and P450c17 mRNA expression were significantly increased in FSH-R−/− testes at birth. Conversely, at 10 dpp when adult Leydig cells appear, expression of the steroidogenic genes P450scc, P450c17 and StAR was lower in FSH-R−/− testes than in controls. In conclusion, our results show that 1) like in the rat, signaling via FSH-R controls Sertoli cell development and function during late fetal life in the mouse as well; 2) paracrine factors produced by Sertoli cells are involved in the FSH-R-dependent regulation of the functions of fetal Leydig cells in late fetal life; and 3) the role of FSH-R signaling changes during the prepubertal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Migrenne
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Evelyne Moreau
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pirjo Pakarinen
- University of Turku, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Physiology, Turku, Finland
| | - Andrée Dierich
- CNRS 7104, IGBMC, Illkirch, France
- INSERM, U964, Illkirch , France
| | - Jorge Merlet
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - René Habert
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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Chimento A, Sirianni R, Casaburi I, Ruggiero C, Maggiolini M, Andò S, Pezzi V. 17β-Estradiol activates GPER- and ESR1-dependent pathways inducing apoptosis in GC-2 cells, a mouse spermatocyte-derived cell line. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 355:49-59. [PMID: 22306083 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, spontaneous apoptosis is observed particularly in differentiating spermatogonia and in spermatocytes. 17β-Estradiol (E2) in primary rat pachytene spermatocytes (PS) binds estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and GPER to activate EGFR/ERK/c-Jun pathway leading to up regulation of proapoptotic factor bax. Aim of this study was to clarify the effector pathway(s) controlling spermatocytes apoptosis using as model GC-2 cells, an immortalized mouse pachytene spermatocyte-derived cell line, which reproduces primary cells responses to E2. In fact, in GC-2 cells we observed that ESR1 and GPER activation caused rapid ERK and c-Jun phosphorylation, bax up-regulation, events associated with apoptosis. We further investigated the apoptotic mechanism demonstrating that E2, as well as ESR1 and GPER specific agonists, induced sustained ERK, c-Jun and p38 phosphorylation, Cytochrome c release, caspase 3 and endogenous substrate Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation and increased expression of cell cycle inhibitor p21. When ESR1 or GPER expression was silenced, E2 was still able to decrease cell proliferation, only the concomitant silencing abolished E2 effect. These results indicate that GC-2 cells are a valid cell model to study E2-dependent apoptosis in spermatocytes and show that E2, activating both ESR1 and GPER, is able to induce an ERK1/2, c-Jun and p38-dependent mitochondrion apoptotic pathway in this cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Chimento
- Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Abstract
Aromatase that irreversibly transforms androgens into estrogens is present in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of nearly all cell types in the mammalian testis. In rodents, all testicular cells except for myoid cells express aromatase activity. We have demonstrated the presence of the functional aromatase (transcript or protein, and biological activity) in adult rat germ cells including pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. We have also demonstrated estrogen output from these cells equivalent to that of Leydig cells. Unlike androgen receptors, which are localized mainly in testicular somatic cells, estrogen receptors are present in both somatic and germ cells in the testis. Moreover, we have recently described the rapid membrane effects of estrogens (via G protein-coupled receptor [GPER]) in purified rat germ cells. On the basis of various experimental models, in vitro studies and clinical data, it can be concluded that estrogens play an essential role in male reproduction, specifically in the development of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Carreau
- University of Caen Basse-Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix-14032, CAEN Cedex, France.
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Effect of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on human and mouse fetal testis: In vitro and in vivo approaches. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 261:97-104. [PMID: 22484159 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine whether exposure to the mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) represents a genuine threat to male human reproductive function. To this aim, we investigated the effects on human male fetal germ cells of a 10⁻⁵ M exposure. This dose is slightly above the mean concentrations found in human fetal cord blood samples by biomonitoring studies. The in vitro experimental approach was further validated for phthalate toxicity assessment by comparing the effects of in vitro and in vivo exposure in mouse testes. Human fetal testes were recovered during the first trimester (7-12 weeks) of gestation and cultured in the presence or not of 10⁻⁵ M MEHP for three days. Apoptosis was quantified by measuring the percentage of Caspase-3 positive germ cells. The concentration of phthalate reaching the fetal gonads was determined by radioactivity measurements, after incubations with ¹⁴C-MEHP. A 10⁻⁵ M exposure significantly increased the rate of apoptosis in human male fetal germ cells. The intratesticular MEHP concentration measured corresponded to the concentration added in vitro to the culture medium. Furthermore, a comparable effect on germ cell apoptosis in mouse fetal testes was induced both in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that this 10⁻⁵ M exposure is sufficient to induce changes to the in vivo development of the human fetal male germ cells.
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Gunawan A, Cinar MU, Uddin MJ, Kaewmala K, Tesfaye D, Phatsara C, Tholen E, Looft C, Schellander K. Investigation on association and expression of ESR2 as a candidate gene for boar sperm quality and fertility. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:782-90. [PMID: 22212297 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01968.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ESR2 is involved in oestrogen-related apoptosis in cell cycle spermatogenesis but their effects have not yet confirmed in pig. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the association of ESR2 polymorphism with sperm quality and boar fertility traits and to analyse the ESR2 mRNA and protein expressions in boar reproductive tissues. DNA samples from 203 Pietrain (PI) and 100 Pietrain × Hampshire (PIHA) pigs with records of sperm quality [sperm concentration (SCON), motility (MOT), semen volume (VOL), plasma droplet rate (PDR) and abnormal spermatozoa rate (ASR)] and fertility [non-return rate (NRR) and number of piglet born alive (NBA)] traits were available. A SNP in coding region of ESR2 g.35547A>G in exon 5 was associated with MOT and PDR in the PI and with SCON, VOL, MOT and PDR in PIHA population. For mRNA and protein expression study, a total of six boars were divided into two groups with group I (G-I) and group II (G-II) where G-I characterized for relatively a better sperm quality according to the mean of two groups. mRNA expression was higher in brain and testis than that in all parts of epididymis. Both qRT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that the ESR2 gene expression and protein expression were significantly higher in testis collected from G-II compared with that of G-I boars. Moreover, ESR2 protein localization in germ cell, Leydig and Sertoli cells, epithelial cells and spermatozoa was remarkable, which indicated the important role of ESR2 in spermatogenesis process. These results might shed new light on the roles of ESR2 in spermatogenesis as candidate for boar fertility, but still the lack of association across populations should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gunawan
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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36
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Estrogen signaling in testicular cells. Life Sci 2011; 89:584-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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37
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Lehraiki A, Chamaillard C, Krust A, Habert R, Levacher C. Genistein impairs early testosterone production in fetal mouse testis via estrogen receptor alpha. Toxicol In Vitro 2011; 25:1542-7. [PMID: 21624456 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2011.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The widespread consumption of soy-based products raises the issue of the reproductive toxicity of phytoestrogens. Indeed, it is well known that genistein, an isoflavone found in soybeans and soy products, mimics the actions of estrogens and that the fetal testis is responsive to estrogens. Therefore we investigated whether genistein could have deleterious effects on fetal testis. Using organ cultures of fetal testes from wild type and ERα or ERβ knock-out mice we show that genistein inhibits testosterone secretion by fetal Leydig cells during early fetal development (E12.5), within the "masculinization programming window". This effect occurs through an ERα-dependent mechanism and starting at 10 nM genistein, a concentration which is compatible with human consumption. No effect of genistein on the number of gonocytes was detected at any of the studied developmental stages. These results suggest that fetal exposure to phytoestrogens can affect the development and function of the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelali Lehraiki
- Laboratory of Gonad Differentiation and Radiobiology, Stem Cells and Radiation Service, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Radiation Biology, Life Sciences Division, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, B.P. 6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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38
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Angenard G, Muczynski V, Coffigny H, Duquenne C, Frydman R, Habert R, Livera G, Rouiller-Fabre V. In vitro effects of Uranium on human fetal germ cells. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 31:470-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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39
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Oliveira AG, Dornas RAP, Mahecha GAB, Oliveira CA. Occurrence and cellular distribution of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ in the testis and epididymal region of roosters. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 170:597-603. [PMID: 21118691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen signaling is required for the maintenance of male reproductive function and is mediated by the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. These receptors are widely distributed in mammalian reproductive tissues, but information is limited in non-mammalian species including birds. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and cellular distribution of ERα and ERβ in the testis and epididymal region of roosters. The results showed for the first time that ERβ was the predominant receptor detected in the testis, being expressed in the somatic and some germ cells. Within the epididymal region, ERβ was strongly expressed in all segments, whereas the most intense reaction for ERα was found in the distal efferent ductules. The differential expression of ERα and ERβ within the rooster testis and epididymal region suggests that these organs may be a target for different actions of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- André G Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Campus Pampulha, Cx Postal 486, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Abstract
The germ cell lineage is our lifelong reservoir of reproductive stem cells and our mechanism for transmitting genes to future generations. These highly specialised cells are specified early during development and then migrate to the embryonic gonads where sex differentiation occurs. Germ cell sex differentiation is directed by the somatic gonadal environment and is characterised by two distinct cell cycle states that are maintained until after birth. In the mouse, XY germ cells in a testis cease mitotic proliferation and enter G(1)/G(0) arrest from 12.5 dpc, while XX germ cells in an ovary enter prophase I of meiosis from 13.5 dpc. This chapter discusses the factors known to control proliferation and survival of germ cells during their journey of specification to sex differentiation during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy M Spiller
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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41
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Lehraiki A, Messiaen S, Berges R, Canivenc-Lavier MC, Auger J, Habert R, Levacher C. Antagonistic effects of gestational dietary exposure to low-dose vinclozolin and genistein on rat fetal germ cell development. Reprod Toxicol 2010; 31:424-30. [PMID: 21172421 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Continuous, low-dose exposure to a phytoestrogen (1 mg/kg/day genistein) and/or to an antiandrogenic food contaminant (1 mg/kg/day vinclozolin) has been recently reported to affect male reproductive tract and fertility [1] in adults. We investigated whether alterations of the testis are already present at the end of in utero exposure using the same rat model and doses following exposure from conception to delivery. After vinclozolin exposure, we observed in the neonate a slight but significant alteration of steroidogenesis and gametogenesis with a reduction of testosterone secretion and of the number of gonocytes. In contrast, genistein exposure had no effect. While the vinclozolin-genistein mixture acts in a synergistic manner to induce the most significant alterations in the adult, interestingly, genistein antagonized the deleterious effect of vinclozolin on germ cells in the neonate. This difference emphasizes the importance of studying the effects of endocrine disruptors during various developmental stages to understand their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelali Lehraiki
- Laboratory of Gonad Differentiation and Radiobiology, Stem Cells and Radiation Service, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Radiation Biology, Life Sciences Division, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, BP 6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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42
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Poynter JN, Amatruda JF, Ross JA. Trends in incidence and survival of pediatric and adolescent patients with germ cell tumors in the United States, 1975 to 2006. Cancer 2010; 116:4882-91. [PMID: 20597129 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and heterogeneous tumors with uncertain etiology. In the current study, data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program were used to evaluate trends in incidence and survival of GCTs in boys and girls ages ≤19 years. To the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have evaluated trends in pediatric GCTs. Results from these analyses may provide clues to the etiology of GCTs. METHODS Frequencies, incidence rates, and 5-year relative survival rates stratified by sex were evaluated overall and by demographic subgroups based on age (birth to 9 years and 10-19 years), race (white, black, and other), and ethnicity (non-Hispanic and Hispanic) as sample size permitted. RESULTS In whites, the incidence of GCTs was lower for females than males in the 10-year to 19-year age group (rate ratio [RR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.42-0.53), whereas the rates were similar in the age group for birth to 9 years. In contrast, incidence rates were higher in black females than in black males in both age groups (RR, 2.01 [95%CI, 1.08-3.84] in those ages birth to 9 years; RR, 3.30 [95% CI, 2.13-5.28] in those ages 10-19 years). The incidence of ovarian GCT was significantly higher in Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic girls in the groups aged 10 to 19 years. Incidence rates increased during the study period in boys ages 10 to 19 years (annual percentage change [APC], 1.2; 95% CI, 0.4-2.1) and girls ages birth to 9 years (APC, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.3-2.5). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of pediatric GCTs in the United States appears to be increasing only in certain subgroups, suggesting that the etiology is not completely overlapping in all age groups. Differences in incidence patterns by race and ethnicity merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny N Poynter
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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43
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Shaha C, Tripathi R, Mishra DP. Male germ cell apoptosis: regulation and biology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:1501-15. [PMID: 20403866 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular apoptosis appears to be a constant feature in the adult testis and during early development. This is essential because mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex process that requires precise homeostasis of different cell types. This review discusses the latest information available on male germ cell apoptosis induced by hormones, toxins and temperature in the context of the type of apoptotic pathway either the intrinsic or the extrinsic that may be used under a variety of stimuli. The review also discusses the importance of mechanisms pertaining to cellular apoptosis during testicular development, which is independent of exogenous stimuli. Since instances of germ cell carcinoma have increased over the past few decades, the current status of research on apoptotic pathways in teratocarcinoma cells is included. One other important aspect that is covered in this review is microRNA-mediated control of germ cell apoptosis, a field of research that is going to see intense activity in near future. Since knockout models of various kinds have been used to study many aspects of germ cell development, a comprehensive summary of literature on knockout mice used in reproduction studies is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrima Shaha
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India.
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44
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Chan D, Cushnie DW, Neaga OR, Lawrance AK, Rozen R, Trasler JM. Strain-specific defects in testicular development and sperm epigenetic patterns in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase-deficient mice. Endocrinology 2010; 151:3363-73. [PMID: 20444942 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a crucial folate pathway enzyme that contributes to the maintenance of cellular pools of S-adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor for several reactions including DNA methylation. Whereas Mthfr(-/-) BALB/c mice show growth retardation, developmental delay, and spermatogenic defects and infertility, C57BL/6 mice appear to have a less severe phenotype. In the present study, we investigated the effects of MTHFR deficiency on early germ cell development in both strains and assessed whether MTHFR deficiency results in DNA methylation abnormalities in sperm. The reproductive phenotype associated with MTHFR deficiency differed strikingly between the two strains, with BALB/c mice showing an early postnatal loss of germ cell number and proliferation that was not evident in the C57BL/6 mice. As a result, the BALB/c MTHFR-deficient mice were infertile, whereas the C57BL/6 mice had decreased sperm numbers and altered testicular histology but showed normal fertility. Imprinted genes and sequences that normally become methylated during spermatogenesis were unaffected by MTHFR deficiency in C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, a genome-wide restriction landmark genomic scanning approach revealed a number of sites of hypo- and hypermethylation in the sperm of this mouse strain. These results showing strain-specific defects in MTHFR-deficient mice may help to explain population differences in infertility among men with common MTHFR polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan Chan
- Montréal Children's Hospital Research Institute, 2300 Tupper Street, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3H 1P3
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45
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Huang W, Zhang Y, Jia X, Ma X, Li S, Liu Y, Zhu P, Lu D, Zhao H, Luo W, Yi S, Liu X, Lin H. Distinct expression of three estrogen receptors in response to bisphenol A and nonylphenol in male Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2010; 36:237-249. [PMID: 19009365 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-008-9280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Environmental estrogens, such as bisphenol A (BisA) and nonylphenol (NP), have been shown to affect the estrogen receptor (ER) expression and induce male reproductive abnormalities. To elucidate molecular mechanisms of action of xenoestrogenic chemicals on the expression of estrogen receptors in the testes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), three full-length cDNAs respectively encoding ntERalpha, ntERbeta1 and ntERbeta2 were cloned from testes. The amino acid sequences of ntERalpha, ntERbeta1 and ntERbeta2 showed a high degree of similarity to the relevant fish species. Tissue-specific expression study showed that three receptors were highly expressed in pituitary, liver, testis, kidney and intestine tissues. The ntERalpha, ntERbeta1 and ntERbeta2 mRNA expressions were significantly higher at the sexual early recrudescing stage than at other recrudesced stages. After being exposed to xenoestrogens from weeks 2 to 4, the ntERalpha mRNA levels were increased significantly in testes after NP treatment at all sampling times or after 4 weeks of exposure to BPA. The ntERbeta1 mRNA levels remained unchanged, while a significant decrease of the ntERbeta2 mRNA level was observed in testes after exposure to NP and BPA. The present study demonstrates that the regulation of all three ntER subtypes in testes may act via different molecular mechanisms of exposure to NP and BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiren Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals, and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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46
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Angenard G, Muczynski V, Coffigny H, Pairault C, Duquenne C, Frydman R, Habert R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Livera G. Cadmium increases human fetal germ cell apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:331-7. [PMID: 20064782 PMCID: PMC2854759 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0900975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant and a major constituent of tobacco smoke. Adverse effects of this heavy metal on reproductive function have been identified in adults; however, no studies have examined its effects on human reproductive organs during development. OBJECTIVES Using our previously developed organ culture system, we investigated the effects of cadmium chloride on human gonads at the beginning of fetal life, a critical stage in the development of reproductive function. METHODS Human fetal gonads were recovered during the first trimester (711 weeks postconception) and cultured with or without Cd. We used different concentrations of Cd and compared results with those obtained with mouse fetal gonads at similar stages. RESULTS Cd, at concentrations as low as 1 microM, significantly decreased the germ cell density in human fetal ovaries. This correlated with an increase in germ cell apoptosis, but there was no effect on proliferation. Similarly, in the human fetal testis, Cd (1 microM) reduced germ cell number without affecting testosterone secretion. In mouse fetal gonads, Cd increased only female germ cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS This is the first experimental demonstration that Cd, at low concentrations, alters the survival of male and female germ cells in humans. Considering data demonstrating extensive human exposure, we believe that current environmental levels of Cd could be deleterious to early gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Angenard
- Laboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology of the Gonads, CEADSV/iRCM/SCSR, Fontenay aux Roses, France.
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47
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Thuillier R, Mazer M, Manku G, Boisvert A, Wang Y, Culty M. Interdependence of platelet-derived growth factor and estrogen-signaling pathways in inducing neonatal rat testicular gonocytes proliferation. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:825-36. [PMID: 20089883 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.081729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and 17beta-estradiol stimulate gonocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent, nonadditive manner. In the present study, we report that gonocytes express RAF1, MAP2K1, and MAPK1/3. Inhibition of RAF1 and MAP2K1/2, but not phosphoinositide-3-kinase, blocked PDGF-induced proliferation. AG-370, an inhibitor of PDGF receptor kinase activity, suppressed not only PDGF-induced proliferation but also that induced by 17beta-estradiol. In addition, RAF1 and MAP2K1/2 inhibitors blocked 17beta-estradiol-activated proliferation. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780 inhibited both the effects of 17beta-estradiol and PDGF. PDGF lost its stimulatory effect when steroid-depleted serum or no serum was used. Similarly, 17beta-estradiol did not induce gonocyte proliferation in the absence of PDGF. The xenoestrogens genistein, bisphenol A, and DES, but not coumestrol, stimulated gonocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent and PDGF-dependent manner similarly to 17beta-estradiol. Their effects were blocked by ICI 182780, suggesting that they act via the estrogen receptor. AG-370 blocked genistein and bisphenol A effects, demonstrating their requirement of PDGF receptor activation in a manner similar to 17beta-estradiol. These results demonstrate the interdependence of PDGF and estrogen pathways in stimulating in vitro gonocyte proliferation, suggesting that this critical step in gonocyte development might be regulated in vivo by the coordinated action of PDGF and estrogen. Thus, the inappropriate exposure of gonocytes to xenoestrogens might disrupt the crosstalk between the two pathways and potentially interfere with gonocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Thuillier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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48
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Forand A, Bernardino-Sgherri J. A critical role of PUMA in maintenance of genomic integrity of murine spermatogonial stem cell precursors after genotoxic stress. Cell Res 2009; 19:1018-30. [PMID: 19417777 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2009.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal gonocytes are precursors of spermatogonial stem cells. Preserving their integrity by elimination of damaged germ cells may be crucial to avoid the transmission of genetic alterations to progeny. Using gamma-irradiation, we investigated by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and real-time PCR components of the death machinery in neonatal gonocytes. Their death was correlated with caspase 3 activation but not with AIF translocation into the nucleus. The in vivo contribution of both the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways was then investigated. We focused on the roles of TRAIL/Death Receptor 5 (DR5) and PUMA. Our results were validated using knockout mice. Whereas DR5 expression was upregulated at the cell surface after radiation, caspase 8 was not activated. However, we detected caspase 9 cleavage associated with cytochrome c release. In mice deficient for PUMA, radiation-induced gonocyte apoptosis was reduced, whereas invalidation of TRAIL had no effect. Overall, our results show that genotoxic stress-induced apoptosis of gonocytes is caspase-dependent and involves almost exclusively the intrinsic pathway. Furthermore, PUMA plays a critical role in the maintenance of genomic integrity of spermatogonial stem cell precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Forand
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, Laboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology of Gonads, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
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49
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Lehraiki A, Racine C, Krust A, Habert R, Levacher C. Phthalates impair germ cell number in the mouse fetal testis by an androgen- and estrogen-independent mechanism. Toxicol Sci 2009; 111:372-82. [PMID: 19592451 PMCID: PMC2742583 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfp153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Data from experiments conducted almost exclusively in the rat have established that some phthalates have deleterious effects on the fetal testis probably due to their antiandrogenic and/or estrogenic effects, but their mechanisms of action remain unknown. A recent study reported that phthalates also have deleterious effects on human fetal testis with germ cell number, but not steroidogenesis altered. Therefore, we used organ culture of fetal testes at different stages of development to analyze the direct effects of phthalates on both steroidogenesis and gonocyte development and to determine if the effects of MEHP on these functions reported in the rat can be extended to other mammalian species. We defined specific periods of sensitivity of the fetal mouse testis to MEHP for these two functions and showed that the effects of phthalates on steroidogenesis vary with the developmental stage. Conversely, the strong deleterious effects of phthalates on germ cells were constantly present during the active phases of gonocyte development and thus share no relationship with the steroidogenic status. Moreover, all the effects of phthalates were unchanged in testes from mice deficient for estrogen (ERαKO or ERβKO) or androgen (Tfm) receptors. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that phthalates impair mouse fetal germ cell number similarly to other mammalian species, but are neither estrogenic nor antiandrogenic molecules because their effects do not involve, directly or indirectly, ER or AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelali Lehraiki
- Laboratory of Gonad Differentiation and Radiobiology, Stem Cells and Radiation Service, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Radiation Biology, Life Sciences Division, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, BP 6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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50
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Albrecht ED, Lane MV, Marshall GR, Merchenthaler I, Simorangkir DR, Pohl CR, Plant TM, Pepe GJ. Estrogen promotes germ cell and seminiferous tubule development in the baboon fetal testis. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:406-14. [PMID: 19403930 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.073494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The foundation for development of the male reproduction system occurs in utero, but relatively little is known about the regulation of primate fetal testis maturation. Our laboratories have shown that estrogen regulates key aspects of the physiology of pregnancy and fetal development. Therefore, in the present study, we characterized and quantified germ cells and Sertoli cells in the fetal baboon testis in late normal gestation (i.e., Day 165; term is 184 days) and in baboons administered the aromatase inhibitor letrozole throughout the second half of gestation to assess the impact of endogenous estrogen on fetal testis development. In untreated baboons, the seminiferous cords were comprised of undifferentiated (i.e., type A) spermatogonia classified by their morphology as dark (Ad) or pale (Ap), gonocytes (precursors of type A spermatogonia), unidentified cells (UI), and Sertoli cells. In letrozole-treated baboons, serum estradiol levels were decreased by 95%. The number per milligram of fetal testis (x10(4)) of Ad spermatogonia (0.42 +/- 0.11) was 45% lower (P = 0.03), and that of gonocytes (0.58 +/- 0.06) and UI (0.45 +/- 0.12) was twofold greater (P < 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively), than in untreated baboons. Moreover, in the seminiferous cords of estrogen-deprived baboons, the basement membrane appeared fragmented, the germ cells and Sertoli cells appeared disorganized, and vacuoles were present. We conclude that endogenous estrogen promotes fetal testis development and that the changes in the germ cell population in the estrogen-deprived baboon fetus may impair spermatogenesis and fertility in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene D Albrecht
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Studies in Reproduction, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
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