Effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene deletion on male mouse fertility

Bta-miR-149-3p suppresses inflammatory response in bovine Sertoli cells exposed to microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) through TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway

This study explored the regulatory role of bta-miR-149-3p in the inflammatory response induced by microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) exposure in bovine Sertoli cells. The research endeavored to enhance the comprehension of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying MC-LR-induced cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells and establish a foundation for mitigating these effects in vitro. In this study, we elucidated the regulatory mechanism of bta-miR-149-3p in the MC-LR-induced inflammatory response by verifying the target gene of bta-miR-149-3p through luciferase assays and treating the cells with a bta-miR-149-3p inhibitor for 24 h. The results demonstrate that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) acts as a downstream target gene of bta-miR-149-3p, which inhibits the MC-LR-induced inflammatory response in bovine Sertoli cells. This inhibition occurs by regulating the downregulation of tight junction constitutive proteins of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) through the suppression of the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway (p < 0.05) and the up-regulation of the adhesion junction protein β-catenin (p < 0.05). Notably, MC-LR exposure resulted in the up-regulation (p < 0.05) of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and NLRP3) and the down-regulation (p < 0.05) of BTB tight junction constitutive proteins (ZO-1, Occludin) in Sertoli cells. Furthermore, the BTB constitutive protein ZO-1 exhibited significant down-regulation in Sertoli cells pretreated with the bta-miR-149-3p inhibitor compared to controls (p < 0.05), while Occludin showed no significant difference from CTNNB1 (p > 0.05). In summary, our findings suggest that bta-miR-149-3p suppresses the MC-LR-induced inflammatory response and alterations in the expression of BTB proteins in bovine Sertoli cells by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Buchholzia coriacea seed induce antifertility by interfering with steroidogenic enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in rat testis

Buchholzia coriacea has been reported to possess antifertility activities but little is known of the mechanisms responsible. This study was therefore designed to examine the mechanism responsible for the action of Buchholzia coriacea. Eighteen male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used for this study. They were grouped into 3 (n = 6) namely, Control, Methanolic fraction of Buchholzia coriacea (MFBC) 50 mg/kg, and MFBC 100 mg/kg administered orally with respective dosage. After 6 weeks of administration, rats were euthanized, serum collected, while testes, epididymis and prostate were excised and homogenized. Testicular protein and testosterone, aromatase and 5α-reductase enzyme, 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-10 and Prostatic specific enzyme antigen (PSA) were assessed and data analyzed with ANOVA. There were significant increases in 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD levels in the MFBC 50 mg/kg with corresponding decreases in MFBC 100 mg/kg when compared to control. IL-1 was decreased in both doses while IL-10 increased in both doses compared to control. 5-α reductase enzyme was significantly decreased in the MFBC 100 mg/kg relative to the control. Testicular protein, testosterone and aromatase enzyme were not significantly different at both doses compared to control. PSA was significantly increased in the MFBC 100 mg/kg but not the 50 mg/kg relative to control. MFBC exhibits antifertility properties by interfering with testicular enzymes and inflammatory cytokines.

Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health

Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.

Characterization of the structural, oxidative, and immunological features of testis tissue from Zucker diabetic fatty rats

The purpose of this study was to characterize the testicular profile of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats presenting with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in the absence or presence of obesity. To achieve this, testes were collected from 270-day-old male Wistar (n = 15), ZDF nonobese (n = 15), and ZDF obese rats (n = 16). Changes to the testicular structure were quantified morphometrically, while immunocytochemistry was employed to assess caspase-3 activity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, fluctuations of major antioxidant molecules, and the extent of damage to the proteins and lipids were assessed in tissue lysates. Levels of selected interleukins (ILs) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results reveal significant alterations to the testicular structure accompanied by caspase-3 overexpression, particularly in ZDF obese rats. The most notable disruption of the oxidative balance, characterized by ROS overproduction, antioxidant deficiency, protein, and lipid deterioration was recorded in ZDF rats suffering from both DM2 and obesity. Accordingly, the highest concentrations of pro-inflammatory IL-1, IL-6, and IL-18 accompanied by reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 were found in testicular tissue collected from ZDF obese rats. This study highlights the vulnerability of male gonads to pathophysiological changes caused by hyperglycemia, which are further exacerbated by excessive adipose tissue.

Polymorphisms in the HSF2, LRRC6, MEIG1 and PTIP genes correlate with sperm motility in idiopathic infertility

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with male infertility. In this cross-sectional study, we genotyped 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms in 24 infertility candidate genes in 500 oligo-/astheno-/oligoastheno-/normo-zoospermic infertile men with idiopathic infertility. Sequenom iPlex gold assay was used for genotyping. Sperm count and motility were compared between prevalent genotypes at each test locus. We did not observe any significant difference in the average sperm count between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the KLK3, LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2, ESR2 and PTIP genes. However, we observed a significant difference in sperm motility between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2 and PTIP genes. Polymorphisms in the LRRC6 (rs200321595), MEIG1 (rs150031795), HSF2 (rs143986686) and PTIP (rs61752013) genes show association with sperm motility.

The ameliorative effect of melatonin on LPS-induced Sertoli cells inflammatory and tight junctions damage via suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in newborn calf

The blood-testicular barrier (BTB) is involved in spermatogenesis, protects sperm development, and plays a crucial role in the reproductive process. Tight junctions (TJs) between Sertoli cells (SCs) are the key structure of (BTB), and if its structure is damaged, BTB function is affected. The cellular inflammation caused by Gram-negative bacteria affects the structural integrity of TJs. Melatonin (MT) has anti-inflammatory effects; however, the effect of MT in newborn calf SCs is unknown. Therefore, this experiment studied the protective effect of MT. The results showed that LPS upregulated TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB expressions, in turn, activated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, produced a large amount of IL-6 and IL-1β, downregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, and reduced the viability of SCs, which resulted in the inflammatory response of SCs and damage of TJs. The addition of MT decreased TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB expressions, it then inhibited the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, downregulated the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, and increased the cell viability, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response of SCs, and restored the TJs structure. Overall, our results reveal that MT can alleviate LPS-induced in newborn calf SCs Inflammation and TJs injury through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Macrophage ubiquitin-specific protease 2 contributes to motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, and in vitro fertilization activity of mouse sperm

Macrophages are innate immune cells that contribute to classical immune functions and tissue homeostasis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) controls cytokine production in macrophages, but its organ-specific roles are still unknown. In this study, we generated myeloid-selective Usp2 knockout (msUsp2KO) mice and specifically explored the roles of testicular macrophage-derived USP2 in reproduction. The msUsp2KO mice exhibited normal macrophage characteristics in various tissues. In the testis, macrophage Usp2 deficiency negligibly affected testicular macrophage subpopulations, spermatogenesis, and testicular organogenesis. However, frozen-thawed sperm derived from msUsp2KO mice exhibited reduced motility, capacitation, and hyperactivation. In addition, macrophage Usp2 ablation led to a decrease in the sperm population exhibiting high intracellular pH, calcium influx, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Interrupted pronuclei formation in eggs was observed when using frozen-thawed sperm from msUsp2KO mice for in vitro fertilization. Administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), whose expression was decreased in testicular macrophages derived from msUsp2KO mice, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and total sperm motility. Our observations demonstrate a distinct role of the deubiquitinating enzyme in organ-specific macrophages that directly affect sperm function.

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) induced inflammatory response in bovine sertoli cell via TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway

Sertoli cells were treated with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 μg/L of MC-LR to investigate its toxic effects, mechanism of action and immune response of the cells. Our results revealed that treatment containing 20 μg/L of MC-LR was non-toxic to the cells. Treatments containing 40, 60 and 80 μg/L of MC-LR reduced the cell viability, induced nuclear morphological changes and downregulated the blood-testis barrier constituent proteins within 48 h after treatment. The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) were activated and significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in cells treated with 40, 60 and 80 μg/L of MC-LR compared to the control. The pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated within 48 h after treatment. However commencing from 72 h, upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and expression of blood-testis barrier constituent proteins was observed. This study indicates that MC-LR induced inflammatory response in bovine Sertoli cell via activation of TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Effect of aging on the female reproductive function

Aging is a complex biological process that involves the accrual of bodily changes over a long life span. In humans, advanced maternal age is associated with infertility and adverse pregnancy complications. Cellular and organic senescence is hypothesized to contribute to the age-related decline in reproductive function. Accumulating evidence suggests that immune cells play pivotal roles in physiological reproductive function and pregnancy. The concept of “inflammaging” has recently emerged- an age-dependent, low-grade, chronic, and systemic inflammatory state induced by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is produced by the innate immune, parenchymal, and nonparenchymal cells within the organs. In the present review, we discuss how cellular senescence and inflammaging accelerate reproductive failure in women by promoting SASP and immune-senescence during the establishment of pregnancy. In addition, we discuss the role of immune cells and their senescence in reproductive function, particularly in the ovaries (the corpus luteum), oviduct, and uterus.

OSR1 and SPAK cooperatively modulate Sertoli cell support of mouse spermatogenesis

We investigated the role of oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1 (OSR1) and STE20 (sterile 20)/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK), upstream regulators of the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter (NKCC1)—essential for spermatogenesis—in mouse models of male fertility. Global OSR1^+/− gene mutations, but not global SPAK^−/− or Sertoli cell (SC)-specific OSR1 gene knockout (SC-OSR1^−/−), cause subfertility with impaired sperm function and are associated with reduced abundance of phosphorylated (p)-NKCC1 but increased p-SPAK expression in testicular tissue and spermatozoa. To dissect further in a SC-specific manner the compensatory effect of OSR1 and SPAK in male fertility, we generated SC-OSR1^−/− and SPAK^−/− double knockout (DKO) male mice. These are infertile with defective spermatogenesis, presenting a SC-only-like syndrome. Disrupted meiotic progression and increased germ cell apoptosis occurred in the first wave of spermatogenesis. The abundance of total and p-NKCC1 was significantly decreased in the testicular tissues of DKO mice. These results indicate that OSR1 and SPAK cooperatively regulate NKCC1-dependent spermatogenesis in a SC-restricted manner.

Age-dependent changes in inflammation and extracellular matrix in bovine oviduct epithelial cells during the post-ovulatory phase

The mammalian oviduct is an essential site for sperm storage, the transport of gametes, fertilization, and embryo development-functions that are aided by cytokines secreted from oviduct epithelial cells (OECs). Aging leads to cellular and organ dysfunction, with infertility associated with advanced maternal age. Few studies have investigated age-dependent changes in the oviduct as a possible cause of infertility, so we compared OECs from young (30-50 months) versus aged (more than 120 months) cattle. Next-generation sequencing was first used to identify age-related differences in gene expression. Several proinflammatory-related genes (including IL1B, IL1A, IL17C, IL8, S100A8, S100A9, and TNFA) were activated in OECs from aged (more than 120 months) compare to young (30-50 months) individuals, whereas genes associated with extracellular matrix-related factors (COLs, POSTN, BGN, and LUM) were down-regulation in aged OECs. Indeed, IL1 B and IL8 abundance was higher in aged OECs than in young OECs. Young OECs also tended to proliferate faster, and the revolution frequency of young, ciliated OECs was higher than that of their aged counterparts. In contrast, aged OECs possessed more F-actin, an actin cytoskeleton marker associated with reduced elasticity, and contained high levels of reactive oxygen species, which are mediators of inflammation and senescence. These different functional characteristics of bovine OECs during the post-ovulatory phase support the emerging concept of "inflammaging," that is, age-dependent inflammation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 815-826, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of bilateral vasectomy on the interleukin 1 system in mouse epididymis

PROBLEM

Regional difference in the inflammatory response in vasectomized (VAX) epididymis remains unraveled.

METHOD OF STUDY

Epididymal expression of interleukin 1α (IL1α), IL1β, IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1ra), IL1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), IL6, IL10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was examined in bilateral VAX mice by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

IL1α, IL1β, IL1ra, and IL1R1 were expressed in the epididymal epithelia of normal mice. Following VAX, IL1R1 mRNA was not changed, but TNF-α, IL10, IL1α, IL1β, and IL1ra mRNA were significantly upregulated in whole epididymis, whereas IL6 and TGF-β1 mRNA were significantly increased in corpus and cauda but not in caput epididymis. Consistently, IL1α, IL1β, and IL1ra immunoreactivities were visibly increased in epididymis following VAX.

CONCLUSION

Following VAX, IL1α, IL1β, IL1ra, IL10, and TNF-α may mediate immune reaction in whole epididymis, whereas IL6 and TGF-β1 may mediate regionally different immune response primarily in the lower part of epididymis.

Interleukin-1 deficiency prolongs ovarian lifespan in mice

Oocyte endowment dwindles away during prepubertal and adult life until menopause occurs, and apoptosis has been identified as a central mechanism responsible for oocyte elimination. A few recent reports suggest that uncontrolled inflammation may adversely affect ovarian reserve. We tested the possible role of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 in the age-related exhaustion of ovarian reserve using IL-1α and IL-1β-KO mice. IL-1α-KO mice showed a substantially higher pregnancy rate and litter size compared with WT mice at advanced age. The number of secondary and antral follicles was significantly higher in 2.5-mo-old IL-1α-KO ovaries compared with WT ovaries. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone, a putative marker of ovarian reserve, was markedly higher in IL-1α-KO mice from 2.5 mo onward, along with a greater ovarian response to gonadotropins. IL-1β-KO mice displayed a comparable but more subtle prolongation of ovarian lifespan compared with IL-1α-KO mice. The protein and mRNA of both IL-1α and IL-1β mice were localized within the developing follicles (oocytes and granulosa cells), and their ovarian mRNA levels increased with age. Molecular analysis revealed decreased apoptotic signaling [higher B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and lower BCL-2-associated X protein levels], along with a marked attenuation in the expression of genes coding for the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in ovaries of IL-1α-KO mice compared with WT mice. Taken together, IL-1 emerges as an important participant in the age-related exhaustion of ovarian reserve in mice, possibly by enhancing the expression of inflammatory genes and promoting apoptotic pathways.

The zinc sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, controls proliferation and differentiation of colonocytes and thereby tight junction formation in the colon

The intestinal epithelium is a renewable tissue that requires precise balance between proliferation and differentiation, an essential process for the formation of a tightly sealed barrier. Zinc deficiency impairs the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and is associated with ulcerative and diarrheal pathologies, but the mechanisms underlying the role of Zn²⁺ are not well understood. Here, we determined a role of the colonocytic Zn²⁺ sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, in mediating Zn²⁺-dependent signaling and regulating the proliferation and differentiation of colonocytes. Silencing of ZnR/GPR39 expression attenuated Zn²⁺-dependent activation of ERK1/2 and AKT as well as downstream activation of mTOR/p70S6K, pathways that are linked with proliferation. Consistently, ZnR/GPR39 silencing inhibited HT29 and Caco-2 colonocyte proliferation, while not inducing caspase-3 cleavage. Remarkably, in differentiating HT29 colonocytes, silencing of ZnR/GPR39 expression inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker of differentiation. Furthermore, Caco-2 colonocytes showed elevated expression of ZnR/GPR39 during differentiation, whereas silencing of ZnR/GPR39 decreased monolayer transepithelial electrical resistance, suggesting compromised barrier formation. Indeed, silencing of ZnR/GPR39 or chelation of Zn²⁺ by the cell impermeable chelator CaEDTA was followed by impaired expression of the junctional proteins, that is, occludin, zonula-1 (ZO-1) and E-cadherin. Importantly, colon tissues of GPR39 knockout mice also showed a decrease in expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin compared with wildtype mice. Altogether, our results indicate that ZnR/GPR39 has a dual role in promoting proliferation of colonocytes and in controlling their differentiation. The latter is followed by ZnR/GPR39-dependent expression of tight junctional proteins, thereby leading to formation of a sealed intestinal epithelial barrier. Thus, ZnR/GPR39 may be a therapeutic target for promoting epithelial function and tight junction barrier integrity during ulcerative colon diseases.

The gene expression analysis of paracrine/autocrine factors in patients with spermatogenetic failure compared with normal spermatogenesis

PROBLEM

The aim of this study was to examine the expression levels of IL-1 family members, IL-6, IL-10, TNF family, SCF, and c-kit in infertile patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) compared with men with normal spermatogenesis.

METHOD OF STUDY

We analyzed 20 testicular biopsy samples with Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST microarrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Sixteen of them were obtained from patients with various types of NOA and four with normal spermatogenesis.

RESULTS

The comparative analysis of normal and pathological group demonstrated a different expression level of IL1-RA gene. It was also observed that the gene expression levels for IL1-R1, CASP1, and stem cell factor (SCF) were upregulated in the Sertoli-cell-only syndrome group in comparison with the control one (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The microarray analysis showed the expression level of all investigated paracrine/autocrine factors at one go, and therefore, the possible interaction between these genes could be examined.

Association of the IL1RN gene VNTR polymorphism with human male infertility

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a regulatory cytokine that plays an important role in the maintenance of the immune environment of the testis, regulation of junction dynamics and cell differentiation during spermatogenesis. Members of the IL-1 family are pleiotropic cytokines that are involved in inflammation, immunoregulation and other homeostatic functions in the body. IL-1α, IL-1β, and the IL-1 receptor antagonistic molecule (IL-1 Ra) are expressed in the testis under normal homeostasis and they further increase upon infection/inflammation. In the present study we have examined the association of Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) polymorphism of the Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN) with human male infertility. The case-control study comprised of two groups: 331 idiopathic infertile patients and 358 fertile healthy men. The study indicates risk of IL1RN2 variant with male infertility (OR: 1.43, CI: 1.1546 to 1.7804, P = 0.001). To our best knowledge, this is the first report that links IL1RN VNTR polymorphism with human male infertility.

Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist deficiency presenting as infantile pustulosis mimicking infantile pustular psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Deficiency of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (DIRA) is a recently described autoinflammatory syndrome of skin and bone caused by recessive mutations in the gene encoding the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist. Few studies have been published about this debilitating condition. Early identification is critical for targeted lifesaving intervention.

OBSERVATIONS

A male infant, born to nonconsanguineous Puerto Rican parents, was referred for management of a pustular eruption diagnosed as pustular psoriasis. At 2 months of age, the infant developed a pustular eruption. After extensive evaluation, he was confirmed to be homozygous for a 175-kb genomic deletion on chromosome 2 that includes the IL1RN gene, commonly found in Puerto Ricans. Therapy with anakinra was initiated, with rapid clearance of skin lesions and resolution of systemic inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent identification of DIRA as a disease entity, compounded by the limited number of reported cases, makes early identification difficult. It is critical to consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of infantile pustulosis. Targeted therapy with the recombinant human interleukin 1 receptor antagonist anakinra can be lifesaving if initiated early. A high carrier frequency of the 175-kb DIRA-associated genomic deletion in the Puerto Rican population strongly supports testing infants presenting with unexplained pustulosis in patients from this geographic region.

Epab and Pabpc1 are differentially expressed during male germ cell development

Modification of poly(A) tail length constitutes the main posttranscriptional mechanism by which gene expression is regulated during spermatogenesis. Embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (EPAB) and somatic cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding protein (PABPC1) are the 2 key proteins implicated in this pathway. In this study we characterized the temporal and spatial expression of Epab and Pabpc1 in immature (D6-D32) and mature (D88) mouse testis and in isolated spermatogenic cells. Both Epab and Pabpc1 expression increased during early postnatal life and reached their peak at D32 testis. This was due to an increase in both spermatogonia (SG) and spermatocytes. In the mature testis, the highest levels of Epab were detected in SG, followed by round spermatids (RSs), while the most prominent Pabpc1 expression was detected in spermatocytes and RSs. Our findings suggest that PABPC1 may play a role in translational regulation of gene expression by cytoplasmic polyadenylation, which occurs in spermatocytes, while both EPAB and PABPC1 may help stabilize stored polyadenylated messenger RNAs in RSs.

Differentiation of murine male germ cells to spermatozoa in a soft agar culture system

Establishment of an in vitro system that allows the development of testicular germ cells to sperm will be valuable for studies of spermatogenesis and future treatments for male infertility. In the present study, we developed in vitro culture conditions using three-dimensional agar culture system (SACS), which has the capacity to induce testicular germ cells to reach the final stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatozoa generation. Seminiferous tubules from testes of 7-day-old mice were enzymatically dissociated, and intratubular cells were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in RPMI medium supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS). The lower layer of the SACS contained only RPMI medium supplemented with FCS. Colonies in the upper layer were isolated after 14 and 28 days of culture and were classified according to their size. Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR were used to analyse specific markers expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia (Vasa, Dazl, OCT-4, C-Kit, GFR-α-1, CD9 and α-6-integrin), meiotic cells (LDH, Crem-1 and Boule) and post-meiotic cells (Protamine-1, Acrosin and SP-10). Our results reveal that it is possible to induce mouse testicular pre-meiotic germ cell expansion and induce their differentiation to spermatozoa in SACS. The spermatozoa showed normal morphology and contained acrosomes. Thus, our results demonstrate that SACS could be used as a novel in vitro system for the maturation of pre-meiotic mouse germ cells to post-meiotic stages and morphologically-normal spermatozoa.

Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 5: intercellular junctions and contacts between germs cells and Sertoli cells and their regulatory interactions, testicular cholesterol, and genes/proteins associated with more than one germ cell generation

In the testis, cell adhesion and junctional molecules permit specific interactions and intracellular communication between germ and Sertoli cells and apposed Sertoli cells. Among the many adhesion family of proteins, NCAM, nectin and nectin-like, catenins, and cadherens will be discussed, along with gap junctions between germ and Sertoli cells and the many members of the connexin family. The blood-testis barrier separates the haploid spermatids from blood borne elements. In the barrier, the intercellular junctions consist of many proteins such as occludin, tricellulin, and claudins. Changes in the expression of cell adhesion molecules are also an essential part of the mechanism that allows germ cells to move from the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubule to the adluminal compartment thus crossing the blood-testis barrier and well-defined proteins have been shown to assist in this process. Several structural components show interactions between germ cells to Sertoli cells such as the ectoplasmic specialization which are more closely related to Sertoli cells and tubulobulbar complexes that are processes of elongating spermatids embedded into Sertoli cells. Germ cells also modify several Sertoli functions and this also appears to be the case for residual bodies. Cholesterol plays a significant role during spermatogenesis and is essential for germ cell development. Lastly, we list genes/proteins that are expressed not only in any one specific generation of germ cells but across more than one generation.

Interleukin-1 system in the human fallopian tube-No spatial but a temporal regulation of mRNA and protein expression

The human fallopian tube provides the environment for the first 5 days of embryonic development in vivo. The IL-1 system is involved in human embryo implantation. This study aimed to investigate IL-1beta, IL-1ra and IL-1R tI expression within the length of the human fallopian tube on mRNA- and protein-level in samples from proliferative versus secretory phase, postmenopause (PMP) samples and samples from intra- (IUP) and extrauterine pregnancies (EUP) to examine possible spatial and hormonal induced changes (fimbrial, ampullary and isthmic tube segments). On mRNA-level, IL-1beta was expressed in all samples except in PMP. IL-1R tI could be detected in all samples whereas IL-1ra was only expressed in secretory phase and the IUP sample. Immunohistochemically we could detect IL-1beta and IL-1R t1 protein in all proliferative and secretory phase samples with maximum intensity in secretory phase samples whereas IL-1ra was expressed in secretory phase samples only. Overall no spatial but temporal differences possibly due to hormonal changes could be observed suggesting a precise regulation of the IL-1 system, especially for IL-1ra and moreover a stable molecular architecture within the full length of the fallopian tube.