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Ghatpande N, Harrer A, Azoulay-Botzer B, Guttmann-Raviv N, Bhushan S, Meinhardt A, Meyron-Holtz EG. Iron regulatory proteins 1 and 2 have opposing roles in regulating inflammation in bacterial orchitis. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175845. [PMID: 38301068 PMCID: PMC11143929 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175845] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute bacterial orchitis (AO) is a prevalent cause of intrascrotal inflammation, often resulting in sub- or infertility. A frequent cause eliciting AO is uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), a gram negative pathovar, characterized by the expression of various iron acquisition systems to survive in a low-iron environment. On the host side, iron is tightly regulated by iron regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (IRP1 and -2) and these factors are reported to play a role in testicular and immune cell function; however, their precise role remains unclear. Here, we showed in a mouse model of UPEC-induced orchitis that the absence of IRP1 results in less testicular damage and a reduced immune response. Compared with infected wild-type (WT) mice, testes of UPEC-infected Irp1-/- mice showed impaired ERK signaling. Conversely, IRP2 deletion led to a stronger inflammatory response. Notably, differences in immune cell infiltrations were observed among the different genotypes. In contrast with WT and Irp2-/- mice, no increase in monocytes and neutrophils was detected in testes of Irp1-/- mice upon UPEC infection. Interestingly, in Irp1-/- UPEC-infected testes, we observed an increase in a subpopulation of macrophages (F4/80+CD206+) associated with antiinflammatory and wound-healing activities compared with WT. These findings suggest that IRP1 deletion may protect against UPEC-induced inflammation by modulating ERK signaling and dampening the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Ghatpande
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aileen Harrer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bar Azoulay-Botzer
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noga Guttmann-Raviv
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Esther G. Meyron-Holtz
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa, Israel
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2
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Chen J, Chen J, Fang Y, Shen Q, Zhao K, Liu C, Zhang H. Microbiology and immune mechanisms associated with male infertility. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1139450. [PMID: 36895560 PMCID: PMC9989213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1139450] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 50% of infertility is caused by the male side. Varicocele, orchitis, prostatitis, oligospermia, asthenospermia, and azoospermia are common causes of impaired male reproductive function and male infertility. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that microorganisms play an increasingly important role in the occurrence of these diseases. This review will discuss the microbiological changes associated with male infertility from the perspective of etiology, and how microorganisms affect the normal function of the male reproductive system through immune mechanisms. Linking male infertility with microbiome and immunomics can help us recognize the immune response under different disease states, providing more targeted immune target therapy for these diseases, and even the possibility of combined immunotherapy and microbial therapy for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Fang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuzi Shen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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The Role of Mononuclear Phagocytes in the Testes and Epididymis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010053. [PMID: 36613494 PMCID: PMC9820352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) is the primary innate immune cell group in male reproductive tissues, maintaining the balance of pro-inflammatory and immune tolerance. This article aims to outline the role of mononuclear macrophages in the immune balance of the testes and epididymis, and to understand the inner immune regulation mechanism. A review of pertinent publications was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases on all articles published prior to January 2021. Search terms were based on the following keywords: 'MPS', 'mononuclear phagocytes', 'testes', 'epididymis', 'macrophage', 'Mφ', 'dendritic cell', 'DC', 'TLR', 'immune', 'inflammation', and 'polarization'. Additionally, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for other publications of relevance. This review concluded that MPS exhibits a precise balance in the male reproductive system. In the testes, MPS cells are mainly suppressed subtypes (M2 and cDC2) under physiological conditions, which maintain the local immune tolerance. Under pathological conditions, MPS cells will transform into M1 and cDC1, producing various cytokines, and will activate T cell specific immunity as defense to foreign pathogens or self-antigens. In the epididymis, MPS cells vary in the different segments, which express immune tolerance in the caput and pro-inflammatory condition in the cauda. Collectively, MPS is the control point for maintaining the immune tolerance of the testes and epididymis as well as for eliminating pathogens.
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4
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Garrity C, Arzi B, Haus B, Lee CA, Vapniarsky N. A Fresh Glimpse into Cartilage Immune Privilege. Cartilage 2022; 13:119-132. [PMID: 36250484 PMCID: PMC9924976 DOI: 10.1177/19476035221126349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of degenerative cartilage disorders in young patients is a growing public concern worldwide. Cartilage's poor innate regenerative capacity has inspired the exploration and development of cartilage replacement treatments such as tissue-engineered cartilages and osteochondral implants as potential solutions to cartilage loss. The clinical application of tissue-engineered implants is hindered by the lack of long-term follow-up demonstrating efficacy, biocompatibility, and bio-integration. The historically reported immunological privilege of cartilage tissue was based on histomorphological observations pointing out the lack of vascularity and the presence of a tight extracellular matrix. However, clinical studies in humans and animals do not unequivocally support the immune-privilege theory. More in-depth studies on cartilage immunology are needed to make clinical advances such as tissue engineering more applicable. This review analyzes the literature that supports and opposes the concept that cartilage is an immune-privileged tissue and provides insight into mechanisms conferring various degrees of immune privilege to other, more in-depth studied tissues such as testis, eyes, brain, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Garrity
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology
and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Boaz Arzi
- Department of Surgical and Radiological
Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA,
USA
| | - Brian Haus
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra A. Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Vapniarsky
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology
and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA,Natalia Vapniarsky, Department of
Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, One
Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA.
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5
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Wang AS, Steers NJ, Parab AR, Gachon F, Sweet MJ, Mysorekar IU. Timing is everything: impact of development, ageing and circadian rhythm on macrophage functions in urinary tract infections. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:1114-1126. [PMID: 36038769 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The bladder supports a diversity of macrophage populations with functional roles related to homeostasis and host defense, including clearance of cell debris from tissue, immune surveillance, and inflammatory responses. This review examines these roles with particular attention given to macrophage origins, differentiation, recruitment, and engagement in host defense against urinary tract infections (UTIs), where these cells recognize uropathogens through a combination of receptor-mediated responses. Time is an important variable that is often overlooked in many clinical and biological studies, including in relation to macrophages and UTIs. Given that ageing is a significant factor in urinary tract infection pathogenesis and macrophages have been shown to harbor their own circadian system, this review also explores the influence of age on macrophage functions and the role of diurnal variations in macrophage functions in host defense and inflammation during UTIs. We provide a conceptual framework for future studies that address these key knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Steers
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Adwaita R Parab
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Frédéric Gachon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia. .,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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6
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Song WP, Gu SJ, Tan XH, Gu YY, Song WD, Zeng JY, Xin ZC, Guan RL. Proteomic analysis and miRNA profiling of human testicular endothelial cell-derived exosomes: the potential effects on spermatogenesis. Asian J Androl 2021; 24:478-486. [PMID: 34916478 PMCID: PMC9491036 DOI: 10.4103/aja202190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular endothelial cells have been found to play an important role in spermatogenesis and fertility, but their mechanism is obscure. Exosomes released by various cells are recognized as cell–cell communication mediators during the initiation and progression of many diseases. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the protein and miRNA components of human testicular endothelial cell-derived exosomes (HTEC-Exos) and to explore their potential effects on spermatogenesis. In this study, HTEC-Exos were first isolated by the ultracentrifugation method, and then identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blotting. The characteristics of HTEC-Exos were examined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and microRNA (miRNA) chip analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the potential role of the exosomal content on spermatogenesis. A total of 945 proteins were identified, 11 of which were closely related to spermatogenesis. A total of 2578 miRNAs were identified. Among them, 30 miRNAs demonstrated potential associations with male reproductive disorders, such as azoospermia, and spermatogenesis disorders. In particular, 11 out of these 30 miRNAs have been proven to be involved in spermatogenesis based on available evidence. This study provides a global view of the proteins and miRNAs from HTEC-Exos, suggesting that HTEC-Exos may function as potential effectors during the process of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Peng Song
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100034, China.,Department of Dental Implant Center, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Sheng-Ji Gu
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Tan
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Yang-Yang Gu
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei-Dong Song
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Jian-Yu Zeng
- Department of Dental Implant Center, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhong-Cheng Xin
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Rui-Li Guan
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100034, China
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7
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Kumar P, Saini K, Saini V, Mitchell T. Oxalate Alters Cellular Bioenergetics, Redox Homeostasis, Antibacterial Response, and Immune Response in Macrophages. Front Immunol 2021; 12:694865. [PMID: 34745086 PMCID: PMC8566947 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones can have secondarily infected calculi which may play a role in the development of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common causative pathogen of UTIs. Macrophages play a critical role in host immune defense against bacterial infections. Our previous study demonstrated that oxalate, an important component of the most common type of kidney stone, impairs monocyte cellular bioenergetics and redox homeostasis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether oxalate compromises macrophage metabolism, redox status, anti-bacterial response, and immune response. Monocytes (THP-1, a human monocytic cell line) were exposed to sodium oxalate (soluble oxalate; 50 µM) for 48 hours prior to being differentiated into macrophages. Macrophages were subsequently exposed to calcium oxalate crystals (50 µM) for 48 hours followed by UPEC (MOI 1:2 or 1:5) for 2 hours. Peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from C57BL/6 mice were also exposed to oxalate. THP-1 macrophages treated with oxalate had decreased cellular bioenergetics, mitochondrial complex I and IV activity, and ATP levels compared to control cells. In addition, these cells had a significant increase in mitochondrial and total reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial gene expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (i.e. Interleukin-1β, IL-1β and Interleukin-6, IL-6) mRNA levels and secretion. In contrast, oxalate significantly decreased the mRNA levels and secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Further, oxalate increased the bacterial burden of primary macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that oxalate compromises macrophage metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cytokine signaling leading to a reduction in anti-bacterial response and increased infection. These data highlight a novel role of oxalate on macrophage function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen Kumar
- Department of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kanchan Saini
- Laboratory of Infection Biology and Translational Research, Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikram Saini
- Laboratory of Infection Biology and Translational Research, Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanecia Mitchell
- Department of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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8
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Nabi A, Khalili MB, Eslami G, Vakili M, Anbari F, Torki A. A comparison of different O-antigen serogroups of Escherichia coli in semen samples of fertile and infertile men. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 49:33-39. [PMID: 35172539 PMCID: PMC8923631 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.04161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Male genital tract infections have been associated with infertility, and Escherichia coli has drawn increasing attention as an important bacterium in this context. This investigation aimed to characterize and compare the distributions of O-antigen serogroups of E. coli in the semen samples of fertile and infertile men. Methods In this case-control study, semen samples were collected from 618 fertile and 1,535 infertile men. The E. coli-positive samples were evaluated in terms of concentration, morphology, viability, and motility parameters according to the World Health Organization 2010 guidelines. Finally, different serogroups of E. coli were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the O-antigen variations of the bacterium. Results The prevalence of E. coli among fertile men was significantly higher than among infertile men (p<0.001). The sperm morphology, viability, and motility in the E. coli-positive fertile group were significantly higher than in the E. coli-positive infertile group (p<0.001). E. coli O6 was the most prevalent serogroup found in both groups. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of different serogroups of E. coil between the two groups (p=0.55). Conclusion Despite the higher prevalence of E. coli among fertile men, E. coli had more detrimental effects on semen parameters in infertile men. There was no significant difference in E. coli serogroups between the fertile and infertile groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nabi
- Andrology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Khalili
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Gilda Eslami
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Vakili
- Community Medicine, Monitoring of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Anbari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Torki
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding author: Alireza Torki Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences,Javan Blvd., Safayeh, Yazd 8916978477, Iran Tel: +98-91-3250-8432 Fax: +98-91-3250-8432 E-mail:
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9
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Torki A, Amirmozafari N, Talebi M, Talebi A. Using the PCR and Blood Agar in Diagnosis of Semen Bacterial Contamination of Fertile and Infertile Men. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 10:402-411. [PMID: 34981017 PMCID: PMC8718771 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.10.3.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the causes of male infertility is Genital tract infections (GTI). Considering the importance of GTI, widespread recognition of them seems necessary. we aimed to characterize and compare semen microbial populations in fertile and infertile men who referred to an infertility clinic in Yazd, Iran. METHODS Semen samples were collected from two groups of fertile (268) and infertile (210) men. Sperm analysis (concentration, morphology, viability and motility parameters) were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 guidelines laboratory manual. Bacterial isolation was performed in Sheep Blood Agar and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar plates. For PCR, samples were analyzed with genus specific primers. RESULTS All semen characteristics were poor in the infertile group compared to those in the fertile men (p-value< 0.05). Enterococcus spp. (18.7%, 17.1%; p= 0.814), E. coli (7.9%, 11.4%; p= 0.486), Staphylococcus aureus (6.4%, 2.9%; p= 0.398) and Proteus mirabilis (0%, 2.9%; p= 0.002) were the most common agents, respectively. Also, the results obtained from PCR were confirmed using culture-base method. CONCLUSION Proteus mirabilis contamination was identified in the infertile group. While no significant association was observed between male infertility and semen microbial populations, p. mirabilis may be the leading cause of reproduction impairment in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Torki
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Nour Amirmozafari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Malihe Talebi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Talebi
- Andrology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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10
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Fang Y, Su Y, Xu J, Hu Z, Zhao K, Liu C, Zhang H. Varicocele-Mediated Male Infertility: From the Perspective of Testicular Immunity and Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729539. [PMID: 34531872 PMCID: PMC8438154 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Varicocele (VC) is present in 35 - 40% of men with infertility. However, current surgical and antioxidant treatments are not completely effective. In addition to oxidative stress, it is likely that other factors such as testicular immune microenvironment disorder contribute to irreversible testicular. Evidence suggests that VC is associated with anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs), spermatogenesis and testosterone secretion abnormalities, and testicular cytokine production. Moreover, inhibition of inflammation can alleviate VC-mediated pathogenesis. The normal function of the testis depends on its immune tolerance mechanism. Testicular immune regulation is complex, and many infectious or non-infectious diseases may damage this precision system. Results The testicular immune microenvironment is composed of common immune cells and other cells involved in testicular immunity. The former includes testicular macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and mast cells, whereas the latter include Leydig cells and Sertoli cells (SCs). In animal models and in patients with VC, most studies have revealed an abnormal increase in the levels of ASAs and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the seminal plasma, testicular tissue, and even peripheral blood. It is also involved in the activation of potential inflammatory pathways, such as the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing (NLRP)-3 pathway. Finally, the development of VC-mediated infertility (VMI) may be facilitated by abnormal permeability of proteins, such as claudin-11, that constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Conclusions The testicular immune response, including the production of ASAs and inflammatory factors, activation of inflammatory pathways, and destruction of the BTB may be involved in the pathogenesis of VMI it is necessary to further explore how patient outcomes can be improved through immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Fang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufang Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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11
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Gillette R, Tiwary R, Voss JJLP, Hewage SN, Richburg JH. Peritubular Macrophages Are Recruited to the Testis of Peripubertal Rats After Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure and Is Associated With Increases in the Numbers of Spermatogonia. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:288-296. [PMID: 34010400 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripubertal exposure of male rodents to the phthalate metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) causes testicular inflammation, spermatocyte apoptosis, and disruption of the blood-testis barrier. The MEHP-induced inflammatory response in the testis includes an infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, although the cause and purpose of this response is unknown. Recently, a population of testicular macrophages known as peritubular macrophages that are phenotypically distinct from those resident in interstitium was described in mice. Peritubular macrophages aggregate near the spermatogonial stem cell niche and are believed to stimulate their differentiation. We hypothesized that if testicular peritubular macrophages do indeed stimulate spermatogonial differentiation, MEHP exposure would result in an increase of peritubular macrophages to stimulate the replacement of lost spermatocytes. Male rats were exposed to 700 mg/kg MEHP or corn oil (vehicle control) via oral gavage at postnatal day 28 and euthanized at 48 h, 1 or 2 weeks later. Seminiferous tubules were stained with immunofluorescent markers for macrophages (major histocompatibility complex class II [MHC-II+]) and undifferentiated spermatogonia (PLZF). Peritubular macrophages were observed in rat testis: MHC-II+ cells on the surface of seminiferous tubules with heterogeneous morphology. Quantification of MHC-II+ cells revealed that, unlike in the mouse, their numbers did not increase through puberty (2-week period). MEHP increased macrophage presence by 6-fold 48 h after exposure and remained elevated by 2-fold 2 weeks after exposure. An increase of differentiating spermatogonia occurred 2 weeks after MEHP exposure. Taken together, our results suggest that peritubular macrophages play a crucial role in the testis response to acute injury and the subsequent recovery of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Gillette
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Richa Tiwary
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Jorine J L P Voss
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Shavini N Hewage
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - John H Richburg
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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12
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Lopez Chiloeches M, Bergonzini A, Frisan T. Bacterial Toxins Are a Never-Ending Source of Surprises: From Natural Born Killers to Negotiators. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:426. [PMID: 34204481 PMCID: PMC8235270 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea that bacterial toxins are not only killers but also execute more sophisticated roles during bacteria-host interactions by acting as negotiators has been highlighted in the past decades. Depending on the toxin, its cellular target and mode of action, the final regulatory outcome can be different. In this review, we have focused on two families of bacterial toxins: genotoxins and pore-forming toxins, which have different modes of action but share the ability to modulate the host's immune responses, independently of their capacity to directly kill immune cells. We have addressed their immuno-suppressive effects with the perspective that these may help bacteria to avoid clearance by the host's immune response and, concomitantly, limit detrimental immunopathology. These are optimal conditions for the establishment of a persistent infection, eventually promoting asymptomatic carriers. This immunomodulatory effect can be achieved with different strategies such as suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, re-polarization of the immune response from a pro-inflammatory to a tolerogenic state, and bacterial fitness modulation to favour tissue colonization while preventing bacteraemia. An imbalance in each of those effects can lead to disease due to either uncontrolled bacterial proliferation/invasion, immunopathology, or both.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Teresa Frisan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (M.L.C.); (A.B.)
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13
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Klein B, Bhushan S, Günther S, Middendorff R, Loveland KL, Hedger MP, Meinhardt A. Differential tissue-specific damage caused by bacterial epididymo-orchitis in the mouse. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:215-227. [PMID: 32011693 PMCID: PMC7187874 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascending bacterial urinary tract infections can cause epididymo-orchitis. In the cauda epididymidis, this frequently leads to persistent tissue damage. Less coherent data is available concerning the functional consequences of epididymo-orchitis on testis and caput epididymidis. This in vivo study addresses the functional and spatial differences in responsiveness of murine epididymis and testis to infection with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Whole transcriptome analysis (WTA) was performed on testis, caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis of adult C57BL/6 J wildtype mice. Following UPEC-induced epididymo-orchitis in these mice, epididymal and testicular tissue damage was evaluated histologically and semi-quantitatively at 10 days and 31 days post-inoculation. Expression of inflammatory markers and candidate antimicrobial genes were analysed by RT-qPCR. WTA revealed distinct differences in gene signatures between caput and cauda epididymidis, particularly amonst immunity-related genes. Cellular and molecular signs of testicular inflammation and disruption of spermatogenesis were noticed at day 10, but recovery was observed by day 31. In contrast to the cauda, the caput epididymidis did not reveal any signs of gross morphological damage or presence of pro-inflammatory processes despite confirmed infection. In contrast to beta-defensins, known UPEC-associated antimicrobial peptides (AMP), like Lcn2, Camp and Lypd8, were inherently highly expressed or upregulated in the caput following infection, potentially allowing an early luminal protection from UPEC. At the time points investigated, the caput epididymidis was protected from any obvious infection/inflammation-derived tissue damage. Studies addressing earlier time-points will conclude whether in the caput epididymidis a pro-inflammatory response is indeed not essential for effective protection from UPEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Klein
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- ECCPS Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia
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14
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Two populations of self-maintaining monocyte-independent macrophages exist in adult epididymis and testis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2013686117. [PMID: 33372158 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013686117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are the principal immune cells of the epididymis and testis, but their origins, heterogeneity, development, and maintenance are not well understood. Here, we describe distinct populations of epididymal and testicular macrophages that display an organ-specific cellular identity. Combining in vivo fate-mapping, chimeric and parabiotic mouse models with in-depth cellular analyses, we found that CD64hiMHCIIlo and CD64loMHCIIhi macrophage populations of epididymis and testis arise sequentially from yolk sac erythro-myeloid progenitors, embryonic hematopoiesis, and nascent neonatal monocytes. While monocytes were the major developmental source of both epididymal and testicular macrophages, both populations self-maintain in the steady-state independent of bone marrow hematopoietic precursors. However, after radiation-induced macrophage ablation or during infection, bone marrow-derived circulating monocytes are recruited to the epididymis and testis, giving rise to inflammatory macrophages that promote tissue damage. These results define the layered ontogeny, maintenance and inflammatory response of macrophage populations in the male reproductive organs.
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15
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Zhang Z, Wang M, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Bartkuhn M, Markmann M, Hossain H, Chakraborty T, Hake SB, Jia Z, Meinhardt A, Bhushan S. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Virulence Factor α-Hemolysin Reduces Histone Acetylation to Inhibit Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokine Genes. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:1040-1051. [PMID: 33453118 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are common and costly diseases affecting millions of people. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a primary cause of these infections and has developed multiple strategies to avoid the host immune response. Here, we dissected the molecular mechanisms underpinning UPEC inhibition of inflammatory cytokine in vitro and in vivo. We found that UPEC infection simulates nuclear factor-κB activation but does not result in transcription of cytokine genes. Instead, UPEC-mediated suppression of the metabolic enzyme ATP citrate lyase results in decreased acetyl-CoA levels, leading to reduced H3K9 histone acetylation in the promotor region of CXCL8. These effects were dependent on the UPEC virulence factor α-hemolysin and were reversed by exogenous acetate. In a murine cystitis model, prior acetate supplementation rapidly resolved UPEC-elicited immune responses and improved tissue recovery. Thus, upon infection, UPEC rearranges host cell metabolism to induce chromatin remodeling processes that subvert expression of host innate immune response genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengguo Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ming Wang
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Marek Bartkuhn
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Melanie Markmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hamid Hossain
- Klinikum St Marien Amberg, Amberg and Kliniken Nordoberpfalz AG, Weiden, Germany
| | - Trinad Chakraborty
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra B Hake
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zhankui Jia
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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16
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Deng SL, Zhang BL, Reiter RJ, Liu YX. Melatonin Ameliorates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Suppressing the p38MAPK Signaling Pathway in LPS-Induced Sheep Orchitis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121277. [PMID: 33327643 PMCID: PMC7765110 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacterial infections of the testis can lead to infectious orchitis, which negatively influences steroid hormone synthesis and spermatogenesis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall, acts via toll like receptors 4 (TLR4) to trigger innate immune responses and activate nuclear factor kappa B signaling. The protective mechanisms of melatonin on LPS-induced infectious orchitis have not been reported. Herein, we developed an LPS-induced sheep infectious orchitis model. In this model, the phagocytic activity of testicular macrophages (TM) was enhanced after melatonin treatment. Moreover, we found that melatonin suppressed secretion of TM pro-inflammatory factors by suppressing the p38MAPK pathway and promoting Leydig cell testosterone secretion. Expressions of GTP cyclohydrolase-I and NADPH oxidase-2 were reduced by melatonin while heme oxygenase-1 expression was up-regulated. Thus, melatonin reduced the severity of LPS-induced orchitis by stimulating antioxidant activity. The results of this study provide a reference for the treatment of acute infectious orchitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Bao-Lu Zhang
- Marine Consulting Center of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100071, China;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (Y.-X.L.); Tel.: +35-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +86-010-84097698 (Y.-X.L.)
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (Y.-X.L.); Tel.: +35-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +86-010-84097698 (Y.-X.L.)
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17
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Jin X, Zhang S, Ding T, Zhao P, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Li W. Testicular Lmcd1 regulates phagocytosis by Sertoli cells through modulation of NFAT1/Txlna signaling pathway. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13217. [PMID: 32840323 PMCID: PMC7576262 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress is well known to cause testicular dysfunction in aging males, but the detailed relationships between aging, oxidative stress, and testicular function remain to be elucidated. LIM and cysteine‐rich domains 1 (LMCD1) regulates fundamentally cellular process by interacting with transcription factors. A recent study has identified Lmcd1 as one of the most upregulated nuclear proteins associated with Sertoli cell (SC) differentiation, raising the possibility that testicular actions of LMCD1 are likely to take place. Herein, we reported that LMCD1 was exclusively expressed in the nuclei of SCs. This expression was regulated by TNF‐α signaling produced by apoptotic germ cells (GCs) and was suppressed by oxidative stress in a STAT3‐dependent manner. Ablation of endogenous LMCD1 expression caused lipid accumulation and senescence in GC co‐incubated SCs. Using a previously validated in vivo siRNA approach, we showed that LMCD1 depletion significantly impaired male fertility by inducing oligozoospermia and asthenospermia. Mechanistically, LMCD1 upregulation was associated with the nuclear enrichment of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFAT1), a core component of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent pathway. LMCD1 facilitated the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NFAT1, which consequently expedited the transactivation of Txlna, a binding partner of the syntaxin family essential for testicular phagocytosis, and thus promoted the removal of apoptotic GCs by phagocytic SCs. Collectively, LMCD1 may operate as a novel pretranscriptional integrator linking SC phagocytosis, lipid homeostasis, and cell senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Jin
- Department of Basic Medical Morphology Medical College Xijing University Xi'an China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Morphology Medical College Xijing University Xi'an China
| | - Tianbing Ding
- Department of Basic Functioning Medicine Medical College Xijing University Xi'an China
| | - Pengtao Zhao
- Department of Basic Medical Morphology Medical College Xijing University Xi'an China
| | - Chunli Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Morphology Medical College Xijing University Xi'an China
| | - Yuxing Zhang
- Department of Basic Functioning Medicine Medical College Xijing University Xi'an China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
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18
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Bhushan S, Theas MS, Guazzone VA, Jacobo P, Wang M, Fijak M, Meinhardt A, Lustig L. Immune Cell Subtypes and Their Function in the Testis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583304. [PMID: 33101311 PMCID: PMC7554629 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoregulation in the testis is characterized by a balance between immuno-suppression (or immune privilege) and the ability to react to infections and inflammation. In this review, we analyze the phenotypes of the various immune cell subtypes present in the testis, and how their functions change between homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Starting with testicular macrophages, we explore how this heterogeneous population is shaped by the testicular microenvironment to ensure immune privilege. We then describe how dendritic cells exhibit a tolerogenic status under normal conditions, but proliferate, mature and then stimulate effector T-cell expansion under inflammatory conditions. Finally, we outline the two T-cell populations in the testis: CD4+/CD8+ αβ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and describe the distribution and function of mast cells. All these cells help modulate innate immunity and regulate the immune response. By improving our understanding of immune cell behavior in the testis under normal and inflammatory conditions, we will be better placed to evaluate testis impairment due to immune mechanisms in affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Leibig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - María S Theas
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Jacobo
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ming Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Leibig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Leibig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Livia Lustig
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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19
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Henkel R, Offor U, Fisher D. The role of infections and leukocytes in male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13743. [PMID: 32693434 DOI: 10.1111/and.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining birth rates are one of the problems facing society today. Male counterparts are responsible for about half of the infertility cases, and genitourinary tract infections may play a contributing role in approximately 15% of male infertility cases. Leukocytospermia is an established indicator of infection in the male urogenital tract, although other microorganisms such as bacteria and virus may also be contributors to the etiology of male infertility. The pathophysiology of these infectious agents may be initiated by a local inflammatory reaction resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). This results in testicular injury, thereby affecting sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm viability and elevation of the seminal leukocyte as a result of the genital tract infection. The infectious and inflammatory changes can result in male infertility. It is proposed that high concentrations of seminal leukocyte and infectious agents may affect sperm function resulting in clumping of motile spermatozoa, decreasing acrosomal functionality and also causing alterations in sperm morphology. However, the literature has poorly clarified the role of infection in male infertility, provoking further debate and research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ugochukwu Offor
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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20
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Bryan ER, Kim J, Beagley KW, Carey AJ. Testicular inflammation and infertility: Could chlamydial infections be contributing? Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13286. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Bryan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Jay Kim
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Kenneth W. Beagley
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Alison J. Carey
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
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21
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Lin Z, Nielsen J, Liu Z. Bioprospecting Through Cloning of Whole Natural Product Biosynthetic Gene Clusters. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:526. [PMID: 32582659 PMCID: PMC7290108 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of penicillin, natural products and their derivatives have been a valuable resource for drug discovery. With recent development of genome mining approaches in the post-genome era, a great number of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) have been identified and these can potentially be exploited for the discovery of novel natural products that can find application as pharmaceuticals. Since many BGCs are silent or do not express in native hosts under laboratory conditions, heterologous expression of BGCs in genetically tractable hosts becomes an attractive route to activate these BGCs to discover the corresponding products. Here, we highlight recent achievements in cloning and discovery of natural product biosynthetic pathways via intact BGC capturing, and discuss the prospects of high-throughput and multiplexed cloning of rational-designed gene clusters in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenquan Lin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.,Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.,BioInnovation Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zihe Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
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22
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Abstract
Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is the major cause of urinary tract infections and a frequent cause of sepsis. Nearly half of all UPEC strains produce the potent cytotoxin hemolysin, and its expression is associated with enhanced virulence. In this study, we explored hemolysin variation within the globally dominant UPEC ST131 clone, finding that strains from the ST131 sublineage with the greatest multidrug resistance also possess the strongest hemolytic activity. We also employed an innovative forward genetic screen to define the set of genes required for hemolysin production. Using this approach, and subsequent targeted mutagenesis and complementation, we identified new hemolysin-controlling elements involved in LPS inner core biosynthesis and cytoplasmic chaperone activity, and we show that mechanistically they are required for hemolysin secretion. These original discoveries substantially enhance our understanding of hemolysin regulation, secretion and function. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the major cause of urinary tract infections. Nearly half of all UPEC strains secrete hemolysin, a cytotoxic pore-forming toxin. Here, we show that the prevalence of the hemolysin toxin gene (hlyA) is highly variable among the most common 83 E. coli sequence types (STs) represented on the EnteroBase genome database. To explore this diversity in the context of a defined monophyletic lineage, we contextualized sequence variation of the hlyCABD operon within the genealogy of the globally disseminated multidrug-resistant ST131 clone. We show that sequence changes in hlyCABD and its newly defined 1.616-kb-long leader sequence correspond to phylogenetic designation, and that ST131 strains with the strongest hemolytic activity belong to the most extensive multidrug-resistant sublineage (clade C2). To define the set of genes involved in hemolysin production, the clade C2 strain S65EC was completely sequenced and subjected to a genome-wide screen by combining saturated transposon mutagenesis and transposon-directed insertion site sequencing with the capacity to lyse red blood cells. Using this approach, and subsequent targeted mutagenesis and complementation, 13 genes were confirmed to be specifically required for production of active hemolysin. New hemolysin-controlling elements included discrete sets of genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inner core biosynthesis (waaC, waaF, waaG, and rfaE) and cytoplasmic chaperone activity (dnaK and dnaJ), and we show these are required for hemolysin secretion. Overall, this work provides a unique description of hemolysin sequence diversity in a single clonal lineage and describes a complex multilevel system of regulatory control for this important toxin.
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23
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Li Y, Su Y, Zhou T, Hu Z, Wei J, Wang W, Liu C, Zhang H, Zhao K. Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway by Prokineticin 2 in Testicular Macrophages of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli- Induced Orchitis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1872. [PMID: 31474981 PMCID: PMC6702272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of the reproductive tract are known to contribute to testicular inflammatory impairment, leading to an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, and a decline in sperm quality. Prokineticin 2 (PK2), a secretory protein, is closely associated with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflamed tissue. It was reported that increased PK2 is related to the upregulation of IL-1β, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we illustrated that PK2 was upregulated in testicular macrophages (TM) in a rat model of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection, which induced the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway to boost IL-1β secretion. Administration of PK2 inhibitor alleviated the inflammatory damage and suppressed IL-1β secretion. Moreover, PK2 promoted NLRP3 expression and the release of cleaved IL-1β from TM to the supernatants after the challenge with UPEC in vitro. IL-1β in the supernatants affected Leydig cells by suppressing the expression of genes encoding for the enzymes P450scc and P450c17, which are involved in testosterone production. Overall, we revealed that increased PK2 levels in TM in UPEC-induced orchitis may impair testosterone synthesis via the activation of the NLRP3 pathway. Our study provides a new insight into the mechanisms underlying inflammation-associated male infertility and suggests an anti-inflammatory therapeutic target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Prenatal Diagnostic Center, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yufang Su
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huangzhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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24
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Meinhardt A, Wang M, Schulz C, Bhushan S. Microenvironmental signals govern the cellular identity of testicular macrophages. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 104:757-766. [PMID: 30265772 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mr0318-086rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular macrophages (TM) comprise the largest immune cell population in the mammalian testis. They are characterized by a subdued proinflammatory response upon adequate stimulation, and a polarization toward the immunoregulatory and immunotolerant M2 phenotype. This enables them to play a relevant role in supporting the archetypical functions of the testis, namely spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. During infection, the characteristic blunted immune response of TM reflects the need for a delicate balance between a sufficiently strong reaction to counteract invading pathogens, and the prevention of excessive proinflammatory cytokine levels with the potential to disturb or destroy spermatogenesis. Local microenvironmental factors that determine the special phenotype of TM have just begun to be unraveled, and are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meinhardt
- Unit of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ming Wang
- Unit of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Unit of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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25
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Murthy AMV, Sullivan MJ, Nhu NTK, Lo AW, Phan MD, Peters KM, Boucher D, Schroder K, Beatson SA, Ulett GC, Schembri MA, Sweet MJ. Variation in hemolysin A expression between uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates determines NLRP3-dependent vs. -independent macrophage cell death and host colonization. FASEB J 2019; 33:7437-7450. [PMID: 30869997 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802100r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The multidrug-resistant E. coli sequence type 131 (ST131) clone is a serious threat to human health, yet its effects on immune responses are not well understood. Here we screened a panel of ST131 isolates, finding that only strains expressing the toxin hemolysin A (HlyA) killed primary human macrophages and triggered maturation of the inflammasome-dependent cytokine IL-1β. Using a representative strain, the requirement for the hlyA gene in these responses was confirmed. We also observed considerable heterogeneity in levels of cell death initiated by different HlyA+ve ST131 isolates, and this correlated with secreted HlyA levels. Investigation into the biological significance of this variation revealed that an ST131 strain producing low levels of HlyA initiated cell death that was partly dependent on the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, with this response being associated with a host-protective role in a mouse UTI model. When the same ST131 strain was engineered to overexpress high HlyA levels, macrophage cell death occurred even when NLRP3 function was abrogated, and bladder colonization was significantly increased. Thus, variation in HlyA expression in UPEC affects mechanisms by which macrophages die, as well as host susceptibility vs. resistance to colonization.-Murthy, A. M. V., Sullivan, M. J., Nhu, N. T. K., Lo, A. W., Phan, M.-D., Peters, K. M., Boucher, D., Schroder, K., Beatson, S. A., Ulett, G. C., Schembri, M. A., Sweet, M. J. Variation in hemolysin A expression between uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates determines NLRP3-dependent vs. -independent macrophage cell death and host colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambika M V Murthy
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; and
| | - Nguyen Thi Khanh Nhu
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alvin W Lo
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Minh-Duy Phan
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate M Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dave Boucher
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate Schroder
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott A Beatson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; and
| | - Mark A Schembri
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Fijak M, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Nicolas N, Bhushan S, Michel V, Tung KSK, Schuppe HC, Meinhardt A. Infectious, inflammatory and 'autoimmune' male factor infertility: how do rodent models inform clinical practice? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:416-441. [PMID: 29648649 PMCID: PMC6016649 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract are significant causes of male factor infertility. Ascending infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary tract pathogens represent the most frequent aetiology of epididymo-orchitis, but viral, haematogenous dissemination is also a contributory factor. Limitations in adequate diagnosis and therapy reflect an obvious need for further understanding of human epididymal and testicular immunopathologies and their contribution to infertility. A major obstacle for advancing our knowledge is the limited access to suitable tissue samples. Similarly, the key events in the inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies affecting human male fertility are poorly amenable to close examination. Moreover, the disease processes generally have occurred long before the patient attends the clinic for fertility assessment. In this regard, data obtained from experimental animal models and respective comparative analyses have shown promise to overcome these restrictions in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This narrative review will focus on male fertility disturbances caused by infection and inflammation, and the usefulness of the most frequently applied animal models to study these conditions. SEARCH METHODS An extensive search in Medline database was performed without restrictions until January 2018 using the following search terms: 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'testis' and/or 'epididymis', 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'male genital tract', 'male infertility', 'orchitis', 'epididymitis', 'experimental autoimmune' and 'orchitis' or 'epididymitis' or 'epididymo-orchitis', antisperm antibodies', 'vasectomy'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional publications independently by each author. Selected articles were verified by each two separate authors and discrepancies discussed within the team. OUTCOMES There is clear evidence that models mimicking testicular and/or epididymal inflammation and infection have been instructive in a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this regard, rodent models of acute bacterial epididymitis best reflect the clinical situation in terms of mimicking the infection pathway, pathogens selected and the damage, such as fibrotic transformation, observed. Similarly, animal models of acute testicular and epididymal inflammation using lipopolysaccharides show impairment of reproduction, endocrine function and histological tissue architecture, also seen in men. Autoimmune responses can be studied in models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and vasectomy. In particular, the early stages of EAO development showing inflammatory responses in the form of peritubular lymphocytic infiltrates, thickening of the lamina propria of affected tubules, production of autoantibodies against testicular antigens or secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, replicate observations in testicular sperm extraction samples of patients with 'mixed atrophy' of spermatogenesis. Vasectomy, in the form of sperm antibodies and chronic inflammation, can also be studied in animal models, providing valuable insights into the human response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This is the first comprehensive review of rodent models of both infectious and autoimmune disease of testis/epididymis, and their clinical implications, i.e. their importance in understanding male infertility related to infectious and non-infectious/autoimmune disease of the reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kenneth S K Tung
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Wang J, Wang W, Li S, Han Y, Zhang P, Meng G, Xiao Y, Xie L, Wang X, Sha J, Chen Q, Moore PK, Wang R, Xiang W, Ji Y. Hydrogen Sulfide As a Potential Target in Preventing Spermatogenic Failure and Testicular Dysfunction. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:1447-1462. [PMID: 28537489 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Testis and sperm are particularly susceptible to inflammation and oxidative stress. Although hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been considered an important biological signaling molecule in inflammatory and oxidative stress processes, its role in the male reproductive system was poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of H2S in the regulation of male reproductive system. RESULTS We found that both subfertile and infertile patients, especially asthenospermic patients, exhibited decreased concentration of H2S in their seminal plasma and diminished expression of H2S-generating enzyme (cystathionine β-synthase [CBS]) in sperm. Supplying exogenous H2S to semen improved sperm motility of these asthenospermic patients. Furthermore, decreased sperm motility was observed in animal models with a defective in H2S generation such as lipopolysaccharide-treated mice, diabetic mice, and CBS-deficient mice. Our research showed that stress-induced reductions of endogenous H2S production and CBS expression are correlated with impaired spermatogenesis and a defective blood-testis barrier. Supplying exogenous H2S or overexpressing CBS could relieve the spermatogenic failure. This occurred primarily through the combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. INNOVATION These results provide the first indication that H2S is important for maintaining male fertility and protecting testicular function. CONCLUSION H2S plays an important role in spermatogenic failure and testicular dysfunction mainly by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1447-1462.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan Wang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangyue Li
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Han
- 2 Department of Geriatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhang
- 3 Department of Gynaecology, The First Public Hospital of Zhangjiagang , Zhangjiagang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Meng
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujiao Xiao
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Xie
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- 4 Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jiahao Sha
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Chen
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Philip K Moore
- 5 Neurobiology Program, Life Science Institute and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rui Wang
- 6 Department of Biology Laurentian University , Sudbury, Canada
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- 7 Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Ji
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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28
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Voss JJLP, Stermer AR, Ghaffari R, Tiwary R, Richburg JH. MEHP-induced rat testicular inflammation does not exacerbate germ cell apoptosis. Reproduction 2018; 156:35-46. [PMID: 29743262 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an organ that maintains an immune suppressive environment. We previously revealed that exposure of pre-pubertal rats to an acute dose of a well-described Sertoli cell toxicant, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), leads to an accumulation of CD11b+ immune cells in the testicular interstitial space that closely correlates with a robust incidence of germ cell (GC) apoptosis. Here, we test the hypothesis that the infiltrating immune cells contribute to GC apoptosis. Postnatal day 28 Fischer rats that received an oral dose of 700 mg/kg MEHP showed a significant infiltration of both CD11bc+/CD68+/CD163- macrophages and neutrophils. The infiltration peaked at 12 h, but had reduced by 48 h. Testicular macrophages from MEHP-treated rats showed significantly upregulated expression of Tnfa and Il6, and the Arg1/Nos2 ratio was reduced compared to controls. However, small increases in anti-inflammatory genes Il10 and Tgfb1 were also observed. Depletion of circulating monocytes with clodronate liposomes prior to MEHP treatment reduced the macrophage influx into the testis, but did not lower GC apoptosis. Additionally, depletion of neutrophils using an anti-polymorphonuclear cell antibody prevented both macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into the testis, and also did not affect GC apoptosis. Together, these results show that exposure to MEHP leads to a rapid and temporary influx of pro-inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in the interstitium of the testis. However, with this acute dosing paradigm, these infiltrating leukocytes do not appear to contribute to MEHP-induced testicular GC apoptosis leaving the functional significance of these infiltrating cells in the pathogenesis of MEHP-induced testicular injury unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorine J L P Voss
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Angela R Stermer
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rashin Ghaffari
- University of Texas at AustinInstitute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, The Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Richa Tiwary
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - John H Richburg
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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29
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Lu Y, Rafiq A, Zhang Z, Aslani F, Fijak M, Lei T, Wang M, Kumar S, Klug J, Bergmann M, Chakraborty T, Meinhardt A, Bhushan S. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli virulence factor hemolysin A causes programmed cell necrosis by altering mitochondrial dynamics. FASEB J 2018; 32:4107-4120. [PMID: 29490169 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700768r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. In this study, UPEC strains harboring hemolysin A (HlyA) did not induce programmed cell death pathways by the activation of caspases. Instead, the UPEC pore-forming toxin HlyA triggered an increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels and manipulated mitochondrial dynamics by causing fragmentation of the mitochondrial network. Alterations in mitochondrial dynamics resulted in severe impairment of mitochondrial functions by loss of membrane potential, increase in reactive oxygen species production, and ATP depletion. Moreover, HlyA caused disruption of plasma membrane integrity that was accompanied by extracellular release of the danger-associated molecules high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and histone 3 (H3). Our results indicate that UPEC induced programmed cell necrosis by irreversibly impairing mitochondrial function. This finding suggests a strategy devised by UPEC at the onset of infection to escape early innate immune response and silently propagate inside host cells.-Lu, Y., Rafiq, A., Zhang, Z., Aslani, F., Fijak, M., Lei, T., Wang, M., Kumar, S., Klug, J., Bergmann, M., Chakraborty, T., Meinhardt, A., Bhushan, S. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli virulence factor hemolysin A causes programmed cell necrosis by altering mitochondrial dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongning Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Amir Rafiq
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zhengguo Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ferial Aslani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tao Lei
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jörg Klug
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Trinad Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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30
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Wang M, Fijak M, Hossain H, Markmann M, Nüsing RM, Lochnit G, Hartmann MF, Wudy SA, Zhang L, Gu H, Konrad L, Chakraborty T, Meinhardt A, Bhushan S. Characterization of the Micro-Environment of the Testis that Shapes the Phenotype and Function of Testicular Macrophages. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:4327-4340. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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31
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Chen Q, Deng T, Han D. Testicular immunoregulation and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:157-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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32
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Owusu-Boaitey N, Bauckman KA, Zhang T, Mysorekar IU. Macrophagic control of the response to uropathogenic E. coli infection by regulation of iron retention in an IL-6-dependent manner. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2016; 4:413-426. [PMID: 27980776 PMCID: PMC5134725 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the causative agent of over 85% of urinary tract infections (UTIs), elaborate a number of siderophores to chelate iron from the host. On the other hand, the host immune imperative is to limit the availability of iron to the bacteria. Little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying this host‐iron‐UPEC interaction. Our objective was to determine whether macrophages, in response to UPEC infection, retain extracellular siderophore‐bound and free iron, thus limiting the ability of UPEC to access iron. Methods Quantitative PCR, immunoblotting analysis, and gene expression analysis of wild type and IL‐6‐deficient macrophages was performed. Results We found that (1) macrophages upon UPEC infection increased expression of lipocalin 2, a siderophore‐binding molecule, of Dmt1, a molecule that facilitates macrophage uptake of free iron, and of the intracellular iron cargo molecule ferritin, and decreased expression of the iron exporter ferroportin; (2) bladder macrophages regulate expression of genes involved in iron retention upon UPEC infection; (3) IL‐6, a cytokine known to play an important role in regulating host iron homeostasis as well as host defense to UPEC, regulates this process, in part by promoting production of lipocalin 2; and finally, (4) inhibition of IL‐6 signaling genetically and by neutralizing antibodies against the IL‐6 receptor, promoted intra‐macrophagic UPEC growth in the presence of excess iron. Conclusions Together, our study suggests that macrophages retain siderophore‐bound and free iron in response to UPEC and IL‐6 signaling is necessary for macrophages to limit the growth of UPEC in the presence of excess iron. IL‐6 signaling and iron regulation is one mechanism by which macrophages may mediate UPEC clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Owusu-Boaitey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri
| | - Kyle A Bauckman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri
| | - Tingxuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri; Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri
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33
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Michel V, Duan Y, Stoschek E, Bhushan S, Middendorff R, Young JM, Loveland KL, Kretser DMD, Hedger MP, Meinhardt A. UropathogenicEscherichia colicauses fibrotic remodelling of the epididymis. J Pathol 2016; 240:15-24. [DOI: 10.1002/path.4748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Yonggang Duan
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; People's Republic of China
| | - Elke Stoschek
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Julia M Young
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - David M De Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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34
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Bhushan S, Meinhardt A. The macrophages in testis function. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 119:107-112. [PMID: 27422223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Testicular macrophages are the largest leukocyte population in the testis. Their environment is characterized by the seemingly contradictory needs for tolerance against the autoantigenic germ cells and the capacity to mount pro-inflammatory innate immune responses against invading pathogens. During the past years considerable progress has been made in our understanding how intracellular signaling events enable testicular macrophages to adequately respond to inflammatory stimuli with the capacity to clear pathogens, but avoid excessive tissue damage to maintain fertility. Moreover, new data add to our understanding that testicular macrophages play essential roles in normal testis homeostasis and fetal testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany.
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Khosravi F, Michel V, Galuska CE, Bhushan S, Christian P, Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Galuska SP, Meinhardt A. Desialylation of Spermatozoa and Epithelial Cell Glycocalyx Is a Consequence of Bacterial Infection of the Epididymis. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:17717-26. [PMID: 27339898 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.718072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) pathovars belong to the most frequent infections in humans. In men, pathogens can also spread to the genital tract via the continuous ductal system, eliciting bacterial prostatitis and/or epididymo-orchitis. Antibiotic treatment usually clears pathogens in acute epididymitis; however, the fertility of patients can be permanently impaired. Because a premature acrosome reaction was observed in an UPEC epididymitis mouse model, and sialidases on the sperm surface are considered to be activated via proteases of the acrosome, we aimed to investigate whether alterations of the sialome of epididymal spermatozoa and surrounding epithelial cells occur during UPEC infection. In UPEC-elicited acute epididymitis in mice, a substantial loss of N-acetylneuraminic acid residues was detected in epididymal spermatozoa and epithelial cells using combined laser microdissection/HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. In support, a substantial reduction of sialic acid residues bound to the surface of spermatozoa was documented in men with a recent history of E. coli-associated epididymitis. In vitro, such an UPEC induced N-acetylneuraminic acid release from human spermatozoa was effectively counteracted by a sialidase inhibitor. These findings strongly suggest a substantial remodeling of the glycocalyx of spermatozoa and epididymal epithelial cells by endogenous sialidases after a premature acrosome reaction during acute epididymitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Khosravi
- From the Institutes of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Biochemistry and
| | - Vera Michel
- From the Institutes of Anatomy and Cell Biology and
| | | | | | | | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany and
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany and
| | - Sebastian P Galuska
- Biochemistry and the Department of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
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Schagdarsurengin U, Western P, Steger K, Meinhardt A. Developmental origins of male subfertility: role of infection, inflammation, and environmental factors. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:765-781. [PMID: 27315198 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0576-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Male gamete development begins with the specification of primordial cells in the epiblast of the early embryo and is not complete until spermatozoa mature in the epididymis of adult males. This protracted developmental process involves extensive alteration of the paternal germline epigenome. Initially, epigenetic reprogramming in fetal germ cells results in removal of most DNA methylation, including parent-specific epigenetic information. The germ cells then establish sex-specific epigenetic information through de novo methylation and undergo spermatogenesis. Chromatin in haploid germ cells is repackaged into protamines during spermiogenesis, providing further widespread epigenetic reorganization. Finally, after fertilization, epigenetic reprogramming in the preimplantation embryo is necessary for regaining totipotency. These events provide substantial windows during which epigenetic errors either may be corrected or may occur in the germline. There is now increasing evidence that environmental factors such as exposure to toxicants, the parents' and individual's diet, and even infectious and inflammatory events in the male reproductive tract may influence epigenetic reprogramming. This, together with other damage inflicted on the germline chromatin, may result in negative consequences for fertility and health. Large epidemiological birth cohort studies have yielded insight into possible causative environmental factors. Together with experimental animal studies, a clearer view of environmental impacts on fetal development and their intergenerational and even transgenerational effects on reproductive health has emerged and is reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Western
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute for Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
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Cheng L, Chen Q, Zhu W, Wu H, Wang Q, Shi L, Zhao X, Han D. Toll-like Receptors 4 and 5 Cooperatively Initiate the Innate Immune Responses to Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in Mouse Epididymal Epithelial Cells1. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:58. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.136580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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The role of the galU gene of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in modulating macrophage TNF-α response. Int J Med Microbiol 2015; 305:893-901. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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YANG HYUN, JUNG EUIMAN, AHN CHANGHWAN, LEE GEUNSHIK, LEE SUYEON, KIM SEONHONG, CHOI INGYU, PARK MIJIN, LEE SUNGSUK, CHOI DONHA, JEUNG EUIBAE. Elemol from Chamaecyparis obtusa ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis. Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:463-72. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Stammler A, Hau T, Bhushan S, Meinhardt A, Jonigk D, Lippmann T, Pilatz A, Schneider-Hüther I, Middendorff R. Epididymitis: ascending infection restricted by segmental boundaries. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1557-65. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Bhushan S, Tchatalbachev S, Lu Y, Fröhlich S, Fijak M, Vijayan V, Chakraborty T, Meinhardt A. Differential activation of inflammatory pathways in testicular macrophages provides a rationale for their subdued inflammatory capacity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:5455-64. [PMID: 25917085 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenic cells express cell-specific molecules with the potential to be seen as "foreign" by the immune system. Owing to the time difference between their appearance in puberty and the editing of the lymphocyte repertoire around birth, local adaptations of the immune system coined immune privilege are required to confer protection from autoattack. Testicular macrophages (TM) play an important role in maintaining testicular immune privilege and display reduced proinflammatory capacity compared with other macrophages. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this macrophage phenotype remained elusive. We demonstrate that TM have a lower constitutive expression of TLR pathway-specific genes compared with peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, in TM stimulated with LPS, the NF-κB signaling pathway is blocked due to lack of IκBα ubiquitination and, hence, degradation. Instead, challenge of TM with LPS or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid induces MAPK, AP-1, and CREB signaling pathways, which leads to production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, although at much lower levels than in peritoneal macrophages. Pretreatment of TM with inhibitors for MAPKs p38 and ERK1/2 suppresses activation of AP-1 and CREB signaling pathways and attenuates LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-10 secretion. High levels of IL-10 production and activation of STAT3 by LPS stimulation in TM indicate a regulatory macrophage phenotype. Our results suggest that TM maintain testicular immune privilege by inhibiting NF-κB signaling through impairment of IκBα ubiquitination and a general reduction of TLR cascade gene expression. However, TM do maintain some capacity for innate immune responses through AP-1 and CREB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Svetlin Tchatalbachev
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Yongning Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Suada Fröhlich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Vijith Vijayan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Trinad Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; and
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Biswas B, Bhushan S, Rajesh A, Suraj SK, Lu Y, Meinhardt A, Yenugu S. UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) induced antimicrobial gene expression in the male reproductive tract of rat: evaluation of the potential of Defensin 21 to limit infection. Andrology 2015; 3:368-75. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Biswas
- Department of Animal Biology; School of Life Sciences; University of Hyderabad; Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh India
| | - S. Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - A. Rajesh
- Department of Animal Biology; School of Life Sciences; University of Hyderabad; Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh India
| | - S. K. Suraj
- Department of Biotechnology; School of Life Sciences; University of Hyderabad; Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Y. Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - A. Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - S. Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology; School of Life Sciences; University of Hyderabad; Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh India
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Fijak M, Damm LJ, Wenzel JP, Aslani F, Walecki M, Wahle E, Eisel F, Bhushan S, Hackstein H, Baal N, Schuler G, Konrad L, Rafiq A, O'Hara L, Smith LB, Meinhardt A. Influence of Testosterone on Inflammatory Response in Testicular Cells and Expression of Transcription Factor Foxp3 in T Cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:12-25. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Lara-Jil Damm
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Jan-Per Wenzel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Ferial Aslani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Magdalena Walecki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Eva Wahle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Florian Eisel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Holger Hackstein
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Nelli Baal
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Obstetrics; Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Faculty of Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Amir Rafiq
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
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Aslani F, Schuppe HC, Guazzone VA, Bhushan S, Wahle E, Lochnit G, Lustig L, Meinhardt A, Fijak M. Targeting high mobility group box protein 1 ameliorates testicular inflammation in experimental autoimmune orchitis. Hum Reprod 2014; 30:417-31. [PMID: 25452436 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) regulate inflammatory reactions in a rat model of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO)? SUMMARY ANSWER HMGB1 appears to be involved in regulating inflammatory reactions in testes, as HMGB1 is translocated from testicular cells during the course of EAO and blocking its action by ethyl pyruvate (EP) reduces disease progression and spermatogenic damage. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite its immune privileged status, the human testis is prone to inflammatory lesions associated with male factor infertility. Accumulating evidence shows that HMGB1 plays an important role in onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a cross sectional and longitudinal study involving Wistar male rats immunized with testicular homogenates to induce EAO 50 (EAO50; n = 10) and 80 (EAO80; n = 10) days after first immunization. Control adjuvant animals received saline instead of testicular homogenate (n = 16). Untreated animals (n = 10) were also studied. An interventional study was performed to block the action of HMGB1 starting 20 days after first immunization in EAO animals and respective controls (n = 17). Rats were treated i.p. with EP and the effect of EP treatment on testicular pathogenesis was evaluated 30 days later. Moreover, human testicular biopsies from infertile men with focal lymphocytic infiltrates (n = 7) and sections with intact spermatogenesis (n = 6) were probed with antibodies against HMGB1. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Testicular RNA and protein extracts from EAO animals, EAO animals treated with EP and relevant controls were used for analysis of cytokine expression by real-time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HMGB1 was co-localized on rat testicular cross sections with antibodies against testicular macrophages (TM), peritubular cells (PTC) and Sertoli cells (SC). Interaction of HMGB1 and its receptors (RAGE, TLR4) as well signaling pathways after HMGB1 stimulation were studied in isolated TM, PTC and SC by proximity ligation assay and western blot, respectively. Furthermore, HMGB1 immunofluorescence on human testicular biopsies was performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE HMGB1 was translocated from the nuclei in EAO testes and testes of infertile men with impaired spermatogenesis and lymphocytic infiltrates. Elevated HMGB1 levels were observed during late phase of EAO. In testicular somatic cells HMGB1 receptors Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were differentially expressed: HMGB1-TLR4 binding was predominant in TM, while HMGB1-RAGE interaction was prevalent in SC and PTC. In support, HMGB1 triggered extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) activation in SC and PTC, while TM responded to HMGB1 stimulation with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p65 nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-ĸB) phosphorylation followed by increased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA levels. In vivo treatment of EAO animals with EP 20 days after induction of disease revealed beneficial effects, as documented by reduced disease progression and spermatogenic damage, lower macrophage numbers, as well as decreased concentrations of HMGB1 and IL-6 in the testis compared with EAO controls. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The ability of HMGB1 to bind to a wide range of receptors makes it difficult to prevent its action by blockade of a specific receptor; therefore we applied EP, a drug preventing HMGB1 release from cells. Due to its mode of action EP decreases also the secretion of some other pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using isolated primary cells imposes limitations for cell transfection studies. As a compromise between purity and yield primary cells need to be isolated from animals of different age, which has to be considered when comparing their responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS HMGB1 could be a promising target in attenuating testicular damage caused by inflammatory reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferial Aslani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Eva Wahle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Lüthje P, Brauner A. Virulence factors of uropathogenic E. coli and their interaction with the host. Adv Microb Physiol 2014; 65:337-72. [PMID: 25476769 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) belong to the most common infectious diseases worldwide. The most frequently isolated pathogen from uncomplicated UTIs is Escherichia coli. To establish infection in the urinary tract, E. coli has to overcome several defence strategies of the host, including the urine flow, exfoliation of urothelial cells, endogenous antimicrobial factors and invading neutrophils. Thus, uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) harbour a number of virulence and fitness factors enabling the bacterium to resist and overcome these different defence mechanisms. There is no particular factor which allows the identification of UPEC among the commensal faecal flora apart from the ability to enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. Many of potential virulence or fitness factors occur moreover with high redundancy. Fimbriae are inevitable for adherence to and invasion into the host cells; the type 1 pilus is an established virulence factor in UPEC and indispensable for successful infection of the urinary tract. Flagella and toxins promote bacterial dissemination, while different iron-acquisition systems allow bacterial survival in the iron-limited environment of the urinary tract. The immune response to UPEC is primarily mediated by toll-like receptors recognising lipopolysaccharide, flagella and other structures on the bacterial surface. UPEC have the capacity to subvert this immune response of the host by means of actively impacting on pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, or by physical masking of immunogenic structures. The large repertoire of bacterial virulence and fitness factors in combination with host-related differences results in a complex interaction between host and pathogen in the urinary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Lüthje
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Brauner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Zhao S, Zhu W, Xue S, Han D. Testicular defense systems: immune privilege and innate immunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:428-37. [PMID: 24954222 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian testis possesses a special immunological environment because of its properties of remarkable immune privilege and effective local innate immunity. Testicular immune privilege protects immunogenic germ cells from systemic immune attack, and local innate immunity is important in preventing testicular microbial infections. The breakdown of local testicular immune homeostasis may lead to orchitis, an etiological factor of male infertility. The mechanisms underlying testicular immune privilege have been investigated for a long time. Increasing evidence shows that both a local immunosuppressive milieu and systemic immune tolerance are involved in maintaining testicular immune privilege status. The mechanisms underlying testicular innate immunity are emerging based on the investigation of the pattern recognition receptor-mediated innate immune response in testicular cells. This review summarizes our current understanding of testicular defense mechanisms and identifies topics that merit further investigation.
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Contribution of IL-12/IL-35 common subunit p35 to maintaining the testicular immune privilege. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96120. [PMID: 24760014 PMCID: PMC3997559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis is an organ with immune privilege. The comprehensive blood–testis barrier formed by Sertoli cells protects autoimmunogenic spermatozoa and spermatids from attack by the body’s immune system. The interleukin (IL)-6/IL-12 family cytokines IL-12 (p35/p40), IL-23 (p19/p40), IL-27 (p28/Epstein-Barr virus−induced gene 3 [EBI3]), and IL-35 (p35/EBI3) play critical roles in the regulation of various immune responses, but their roles in testicular immune privilege are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated whether these cytokines are expressed in the testes and whether they function in the testicular immune privilege by using mice deficient in their subunits. Expression of EBI3 was markedly increased at both mRNA and protein levels in the testes of 10- or 12-week-old wild-type mice as compared with levels in 2-week-old mice, whereas the mRNA expression of p40 was markedly decreased and that of p35 was conserved between these two groups. Lack of EBI3, p35, and IL-12 receptor β2 caused enhanced infiltration of lymphocytes into the testicular interstitium, with increased interferon-γ expression in the testes and autoantibody production against mainly acrosomal regions of spermatids. Spermatogenic disturbance was more frequently observed in the seminiferous tubules, especially when surrounded by infiltrating lymphocytes, of these deficient mice than in those of wild-type mice. In particular, p35-deficient mice showed the most severe spermatogenic disturbance. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that endothelial cells and peritubular cells in the interstitium were highly positive for p35 at both ages, and CD163+ resident macrophages positive for p35 and EBI3, possibly producing IL-35, were also detected in the interstitium of 12-week-old mice but not those of 2-week-old mice. These results suggest that p35 helps in maintaining the testicular immune privilege, in part in an IL-35-dependent manner.
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Abarikwu SO. Kolaviron, a natural flavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, reduces LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages by combined inhibition of IL-6 secretion, and inflammatory transcription factors, ERK1/2, NF-κB, p38, Akt, p-c-JUN and JNK. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:2373-81. [PMID: 24650887 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kolaviron (Kol-v), an important component of Garcinia kola seed has a variety of biologic activities, including anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS We tested the ability of Kol-v to block signalling pathways implicated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory gene expression in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. RESULTS When macrophages pre-treated with Kol-v (15 and 25μM) were activated with LPS, phosphorylation of p38 and p-c-JUN but not IκBα degradation and phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65), ERK1/2, and IκBα were blocked. Furthermore, Kol-v suppressed LPS-induced increase in the expression of IL-18 gene and LPS-induced decrease in the mRNA expression of IP-10 but it had no effect on the LPS-induced decrease in the gene expression levels of IL-1α, IL-33, IL-1β, and IFNβ1-1. When macrophages pre-treated with Kol-v (50 and 100μM) were activated with LPS, phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, IκBα, and NFκB (p65) but not that of CREB was blocked by Kol-v. The protective effect of Kol-v on the LPS-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family member JNK was only observed at 100μM. At all concentrations of Kol-v (0-100μM) tested in this study, there was no effect of Kol-v on LPS-induced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α but a concentration dependent inhibition of Kol-v on IL-6 secretion was observed. CONCLUSION Kol-v interferes with LPS signalling by reducing the activation of several inflammatory transcription factors and that its inhibitory action on IL-6 secretion correlates with inhibition of ERK1/2, p38, Akt, p-c-JUN and JNK signalling pathways. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The anti-inflammatory potential of Kol-v via inhibition of IL-6 secretion in RAW macrophage was established in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny O Abarikwu
- Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Redemption City, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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Chen Q, Zhu W, Liu Z, Yan K, Zhao S, Han D. Toll-like receptor 11-initiated innate immune response in male mouse germ cells. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:38. [PMID: 24403550 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) may infect the testis and impair testicular function. Mechanisms underlying testicular innate immune response to these two pathogens remain to be clarified. The present study examined the function of TLR11, which can be recognized by T. gondii-derived profilin and UPEC, in initiating innate immune response in male mouse germ cells. TLR11 is predominantly expressed in spermatids. Profilin and UPEC induced the expressions of different inflammatory cytokine profiles in the germ cells. In particular, profilin induced the expressions of macrophage chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), interleukin 12 (IL12), and interferon gamma (IFNG) through nuclear factor KB (NFKB) activation. UPEC induced the expressions of MCP1, IL12, and IFNG, as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA), IL6, and IFNB, through the activation of NFKB, IFN regulatory factor 3, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Evidence showed that profilin induced the innate response in male germ cells through TLR11 signaling, and UPEC triggered the response through TLR11 and other TLR-signaling pathways. We also provided evidence that local injection of profilin or UPEC induces the innate immune response in the germ cells. Data describe TLR11-mediated innate immune function of male germ cells in response to T. gondii profilin and UPEC stimulations. This system may play a role in testicular defense against T. gondii and UPEC infections in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyuan Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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