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Amarilla MS, Glienke L, Munduruca Pires T, Sobarzo CM, Oxilia HG, Fulco MF, Rodríguez Peña M, Maio MB, Ferrer Viñals D, Lustig L, Jacobo PV, Theas MS. Impaired Spermatogenesis in Infertile Patients with Orchitis and Experimental Autoimmune Orchitis in Rats. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:278. [PMID: 38666890 PMCID: PMC11048156 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a well-established rodent model of organ-specific autoimmunity associated with infertility in which the testis immunohistopathology has been extensively studied. In contrast, analysis of testis biopsies from infertile patients associated with inflammation has been more limited. In this work, testicular biopsies from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia diagnosed with hypospermatogenesis (HypoSp) [mild: n = 9, and severe: n = 11], with obstructive azoospermia and complete Sp (spermatogenesis) (control group, C, n = 9), and from Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n = 9) were analyzed for the presence of immune cells, spermatogonia and Sertoli cell (SCs) alterations, and reproductive hormones levels. These parameters were compared with those obtained in rats with EAO. The presence of increased CD45+ cells in the seminiferous tubules (STs) wall and lumen in severe HypoSp is associated with increased numbers of apoptotic meiotic germ cells and decreased populations of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. The SCs showed an immature profile with the highest expression of AMH in patients with SCOS and severe HypoSp. In SCOS patients, the amount of SCs/ST and Ki67+ SCs/ST increased and correlated with high serum FSH levels and CD45+ cells. In the severe phase of EAO, immune cell infiltration and apoptosis of meiotic germ cells increased and the number of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia was lowest, as previously reported. Here, we found that orchitis leads to reduced sperm number, viability, and motility. SCs were mature (AMH-) but increased in number, with Ki67+ observed in severely damaged STs and associated with the highest levels of FSH and inflammatory cells. Our findings demonstrate that in a scenario where a chronic inflammatory process is underway, FSH levels, immune cell infiltration, and immature phenotypes of SCs are associated with severe changes in spermatogenesis, leading to azoospermia. Furthermore, AMH and Ki67 expression in SCs is a distinctive marker of severe alterations of STs in human orchitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sofía Amarilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
| | - Leilane Glienke
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Thaisy Munduruca Pires
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Cristian Marcelo Sobarzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Hernán Gustavo Oxilia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
- Anatomía Patológica, Hospital General de Agudos Parmenio Piñero, Varela 1301, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1406ELA, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Fulco
- Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín, Av. Córdoba 2351 (C1120AAR), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (M.F.F.); (M.R.P.)
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez Peña
- Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín, Av. Córdoba 2351 (C1120AAR), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (M.F.F.); (M.R.P.)
| | - María Belén Maio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
| | - Denisse Ferrer Viñals
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - Patricia Verónica Jacobo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
| | - María Susana Theas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, Laboratorio 10, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina; (L.G.); (T.M.P.); (C.M.S.); (M.B.M.); (D.F.V.); (L.L.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra II de Histología, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1421ABG, Argentina;
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Yan Q, Li T, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Wang Q, Yuan L. Caveolin 1 Regulates the Tight Junctions between Sertoli Cells and Promotes the Integrity of Blood-Testis Barrier in Yak via the FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:183. [PMID: 38254351 PMCID: PMC10812639 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaks, a valuable livestock species endemic to China's Tibetan plateau, have a low reproductive rate. Cryptorchidism is believed to be one of the leading causes of infertility in male yaks. In this study, we compared the morphology of the normal testis of the yak with that of the cryptorchidism, and found dysplasia of the seminiferous tubules, impaired tightness of the Sertoli cells, and a disruption of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the cryptorchidism. Previous studies have shown that CAV1 significantly contributes to the regulation of cell tight junctions and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that CAV1 may play a regulatory role in tight junctions and BTB in Yaks Sertoli cells, thereby influencing the development of cryptorchidism. Additional analysis using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting confirmed that CAV1 expression is up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism. CAV1 over-expression plasmids and small RNA interference sequences were then transfected in vitro into yak Sertoli cells. It was furthermore found that CAV1 has a positive regulatory effect on tight junctions and BTB integrity, and that this regulatory effect is achieved through the FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings, the first application of CAV1 to yak cryptorchidism, provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cell tight junctions and BTB. This paper suggests that CAV1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for yak cryptorchidism and may provide insight for future investigations into the occurrence of cryptorchidism, the maintenance of a normal physiological environment for spermatogenesis and male reproductive physiology in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tianan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Miao C, Wang Z, Wang X, Huang W, Gao X, Cao Z. Deoxynivalenol Induces Blood-Testis Barrier Dysfunction through Disrupting p38 Signaling Pathway-Mediated Tight Junction Protein Expression and Distribution in Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:12829-12838. [PMID: 37590035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is widely present in cereals and processed grains. It can disrupt the blood-testicular barrier (BTB), leading to sterility in males; however, the mechanism is unknown. In this study, 30 Kunming mice and TM4 cells were exposed to 0 or 4.8 mg/kg (28 d) and 0-2.4 μM (24 h) of DON, respectively. Histopathological findings showed that DON increased BTB permeability in mice, leading to tight junction (TJ) structural damage. Immunofluorescence results indicated that DON disrupted the localization of zonula occludens (ZO)-1. The results of protein and mRNA expression showed that the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-11 was reduced, and that the p38/GSK-3β/snail and p38/ATF-2/MLCK signaling pathways were activated in mouse testes and TM4 cells. Pretreatment with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 maintained TJ integrity in TM4 cells after exposure to DON. Thus, DON induced BTB dysfunction in mice by disrupting p38 pathway-mediated TJ expression and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjiao Miao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zijia Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wanyue Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
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Hu Y, Hu H, Yin L, Wang L, Luo K, Luo N. Arachidonic acid impairs the function of the blood-testis barrier via triggering mitochondrial complex-ROS-P38 MAPK axis in hyperthermal Sertoli cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 252:114598. [PMID: 36774800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The death of Sertoli cells (SCs) under condition of heat stress (HS) affects spermatogenesis and is associated with impaired function of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) is essential for the maintenance of cellular function. However, excessive release of AA during HS may adversely affect the reproductive function. The molecular mechanisms through which AA modulates the BTB in SCs are unclear. In this study, we found that 100 µM AA damaged testicular morphology and accelerated SC apoptosis during HS, reducing the stability of tight junction proteins (TJPs), shown by measurement of the levels of Claudin 11, 5, Occludin, and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER). It was also found that AA adversely affected TJPs by increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38 MAPK) and reducing mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) and the expression of mitochondrial complexes I and III. In contrast, pretreatment with SB203508 (a P38 MAPK inhibitor), Rotenone (an inhibitor of complex I) and Antimycin A1 (an inhibitor of complex III) reversed TJPs degradation induced by AA. Interestingly, pretreatment of cells with 10 µM Baicalein, a 12/15 lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) -dependent inhibitor of AA production, protected against AA-induced TJPs degradation, restored mitochondrial function, and reduced apoptosis. These results suggested an intriguing link between the induction of TJPs degradation induced by AA overload and mitochondrial antioxidant function during HS, which was found to be regulated by the mitochondrial complex-ROS-P38 MAPK axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Han Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ling Yin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - KeYan Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
| | - NanJian Luo
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
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Liman N. The abundance and localization of claudin-1 and -5 in the adult tomcats (Felis catus) testis, tubules rectus, rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023. [PMID: 36688626 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJ) are the anatomical component of blood-testis (BTB) and blood-epididymis (BEB) barriers and contain many proteins, including claudins. The presence of claudins in domestic cat testis and epididymis has not been previously described. This study aimed to determine whether claudin-1 and claudin-5 participate in the structure of BTB and BEB and whether their amounts differ between the testis and epididymal segments of adult cats, using Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry. WB results demonstrated that claudin-1 was significantly lower in the testis than in all epididymal segments and higher in the corpus epididymis than in the cauda, while claudin-5 in the testis was significantly lower than in the caput and corpus. Claudin-1 was absent at the Sertoli-Sertoli junctions, while claudin-5 was detected at the level of the BTB during stages I and VIII. Both claudins were observed in the pachytene spermatocytes and the developing acrosome of the round and elongating spermatids. Claudin-5 was also detected in the cytoplasm of some spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and late spermatid acrosome. In the epididymal segments, both claudins were localized to the area of the tight junctions and along the entire length of the lateral plasma membranes of adjacent principal cells and between principal and basal cells. These results may indicate that in the domestic cat, claudin-1 and -5 participate as both tight junction proteins and adhesion molecules in the BEB's structure, claudin 5 is a component of the BTB, and both proteins may be involved in postmeiotic germ cell development, especially acrosome development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narin Liman
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Shen Y, You Y, Zhu K, Fang C, Yu X, Chang D. Bibliometric and visual analysis of blood-testis barrier research. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:969257. [PMID: 36071829 PMCID: PMC9441755 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.969257] [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: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Extensive research on the blood-testis barrier has been undertaken in recent years. However, no systematic bibliometric study has been conducted on this subject. Our research aimed to identify the hotspots and frontiers of blood-testis barrier research and to serve as a guide for future scientific research and decision-making in the field.Methods: Studies on the blood-testis barrier were found in the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel were used to conduct the bibliometric and visual analyses.Results: We found 942 blood-testis barrier studies published in English between 1992 and 2022. The number of annual publications and citations increased significantly between 2011 and 2022, notably in the United States. China and the United States, the US Population Council, Endocrinology, and Cheng C. Yan were the most productive countries, institution, journal, and author, respectively. The study keywords indicated that blood-testis barrier research involves a variety of compositional features (tight junctions, cytoskeleton, adherens junctions), cell types (Sertoli cells, germ cells, Leydig cells, stem cells), reproductive toxicity (cadmium, nanoparticles, bisphenol-a), and relevant mechanisms (spermatogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, dynamics, inflammation, immune privilege).Conclusion: The composition and molecular processes of the blood-testis barrier as well as the blood-testis barrier in male infertility patients are the primary research hotspots in this field. In addition, future research will likely focus on treatment and the development of novel medications that target signal pathways in oxidative stress and apoptosis to preserve the blood-testis barrier. Further studies must extend to clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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Molele RA, Ibrahim MIA, Zakariah M, Mahdy MAA, Clift S, Fosgate GT, Brown G. Junctional complexes of the blood-testis barrier in the Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix japonica). Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151929. [PMID: 35947890 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151929] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the developmental changes in the adherens junctions, gap junctions, as well as tight junctions forming the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix japonica) testis. Testicular tissue from pre-pubertal, pubertal, adult, and aged Japanese quail were examined by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tight junction proteins claudin-3, claudin-11, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), were generally localised in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes of pre-pubertal, pubertal, some adult birds. The adherens junction protein E-cadherin had a similar distribution pattern. During pre-pubertal development, the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) was only localised between Leydig cells in the testicular interstitium. However, TEM revealed the presence of gap junctions between cells of the seminiferous epithelium as early as the pre-pubertal stage. Furthermore, TEM confirmed the presence of tight and adherens junctions in the seminiferous epithelia of all age groups. The findings of this study document age-related differences in the immunolocalisation and intensity of the junctional proteins and the ultrastructure of the junctional complexes forming the BTB in quail testes. Additionally, the junctional complexes forming the BTB in the Japanese quail are well established prior to puberty. This study provides baseline information for the future evaluation of pathological changes in the BTB of avian species at different developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reneilwe A Molele
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa.
| | - Mohammed I A Ibrahim
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; Department of Basic Science, University of West Kordofan, West Kordofan State, Sudan
| | - Musa Zakariah
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Mohamed A A Mahdy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Sarah Clift
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey T Fosgate
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey Brown
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
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Parker N, Laychur A, Sukwani M, Orwig KE, Oatley JM, Zhang C, Rutaganira FU, Shokat K, Wright WW. Spermatogonial Stem Cell Numbers Are Reduced by Transient Inhibition of GDNF Signaling but Restored by Self-Renewing Replication when Signaling Resumes. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:597-609. [PMID: 33636117 PMCID: PMC7940257 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One cause of human male infertility is a scarcity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testes with Sertoli cells that neither produce adequate amounts of GDNF nor form the Sertoli-Sertoli junctions that form the blood-testis barrier (BTB). These patients raise the issue of whether a pool of SSCs, depleted due to inadequate GDNF stimulation, will expand if normal signaling is restored. Here, we reduce adult mouse SSC numbers by 90% using a chemical-genetic approach that reversibly inhibits GDNF signaling. Signal resumption causes all remaining SSCs to replicate immediately, but they primarily form differentiating progenitor spermatogonia. Subsequently, self-renewing replication restores SSC numbers. Testicular GDNF levels are not increased during restoration. However, SSC replication decreases as numbers of SSCs and progenitors increase, suggesting important regulatory interactions among these cells. Finally, sequential loss of SSCs and then pachytene spermatocytes causes dissolution of the BTB, thereby recapitulating another important characteristic of some infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew Laychur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meena Sukwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Florentine U Rutaganira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kevan Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - William W Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Hau RK, Miller SR, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. Generation of a hTERT-Immortalized Human Sertoli Cell Model to Study Transporter Dynamics at the Blood-Testis Barrier. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111005. [PMID: 33105674 PMCID: PMC7690448 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) formed by adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) limits the entry of many chemicals into seminiferous tubules. Differences in rodent and human substrate-transporter selectivity or kinetics can misrepresent conclusions drawn using rodent in vitro models. Therefore, human in vitro models are preferable when studying transporter dynamics at the BTB. This study describes a hTERT-immortalized human SC line (hT-SerC) with significantly increased replication capacity and minor phenotypic alterations compared to primary human SCs. Notably, hT-SerCs retained similar morphology and minimal changes to mRNA expression of several common SC genes, including AR and FSHR. The mRNA expression of most xenobiotic transporters was within the 2-fold difference threshold in RT-qPCR analysis with some exceptions (OAT3, OCT3, OCTN1, OATP3A1, OATP4A1, ENT1, and ENT2). Functional analysis of the equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) revealed that primary human SCs and hT-SerCs predominantly express ENT1 with minimal ENT2 expression at the plasma membrane. ENT1-mediated uptake of [3H] uridine was linear over 10 min and inhibited by NBMPR with an IC50 value of 1.35 ± 0.37 nM. These results demonstrate that hT-SerCs can functionally model elements of transport across the human BTB, potentially leading to identification of other transport pathways for xenobiotics, and will guide drug discovery efforts in developing effective BTB-permeable compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K. Hau
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (R.K.H.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Siennah R. Miller
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (R.K.H.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Stephen H. Wright
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
- Correspondence: (S.H.W.); (N.J.C.); Tel.: +1-(520)-626-4253 (S.H.W.); +1-(520)-626-0219 (N.J.C.)
| | - Nathan J. Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (R.K.H.); (S.R.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.H.W.); (N.J.C.); Tel.: +1-(520)-626-4253 (S.H.W.); +1-(520)-626-0219 (N.J.C.)
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Hussain A, Gilloteaux J. The human testes: Estrogen and ageing outlooks. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2020.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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11
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Benvenga S, Micali A, Pallio G, Vita R, Malta C, Puzzolo D, Irrera N, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Minutoli L. Effects of Myo-inositol Alone and in Combination with Seleno-Lmethionine on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 12:311-323. [PMID: 31250768 DOI: 10.2174/1874467212666190620143303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) impairs gametogenesis and damages the blood-testis barrier. OBJECTIVE As the primary mechanism of Cd-induced damage is oxidative stress, the effects of two natural antioxidants, myo-inositol (MI) and seleno-L-methionine (Se), were evaluated in mice testes. METHODS Eighty-four male C57 BL/6J mice were divided into twelve groups: 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day i.p.); Se (0.2 mg/kg/day per os); Se (0.4 mg/kg/day per os); MI (360 mg/kg/day per os); MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) plus vehicle; CdCl2 plus MI; CdCl2 plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); and CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, testes were processed for biochemical, structural and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS CdCl2 increased iNOS and TNF-α expression and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, lowered glutathione (GSH) and testosterone, induced testicular lesions, and almost eliminated claudin-11 immunoreactivity. Se administration at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression, maintained GSH, MDA and testosterone levels, structural changes and low claudin-11 immunoreactivity. MI alone or associated with Se at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression and MDA levels, increased GSH and testosterone levels, ameliorated structural organization and increased claudin-11 patches number. CONCLUSION We demonstrated a protective effect of MI, a minor role of Se and an evident positive role of the association between MI and Se on Cd-induced damages of the testis. MI alone or associated with Se might protect testes in subjects exposed to toxicants, at least to those with behavior similar to Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Roberto Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Consuelo Malta
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
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12
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Aydin S, Billur D, Kizil S, Ozkavukcu S, Topal Celikkan F, Aydos K, Erdemli E. Evaluation of blood-testis barrier integrity in terms of adhesion molecules in nonobstructive azoospermia. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13636. [PMID: 32453883 DOI: 10.1111/and.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-testis barrier (BTB) is critical for maintaining fertility. The integrity of tight junctions (TJs) provides restricted permeability of BTB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BTB and Sertoli cells. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) obtained from nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients was examined: Group I (spermatozoa+) and Group II (spermatozoa-). The tissues were stained with haematoxylin eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome for Johnsen's score evaluation. Apoptosis and adhesion molecules such as claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were assessed. In Group I, the integrity of the seminiferous tubules was intact. In Group II, some seminiferous tubule walls were lined only with Sertoli cells, had a thickening of the basement membrane, and oedema in interstitial spaces. In Group I, the seminiferous tubule consisted of a stratified columnar epithelium, claudin-11 expressions were observed as linear staining in the basal zone of the tubule, while seminiferous tubules, with low epithelium, displayed a punctate type of staining. Immunohistochemical observations were consistent with the ultrastructural findings. In Group II, high apoptosis and unstained/irregular TJ formation in claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were observed. In conclusion, disruption of relation between BTB and TJs may reveal inadequate spermatogenesis, which is one of the mechanisms behind azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevim Aydin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Billur
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sule Kizil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sinan Ozkavukcu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ferda Topal Celikkan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdemli
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Establishment and functional characterization of a murine primary Sertoli cell line deficient of connexin43. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 381:309-326. [PMID: 32328805 PMCID: PMC7369266 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Sertoli cell (SC) specific connexin43 (Cx43) knockout (SCCx43KO) mouse line is ideal to gain insight into the mechanistic gap junction formation in SC and the seminiferous epithelium. A method for developing primary SC cultures from these mice was established, validated and successfully characterized via polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blots (WB). It was evident that both knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) primary cell cultures were similar in morphology. These highly pure SC cultures were subjected to cell proliferation assays indicating no notable proliferation in cultures of both genotypes. Measurements of cell monolayer integrity indicated significant increases in transepithelial electrical resistance and consequently in tight junction expression of the KO cultures. Using semi-quantitative WB and IF, tight junction protein claudin-11 was analyzed. These results support a role for Cx43 in regulating blood-testis barrier (BTB) function, composition, and dynamics in vitro. Thus, the SC deficient Cx43 cell cultures may provide a valuable in vitro tool for a better understanding of the mechanistic role of Cx43 in spermatogenesis and BTB assembly.
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Kato T, Mizuno K, Nishio H, Moritoki Y, Kamisawa H, Kurokawa S, Nakane A, Maruyama T, Ando R, Hayashi Y, Yasui T. Disorganization of claudin-11 and dysfunction of the blood-testis barrier during puberty in a cryptorchid rat model. Andrology 2020; 8:1398-1408. [PMID: 32196966 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is known to impair spermatogenesis. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) becomes defined in seminiferous tubules around puberty and provides a suitable environment for germ cells. Little is known about the BTB in undescended testes (UDT). OBJECTIVES To determine the role of BTB during puberty in UDT using a non-surgical cryptorchid rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Unilateral cryptorchid male rats were intraperitoneally injected with non-steroidal antiandrogen during intrauterine development; the testes were harvested at 4, 5, and 6 weeks after birth. Testicular histology, expression levels of the BTB proteins (claudin-11, occludin, zonula occludens-1), and apoptotic cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and TUNEL assay. The functionality of the BTB was investigated by electron microscopy using the lanthanum tracer method. RESULTS The testicular histology of undescended testes 6 weeks after birth showed maturation arrest at the spermatocyte level. The BTB protein distributions were altered in the UDT, with a noticeable difference in claudin-11(CLDN11) localization from 4 to 5 weeks after birth between control and UDT samples. BTB protein levels were similar. More apoptotic germ cells were detected in the adluminal compartment of tubules in the UDT than in the control testes. Electron microscopy showed that the lanthanum tracer was limited to the BTB of control testes, whereas it penetrated the BTB of UDT. DISCUSSION Here, loss of normal BTB function and impaired spermatogenesis were observed in UDT during puberty. CLDN11 is a pivotal tight junction protein belonging to the BTB. Tight junctions are considered as essential for normal spermatogenesis, and abnormal CLDN11 organization may cause UDT-associated male infertility. CONCLUSION CLDN11 disorganization within the BTB may cause spermatogenic impairment, possibly by limiting the BTB function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Kato
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidenori Nishio
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Moritoki
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kamisawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kurokawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nakane
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Maruyama
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ando
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yasui
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Urióstegui-Acosta M, Tello-Mora P, Solís-Heredia MDJ, Ortega-Olvera JM, Piña-Guzmán B, Martín-Tapia D, González-Mariscal L, Quintanilla-Vega B. Methyl parathion causes genetic damage in sperm and disrupts the permeability of the blood-testis barrier by an oxidant mechanism in mice. Toxicology 2020; 438:152463. [PMID: 32294493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methyl parathion (Me-Pa) is an extremely toxic organophosphorus pesticide still used in developing countries. It has been associated with decreased sperm function and fertility and with oxidative and DNA damage. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a structure formed by tight junction (TJ) proteins in Sertoli cells and has a critical role in spermatogenesis. We assessed the effect of repeated doses of Me-Pa (3-12 mg/kg/day for 5 days, i.p.) on sperm quality, lipid oxidation, DNA integrity, and BTB permeability in adult male mice and explored oxidation as a mechanism of toxicity. Me-Pa caused dose-dependent effects on sperm quality, lipoperoxidation, and DNA integrity. Testis histology results showed the disruption of spermatogenesis progression and atrophy of seminiferous tubules. The pesticide opened the BTB, as evidenced by the presence of a biotin tracer in the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules. This effect was not observed after 45 days of exposure when a spermatogenic cycle had completed. The coadministration of the antioxidant α-tocopherol (50 mg/kg/day for 5 days, oral) prevented the effects of Me-Pa on sperm quality, DNA and the BTB, indicating the importance of oxidative stress in the damage generated by Me-Pa. As evidenced by immunochemistry, no changes were found in the localization of the TJ proteins of the BTB, although oxidation (carbonylation) of total proteins in testis homogenates was detected. Our results show that Me-Pa disturbs the BTB and that oxidation is involved in the observed toxic effects on sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Tello-Mora
- Toxicology Department, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, Colonia Zacatenco, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
| | | | - José Mario Ortega-Olvera
- Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences Department, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, Colonia Zacatenco, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
| | - Belem Piña-Guzmán
- National Polytechnic Institute, UPIBI, Ave. Acueducto s/n, Barrio La Laguna, Colonia Ticomán, 07340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dolores Martín-Tapia
- Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences Department, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, Colonia Zacatenco, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
| | - Lorenza González-Mariscal
- Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences Department, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, Colonia Zacatenco, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
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Claudins: New Players in Human Fertility and Reproductive System Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030711. [PMID: 32197343 PMCID: PMC7140004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are major integral proteins of tight junctions (TJs), the apical cell-cell adhesions that enable maintaining polarity of epithelial cells, their differentiation, and cell signaling. A number of studies have indicated that claudins might play a crucial role in both physiology and pathogenesis. Their tissue-specific expression was originally linked to the development of different types of cancer and triggered a hope to use them as diagnostic or prognostic markers. However, it seems that their expression is more complex than that, and undoubtedly, claudins participate in one of the most important molecular events in cells. This review summarizes the recent research evaluating the role of claudins in fertility and the most common endocrine-dependent cancers in the reproductive system and highlights the crucial role of claudins both in human fertility and the most common cancers.
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17
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Expression of claudin-11 in canine prepubertal testes, and in canine adult testes showing normal spermatogenesis, impaired spermatogenesis, or testicular neoplasia. Theriogenology 2020; 148:122-131. [PMID: 32171971 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) consists of different cell-to-cell connections, including tight junction proteins like claudin-11 (CLDN11). For dogs, only limited data is published dealing with these proteins in general. Therefore, their physiological relevance, their postnatal expression, and their distribution pattern in pathological conditions, e.g. in altered spermatogenesis and testicular neoplasia were assessed. Canine testes from routine castrations, and those sent in for diagnostic purposes were investigated. Based on morphological evaluation, the dogs and testes were divided into groups: (1) dogs with normal spermatogenesis, (2) four months old prepubertal dogs, (3) intratubular seminoma, (4) diffuse seminoma, (5) Sertoli cell tumours (SCT), (6) Leydig cell tumours (LCT), and (7) dogs with impaired spermatogenesis (e.g. mixed atrophy). In order to examine possible alterations of the BTB components, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence using a commercial antibody against CLDN11 was performed. Sertoli cell (SC) nuclei (SOX9) and peritubular myoid cells (smooth-muscle-actin, SMA) were also assessed using IHC. Additionally, semi-quantitative Western-blot (WB) and RT-PCR analyses of CLDN11 were conducted. In tubules with normal spermatogenesis, IHC of CLDN11 revealed a basolateral staining at BTB localisation. In prepubertal cords, CLDN11 was diffusely expressed along the cytoplasmic extensions of SCs supposing that the BTB was neither built up nor functional, yet. A shift from weakly expressed CLDN11 between/in residual SCs in intratubular seminoma to only small CLDN11 immunopositive stained spots in the cytoplasm of remaining SOX9-positive SCs in diffuse seminoma was detectable. Reduction or even loss of CLDN11 expression in diffuse seminoma was confirmed using RT-PCR and WB analyses, thus indicating that in seminoma, CLDN11 was downregulated at transcriptional level and completely lost its sealing function. Basal SCs in SCT still showed a CLDN11/SOX9 co-localisation, suggesting that luminal neoplastic SCs undergo de-differentiation during tumour progression. In LCT, no CLDN11 was detectable. Dogs with mixed atrophy showed an upregulation of CLDN11 in tubules with spermatogenic arrest on mRNA and protein level, leading to the conclusion that within these tubules regulatory mechanisms lost their equilibrium. For the first time, the spatial expression of CLDN11 in prepubertal canine testis, impaired spermatogenesis, intratubular seminoma and its absence in diffuse seminoma and LCT was shown. Since altered CLDN11 levels could be part of adaptive mechanisms to modify BTB integrity, further functional investigations to characterize the canine BTB need to be conducted.
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Yang Y, Liu D, Wu L, Huang W, Yang S, Xia J, Liu X, Meng Z. Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal changes of gene expression in fresh and cryopreserved yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) sperm and the effects of Cryoprotectant Me 2SO. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 133:457-465. [PMID: 31002905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study, for the first time in fish, compared the transcriptome of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm, and would help to better understand the effect of cryopreservation on fish sperm and then better preserve the aquatic germplasm resources. Here, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to obtain the transcriptome of yellow catfish from fresh sperm, cryopreserved sperm with and without cryoprotectant. When cryoprotectant (Me2SO) was excluded, down-regulated genes were significantly enriched into calcium ion binding, cytoskeletal protein binding, microfilament motor activity, calmodulin binding and carnitine O-acyltransferase activity, which affected Ca2+ regulation, cellular morphology, motility and metabolism. Moreover, heat shock proteins and genes associated with regulation of cholesterol, HCO3- and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) were down-regulated, and thus would impair ability against stress, membrane rigidity, pH regulation and signal transduction of cryopreserved sperm. After Me2SO was added, the amounts of DEGs decreased significantly and down-regulation of genes were found mainly in cytoskeleton and heat shock proteins, thereby suggesting that Me2SO effectively reduced the impact caused by low temperature on gene expression. Whether adding Me2SO or not, the up-regulated genes were mainly found in ribosomal proteins genes. However, when Me2SO was added, over-expression of some genes might contribute to maintain normal function of cryopreserved sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Sen Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhong Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zining Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Paduch DA, Hilz S, Grimson A, Schlegel PN, Jedlicka AE, Wright WW. Aberrant gene expression by Sertoli cells in infertile men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216586. [PMID: 31071133 PMCID: PMC6508736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome is a severe form of human male infertility seemingly characterized by the lack all spermatogenic cells. However, tubules of some SCO testes contain small patches of active spermatogenesis and thus spermatogonial stem cells. We hypothesized that these stem cells cannot replicate and seed spermatogenesis in barren areas of tubule because as-of-yet unrecognized deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression disable most stem cell niches. Performing the first thorough comparison of the transcriptomes of human testes exhibiting complete spermatogenesis with the transcriptomes of testes with SCO syndrome, we defined transcripts that are both predominantly expressed by Sertoli cells and expressed at aberrant levels in SCO testes. Some of these transcripts encode proteins required for the proper assembly of adherent and gap junctions at sites of contact with other cells, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Other transcripts encode GDNF, FGF8 and BMP4, known regulators of mouse SSCs. Thus, most SCO Sertoli cells can neither organize junctions at normal sites of cell-cell contact nor stimulate SSCs with adequate levels of growth factors. We propose that the critical deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression we have identified contribute to the inability of spermatogonial stem cells within small patches of spermatogenesis in some SCO testes to seed spermatogenesis to adjacent areas of tubule that are barren of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we predict that one or more of these deficits in gene expression are primary causes of human SCO syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Hilz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Genomic Analysis and Sequencing Core Facility, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Jedlicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William W. Wright
- Consulting Research Services, Inc, North Bergen, N.J., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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de Michele F, Poels J, Giudice MG, De Smedt F, Ambroise J, Vermeulen M, Gruson D, Wyns C. In vitro formation of the blood-testis barrier during long-term organotypic culture of human prepubertal tissue: comparison with a large cohort of pre/peripubertal boys. Mol Hum Reprod 2019. [PMID: 29538744 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does the formation of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), as reflected by the expression of connexin 43 and claudin 11 proteins during the pubertal transition period, take place in vitro compared to samples from a large cohort of pre/peripubertal boys? SUMMARY ANSWER The BTB connexin 43 and claudin 11 expression patterns appeared to be partially achieved in organotypic culture when compared to that in samples from 71 pre/peripubertal patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although alterations in the protein expression patterns of the BTB, whose main components are connexin 43 and claudin 11, are known to be associated with impaired spermatogenesis in mice and adult men, there is a lack of knowledge on its formation in pre-peripubertal human tissue both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, despite Sertoli cell (SC) maturation during long-term organotypic culture of immature testicular tissue (ITT), initiation of spermatogenesis has not yet been achieved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Histological sections from 71 pre-peripubertal patients were evaluated for the formation of the BTB acting as in vivo controls according to age, SC maturation, clinical signs of puberty and germ cell differentiation. Testicular tissue fragments retrieved from three prepubertal boys were cultured in a long-term organotypic system to analyze the BTB formation and expression pattern in correlation with SC maturation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Testicular histological sections from 71 patients aged 0-16 years who underwent a biopsy between 2005 and 2014 to preserve their fertility before gonadotoxic treatment were examined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for connexin 43 and claudin 11 as BTB markers, using a semi-quantitative score for their expression, and for Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), as SC maturation marker, were analyzed. Germ cell differentiation was evaluated on Hematoxylin-Eosin sections. Tanner stages at the time of biopsy were recorded from medical files. A longitudinal analysis of connexin 43, claudin 11 and AMH expressions on immunohistological sections of organotypic cultured testicular tissue from three prepubertal boys who underwent a biopsy for fertility preservation was performed. Immunostaining was evaluated at culture Days 0, 1, 3, 10, 16, 27, 32, 53, 64 and 139 for two different types of culture media. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Immunohistochemical control sections showed progressive maturation of SCs, as shown by the decrease in AMH expression, with increasing age (P ≤ 0.01) and the AMH expression was negatively correlated with the expression of connexin 43 and claudin 11 (P ≤ 0.01 for both proteins). Androgen receptor (AR) expression increased with age (P ≤ 0.01) and was significantly correlated with the expression of connexin 43 (P = 0.002) and claudin 11 (P = 0.03). A statistical correlation was also found between the reduction of AMH expression and both the advancement of Tanner stages (P ≤ 0.01) and the differentiation of germ cells (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, positive correlations between BTB formation (using connexin 43 and claudin 11 expression) and age (P ≤ 0.01 for both the proteins), higher Tanner stages (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.01 for connexin 43 and claudin 11, respectively), and presence of more advanced germ cells (P ≤ 0.001 for both proteins) were observed. In the subanalysis on organotypic cultured ITT, where a significant decrease in AMH expression as a marker of SC maturation was already reported, we showed the onset of expression of connexin 43 at Day 16 (P ≤ 0.001) and a constant expression of claudin 11 from Days 0 to 139, for all three patients, without differences between the two types of culture media. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Accessibility of prepubertal human testicular tissue is a major limiting factor to the analysis of cultured tissue samples from a wide number of patients, as would be needed to assess the in vitro development of the BTB according to the age. The impossibility of performing longitudinal studies on in vivo BTB formation in the same patient prevents a comparison of the time needed to achieve effective BTB formation and protein expression patterns in vivo and in vitro. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the expression of two BTB proteins in samples from a cohort of prepubertal and peripubertal boys, for the in vivo pattern, and in cultured ITT from a few prepubertal boys, for the in vitro evaluation. Since the formation of this barrier is essential for spermatogenesis and because little is known about its protein expression patterns and development in humans, a deeper understanding of the testicular microenvironment is essential to improve ITT in vitro culture conditions. The final aim is to restore fertility by acheiving in vitro differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells, using cryopreserved ITT collected before gonadotoxic therapies. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was received from Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique de Belgique (Grant Télevie Nos. 7.4554.14F and 7.6511.16) and Fondation Salus Sanguinis. No conflict of interest has to be disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F de Michele
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Poels
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M G Giudice
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - F De Smedt
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Ambroise
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Centre de Technologies Moléculaires Appliquées (CTMA), Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Vermeulen
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Gruson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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21
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Altered hormonal milieu and dysregulated protein expression can cause spermatogenic arrest in ectopic xenografted immature rat testis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4036. [PMID: 30858478 PMCID: PMC6411886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis tissue xenografting complemented with cryopreservation is a feasible technique for fertility preservation in children with malignancy receiving gonadotoxic therapy and for endangered species with high neonatal mortality rate. However, xenografted testis of human and most endangered species are known to undergo spermatogenic arrest. In this study, we xenografted immature rat testis onto immunodeficient male mice to investigate the plausible underlying causes of spermatogenic arrest. Histological analysis of xenografted testes collected 8-wk post-grafting showed incomplete spermatogenesis with pachytene-stage spermatocytes as the most advanced germ cells. Although the levels of serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone were normal in recipient mice, those of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly high, and specific receptors of FSH were absent in the xenografts. The xenografts demonstrated dysregulated expression of Sertoli cell-transcriptional regulators (WT1 and SOX9) and secretory proteins (SCF and GDNF). In conclusion, results from our study suggested that an altered hormonal milieu in recipients and dysregulated protein expression in xenografts could be a potential cause of spermatogenic arrest in xenografted immature rat testis. Further stereological analysis of xenografts can demonstrate precise cellular composition of xenografts to decipher interactions between germ and somatic cells to better understand spermatogenic arrest in xenografted testis.
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22
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Mohamed AR, Verbyla KL, Al-Mamun HA, McWilliam S, Evans B, King H, Kube P, Kijas JW. Polygenic and sex specific architecture for two maturation traits in farmed Atlantic salmon. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:139. [PMID: 30770720 PMCID: PMC6377724 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5525-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key developmental transformation in the life of all vertebrates is the transition to sexual maturity, whereby individuals are capable of reproducing for the first time. In the farming of Atlantic salmon, early maturation prior to harvest size has serious negative production impacts. RESULTS We report genome wide association studies (GWAS) using fish measured for sexual maturation in freshwater or the marine environment. Genotypic data from a custom 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to identify 13 significantly associated SNP for freshwater maturation with the most strongly associated on chromosomes 10 and 11. A higher number of associations (48) were detected for marine maturation, and the two peak loci were found to be the same for both traits. The number and broad distribution of GWAS hits confirmed a highly polygenetic nature, and GWAS performed separately within males and females revealed sex specific genetic behaviour for loci co-located with positional candidate genes phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein-like (picalm) and membrane-associated guanylate kinase, WW and PDZ domain-containing protein 2 (magi2). CONCLUSIONS The results extend earlier work and have implications for future applied breeding strategies to delay maturation in this important aquaculture species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin R Mohamed
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia Brisbane, 4067, Australia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt
| | - Klara L Verbyla
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Data 61, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia
| | - Hawlader A Al-Mamun
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Data 61, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia
| | - Sean McWilliam
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia Brisbane, 4067, Australia
| | - Bradley Evans
- Tassal Operations Pty Ltd, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Harry King
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Hobart, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
| | - Peter Kube
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Hobart, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
| | - James W Kijas
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia Brisbane, 4067, Australia.
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23
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Horné F, Dietze R, Berkes E, Oehmke F, Tinneberg HR, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. Impaired Localization of Claudin-11 in Endometriotic Epithelial Cells Compared to Endometrial Cells. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1181-1192. [PMID: 30514158 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118811643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Claudins are the major components of tight junctions and are often deregulated in human cancer, permitting escape of cancer cells along with the acquisition of invasive properties. Similarly, endometrial cells also show invasive capabilities; however, the role of tight junctions in endometriosis has only rarely been examined. In this study, we analyzed the protein expression and localization of claudin-7 and claudin-11 in human eutopic and ectopic endometrium and endometrial cell lines. We identified claudin-7 primarily at the basolateral junctions of the glandular epithelial cells in eutopic endometrium as well as in the ectopic lesions in nearly all glands and cysts. Quantification of claudin-7 localization by HSCORE showed a slight increase in peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) compared to eutopic endometrium. In contrast, claudin-11 was localized mainly in the apicolateral junctions in nearly all glandular epithelial cells of the eutopic endometrium. Interestingly, we observed a deregulation of claudin-11 localization to a basal or basolateral localization in ovarian (P < .001), peritoneal (P < .01), and DIE (P < .05) and a moderately decreased abundance in ovarian endometriosis. In endometrial cell lines, claudin-7 was only present in epithelial Ishikawa cells, and silencing by small-interfering RNA increased cell invasiveness. In contrast, claudin-11 could be demonstrated in Ishikawa and endometriotic 12Z and 49Z cells. Silencing of claudin-11 decreased invasiveness of 12Z slightly but significantly in 49Z. We suggest that although claudin-7 and claudin-11 can be found in nearly all eutopic and ectopic epithelial cells, the impaired localization of claudin-11 in ectopic endometrium might contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Horné
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raimund Dietze
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eniko Berkes
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank Oehmke
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | - Lutz Konrad
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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24
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Rodríguez Gutiérrez D, Eid W, Biason-Lauber A. A Human Gonadal Cell Model From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Genet 2018; 9:498. [PMID: 30405703 PMCID: PMC6207579 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are main players in the male gonads development and their study may shed light on 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). Mature primary Sertoli cells are incapable of proliferating in prolonged in vitro cultures and the available Sertoli cell models have several limitations since they derive from mouse or human cancer tissues. We differentiated human fibroblasts (HFs)-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into Sertoli-like cells (SLC) and, in order to characterize this new Sertoli cell model, we performed gene expression analyses by NextGeneration Sequencing techniques. This approach revealed that our putative SLC have reduced expression of pluripotency markers and expressed Sertoli cell markers such as SRY-Related HMG-Box 9 (SOX9), vimentin (VIM), and claudin-11 (CLDN-11). More in detail, the transcriptional profile analysis suggested that these cells are in an early stage of Sertoli cells maturation. Harnessing the power of induced pluripotent stem cells, we were able to generate SLC that show genetic and functional similarities to human Sertoli cells (HSerCs). SLC could become an excellent source of patient-specific Sertoli cells that could be of paramount benefit for both basic research and personalized medicine in sex development and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wassim Eid
- Section of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Anna Biason-Lauber
- Section of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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25
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Jonak CR, Lainez NM, Boehm U, Coss D. GnRH Receptor Expression and Reproductive Function Depend on JUN in GnRH Receptor‒Expressing Cells. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1496-1510. [PMID: 29409045 PMCID: PMC5839737 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus regulates synthesis and secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gonadotropes. LH and FSH are heterodimers composed of a common α-subunit and unique β-subunits, which provide biological specificity and are limiting components of mature hormone synthesis. Gonadotrope cells respond to GnRH via specific expression of the GnRH receptor (Gnrhr). GnRH induces the expression of gonadotropin genes and of the Gnrhr by activation of specific transcription factors. The JUN (c-Jun) transcription factor binds to AP-1 sites in the promoters of target genes and mediates induction of the FSHβ gene and of the Gnrhr in gonadotrope-derived cell lines. To analyze the role of JUN in reproductive function in vivo, we generated a mouse model that lacks JUN specifically in GnRH receptor‒expressing cells (conditional JUN knockout; JUN-cKO). JUN-cKO mice displayed profound reproductive anomalies such as reduced LH levels resulting in lower gonadal steroid levels, longer estrous cycles in females, and diminished sperm numbers in males. Unexpectedly, FSH levels were unchanged in these animals, whereas Gnrhr expression in the pituitary was reduced. Steroidogenic enzyme expression was reduced in the gonads of JUN-cKO mice, likely as a consequence of reduced LH levels. GnRH receptor‒driven Cre activity was detected in the hypothalamus but not in the GnRH neuron. Female, but not male, JUN-cKO mice exhibited reduced GnRH expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that GnRH receptor‒expression levels depend on JUN and are critical for reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie R. Jonak
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Nancy M. Lainez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
- Correspondence: Djurdjica Coss, PhD, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, 303 SOM Research Building, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521. E-mail:
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26
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Higuita-Castro N, Nelson MT, Shukla V, Agudelo-Garcia PA, Zhang W, Duarte-Sanmiguel SM, Englert JA, Lannutti JJ, Hansford DJ, Ghadiali SN. Using a Novel Microfabricated Model of the Alveolar-Capillary Barrier to Investigate the Effect of Matrix Structure on Atelectrauma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11623. [PMID: 28912466 PMCID: PMC5599538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The alveolar-capillary barrier is composed of epithelial and endothelial cells interacting across a fibrous extracelluar matrix (ECM). Although remodeling of the ECM occurs during several lung disorders, it is not known how fiber structure and mechanics influences cell injury during cyclic airway reopening as occurs during mechanical ventilation (atelectrauma). We have developed a novel in vitro platform that mimics the micro/nano-scale architecture of the alveolar microenvironment and have used this system to investigate how ECM microstructural properties influence epithelial cell injury during airway reopening. In addition to epithelial-endothelial interactions, our platform accounts for the fibrous topography of the basal membrane and allows for easy modulation of fiber size/diameter, density and stiffness. Results indicate that fiber stiffness and topography significantly influence epithelial/endothelial barrier function where increased fiber stiffness/density resulted in altered cytoskeletal structure, increased tight junction (TJ) formation and reduced barrier permeability. However, cells on rigid/dense fibers were also more susceptible to injury during airway reopening. These results indicate that changes in the mechanics and architecture of the lung microenvironment can significantly alter cell function and injury and demonstrate the importance of implementing in vitro models that more closely resemble the natural conditions of the lung microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Higuita-Castro
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - M T Nelson
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - V Shukla
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - P A Agudelo-Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - W Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - S M Duarte-Sanmiguel
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - J A Englert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - J J Lannutti
- Department of Material Sciences and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - D J Hansford
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - S N Ghadiali
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States. .,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
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27
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Peter A, Fatykhova D, Kershaw O, Gruber AD, Rueckert J, Neudecker J, Toennies M, Bauer TT, Schneider P, Schimek M, Eggeling S, Suttorp N, Hocke AC, Hippenstiel S. Localization and pneumococcal alteration of junction proteins in the human alveolar-capillary compartment. Histochem Cell Biol 2017; 147:707-719. [PMID: 28247028 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-017-1551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Loss of alveolar barrier function with subsequent respiratory failure is a hallmark of severe pneumonia. Although junctions between endo- and epithelial cells regulate paracellular fluid flux, little is known about their composition and regulation in the human alveolar compartment. High autofluorescence of human lung tissue in particular complicates the determination of subcellular protein localization. By comparing conventional channel mode confocal imaging with spectral imaging and linear unmixing, we demonstrate that background fluorescent spectra and fluorophore signals could be rigorously separated resulting in complete recovery of the specific signal at a high signal-to-noise ratio. Using this technique and Western blotting, we show the expression patterns of tight junction proteins occludin, ZO-1 as well as claudin-3, -4, -5 and -18 and adherence junction protein VE-cadherin in naive or Streptococcus pneumoniae-infected human lung tissue. In uninfected tissues, occludin and ZO-1 formed band-like structures in alveolar epithelial cells type I (AEC I), alveolar epithelial cells type II (AEC II) and lung capillaries, whereas claudin-3, -4 and -18 were visualised in AEC II. Claudin-5 was detected in the endothelium only. Claudin-3, -5, -18 displayed continuous band-like structures, while claudin-4 showed a dot-like expression. Pneumococcal infection reduced alveolar occludin, ZO-1, claudin-5 and VE-cadherin but did not change the presence of claudin-3, -4 and -18. Spectral confocal microscopy allows for the subcellular structural analysis of proteins in highly autofluorescent human lung tissue. The thereby observed deterioration of lung alveolar junctional organisation gives a structural explanation for alveolar barrier disruption in severe pneumococcal pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Peter
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Department for Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diana Fatykhova
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olivia Kershaw
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 15, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D Gruber
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 15, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Rueckert
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Neudecker
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Toennies
- Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Walterhöferstrasse 11, 14165, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten T Bauer
- Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Walterhöferstrasse 11, 14165, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Schneider
- Department for General and Thoracic Surgery, DRK Clinics, Drontheimer Strasse 39-40, 13359, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Schimek
- Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit, Klinikum Neukölln, Klinik für Thoraxchirurgie, Berlin, Rudower Straße 48, 12351, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Eggeling
- Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit, Klinikum Neukölln, Klinik für Thoraxchirurgie, Berlin, Rudower Straße 48, 12351, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Suttorp
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas C Hocke
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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28
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Male reproductive toxicity of CrVI: In-utero exposure to CrVI at the critical window of testis differentiation represses the expression of Sertoli cell tight junction proteins and hormone receptors in adult F 1 progeny rats. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:84-98. [PMID: 28192182 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effect of gestational exposure to CrVI (occupational/environmental pollutant and target to Sertoli cells(SC)) was tested in a rat model during the testicular differentiation from the bipotential gonad may interrupt spermatogenesis by disrupting SC tight junctions(TJ) and it's proteins and hormone receptors. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 50/100/200ppm CrVI through drinking water during embryonic days 9-14. On Postnatal day 120, testes were subjected to ion exchange chromatographic analysis and revealed increased level of CrIII in SCs and germ cells, serum and testicular interstitial fluid(TIF). Microscopic analyses showed seminiferous tubules atrophy and disruption of SC TJ, which also recorded decreased testosterone in TIF. mRNA and Protein expression analyses attested decreased level of Fshr, Ar, occludin and claudin-11 in SCs. Immunofluorescent detection revealed weak signal of TJ proteins. Taken together, we concluded that gestational exposure to CrVI interferes with the expression of SC TJ proteins due to attenuated expression of hormone receptors.
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29
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Loveland KL, Klein B, Pueschl D, Indumathy S, Bergmann M, Loveland BE, Hedger MP, Schuppe HC. Cytokines in Male Fertility and Reproductive Pathologies: Immunoregulation and Beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:307. [PMID: 29250030 PMCID: PMC5715375 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline development in vivo is dependent on the environment formed by somatic cells and the differentiation cues they provide; hence, the impact of local factors is highly relevant to the production of sperm. Knowledge of how somatic and germline cells interact is central to achieving biomedical goals relating to restoring, preserving or restricting fertility in humans. This review discusses the growing understanding of how cytokines contribute to testicular function and maintenance of male reproductive health, and to the pathologies associated with their abnormal activity in this organ. Here we consider both cytokines that signal through JAKs and are regulated by SOCS, and those utilizing other pathways, such as the MAP kinases and SMADs. The importance of cytokines in the establishment and maintenance of the testis as an immune-privilege site are described. Current research relating to the involvement of immune cells in testis development and disease is highlighted. This includes new data relating to testicular cancer which reinforce the understanding that tumorigenic cells shape their microenvironment through cytokine actions. Clinical implications in pathologies relating to local inflammation and to immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Loveland,
| | - Britta Klein
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dana Pueschl
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sivanjah Indumathy
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Mark P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Mayer C, Adam M, Glashauser L, Dietrich K, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Strauss L, Welter H, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A. Sterile inflammation as a factor in human male infertility: Involvement of Toll like receptor 2, biglycan and peritubular cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37128. [PMID: 27849015 PMCID: PMC5111051 DOI: 10.1038/srep37128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the wall of seminiferous tubules in men with impaired spermatogenesis imply sterile inflammation of the testis. We tested the hypothesis that the cells forming the wall of seminiferous tubules, human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), orchestrate inflammatory events and that Toll like receptors (TLRs) and danger signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of this wall are involved. In cultured HTPCs we detected TLRs, including TLR2. A TLR-2 ligand (PAM) augmented interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in HTPCs. The ECM-derived proteoglycan biglycan (BGN) is secreted by HTPCs and may be a TLR2-ligand at HTPCs. In support, recombinant human BGN increased PTX3, MCP-1 and IL-6 in HTPCs. Variable endogenous BGN levels in HTPCs derived from different men and differences in BGN levels in the tubular wall in infertile men were observed. In testes of a systemic mouse model for male infertility, testicular sterile inflammation and elevated estradiol (E2) levels, BGN was also elevated. Hence we studied the role of E2 in HTPCs and observed that E2 elevated the levels of BGN. The anti-estrogen ICI 182,780 blocked this action. We conclude that TLR2 and BGN contribute to sterile inflammation and infertility in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mayer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - M Adam
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FL-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - L Glashauser
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - K Dietrich
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | - F-M Köhn
- Andrologicum, D-80331 Munich, Germany
| | - L Strauss
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FL-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - H Welter
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - M Poutanen
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FL-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
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