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De Luca MN, Colone M, Gambioli R, Stringaro A, Unfer V. Oxidative Stress and Male Fertility: Role of Antioxidants and Inositols. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081283. [PMID: 34439531 PMCID: PMC8389261 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to conceive after at least one year of regular unprotected intercourse. This condition has become a global health problem affecting approximately 187 million couples worldwide and about half of the cases are attributable to male factors. Oxidative stress is a common reason for several conditions associated with male infertility. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair sperm quality by decreasing motility and increasing the oxidation of DNA, of protein and of lipids. Multi-antioxidant supplementation is considered effective for male fertility parameters due to the synergistic effects of antioxidants. Most of them act by decreasing ROS concentration, thus improving sperm quality. In addition, other natural molecules, myo-inositol (MI) and d-chiro–inositol (DCI), ameliorate sperm quality. In sperm cells, MI is involved in many transduction mechanisms that regulate cytoplasmic calcium levels, capacitation and mitochondrial function. On the other hand, DCI is involved in the downregulation of steroidogenic enzyme aromatase, which produces testosterone. In this review, we analyze the processes involving oxidative stress in male fertility and the mechanisms of action of different molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nunzia De Luca
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.N.D.L.); (R.G.); (V.U.)
- System Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Gambioli
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.N.D.L.); (R.G.); (V.U.)
- System Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.N.D.L.); (R.G.); (V.U.)
- System Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Jiang Y, Cai NN, Zhao XX, Zhu WQ, Zhang J, Yang R, Tang B, Li ZY, Zhang XM. Decreased abundance of GDNF mRNA transcript in the immature Sertoli cells of cattle in response to protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 214:106303. [PMID: 32087919 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SC) have important functions in spermatogenesis by regulating development of spermatogenic cells. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are produced by SC. Although the effects of GDNF on spermatogenesis have been well studied, the understanding of how GDNF is synthesized is still limited, especially in food animal producing species. Because protein kinase (PK) has varied functions in multiple cellular processes and the PK pathway modulates SC functions, the objective of the present study was to determine whether PK modulates the abundance of GDNF protein in SC of cattle. To conduct this study, immature SC were enriched from cryopreserved testicular tissues of 1-day-old bulls. These cells had a marked proliferation capacity. Results from immunostaining analysis indicated that there was a sustained abundance of SC mRNA marker protein transcripts and marker proteins: androgen bind protein (ABP), GATA4 and VIMENTIN. There was subsequent characterization of SC treated with the PK inhibitor staurosporine for 0, 1 or 2 h. Results from real-time-PCR and Western blot analyses indicated the treatment (2 h) resulted in a decrease in Gdnf mRNA transcript and GDNF protein. Additionally, the staurosporine treatment resulted in an increase in the abundance of anti-apoptosis Bcl2 and decrease in pro-apoptosis Bax mRNA transcripts. Furthermore, results of the TUNEL assay indicated there was a decrease in apoptosis in the staurosprine-treated SC. Collectively, results indicate the PK signaling is involved in regulation of GDNF protein abundance in the immature SC and the survival of these cells in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning-Ning Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin-Xin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wen-Qian Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zi-Yi Li
- First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Montanino Oliva M, Poverini R, Lisi R, Carra MC, Lisi F. Treating Woman with Myo-Inositol Vaginal Suppositories Improves Partner's Sperm Motility and Fertility. Int J Endocrinol 2016; 2016:7621942. [PMID: 27403162 PMCID: PMC4923529 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7621942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Motility is the feature that allows spermatozoa to actively reach and penetrate the female gamete during fertilization. When this function is altered, and especially decreased, troubles in conceiving may occur. In this study, we demonstrated that treating fertile women with myo-inositol (MI) vaginal suppositories ameliorated their partners' sperm motility and also positively affected their conceiving capacity, without changes in cervical mucus structural and biochemical characteristics. Indeed, by means of the postcoital test on female cervical mucus, a significant improvement especially in progressive sperm motility was recorded after MI suppository use. Concomitantly, after MI treatment, a reduction of immotile spermatozoa percentage was observed. Importantly, MI vaginal supplementation positively correlated with a pregnancy for 5 of the 50 couples enrolled in the study, leading us to speculate that this substance may substantially contribute to create in the cervical mucus an ideal milieu that makes spermatozoa more motile and functionally able to fertilize. Even though the detailed mechanism is still unclear, these results should encourage MI vaginal use for the clinical improvement of male infertility, through their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Montanino Oliva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Santo Spirito Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy
- IVF Unit, Villa Mafalda Clinic, 00100 Rome, Italy
- *Mario Montanino Oliva:
| | | | - Rosella Lisi
- IVF Unit, Villa Mafalda Clinic, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Lisi
- IVF Unit, Villa Mafalda Clinic, 00100 Rome, Italy
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Calogero AE, Gullo G, La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Vaiarelli A. Myoinositol improves sperm parameters and serum reproductive hormones in patients with idiopathic infertility: a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Andrology 2015; 3:491-5. [PMID: 25854593 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial disorder that affects a significant percentage of couples. Its etiology and pathogenesis remain elusive in about one-third of the cases; this is referred to as idiopathic infertility. Inositols mediate the sperm processes involved into oocyte fertilization, such as penetration of the ovum cumulus oophorus, binding with the zona pellucida and the acrosome reaction. The aim of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of myoinositol (the most abundant form of inositols present in nature) treatment in men with idiopathic infertility. To accomplish this, we evaluated the effects of myoinositol on sperm parameters and reproductive hormones at baseline and after 3 months of treatment in men with idiopathic infertility. No adverse reaction was observed. Myoinositol significantly increased the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, sperm concentration, and total count and progressive motility compared to placebo. In addition, myoinositol rebalanced serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and inhibin B concentrations. The clinical improvement of idiopathic infertile patients should encourage myoinositol use for the treatment of this disorder, even though its detailed mechanisms at the testicular level remain still unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Calogero
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Gullo
- Dipartimento di Ostetricia Ginecologia e Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R A Condorelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Vaiarelli
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Policlinico Universitario di Messina, Messina, Italy
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Schteingart HF, Meroni SB, Pellizzari EH, Pérez AL, Cigorraga SB. Regulation of Sertoli cell aromatase activity by cell density and prolonged stimulation with FSH, EGF, insulin and IGF-I at different moments of pubertal development. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1995; 52:375-81. [PMID: 7734406 DOI: 10.1016/0960-0760(94)00181-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cell aromatase activity is high in very young animals and declines throughout pubertal development. Little is known about the regulatory factors which might be involved in the pronounced decline suffered by this enzymatic activity. In this paper we show that estradiol production in Sertoli cells is dependent on cell density in the culture and that chronic stimulation with hormones can decrease estradiol acute response to FSH. In 8-day-old Sertoli cells cultured at low density (LD: 7.1 +/- 0.3 micrograms DNA), estradiol production was 151 +/- 11 pgE2/micrograms DNA, while in those cultured at high density (HD: 30.3 +/- 0.6 micrograms DNA), production was 30 +/- 5 pgE2/micrograms DNA. Similar results were obtained in 20-day-old Sertoli cell cultures (LD: 57 +/- 4 pgE2/micrograms DNA vs HD: 26.0 +/- 0.6 pgE2/micrograms DNA). On the other hand, treatment of Sertoli cell cultures (8- and 20-day-old) for 96 h, with FSH (100 ng/ml), EGF (50 ng/ml), insulin (10 micrograms/ml) and IGF-I (50 ng/ml) at different densities resulted mostly in inhibition of aromatase activity. The effect caused by FSH was apparently not related to desensitization as aromatization with dbcAMP could not overcome the decreased ability of these cells to produce estradiol. The effect caused by EGF was observed in 8-day-old Sertoli cells cultured under high density conditions. Marked inhibition was observed with insulin and IGF-I in 8-day-old Sertoli cell cultures. Considering previous reports indicating a decrease in Sertoli cell aromatase activity with age, our results suggest a potential role for FSH, EGF, insulin and IGF-I on the Sertoli cell differentiation process which occurs throughout pubertal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- H F Schteingart
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas, Hospital de Niños R. Gutierrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Guraya SS. The comparative cell biology of accessory somatic (or Sertoli) cells in the animal testis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1995; 160:163-220. [PMID: 7558683 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)61555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A comparative account is given of recent advances in the cell biology of testicular accessory somatic (or Sertoli) cells in mammals, nonmammalian vertebrates, and invertebrates by comparing and contrasting their structure and function. Their structure is discussed in relation to the nucleus, cytoplasmic organelles, and inclusions (lipids, the cytoskeleton, junctional complexes, and blood-testis barrier, which show great diversity and a variable testicular architecture), and mode of spermatogenesis. A very limited somatic cell-germinal association or its complete absence is observed in some groups of invertebrates. Wherever the somatic accessory cells are present, their comparative functions are discussed in relation to (1) mechanical support and nutrition; (2) translocation of germ cells; (3) paracrine regulation and a combination of male germ cell proliferation and differentiation by secretion of regulatory proteins, including peptide growth factors and hormones; (4) phagocytosis; (5) steroid hormone synthesis and metabolism; and (6) spermiation. Comparative cellular and molecular aspects of Sertoli cell-germ cell and peritubular cell interactions and the regulatory (hormonal) mechanisms involved as well as gaps in our knowledge about the molecular aspects of these interactions are emphasized for a better understanding of diversity in the patterns and regulation of spermatogenesis in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Guraya
- Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
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