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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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2
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Pazoki N, Salehi M, Angaji SA, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M. Elucidating the impact of Y chromosome microdeletions and altered gene expression on male fertility in assisted reproduction. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae086. [PMID: 38796713 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae086] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic abnormalities like Y chromosome microdeletions are implicated in male infertility. This study investigated the association of azoospermia factor (AZF) region microdeletions with unsuccessful assisted reproductive techniques (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS This cross-sectional analysis study examined 80 Iranian oligospermic men (mean age 34 years) with prior failed ICSI and IVF cycles (IR.IAU.TNB.REC.1401.041). Semen analysis evaluated quantity/quality parameters based on World Health Organization guidelines. Participants were stratified by sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels into: control (SDF < 15%, n = 20), mild elevation (15% ≤ SDF ≤ 30%, n = 60), and high (SDF > 30%, n = 20). Multiplex PCR mapped AZF microdeletions in the high SDF group. The AZF-associated genes were selected by RNA Seq analysis, and the candidate genes were checked for expression level by real-time PCR. RESULTS High SDF individuals exhibited poorer semen metrics, including 69% lower sperm concentration (P = 0.04) than those without SDF. Of this subset, 45% (9/20 men) harboured predominately AZF microdeletions. Men with AZF microdeletions showed higher SDF (32% vs 21%, P = 0.02) and altered AZF-associated genes expression. As USP9Y 3-fold, UTY 1.3-fold, and BPY2 1-fold revealed up-regulation, while IQCF1 8-fold, CDY 6.5-fold, DAZ 6-fold, and DDX3Y 1-fold underwent down-regulation. The PAWP gene was also down-regulated (5.7-fold, P = 0.029) in the IVF/ICSI failure group. CONCLUSION AZF microdeletions significantly impact male infertility and ART outcomes. High SDF individuals exhibited poorer semen metrics, with 45% AZF microdeletions. These microdeletions altered AZF-associated genes expression, affecting fertility mediator PAWP independently. Dual AZF and SDF screening enables personalized management in severe male infertility, potentially explaining IVF/ICSI failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Pazoki
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahid Babaee Highway, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran
| | - Mitra Salehi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahid Babaee Highway, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdolhamid Angaji
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Hesarak, Tehran, 1913713515, Iran
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Romeo M, Donno V, Spaggiari G, Granata ARM, Simoni M, La Marca A, Santi D. Gonadotropins in the Management of Couple Infertility: Toward the Rational Use of an Empirical Therapy. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:258-266. [PMID: 38158195 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although epidemiology shows that both men and woman can experience infertility, the female partner usually experiences most of the diagnostic and therapeutic burden. Thus, management of couple infertility is a unique example of gender inequality. The use of exogenous gonadotropins in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to induce multifollicular growth is well consolidated in women, but the same is not done with the same level of confidence and purpose in infertile men. Indeed, the treatment of idiopathic male infertility is based on an empirical approach that involves administration of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in dosages within the replacement therapy range. This treatment has so far been attempted when the endogenous FSH serum levels are within the reference ranges. According to the most recent evidence, a "substitutive" FSH administration may not be effective enough, while a stimulatory approach could boost spermatogenesis over its basal levels without adverse extragonadal effects. This article aims to describe the rationale behind the empirical application of gonadotropins in couple infertility, highlighting the need for a change in the therapeutic approach, especially for the male partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilina Romeo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Valeria Donno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giorgia Spaggiari
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio R M Granata
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
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4
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Bui-Le TN, Hoang-Tan Q, Hoang-Viet H, Truong-Thi BP, Nguyen-Thanh T. Protective Effect of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Extract on Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Complications in Murine Model. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3255-3267. [PMID: 37185736 PMCID: PMC10136419 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040212] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is a precious herb used in traditional medicine systems in Asian countries for various health benefits. This study investigated the potential protective effects of C. orchioides extract on reproductive health under heat stress conditions in male mice. Forty-eight mice were divided into eight groups, control condition (C group), C. orchioides extract at the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (C100, C200, C400 group), 40 °C heat exposure (H group), and combined 40 °C heat exposure and C. orchioides extract at the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (HC100, HC200, HC400 group). The result shows that the mice that received only C. orchioides extract without heat stress do not have a significant change in histological structure and testosterone level. The histological analysis of testicular tissue showed that heat stress conditions reduced reproductive function and inhibited the spermatogenesis of male mice. The C. orchioides rhizome extract treatment attenuated the heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in the murine model. Mice in the heat-stress group treated with C. orchioides extract had increased spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa compared with mice exposed to heat without C. orchioides treatment. Moreover, the aqueous extract of C. orchioides rhizome enhanced the serum total testosterone levels in heat-exposed mice. In conclusion, the study findings validate that C. orchioides is effective against heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh-Nhan Bui-Le
- Faculty of Basic Science, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 49000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Biology, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue 49000, Vietnam
| | - Quang Hoang-Tan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University, Hue 49000, Vietnam
| | - Huong Hoang-Viet
- Thua Thien Hue Department of Science and Technology, Hue 49000, Vietnam
| | | | - Tung Nguyen-Thanh
- Faculty of Basic Science, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 49000, Vietnam
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 49000, Vietnam
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Venditti M, Ben Hadj Hassine M, Messaoudi I, Minucci S. The simultaneous administration of microplastics and cadmium alters rat testicular activity and changes the expression of PTMA, DAAM1 and PREP. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1145702. [PMID: 36968197 PMCID: PMC10033688 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1145702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper confirms the damaging effects produced by MP and Cd on testicular activity in the rat. Oral treatment with both chemicals resulted in testicular damage, documented by biomolecular and histological alterations, particularly by impaired morphometric parameters, increased apoptosis, reduced testosterone synthesis, and downregulation of the steroidogenic enzyme 3β-HSD. We also demonstrated, for the first time, that both MP and Cd can affect the protein level of PTMA, a small peptide that regulates germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Interestingly, the cytoarchitecture of testicular cells was also altered by the treatments, as evidenced by the impaired expression and localization of DAAM1 and PREP, two proteins involved in actin- and microtubule-associated processes, respectively, during germ cells differentiation into spermatozoa, impairing normal spermatogenesis. Finally, we showed that the effect of simultaneous treatment with MP and Cd were more severe than those produced by MP alone and less harmful than those of Cd alone. This could be due to the different ways of exposure of the two substances to rats (in drinking water for Cd and in oral gavage for MP), since being the first contact in the animals’ gastrointestinal tract, MP can adsorb Cd, reducing its bioavailability through the Trojan-horse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Venditti, ; Sergio Minucci,
| | - Majida Ben Hadj Hassine
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Venditti, ; Sergio Minucci,
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Foran D, Chen R, Jayasena CN, Minhas S, Tharakan T. The use of hormone stimulation in male infertility. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 68:102333. [PMID: 36580771 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects 15% of couples worldwide and in approximately 50% of cases the cause is secondary to an abnormality of the sperm. However, treatment options for male infertility are limited and empirical use of hormone stimulation has been utilised. We review the contemporary data regarding the application of hormone stimulation to treat male infertility. There is strong evidence supporting the use of hormone stimulation in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism but there is inadequate evidence for all other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Foran
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Runzhi Chen
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tharu Tharakan
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Urology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Male infertility and gonadotropin treatment: What can we learn from real-world data? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102310. [PMID: 36682942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin therapy to treat specific male infertility disorders associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is evidence-based and effective in restoring spermatogenesis and fertility. In contrast, its use to improve fertility in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia remains controversial, despite being widely practiced. The existence of two major inter-related pathways for spermatogenesis, including FSH and intratesticular testosterone, provides a rationale for empiric hormone stimulation therapy in both eugonadal and hypogonadal males with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia. Real-world data (RWD) on gonadotropin stimulating for these patient subsets, mainly using human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone, accumulated gradually, showing a positive therapeutic effect in some patients, translated by increased sperm production, sperm quality, and sperm retrieval rates. Although more evidence is needed, current insights from RWD research indicate that selected male infertility patients might be managed more effectively using gonadotropin therapy, with potential gains for all parties involved.
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8
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Grande G, Barrachina F, Soler-Ventura A, Jodar M, Mancini F, Marana R, Chiloiro S, Pontecorvi A, Oliva R, Milardi D. The Role of Testosterone in Spermatogenesis: Lessons From Proteome Profiling of Human Spermatozoa in Testosterone Deficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:852661. [PMID: 35663320 PMCID: PMC9161277 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.852661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is essential to maintain qualitative spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, no studies have been yet performed in humans to analyze the testosterone-mediated expression of sperm proteins and their importance in reproduction. Thus, this study aimed to identify sperm protein alterations in male hypogonadism using proteomic profiling. We have performed a comparative proteomic analysis comparing sperm from fertile controls (a pool of 5 normogonadic normozoospermic fertile men) versus sperm from patients with secondary hypogonadism (a pool of 5 oligozoospermic hypogonadic patients due to isolated LH deficiency). Sperm protein composition was analyzed, after peptide labelling with Isobaric Tags, via liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on an LTQ Velos-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. LC-MS/MS data were analyzed using Proteome Discoverer. Criteria used to accept protein identification included a false discovery rate (FDR) of 1% and at least 1 peptide match per protein. Up to 986 proteins were identified and, of those, 43 proteins were differentially expressed: 32 proteins were under-expressed and 11 were over-expressed in the pool of hypogonadic patients compared to the controls. Bioinformatic analyses were performed using UniProt Knowledgebase, and the Gene Ontology Consortium database based on PANTHER. Notably, 13 of these 43 differentially expressed proteins have been previously reported to be related to sperm function and spermatogenesis. Western blot analyses for A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 3 (AKAP3) and the Prolactin Inducible Protein (PIP) were used to confirm the proteomics data. In summary, a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach was used for the first time to describe alterations of the sperm proteome in secondary male hypogonadism. Some of the differential sperm proteins described in this study, which include Prosaposin, SMOC-1, SERPINA5, SPANXB1, GSG1, ELSPBP1, fibronectin, 5-oxoprolinase, AKAP3, AKAP4, HYDIN, ROPN1B, ß-Microseminoprotein and Protein S100-A8, could represent new targets for the design of infertility treatments due to androgen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Grande
- Research Group on Human Fertility, International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ferran Barrachina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ada Soler-Ventura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Mancini
- Research Group on Human Fertility, International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marana
- Research Group on Human Fertility, International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Chiloiro
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Research Group on Human Fertility, International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Domenico Milardi
- Research Group on Human Fertility, International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Mu H, Liu S, Tian S, Chen B, Liu Z, Fan Y, Liu Y, Ma W, Zhang W, Fu M, Song X. Study on the SHP2-Mediated Mechanism of Promoting Spermatogenesis Induced by Active Compounds of Eucommiae Folium in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:851930. [PMID: 35392568 PMCID: PMC8981153 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.851930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis directly determines the reproductive capacity of male animals. With the development of society, the increasing pressure on people’s lives and changes in the living environment, male fertility is declining. The leaf of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Eucommiae Folium, EF) was recorded in the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia and was used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic. In recent years, EF has been reported to improve spermatogenesis, but the mechanisms of EF remain was poorly characterized. In this study, the effect of EF ethanol extract (EFEE) on spermatogenesis was tested in mice. Chemical components related to spermatogenesis in EF were predicted by network pharmacology. The biological activity of the predicted chemical components was measured by the proliferation of C18-4 spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and the testosterone secretion of TM3 leydig cells. The biological activity of chlorogenic acid (CGA), the active compound in EF, was tested in vivo. The cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. Testosterone secretion was detected by ELISA. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to detect the effect of key genes on cell biological activity. Western blotting, qRT–PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyse the molecular mechanism of related biological activities. The results showed that EFEE and CGA could improve spermatogenesis in mice. Furthermore, the main mechanism was that CGA promoted SSC proliferation, self-renewal and Leydig cell testosterone secretion by promoting the expression of SHP2 and activating the downstream signaling pathways involved in these biological processes. This study provided strong evidence for elucidating the mechanism by which EF promotes the spermatogenesis in mice and a new theoretical basis for dealing with the decrease in male reproductive capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Mu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shuangshi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shiyang Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Beibei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zengyuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yunpeng Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yingqiu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wuren Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Mingzhe Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaoping Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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10
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Guan X, Ji M, Wen X, Huang F, Zhao X, Chen D, Shao J, Wang J, Xie J, Tian J, Lin H, Duan P, Zirkin BR, Su Z, Chen H. Single-cell RNA sequencing of adult rat testes after Leydig cell elimination and restoration. Sci Data 2022; 9:106. [PMID: 35338159 PMCID: PMC8956705 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an efficient, complex, and highly organized proliferation and differentiation process that relies on multiple factors including testosterone produced by the Leydig cells. Although the critical role played by testosterone in spermatogenesis is well recognized, the mechanism by which it works is still not completely understood, partially due to the inability to specifically and precisely monitor testosterone-dependent changes within developing germ cells. Here we present single-cell RNA sequencing data from10,983 adult rat testicular cells after the rats were treated with ethanedimethanesulfonate, which temporarily eliminates Leydig cells. The elimination and recovery of Leydig cells represented a complete testosterone depletion and restoration cycle. The dataset, which includes all developing germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatozoa, should prove useful for characterizing developing germ cells, their regulatory networks, and novel cell-specific markers. The dataset should be particularly useful for exploring the effects of the androgen environment on the regulation of spermatogenesis. As this is the first single-cell RNA-Seq dataset for rat testes, it can also serve as a reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Guan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Minpeng Ji
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fu Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xingyi Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jingjing Shao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jiexia Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jiajia Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Han Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States of America
| | - Zhijian Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Haolin Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China. .,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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11
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Jeremy M, Kharwar RK, Roy VK. Synthetic leptin c-fragment peptide minimises heat-induced impairment of spermatogenesis in mice via Stat3 signalling. Theriogenology 2022; 178:40-49. [PMID: 34763177 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a temperature-sensitive process, and an increase in testicular temperature impairs spermatogenesis. Leptin modulates testicular activity, but the effect of leptin or its synthetic analogue on heat-induced testicular impairment is unclear. We investigated the effects of synthetic leptin peptide (116-130 amides) on testicular activity in heat-stressed mice model. 15 adult mice (25.54 ± 1.43 g) were selected for the study. Ten mice were subjected to a single heat stress treatment (HS) at 43 °C for 15 min by submerging the lower half of the body in a thermostatic water bath. After heat treatment, mice were divided into two groups, the heat-stressed HS group (n = 5) and the second group as HSL, treated with leptin peptide (116-130 amide) for 14 days. The HS group showed a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the GSI (0.25 ± 0.018), Johnsenscore (4.5 ±.19), seminiferous tubule diameter (160.75 ± 10.18 μm), germinal epithelium height, (GEH) (37.5 ± 1.59 μm) compared to the CN (GSI-0.37 ± 0.015; Johnsen score-7.9 ± 0.20; GEH- 73.25 ± 1.29 μm; tubule diameter-230.25 ± 1.39 μm) and the HSL groups (GSI-0.38 ± 0.014; Johnsen' score-8.0 ± 0.32; GEH- 37.5 ± 1.59 μm; tubule diameter-160.75 ± 10.18 μm) groups. Heat treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the intra-testicular levels of leptin (HS-20.11 ± 2.1 pg/mg protein; CN-10.50 ± 0.17 pg/mg protein; HSL-12.99 ± 0.52 pg/mg protein) with a reduced level of pStat3, suggesting leptin resistance during testicular hyperthermia. Furthermore, heat treatment was associated with significantly (p < 0.05) decreased germ cell proliferation and reduced circulating testosterone levels (HS-2.69 ± 2.01 ng/mL; CN-7.69 ± 0.32 ng/mL; HSL-5.36 ± 0.73 ng/mL). However, the circulating androstenedione levels showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the HS group (0.75 ± 0.03 ng/mL) compared to the CN (0.51 ± 0.02 ng/mL) and HSL (0.57 ± 0.07 ng/mL) groups. Immunolocalisation of 3β-HSD showed moderate to faint staining in the Leydig cells in the HS group compared to the CN and HSL groups. Treatment with leptin peptide resulted in decrease in the intra-testicular leptin levels with increased phosphorylation of Stat3, suggesting improved leptin resistance, which was positively associated with increased germ cell proliferation, elevated testosterone levels, and improved testicular histoarchitecture. Testicular hyperthermia may cause leptin resistance and impaired leptin signalling, decreased testosterone biosynthesis and suppressed spermatogenesis, which could be a manifestation of leptin resistance. Treatment with leptin peptide improves leptin signalling and testicular activity in heat-stressed mice, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malsawmhriatzuala Jeremy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India; Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur, 222 146, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Kharwar
- Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur, 222 146, India.
| | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India.
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12
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Tharakan T, Corona G, Foran D, Salonia A, Sofikitis N, Giwercman A, Krausz C, Yap T, Jayasena CN, Minhas S. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:609-628. [PMID: 35526153 PMCID: PMC9434299 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of hormonal therapy in stimulating spermatogenesis in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and either normal gonadotrophins or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism prior to surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) is controversial. Although the European Association of Urology guidelines state that hormone stimulation is not recommended in routine clinical practice, a significant number of patients undergo empiric therapy prior to SSR. The success rate for SSR from microdissection testicular sperm extraction is only 40–60%, thus hormonal therapy could prove to be an effective adjunctive therapy to increase SSR rates. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the SSR rates in men with NOA (excluding those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) receiving hormone therapy compared to placebo or no treatment. The secondary objective was to compare the effects of hormonal therapy in normogonadotropic and hypergonadotropic NOA men. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was performed using the Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from 01 January 1946 to 17 September 2020. We included all studies where hormone status was confirmed. We excluded non-English language and animal studies. Heterogeneity was calculated using I2 statistics and risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. We performed a meta-analysis on all the eligible controlled trials to determine whether hormone stimulation (irrespective of class) improved SSR rates and also whether this was affected by baseline hormone status (hypergonadotropic versus normogonadotropic NOA men). Sensitivity analyses were performed when indicated. OUTCOMES A total of 3846 studies were screened and 22 studies were included with 1706 participants. A higher SSR rate in subjects pre-treated with hormonal therapy was observed (odds ratio (OR) 1.96, 95% CI: 1.08–3.56, P = 0.03) and this trend persisted when excluding a study containing only men with Klinefelter syndrome (OR 1.90, 95% CI: 1.03–3.51, P = 0.04). However, the subgroup analysis of baseline hormone status demonstrated a significant improvement only in normogonadotropic men (OR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.10–4.14, P = 0.02) and not in hypergonadotropic patients (OR 1.73, 95% CI: 0.44–6.77, P = 0.43). The literature was at moderate or severe risk of bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This meta-analysis demonstrates that hormone therapy is not associated with improved SSR rates in hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. While hormone therapy improved SSR rates in eugonadal men with NOA, the quality of evidence was low with a moderate to high risk of bias. Therefore, hormone therapy should not be routinely used in men with NOA prior to SSR and large scale, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the meta-analysis findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharu Tharakan
- Correspondence address. Department of Urology, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK. Tel: +44-020-3311-1234; E-mail:
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Foran
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Department of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital of Careggi (AOUC), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tet Yap
- Department of Urology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK
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13
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Rivero-Müller A, Huhtaniemi I. Genetic variants of gonadotrophins and their receptors: Impact on the diagnosis and management of the infertile patient. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101596. [PMID: 34802912 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review is concerned with genetic variants of the genes encoding gonadotrophin subunits and their receptors, as well as their implications into the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. We first review briefly the basics of molecular biology and biochemistry of gonadotrophin and gonadotrophin receptor structure and function, then describe the phenotypic effects of polymorphisms and mutations of these genes, followed by diagnostic aspects. We will then summarise the information that inactivating gonadotrophin receptor mutations have provided about the controversial topic of extragonadal gonadotrophin action. Finally, we will close with the current and future therapeutic approaches on patients with gonadotrophin and their receptor mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, 20-093, Poland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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14
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Bakhtyukov AA, Derkach KV, Sorokoumov VN, Stepochkina AM, Romanova IV, Morina IY, Zakharova IO, Bayunova LV, Shpakov AO. The Effects of Separate and Combined Treatment of Male Rats with Type 2 Diabetes with Metformin and Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor on Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:198. [PMID: 35008624 PMCID: PMC8745465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis are impaired. Metformin and the agonists of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)-receptor (LH/hCG-R) (hCG, low-molecular-weight allosteric LH/hCG-R-agonists) can be used to restore them. The aim was to study effectiveness of separate and combined administration of metformin, hCG and 5-amino-N-tert-butyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-(3-(nicotinamido)phenyl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxamide (TP3) on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in male rats with T2DM. hCG (15 IU/rat/day) and TP3 (15 mg/kg/day) were injected in the last five days of five-week metformin treatment (120 mg/kg/day). Metformin improved testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and restored LH/hCG-R-expression. Compared to control, in T2DM, hCG stimulated steroidogenesis and StAR-gene expression less effectively and, after five-day administration, reduced LH/hCG-R-expression, while TP3 effects changed weaker. In co-administration of metformin and LH/hCG-R-agonists, on the first day, stimulating effects of LH/hCG-R-agonists on testosterone levels and hCG-stimulated expression of StAR- and CYP17A1-genes were increased, but on the 3-5th day, they disappeared. This was due to reduced LH/hCG-R-gene expression and increased aromatase-catalyzed estradiol production. With co-administration, LH/hCG-R-agonists did not contribute to improving spermatogenesis, induced by metformin. Thus, in T2DM, metformin and LH/hCG-R-agonists restore steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, with metformin being more effective in restoring spermatogenesis, and their co-administration improves LH/hCG-R-agonist-stimulating testicular steroidogenesis in acute but not chronic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A. Bakhtyukov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Kira V. Derkach
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Viktor N. Sorokoumov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna M. Stepochkina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Irina V. Romanova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Irina Yu. Morina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Irina O. Zakharova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Liubov V. Bayunova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Alexander O. Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
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15
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The Roles of Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone in Spermatogenesis and Folliculogenesis Revisited. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312735. [PMID: 34884539 PMCID: PMC8658012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis involve cell–cell interactions and gene expression orchestrated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH regulates the proliferation and maturation of germ cells independently and in combination with LH. In humans, the requirement for high intratesticular testosterone (T) concentration in spermatogenesis remains both a dogma and an enigma, as it greatly exceeds the requirement for androgen receptor (AR) activation. Several data have challenged this dogma. Here we report our findings on a man with mutant LH beta subunit (LHβ) that markedly reduced T production to 1–2% of normal., but despite this minimal LH stimulation, T production by scarce mature Leydig cells was sufficient to initiate and maintain complete spermatogenesis. Also, in the LH receptor (LHR) knockout (LuRKO) mice, low-dose T supplementation was able to maintain spermatogenesis. In addition, in antiandrogen-treated LuRKO mice, devoid of T action, the transgenic expression of a constitutively activating follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mutant was able to rescue spermatogenesis and fertility. Based on rodent models, it is believed that gonadotropin-dependent follicular growth begins at the antral stage, but models of FSHR inactivation in women contradict this claim. The complete loss of FSHR function results in the complete early blockage of folliculogenesis at the primary stage, with a high density of follicles of the prepubertal type. These results should prompt the reassessment of the role of gonadotropins in spermatogenesis, folliculogenesis and therapeutic applications in human hypogonadism and infertility.
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16
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Bhartiya D, Patel H. An overview of FSH-FSHR biology and explaining the existing conundrums. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:144. [PMID: 34717708 PMCID: PMC8557046 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00880-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
FSH was first identified in 1930 and is central to mammalian reproduction. It is indeed intriguing that despite being researched upon for about 90 years, there is still so much more to learn about FSH-FSHR biology. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current understanding of FSH-FSHR biology, to review published data on biological and clinical relevance of reported mutations, polymorphisms and alternately spliced isoforms of FSHR. Tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in multiple adult tissues including ovaries, testes and uterus express FSHR and this observation results in a paradigm shift in the field. The results suggest a direct action of FSH on the stem cells in addition to their well-studied action on Granulosa and Sertoli cells in the ovaries and testes respectively. Present review further addresses various concerns raised in recent times by the scientific community regarding extragonadal expression of FSHR, especially in cancers affecting multiple organs. Similar population of primitive and pluripotent tissue-resident stem cells expressing FSHR exist in multiple adult tissues including bone marrow and reproductive tissues and help maintain homeostasis throughout life. Any dysfunction of these stem cells results in various pathologies and they also most likely get transformed into cancer stem cells and initiate cancer. This explains why multiple solid as well as liquid tumors express OCT-4 and FSHR. More research efforts need to be focused on alternately spliced FSHR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Maharashtra, 400012, Mumbai, India. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Maharashtra, 400012, Mumbai, India.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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17
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Banihani SA. Effect of diclofenac on semen quality: A review. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14021. [PMID: 33650710 DOI: 10.1111/and.14021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diclofenac is an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and one of the most prescribed medicines worldwide. So far, there are many published articles that directly link between diclofenac and semen quality; however, hitherto, there is no collective review or comprehensive discussion that reveal such imperative link. Therefore, this work reviews and judges the association between diclofenac administration and semen quality, henceforth male infertility. As a tool to accomplish this scientific input, Scopus, Embase and PubMed databases have been searched for all original articles using the keywords "diclofenac" versus "semen" and "sperm" since August 1987 through November 2020. In summary, diclofenac appears to induce negative effects on both qualitative and quantitative measures of sperm; however, this conclusion requires confirmation by human studies. The detected negative effects of diclofenac on semen quality measures may be owed to reduced levels of gonadal hormones, decreased antioxidant defence mechanism, increased oxidative stress, altered concentrations of nitric oxide that are required to maintain normal sperm physiology and reduced synthesis of prostaglandins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleem Ali Banihani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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18
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Chang Z, Qin W, Zheng H, Schegg K, Han L, Liu X, Wang Y, Wang Z, McSwiggin H, Peng H, Yuan S, Wu J, Wang Y, Zhu S, Jiang Y, Nie H, Tang Y, Zhou Y, Hitchcock MJM, Tang Y, Yan W. Triptonide is a reversible non-hormonal male contraceptive agent in mice and non-human primates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1253. [PMID: 33623031 PMCID: PMC7902613 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no non-hormonal male contraceptives currently on the market despite decades of efforts toward the development of "male pills". Here, we report that triptonide, a natural compound purified from the Chinese herb Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F displays reversible male contraceptive effects in both mice and monkeys. Single daily oral doses of triptonide induces deformed sperm with minimal or no forward motility (close to 100% penetrance) and consequently male infertility in 3-4 and 5-6 weeks in mice and cynomolgus monkeys, respectively. Male fertility is regained in ~4-6 weeks after cessation of triptonide intake in both species. Either short- or long-term triptonide treatment causes no discernable systematic toxic side effects based on histological examination of vital organs in mice and hematological and serum biochemical analyses in monkeys. Triptonide appears to target junction plakoglobin and disrupts its interactions with SPEM1 during spermiogenesis. Our data further prove that targeting late spermiogenesis represents an effective strategy for developing non-hormonal male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Chang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Kathleen Schegg
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Lu Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Hayden McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Hongying Peng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxia Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghui Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjia Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael J M Hitchcock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Puberty is characterized by major changes in the anatomy and function of reproductive organs. Androgen activity is low before puberty, but during pubertal development, the testes resume the production of androgens. Major physiological changes occur in the testicular cell compartments in response to the increase in intratesticular testosterone concentrations and androgen receptor expression. Androgen activity also impacts on the internal and external genitalia. In target cells, androgens signal through a classical and a nonclassical pathway. This review addresses the most recent advances in the knowledge of the role of androgen signaling in postnatal male sexual development, with a special emphasis on human puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Effects of Haima Duobian Pill in a Rat Model of Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6696234. [PMID: 33505500 PMCID: PMC7806378 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6696234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Modern research shows that Haima Duobian pill (HDP) can relieve the kidney yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS), but the mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this work was to study the effects of HDP in a rat model of KYDS. Materials and Methods The network pharmacology methods were used to predict the therapeutic effects of Haima Duobian pill. Adenine was used to establish the rat model of kidney yang deficiency syndrome. The general physical signs of rats were observed after different doses of Haima Duobian pill (HDP) were given. Serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Then, the histopathologic changes and sperm activity were detected. Results HDP could improve the general signs of kidney yang deficiency syndrome rats. After the rats were treated with HDP, the expression of cGMP and E2 was significantly inhibited and the expression of cAMP and T was significantly increased. The pathological damage of testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle was alleviated, and the sperm activity was improved. Conclusion For adenine-induced kidney yang deficiency syndrome in rats, HDP had a significant therapeutic effect.
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Venditti M, Romano MZ, Aniello F, Minucci S. Preliminary Investigation on the Ameliorative Role Exerted by D-Aspartic Acid in Counteracting Ethane Dimethane Sulfonate (EDS) Toxicity in the Rat Testis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010133. [PMID: 33435542 PMCID: PMC7827869 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For proper fertility, the production of good-quality spermatozoa is essential. Nowadays, many environmental pollutants affect the spermatogenetic process, at different levels. For this reason, new approaches are needed to prevent/counteract these toxic effects. Here, we showed that the excitatory amino acid D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) prevents the deadly action of ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) on the testosterone-secreting Leydig cells in rat testis. We found that EDS, probably via the reduced testosterone level, alters the normal histology of the seminiferous epithelium, leading to germ cells death and to the decreased protein level of two Leydig cell “markers”: steroidogenic acute regulatory and prolyl endopeptidase. In addition, the same analysis performed on rats that were pre-treated with D-Asp revealed a protective role of this compound, since all the above parameters were quite normal. Moreover, we found that the protective mechanism of action involved in this scenario may be due to the ability of D-Asp to reduce the oxidative stress induced by EDS. Based on these findings, we could affirm that D-Asp may be an encouraging candidate to be used to alleviate the harmful action due to environmental pollutants exposure, in order to maintain appropriate fertility. Abstract Herein is reported the first evidence of the protective role of D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) in preventing the toxic effect exerted by the alkylating agent ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) in the rat testis. We confirmed that EDS treatment specifically destroyed Leydig cells (LC), resulting in the drastic decrease of the serum testosterone level and producing morphological changes in the germinal tubules, i.e., altered organization of the epithelium, loss of cell contacts and the consequent presence of empty spaces between them, and a reduce number of spermatozoa. Moreover, an increase of TUNEL-positive germ cells, other than alteration in the protein level and localization of two LC “markers”, StAR and PREP, were observed. Interestingly, results obtained from rats pre-treated with D-Asp for 15 days before EDS-injection showed that all the considered parameters were quite normal. To explore the probable mechanism(s) involved in the protection exerted by D-Asp, we considered the increased oxidative stress induced by EDS and the D-Asp antioxidant effects. Thiobarbiturc acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels increased following EDS-injection, while no change was observed in the D-Asp + EDS treated rats. Our results showed that D-Asp may be used as a strategy to mitigate the toxic effects exerted by environmental pollutants, as endocrine disrupters, in order to preserve the reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II, Via Cinthia’, 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Gisela S B, M Virginia A, Gabriela A A, M Virginia T, Enrique H L, Laura K, Véronica L B. Androgen receptor and uterine histoarchitecture in a PCOS rat model. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110973. [PMID: 32781251 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenemia and uterine abnormalities. Our aim was to investigate the uterine effects of PCOS that are mediated through the androgen receptor (AR). After weaning, female rats were treated with sesame oil (Control), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or DHEA + flutamide (FLU, an AR antagonist) for 20 consecutive days. On postnatal day 41, serum, ovarian and uterine tissues were collected. DHEA and DHEA + FLU rats showed increased testosterone levels. DHEA rats showed increased epithelial height, glandular density, subepithelial stroma and myometrial thickness, associated with decreased nuclei density. These rats also showed increased uterine water content, with decreased aquaporin (AQP) 3, 7 and 8 expression in the uterine epithelium and increased AQP8 expression in the myometrium. DHEA rats also showed decreased uterine collagen remodeling, decreased cell proliferation in the subepithelial stroma, and increased apoptosis in the luminal and glandular epithelium and in the myometrium. They also showed an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 and a decrease in phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase. The uterine stroma of DHEA rats showed no changes in progesterone receptor or estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and increased AR expression. DHEA + FLU rats showed a smaller increase in the myometrial thickness, an increase in the uterine water content without AQP8 induction and a smaller decrease in collagen remodeling. These rats also showed no apoptosis induction and decreased proliferation in the myometrium, decreased ERα in the subepithelial stroma and myometrium and no modifications in AR. Our results demonstrate that the uterine cell turnover and collagen remodeling in DHEA rats are regulated through AR, directly or indirectly associated with ERα expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bracho Gisela S
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Acosta M Virginia
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Altamirano Gabriela A
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Tschopp M Virginia
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luque Enrique H
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Kass Laura
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Bosquiazzo Véronica L
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Liu YP, Qi L, Zhang NN, Shi H, Su YC. Follicle-stimulating hormone may predict sperm retrieval rate and guide surgical approach in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:573-579. [PMID: 33203587 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Testicular sperm aspiration- (TESA) or micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction- (MD-TESE) combined intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was the only option for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients to have a biological offspring and they had different success rates in sperm retrieval. Our study aimed to find predictor(s) for predicting the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in NOAs and guide clinicians in choosing different surgical approaches, TESA or MD-TESE for NOAs. 294 NOAs who had undergone TESA or MD-TESE were divided into TESA group and MD-TESE group. Depending on sperm retrieval, each group was divided into two subgroups: successful subgroups and failure subgroups. They respectively were 24 cases and 131 cases, 53 cases and 86 cases. Clinical data, including body mass index (BMI), testicular volume, and serum hormone levels, were analyzed in a retrospective manner. The results showed that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and SRR were lower in TESA group as compared to these in MD-TESE group, while testicular volume was higher (P < 0.05). The surgical approach of sperm retrieval significantly affected the SRR (P < 0.05). In TESA subgroups, testicular volume, FSH and LH differed significantly (P < 0.05). In MD-TESE subgroups, the level of FSH and LH differed significantly between both groups (P < 0.05). Using logistics regression, we found a negative correlation (β=-0.083) between FSH and the SRR in TESA group but a positive correlation (β = 0.064) in MD-TESE group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, serum FSH level can predict the SRR of NOAs and guide the clinicians while selecting the suitable surgery approach for NOAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Liu
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Nan-Nan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Chun Su
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Simoni M, Brigante G, Rochira V, Santi D, Casarini L. Prospects for FSH Treatment of Male Infertility. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5831300. [PMID: 32374828 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the new opportunities provided by assisted reproductive technology (ART), male infertility treatment is far from being optimized. One possibility, based on pathophysiological evidence, is to stimulate spermatogenesis with gonadotropins. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We conducted a comprehensive systematic PubMed literature review, up to January 2020, of studies evaluating the genetic basis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) action, the role of FSH in spermatogenesis, and the effects of its administration in male infertility. Manuscripts evaluating the role of genetic polymorphisms and FSH administration in women undergoing ART were considered whenever relevant. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS FSH treatment has been successfully used in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, but with questionable results in idiopathic male infertility. A limitation of this approach is that treatment plans for male infertility have been borrowed from hypogonadism, without daring to overstimulate, as is done in women undergoing ART. FSH effectiveness depends not only on its serum levels, but also on individual genetic variants able to determine hormonal levels, activity, and receptor response. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSHB) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes have been described, with some of them affecting testicular volume and sperm output. The FSHR p.N680S and the FSHB -211G>T variants could be genetic markers to predict FSH response. CONCLUSIONS FSH may be helpful to increase sperm production in infertile men, even if the evidence to recommend the use of FSH in this setting is weak. Placebo-controlled clinical trials, considering the FSHB-FSHR haplotype, are needed to define the most effective dosage, the best treatment length, and the criteria to select candidate responder patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
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Robitaille J, Langlois VS. Consequences of steroid-5α-reductase deficiency and inhibition in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 290:113400. [PMID: 31981690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In 1974, a lack of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), the most potent androgen across species except for fish, was shown to be the origin of a type of pseudohermaphrodism in which boys have female-like external genitalia. This human intersex condition is linked to a mutation in the steroid-5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5α2) gene, which usually produces an important enzyme capable of reducing the Δ4-ene of steroid C-19 and C-21 into a 5α-stereoisomer. Seeing the potential of SRD5α2 as a target for androgen synthesis, pharmaceutical companies developed 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), such as finasteride (FIN) and dutasteride (DUT) to target SRD5α2 in benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia. In addition to human treatment, the development of 5ARIs also enabled further research of SRD5α functions. Therefore, this review details the morphological, physiological, and molecular effects of the lack of SRD5α activity induced by both SRD5α mutations and inhibitor exposures across species. More specifically, data highlights 1) the role of 5α-DHT in the development of male secondary sexual organs in vertebrates and sex determination in non-mammalian vertebrates, 2) the role of SRD5α1 in the synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol), which are involved in anxiety and sexual behavior, respectively, and 3) the role of SRD5α3 in N-glycosylation. This review also features the lesser known functions of SRD5αs in steroid degradation in the uterus during pregnancy and glucocorticoid clearance in the liver. Additionally, the review describes the regulation of SRD5αs by the receptors of androgens, progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, as well as their differential DNA methylation. Factors known to be involved in their differential methylation are age, inflammation, and mental stimulation. Overall, this review helps shed light on the various essential functions of SRD5αs across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Robitaille
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Traish AM. Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It's Time to Sound the Alarm. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:323-337. [PMID: 32202088 PMCID: PMC7308241 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) is the most potent natural androgen. 5α-DHT elicits a multitude of physiological actions, in a host of tissues, including prostate, seminal vesicles, hair follicles, skin, kidney, and lacrimal and meibomian glands. However, the physiological role of 5α-DHT in human physiology, remains questionable and, at best, poorly appreciated. Recent emerging literature supports a role for 5α-DHT in the physiological function of liver, pancreatic β-cell function and survival, ocular function and prevention of dry eye disease and kidney physiological function. Thus, inhibition of 5α-reductases with finasteride or dutasteride to reduce 5α-DHT biosynthesis in the course of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or male pattern hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) my induces a novel form of tissue specific androgen deficiency and contributes to a host of pathophysiological conditions, that are yet to be fully recognized. Here, we advance the concept that blockade of 5α-reductases by finasteride or dutasteride in a mechanism-based, irreversible, inhabitation of 5α-DHT biosynthesis results in a novel state of androgen deficiency, independent of circulating testosterone levels. Finasteride and dutasteride are frequently prescribed for long-term treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH and in men with AGA. This treatment may result in development of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), dry eye disease, potential kidney dysfunction, among other metabolic dysfunctions. We suggest that long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride may be associated with health risks including NAFLD, IR, T2DM, dry eye disease and potential kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Antonio L, Albersen M, Billen J, Maleux G, Van Rompuy AS, Coremans P, Marcq P, Jørgensen N, Vanderschueren D. Testicular Vein Sampling Can Reveal Gonadotropin-Independent Unilateral Steroidogenesis Supporting Spermatogenesis. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1881-1886. [PMID: 31592497 PMCID: PMC6773433 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressed gonadotropins combined with high-normal serum testosterone concentrations in oligozoospermic men suggest either use of exogenous testosterone or presence of a testosterone-producing tumor. We describe the case of a 31-year-old man referred for primary infertility. Gonadotropins were undetectably low, but testosterone and estradiol were in the high-normal range. Semen analysis showed oligoasthenospermia. He denied using exogenous testosterone. Scrotal ultrasound showed microlithiasis and millimetric hypolucent lesions in the left testis but no intratesticular mass. Human chorionic gonadotropin was low. To investigate unilateral hormone secretion, selective testicular venous sampling was performed. Testosterone and estradiol were clearly higher on the left side than on the right (130 vs 26 nmol/L and 1388 vs 62 pmol/L, respectively), with a left spermatic vein–to-periphery gradient of 4.3 for testosterone and 13 for estradiol; there were no similar gradients on the right side. This finding confirms that all sex steroid secretion came from the left testis. The patient was therefore referred for left orchidectomy. Histopathology revealed multifocal seminoma, germ cell neoplasia in situ, and Leydig cell hyperplasia but no choriocarcinoma. However, gonadotrophin levels increased after orchidectomy, indicating that the source of gonadotropin-independent sex steroid secretion was removed. Testosterone and estradiol decreased to the mid-normal range. Sperm concentration improved. This report thus shows that endogenous testosterone secretion in one testicle supports spermatogenesis without measurable levels of gonadotropins. Selective testicular venous sampling is useful to identify the site of unilateral secretion when the clinical picture is inconclusive. However, histopathology could not reveal the factor that stimulated Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Antonio
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaak Billen
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Maleux
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Coremans
- Department of Endocrinology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Philippe Marcq
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, Ziekenhuis Maas en Kempen, Maaseik, Belgium
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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28
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Gheorghiu ML. ACTUALITIES IN MUTATIONS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) AND FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) RECEPTORS. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2019; -5:139-142. [PMID: 31149075 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2019.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Gheorghiu
- "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy - Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
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29
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Schubert M, Pérez Lanuza L, Gromoll J. Pharmacogenetics of FSH Action in the Male. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:47. [PMID: 30873114 PMCID: PMC6403134 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major contributor to couple infertility, however in most cases it remains "idiopathic" and putative treatment regimens are lacking. This leads to a scenario in which intra-cytoplasmic spermatozoa injection (ICSI) is widely used in idiopathic male infertility, though the treatment burden is high for the couple and it entails considerable costs and risks. Given the crucial role of the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for spermatogenesis, FSH has been used empirically to improve semen parameters, but the response to FSH varied strongly among treated infertile men. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within FSH ligand/receptor genes (FSHB/FSHR), significantly influencing reproductive parameters in men, represent promising candidates to serve as pharmacogenetic markers to improve prediction of response to FSH. Consequently, several FSH-based pharmacogenetic studies have been conducted within the last years with unfortunately wide divergence concerning selection criteria, treatment and primary endpoints. In this review we therefore outline the current knowledge on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FSH and FSH receptor genes and their putative functional effects. We compile and critically assess the previously performed pharmacogenetic studies in the male and propose a putative strategy that might allow identifying patients who could benefit from FSH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Schubert
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lina Pérez Lanuza
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jörg Gromoll
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