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Li Y, Zhou Y, Ma T, Dai J, Li H, Pan Q, Luo W. Research progress on the role of autophagy in the development of varicocele. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100894. [PMID: 38776742 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is a common cause of infertility in men. Pathophysiological changes caused by VC, such as testicular hypoxia, high temperatures, oxidative stress, abnormal reproductive hormones, and Cd accumulation, can induce autophagy, thus affecting the reproductive function in patients with this condition. Autophagy regulators can be classified as activators or inhibitors. Autophagy activators upregulate autophagy, reduce the damage to the testis and epididymis, inhibit spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and protect fertility. In contrast, autophagy inhibitors block autophagy and aggravate the damage to the reproductive functions. Therefore, elucidating the role of autophagy in the occurrence, development, and regulation of VC may provide additional therapeutic options for men with infertility and VC. In this review, we briefly describe the progress made in autophagy research in the context of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Li
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianzhong Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaze Dai
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Pan
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenying Luo
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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Afzal A, Zhang Y, Afzal H, Saddozai UAK, Zhang L, Ji XY, Khawar MB. Functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384047. [PMID: 38827527 PMCID: PMC11140113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384047] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular recycling process that maintains cellular homeostasis. Despite extensive research in endocrine contexts, the role of autophagy in ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis remains elusive. The significant role of autophagy in testosterone production suggests potential treatments for conditions like oligospermia and azoospermia. Further, influence of autophagy in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteal development emphasizes its importance for improved fertility and reproductive health. Thus, investigating autophagy in gonadal cells is clinically significant. Understanding these processes could transform treatments for endocrine disorders, enhancing reproductive health and longevity. Herein, we provide the functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis to date, highlighting its modulation in testicular steroidogenesis and its impact on hormone synthesis, follicle development, and fertility therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 988 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
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Samare-Najaf M, Neisy A, Samareh A, Moghadam D, Jamali N, Zarei R, Zal F. The constructive and destructive impact of autophagy on both genders' reproducibility, a comprehensive review. Autophagy 2023; 19:3033-3061. [PMID: 37505071 PMCID: PMC10621263 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is characterized by a series of massive renovations at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Recent studies have strongly tended to reveal the involvement of basic molecular pathways such as autophagy, a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling, during reproductive processes. This review comprehensively describes the current knowledge, updated to September 2022, of autophagy contribution during reproductive processes in males including spermatogenesis, sperm motility and viability, and male sex hormones and females including germ cells and oocytes viability, ovulation, implantation, fertilization, and female sex hormones. Furthermore, the consequences of disruption in autophagic flux on the reproductive disorders including oligospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, globozoospermia, premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and other disorders related to infertility are discussed as well.Abbreviations: AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy related; E2: estrogen; EDs: endocrine disruptors; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; FOX: forkhead box; GCs: granulosa cells; HIF: hypoxia inducible factor; IVF: in vitro fertilization; IVM: in vitro maturation; LCs: Leydig cells; LDs: lipid droplets; LH: luteinizing hormone; LRWD1: leucine rich repeats and WD repeat domain containing 1; MAP1LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa B; P4: progesterone; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; PDLIM1: PDZ and LIM domain 1; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; POI: premature ovarian insufficiency; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SCs: Sertoli cells; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TSGA10: testis specific 10; TST: testosterone; VCP: vasolin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Neisy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Jamali
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Sołek P, Czechowska E, Sowa-Kućma M, Stachowicz K, Kaczka P, Tabęcka-Łonczyńska A. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of autophagy by antidepressant-like substances in C57BL/6J mouse testis model upon LPS challenge. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:251. [PMID: 37735683 PMCID: PMC10512556 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of depression with pharmaceuticals is associated with many adverse side effects, including male fertility problems. The precise mechanisms by which these agents affect testicular cells remain largely unknown, but they are believed to induce cellular stress, which is sensed by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus. These organelles are responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating signal pathways that lead to autophagy or apoptosis. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the autophagy, ER, and Golgi stress-related pathways in mouse testis following treatment with antidepressant-like substances (ALS) and ALS combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that most ALS and activated proteins are associated with the induction of apoptosis. However, when imipramine (IMI) was combined with NS-398 (a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) after LPS administration, we observed a marked increase in the BECLIN1, Bcl-2, ATG16L, and LC3 expression, which are marker proteins of autophagosome formation. The expression of the BECN1 and ATG16L genes was also high compared to the control, indicating the induction of autophagy processes that may potentially protect mouse testicular cells from death and regulate metabolism in the testis. Our findings may provide a better understanding of the stress-related effects of specific ALS on the testis. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Sołek
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Czechowska
- Department of Human Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 2a Kopisto, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sowa-Kućma
- Department of Human Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 2a Kopisto, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Stachowicz
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Kaczka
- PRO-NOO-BIOTICS Sp. z o.o., 39 Warszawska, 35-205, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Anna Tabęcka-Łonczyńska
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, 2 Sucharskiego, 35-225, Rzeszow, Poland.
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Kirat D, Alahwany AM, Arisha AH, Abdelkhalek A, Miyasho T. Role of Macroautophagy in Mammalian Male Reproductive Physiology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091322. [PMID: 37174722 PMCID: PMC10177121 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and self-degradative process in cells. Autophagy carries out normal physiological roles throughout mammalian life. Accumulating evidence shows autophagy as a mechanism for cellular growth, development, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis. In male reproductive systems, normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis need a balance between degradation and energy supply to preserve cellular metabolic homeostasis. The main process of autophagy includes the formation and maturation of the phagophore, autophagosome, and autolysosome. Autophagy is controlled by a group of autophagy-related genes that form the core machinery of autophagy. Three types of autophagy mechanisms have been discovered in mammalian cells: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy is classified as non-selective or selective. Non-selective macroautophagy randomly engulfs the cytoplasmic components in autophagosomes that are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. While selective macroautophagy precisely identifies and degrades a specific element, current findings have shown the novel functional roles of autophagy in male reproduction. It has been recognized that dysfunction in the autophagy process can be associated with male infertility. Overall, this review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basics of autophagy and summarizes the latest findings on the key role of autophagy in mammalian male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Kirat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Alahwany
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelkhalek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Taku Miyasho
- Laboratory of Animal Biological Responses, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
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Yang W, Wu W, Zhao Y, Li Y, Zhang C, Zhang J, Chen C, Cui S. Caveolin-1 suppresses hippocampal neuron apoptosis via the regulation of HIF1α in hypoxia in naked mole-rats. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:2060-2074. [PMID: 36054154 PMCID: PMC9826031 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11890] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) (Heterocephalus glaber) are highly social and subterranean rodents with large communal colonies in burrows containing low oxygen levels. The inhibition of severe hypoxic conditions is of particular interest to this study. To understand the mechanisms that facilitate neuronal preservation during hypoxia, we investigated the proteins regulating hypoxia tolerance in NMR hippocampal neurons. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a transmembrane scaffolding protein, confers prosurvival signalling in the central nervous system. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Cav-1 in hypoxia-induced neuronal injury. Western blotting analysis and immunocytochemistry showed that Cav-1 expression was significantly upregulated in NMR hippocampal neurons under 8% O2 conditions for 8 h. Cav-1 alleviates apoptotic neuronal death from hypoxia. Downregulation of Cav-1 by lentiviral vectors suggested damage to NMR hippocampal neurons under hypoxic conditions in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of Cav-1 by LV-Cav-1 enhanced hypoxic tolerance of NMR hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) are also increased under hypoxic conditions. After inhibiting the binding of HIF-1α to hypoxia response elements in the DNA by echinomycin, Cav-1 levels were downregulated significantly. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed the direct role of HIF1α in regulating the expression levels of Cav-1 in NMR hippocampal neurons under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest that Cav-1 plays a critical role in modulating the apoptosis of NMR hippocampal neurons and warrant further studies targeting Cav-1 to treat hypoxia-associated brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenqing Wu
- Department of Laboratory Animal CenterAcademy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhao
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chengcai Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shufang Cui
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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Autophagy modulation in resveratrol protective effects on steroidogenesis in high-fat diet-fed mice and H 2O 2-challenged TM3 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2973-2983. [PMID: 35000049 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy dysregulation and oxidative stress play critical pathophysiological roles in developing obesity-related metabolic health disorders. This study aims to investigate how autophagy modulation is related to resveratrol (RSV) antioxidant activities and preventive effects on steroidogenesis decline associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) and oxidative damage. METHODS AND RESULTS Eight-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice were fed with HFD with or without supplement RSV (400 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 16 weeks. The control group was fed with a standard diet with no RSV or the same amount of RSV. Mouse Leydig cell line TM3 cell was used for in vitro studies. Oxidative stress was induced in TM3 cells with H2O2, followed by RSV treatment plus autophagy activator rapamycin or autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, respectively. RSV supplement could upregulate proteins level of StAR and mitochondrial proteins COX4 and mtTFA, indicating the amelioration of steroidogenesis decline and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by HFD. Antioxidants such as GPx4 and SOD2 were improved by RSV as well. The observation of autophagosomes and the changes in expressions of LC3II/I, Beclin1, and Atg7 indicated that RSV could reverse the autophagy defect associated with HFD. 3-methyladenine inhibition of autophagy partially abolished RSV protection on mitochondrial function and steroidogenesis in H2O2-challenged TM3 cells. However, the combination use of rapamycin and RSV did not improve protection on Leydig cells against oxidative damage. CONCLUSIONS The stimulation of autophagy by RSV is closely linked to its antioxidant actions and positive impact on steroidogenesis in HFD mice. The findings suggest RSV is protective against obesity-related Leydig cell impairment.
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Zhang J, Ye R, Grunberger JW, Jin J, Zhang Q, Mohammadpour R, Khurana N, Xu X, Ghandehari H, Chen F. Activation of Autophagy by Low-Dose Silica Nanoparticles Enhances Testosterone Secretion in Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063104. [PMID: 35328525 PMCID: PMC8949068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) can cause abnormal spermatogenesis in male reproductive toxicity. However, the toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of SNPs in testosterone synthesis and secretion in Leydig cells are not well known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect and molecular mechanism of low doses of SNPs in testosterone production in Leydig cells. For this, mouse primary Leydig cells (PLCs) were exposed to 100 nm Stöber nonporous spherical SNPs. We observed significant accumulation of SNPs in the cytoplasm of PLCs via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays confirmed that low doses (50 and 100 μg/mL) of SNPs had no significant effect on cell viability and apoptosis, whereas high doses (more than 200 μg/mL) decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in PLCs. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining showed that SNPs caused the significant accumulation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of PLCs. SNPs activated autophagy by upregulating microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) and BCL-2-interacting protein (BECLIN-1) levels, in addition to downregulating sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/P62) level at low doses. In addition, low doses of SNPs enhanced testosterone secretion and increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression. SNPs combined with rapamycin (RAP), an autophagy activator, enhanced testosterone production and increased StAR expression, whereas SNPs combined with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ), autophagy inhibitors, had an opposite effect. Furthermore, BECLIN-1 depletion inhibited testosterone production and StAR expression. Altogether, our results demonstrate that low doses of SNPs enhanced testosterone secretion via the activation of autophagy in PLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Rongrong Ye
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jason William Grunberger
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jiaqi Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qianru Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Raziye Mohammadpour
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nitish Khurana
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Xianyu Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hamidreza Ghandehari
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.W.G.); (R.M.); (N.K.); (H.G.)
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Fenglei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.Z.); (R.Y.); (J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-514-87979030; Fax: +86-514-87972218
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Chen H, Chen K, Zhao F, Guo Y, Liang Y, Wang Z, Liu T, Chen S. Macroautophagy involved in testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells of male dairy goat (Capra hircus). Theriogenology 2021; 180:53-62. [PMID: 34952391 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is an important steroid hormone that is indispensable for male sexual development and the reproductive system. Leydig cells (LCs), where autophagy is extremely active, reside in the testicular interstitium and are the major sites of testosterone production. However, the ultrastructural characteristics and the functional role of autophagy in LCs of livestock remain unknown. In this study, the LCs of the dairy goats were investigated to identify the steroidogenic activity and autophagy levels at different ages of development by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological results showed that the steroidogenic activity (3β-HSD staining) and ultrastructural characteristics of the LCs were changed with increasing age. TEM results demonstrated that the organelles involved in testosterone synthesis, e.g., smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and lipid droplets, were abundantly distributed within the cytoplasm of LCs in pubertal and adult testes. Moreover, autophagy activity was enhanced in the testes at pubertal and adult stages compared with that at the juvenile stage. Several different autophagic vacuoles, including pre-autophagosomes, autophagosomes, and autolysosomes, were observed within the cytoplasm of LCs from pubertal and adult testes. However, immunofluorescent staining and TEM results showed that no typical lipophagic or mitophagic vacuoles were observed in the cytoplasm of LCs. Furthermore, primary LCs from dairy goats were used to study the effect of autophagy on testosterone production. After treatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor), the primary LCs decreased testosterone production. In contrast, treatment with rapamycin (an autophagy activator), enhanced steroidogenesis in LCs. Collectively, these in vivo and in vitro results suggested that autophagy activity is related to steroidogenesis in LCs of dairy goats, which may ultimately influence the spermatogenesis and fertility of these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Kexing Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Fange Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Yihan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Yue Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Zhengrong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China.
| | - Shulin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China.
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10
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Lv C, Wang X, Guo Y, Yuan S. Role of Selective Autophagy in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112523. [PMID: 33238415 PMCID: PMC7700316 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a "self-eating" process that engulfs cellular contents for their subsequent digestion in lysosomes to engage the metabolic need in response to starvation or environmental insults. According to the contents of degradation, autophagy can be divided into bulk autophagy (non-selective autophagy) and selective autophagy. Bulk autophagy degrades non-specific cytoplasmic materials in response to nutrient starvation while selective autophagy targets specific cargoes, such as damaged organelles, protein aggregates, and intracellular pathogens. Selective autophagy has been documented to relate to the reproductive processes, especially for the spermatogenesis, fertilization, and biosynthesis of testosterone. Although selective autophagy is vital in the field of reproduction, its role and the underlying mechanism have remained unclear. In this review, we focus on selective autophagy to discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism and role of selective autophagy on spermatogenesis and male fertility in mammals. Understanding the role of selective autophagy during spermatogenesis will promote the recognition of genetic regulation in male infertility, and shed light on therapies of infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Lv
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (C.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (C.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Ying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (C.L.); (X.W.)
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-155-2750-7840
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11
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Yahyavy S, Valizadeh A, Saki G, Khorsandi L. Taurine induces autophagy and inhibits oxidative stress in mice Leydig cells. JBRA Assist Reprod 2020; 24:250-256. [PMID: 32155016 PMCID: PMC7365531 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated taurine (TAU) effects on autophagy, apoptosis and oxidative stress in mice Leydig TM3 cells. METHODS We treated TM3 cells with TAU (100 µg/mL) or 3-Methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor) for 24 h, and assessed cell viability, testosterone level, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. RESULTS The results showed that TAU markedly increased cell viability, testosterone levels, expression of autophagy-related genes and percentage of LC3-II-positive cells. TAU significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (Catalase) enzymes in the TM3 cells. TAU in the presence of autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) increased oxidative stress and decreased testosterone levels. CONCLUSION The results showed that autophagy might be involved in TAU-increased testosterone levels in mice Leydig TM3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokofeh Yahyavy
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Armita Valizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Layasadat Khorsandi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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12
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Sênos Demarco R, Uyemura BS, Jones DL. EGFR Signaling Stimulates Autophagy to Regulate Stem Cell Maintenance and Lipid Homeostasis in the Drosophila Testis. Cell Rep 2020; 30:1101-1116.e5. [PMID: 31995752 PMCID: PMC7357864 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although typically upregulated upon cellular stress, autophagy can also be utilized under homeostatic conditions as a quality control mechanism or in response to developmental cues. Here, we report that autophagy is required for the maintenance of somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) in the Drosophila testis. Disruption of autophagy in CySCs and early cyst cells (CCs) by the depletion of autophagy-related (Atg) genes reduced early CC numbers and affected CC function, resembling decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Indeed, our data indicate that EGFR acts to stimulate autophagy to preserve early CC function, whereas target of rapamycin (TOR) negatively regulates autophagy in the differentiating CCs. Finally, we show that the EGFR-mediated stimulation of autophagy regulates lipid levels in CySCs and CCs. These results demonstrate a key role for autophagy in regulating somatic stem cell behavior and tissue homeostasis by integrating cues from both the EGFR and TOR signaling pathways to control lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Sênos Demarco
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bradley S Uyemura
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - D Leanne Jones
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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13
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INFLUENCE OF PROLONGED CENTRAL DEPRIVATION OF TESTOSTERONE SYNTHESIS ON PRODUCTION OF REACTIVE OXYGEN AND NITROGEN SPECIES AND MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF RAT TESTES. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2020-4-74-210-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF STROMAL AND PARENCHYMAL COMPONENTS OF RAT TESTES DURING CENTRAL DEPRIVATION OF TESTOSTERONE SYNTHESIS ON THE 180 DAY OF THE EXPERIMENT. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2020-2-72-203-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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15
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Buschiazzo A, Yefimova M, Bourmeyster N, Fautrel A, Burel A, Neyroud AS, Pimentel C, Jaillard S, Jégou B, Ravel C. Autophagie et spermatozoïde. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:852-858. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
La spermiogenèse, étape ultime de la spermatogenèse, est un processus qui fait intervenir des acteurs qui participe à l’autophagie. C’est en effet lors de cette étape que se forme l’acrosome par fusion vésiculaire et que disparaît la majeure partie du cytoplasme du spermatozoïde. L’autophagie (littéralement « se manger soi-même »), en permettant l’élimination et le remplacement continuel des protéines et des organites non fonctionnels, assure le recyclage des constituants de la cellule. C’est un mécanisme cellulaire très conservé au sein des cellules eucaryotes. La machinerie de l’autophagie est également présente dans les spermatozoïdes. Elle régule la vitalité de ces cellules et leur mobilité. Les conséquences environnementales et comportementales sur l’autophagie et sur la spermatogenèse commencent à être étudiées. Le but de cette revue est de synthétiser les connaissances actuelles concernant les processus d’autophagie dans le gamète mâle mature.
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16
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Autophagy as a consequence of seasonal functions of testis and epididymis in adult male European bison (Bison bonasus, Linnaeus 1758). Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:613-624. [PMID: 31705214 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The European bison is still an animal endangered with extinction, so by learning factors that regulate its reproduction, we can contribute to the survival of this species. On the other hand, autophagy is a dynamic, lisosomal, and evolutionary conserved process which is essential for animal cell survival, homeostasis, and differentiation. This process was demonstrated in many species and in many organs; however, information on the metabolic course of autophagy in the male reproductive system in seasonally reproducing species is lacking. Therefore, in this study, we examined for the first time several autophagy-related factors (mTOR, ULK1, Atg13, PI3K, beclin1, beclin2, Atg14, Atg5, Atg16L, LC3) in testicular and epididymal tissues obtained from adult male individuals of the European bison. We compared the level of gene expression, protein synthesis, and localization of autophagy-related factors between June, September, and December (before, during, and after reproductive activity, respectively). We confirmed that the induction of autophagy was at the highest level in the period after reproductive activity, i.e., in December, when a significant increase in the gene and protein expression was observed for the majority of these factors, probably to ensure cellular protection. However, autophagy was also clearly marked in September, during the intense spermatogenesis, and this may indicate a great demand for autophagy-related proteins required for the normal development of reproductive cells. Obtained results seem to confirm that autophagy pathway, as a consequence of seasonal reproduction, may control the normal course of spermatogenesis in the male European bison.
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17
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van der Horst G, Kotzé SH, O’Riain MJ, Maree L. Testicular Structure and Spermatogenesis in the Naked Mole-Rat Is Unique (Degenerate) and Atypical Compared to Other Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:234. [PMID: 31681767 PMCID: PMC6805721 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The naked mole-rat (NMR) queen controls reproduction in her eusocial colony by usually selecting one male for reproduction and suppressing gametogenesis in all other males and females. Simplified, polymorphic and slow-swimming spermatozoa in the NMR seem to have been shaped by a low risk of sperm competition. We hypothesize that this unique mammalian social organization has had a dramatic influence on testicular features and spermatogenesis in the NMR. The testicular structure as well as spermatogenic cell types and its organization in breeding, subordinate and disperser males were studied using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Even though the basic testicular design in NMRs is similar to most Afrotheria as well as some rodents with intra-abdominal testes, the Sertoli and spermatogenic cells have many atypical mammalian features. Seminiferous tubules are distended and contain large volumes of fluid while interstitial tissue cover about 50% of the testicular surface area and is mainly composed of Leydig cells. The Sertoli cell cytoplasm contains an extensive network of membranes and a variety of fluid-containing vesicles. Furthermore, Sertoli cells form numerous phagosomes that often appear as extensive accumulations of myelin. Another unusual feature of mature NMR Sertoli cells is mitotic division. While the main types of spermatogonia and spermatocytes are clearly identifiable, these cells are poorly organized and many spermatids without typical intercellular bridges are present. Spermatid heads appear to be malformed with disorganized chromatin, nuclear fragmentation and an ill-defined acrosome formed from star-like Golgi bodies. Rudimentary manchette development corresponds with the occurrence of abnormal sperm morphology. We also hypothesize that NMR testicular organization and spermiation are modified to produce spermatozoa on demand in a short period of time and subsequently use a Sertoli cell "pump" to flush the spermatozoa into short tubuli recti and simplified rete testis. Despite the difficulty in finding cellular associations during spermatogenesis, six spermatogenic stages could be described in the NMR. These numerous atypical and often simplified features of the NMR further supports the notion of degenerative orthogenesis that was selected for due to the absence of sperm competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard van der Horst
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Sanet H. Kotzé
- Division of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - M. Justin O’Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liana Maree
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Haseeb A, Tarique I, Iqbal A, Gandahi NS, Ali Vistro W, Bai X, Liang Y, Huang Y, Chen H, Chen Q, Yang P. Characterization of multilamellar bodies and telocytes within the testicular interstitium of naked mole rat Heterocephalus glabe. Theriogenology 2019; 138:111-120. [PMID: 31325741 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multilamellar bodies (MLBs) are produced and secreted by many cell types. In this study, we report the existence and ultrastructure of MLBs that are produced by Leydig cells and identification of telocytes in the testicular interstitium of naked mole rat. This study was performed on both breeder and non-breeder male naked mole rats using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and morphometric approaches. In the testicular interstitium, the most prominent cells were Leydig cells, which contained numerous lipid droplets (LDs) in the cytoplasm. We found that MLBs were associated with the LDs of Leydig cells and were secreted into the extracellular or interstitial environment via exocytosis. After their release from Leydig cells, MLBs localized to the space between Leydig cells near blood vessels and attached to telocytes. We also identified telocytes in the testicular interstitium, and their cellular extensions were distributed throughout the interstitium. MLBs were aligned along the cellular extensions of telocytes, and membrane-to-membrane contact was observed between the cellular extensions of telocytes and MLBs, suggesting that telocytes may play a role in the transport of MLBs within the interstitial space. No ultrastructural differences were found in Leydig cells, telocytes, or MLBs between breeder and non-breeder testes. However, morphometric analysis revealed a significant difference in the number of MLBs between the breeder and non-breeder animals. Furthermore, both selective autophagy of LDs and non-selective autophagy were observed in Leydig cells. Typical features of macrolipophagy were also observed, as a few LDs were entirely enclosed by a limiting membrane. Remarkably, autophagy may be a key factor in the biogenesis of MLBs and steroid hormone production. The appearance of MLBs in the testicular interstitium of naked mole rats could thus be related to lipid storage and trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Haseeb
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China; Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Imran Tarique
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Adeela Iqbal
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Noor Samad Gandahi
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Waseem Ali Vistro
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Xuebing Bai
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Yu Liang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Hong Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
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19
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Abstract
Autophagy is a fundamental process that exists in all eukaryotic organisms, with a primary function of catabolizing undesirable components to provide energy and essential materials. Increasing evidence illustrates that autophagy is invovled in a broad range of cellular events within the male reproductive system. In the process of spermatogenesis, autophagy is crucial for the formation of specific structures that guarantee successful spermatogenesis, as well as for the degradation of certain constituents. The underlying connections between autophagy and androgen binding protein, lipid metabolism and testosterone biosynthesis would increase our understanding of male testicular endocrinology. Moreover, cumulative studies reveal that autophagy is a double-edged sword when the organism suffers from endocrine disrupting chemicals. This review contains a collection of the current literature concerning the above aspects of autophagy, which may provide insights for future study and exploration. Abbreviations: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ABP: androgen-binding protein; AKT: protein kinase B; AMPK: adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase; ART: assisted reproductive technologies; Atg: autophagy-related gene; CE: cholesteryl ester; CL: corpus luteum; CQ: chloroquine; CYP11A1: cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme; CytC: cytochrome C; DEHP: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate; DFCP1: double FYVE-containing protein 1; EDCs: endocrine-disrupting chemicals; ERK1/2: extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; ES: ectoplasmic specialization; FC: free cholesterol; FIP2000: focal adhesion kinase family interacting protein of 200kDa; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; IVF: in vitro fertilization; LC3: microtubule-associated protein light chain 3; LD: lipid droplet; LH: luteinising hormone; MC-LR: microcystin-LR; MEFs: mouse embryonic fibroblast cells; MT: microtubule; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA; mTOR: mammalian target of rapamycin; NHERF2: Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 2; NMR: naked mole-rat; PCD: programmed cell death; PDLIM1: PDZ and LIM domain 1; PGCs: primordial germ cells; PGF2α: prostaglandin F2α; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase; PI3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SCG10: superior cervical ganglia protein 10; SR-BI: scavenger receptor class B, type I; StAR protein: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; TC: total cholesterol; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling; ULK1: mammalian uncoordinated-51-like kinase 1; WIPI: WD-repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinci Zhu
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics , Shanghai , China
| | - Qingqing Yin
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics , Shanghai , China
| | - Dandan Wei
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics , Shanghai , China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics , Shanghai , China
| | - Yanzhi Du
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics , Shanghai , China
| | - Yi Ma
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics , Shanghai , China
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Tarique I, Vistro WA, Bai X, Yang P, Hong C, Huang Y, Haseeb A, Liu E, Gandahi NS, Xu M, Liu Y, Chen Q. LIPOPHAGY: a novel form of steroidogenic activity within the LEYDIG cell during the reproductive cycle of turtle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:19. [PMID: 30738428 PMCID: PMC6368689 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroidogenesis is an indispensable process that is indirectly associated with spermatogenesis in the Leydig cell (LC) to utilize the lipid droplets (LDs) that are critical to maintaining normal testosterone synthesis. The regulation of LD mobilization, known as lipophagy, in the LC is still largely unknown. METHOD In the present study, the LC of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle was investigated to identify the steroidogenic activity and lipophagy during the annual reproductive cycle by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS The LC showed a dynamic steroidogenic function with strong activity of 3β-HSD, vimentin and tubular ER during hibernation by IHC and TEM. The tubulo-vesicular ER had a weak immunopositive reaction for 3β-HSD in the LC during reproductive phase, suggesting persistent steroidogenic activity. ORO staining and TEM demonstrated that a larger number of LDs had accumulated in the LC during hibernation than in the reproductive phase. These LDs existed in close association with mitochondria and lysosomes by being dynamically surrounded by intermediate filaments to facilitate LD utilization. Lysosomes were found directly attached to large LDs, forming an autophagic tube and engulfing LDs, suggesting that micro-lipophagy occurs during hibernation. Furthermore, the IHC of ATG7 (Autophagy Related Gene 7) and the IF of the LC3 (Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3), p62 (Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) and LAMP1(Lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1) results demonstrated strong expression, and further confirmation by TEM showed the existence of an autophagosome and an autolysosome and their fusion during the hibernation season. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study provides clear evidence of LD consumption in the LC by lipophagy, lysosome and mitochondria during the hibernation period, which is a key aspect of steroidogenesis in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Tarique
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Waseem Ali Vistro
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Xuebing Bai
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Chen Hong
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Yufei Huang
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Enxue Liu
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Noor Samad Gandahi
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Mengdi Xu
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Yifei Liu
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint international Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province China
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