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Bdeir R, Al-Keilani MS, Khamaiseh K. Effects of the Neuropeptides Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Male Fertility. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:652. [PMID: 38674298 PMCID: PMC11052015 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The neuroendocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including reproduction, with evidence suggesting its significant involvement in male fertility and sperm development. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) are expressed in both male and female reproductive tissues, influencing penile erection and regulating steroidogenesis in males. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the protein levels of VIP and PACAP in seminal plasma between healthy controls and sub-fertile patients. Additionally, we sought to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with clinical, functional, and laboratory findings in the participants. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 163 male participants for analysis. The participants were further stratified into subgroups of fertile and sub-fertile men of four subgroups according to the 2021 WHO guidelines. Seminal plasma concentrations of the neuropeptides VIP and PACAP were measured using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The findings showed statistically significant differences in total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, and vitality (p < 0.001) between the fertile group and the sub-fertile group. Specifically, significant differences found between healthy males and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.002), and between asthenospermic and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.039). An ROC analysis showed associated sensitivity and specificity values of 62.2% and 55.6%, respectively, to PACAP seminal levels differentiated between sub-fertile patients from fertile males (p = 0.028). No significant difference in seminal levels of VIP was found between the sub-fertile and fertile groups. Conclusions: Previous research leads to the point of PACAP active involvement in spermatogenesis. In accordance to our study, in human semen samples, we have seen a significance change in PACAP levels amongst patients with low sperm count or with both low sperm count and low motility, hinting at its contribution and acting as a possible factor in this complex process. Thus, alterations in the levels or actions of these neuropeptides have been associated with certain reproductive disorders in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roba Bdeir
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Al-Balqa Applied University, P.O. Box 206, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan
| | - Maha S. Al-Keilani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Khaldoun Khamaiseh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, P.O. Box 206, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan;
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa University, P.O. Box 206, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan
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Tang Z, Yuan X, Bai Y, Guo Y, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal changes in the expression of PACAP, VPAC1, VPAC2, PAC1 and testicular activity in the testis of the muskrat (<em>Ondatra zibethicus</em>). Eur J Histochem 2022; 66:3398. [PMID: 35502591 PMCID: PMC9119148 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2022.3398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) plays an important role in the steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis through its receptors PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2. In this study, we investigated the seasonal expressions of PACAP, PAC1, VPAC1, VPAC2, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and CYP17A1 in the testis of the male muskrat during the breeding season and the non-breeding season. Histologically, we found the presence of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and all kinds of germ cells in the testis during the breeding season but only Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte during the non-breeding season. The immunohistochemical localizations of PACAP and VPAC1 were identified in the Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatozoa during the breeding season while only in Leydig cells and spermatogonia during the non-breeding season, and PAC1 and VPAC2 were localized in the Leydig cells in both seasons, in which LHR, StAR, 3β-HSD and CYP17A1 were also expressed. Meanwhile, protein and mRNA expression levels of PACAP, PAC1, VPAC1, VPAC2, LHR, FSHR, StAR, 3β-HSD and CYP17A1 in the testis during the breeding season were significantly higher than those during the non-breeding season. These results suggested that PACAP may involve in the regulation of, steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis via an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine manner in the testis of the muskrat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Tang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Xiaojie Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yuming Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yiming Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
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Koppan M, Nagy Z, Bosnyak I, Reglodi D. Female reproductive functions of the neuropeptide PACAP. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:982551. [PMID: 36204113 PMCID: PMC9531758 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.982551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide originally isolated as a hypothalamic peptide. It has a widespread distribution in the body and has a diverse spectrum of actions. Among other processes, PACAP has been shown to be involved in reproduction. In this review we summarize findings related to the entire spectrum of female reproduction. PACAP is a regulatory factor in gonadal hormone production, influences follicular development and plays a role in fertilization and embryonic/placental development. Furthermore, PACAP is involved in hormonal changes during and after birth and affects maternal behavior. Although most data come from cell cultures and animal experiments, increasing number of evidence suggests that similar effects of PACAP can be found in humans. Among other instances, PACAP levels show changes in the serum during pregnancy and birth. PACAP is also present in the human follicular and amniotic fluids and in the milk. Levels of PACAP in follicular fluid correlate with the number of retrieved oocytes in hyperstimulated women. Human milk contains very high levels of PACAP compared to plasma levels, with colostrum showing the highest concentration, remaining steady thereafter for the first 7 months of lactation. All these data imply that PACAP has important functions in reproduction both under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Department of Physiology, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Inez Bosnyak
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Dora Reglodi,
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Winters SJ, Moore JP. PACAP: A regulator of mammalian reproductive function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110912. [PMID: 32561449 PMCID: PMC7606562 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is an ancestral molecule that was isolated from sheep hypothalamic extracts based on its action to stimulate cAMP production by pituitary cell cultures. PACAP is one of a number of ligands that coordinate with GnRH to control reproduction. While initially viewed as a hypothalamic releasing factor, PACAP and its receptors are widely distributed, and there is growing evidence that PACAP functions as a paracrine/autocrine regulator in the CNS, pituitary, gonads and placenta, among other tissues. This review will summarize current knowledge concerning the expression and function of PACAP in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with special emphasis on its role in pituitary function in the fetus and newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Winters
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Joseph P Moore
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
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Prisco M, Rosati L, Morgillo E, Mollica MP, Agnese M, Andreuccetti P, Valiante S. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and its receptors in Mus musculus testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 286:113297. [PMID: 31604076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To enlighten the involvement of PACAP/receptors system in the control of mammal testis, we investigated the expression of PACAP and the localization of PACAP and its receptors PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 in the testis of Mus musculus. By molecular and immunohistochemical investigations, we highlighted that PACAP and its receptors are widely represented in germ cells of Mus testis, particularly in spermatocytes I, spermatids, and spermatozoa, strongly suggesting their involvement in spermatogenesis process. Moreover, for the first time in the adult mouse testis we highlighted that PACAP is present within Leydig cells, as PACAP receptors, confirming its involvement in the control of steroidogenesis in mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Prisco
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Eliana Morgillo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marisa Agnese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Reglodi D, Cseh S, Somoskoi B, Fulop BD, Szentleleky E, Szegeczki V, Kovacs A, Varga A, Kiss P, Hashimoto H, Tamas A, Bardosi A, Manavalan S, Bako E, Zakany R, Juhasz T. Disturbed spermatogenic signaling in pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-deficient mice. Reproduction 2017; 155:129-139. [PMID: 29101268 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PACAP is a neuropeptide with diverse functions in various organs, including reproductive system. It is present in the testis in high concentrations, and in addition to the stage-specific expression within the seminiferous tubules, PACAP affects spermatogenesis and the functions of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Mice lacking endogenous PACAP show reduced fertility, but the possibility of abnormalities in spermatogenic signaling has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we performed a detailed morphological analysis of spermatozoa, sperm motility and investigated signaling pathways that play a role during spermatogenesis in knockout mice. No significant alterations were found in testicular morphology or motility of sperm in homozygous and heterozygous PACAP-deficient mice in spite of the moderately increased number of severely damaged sperms. However, we found robust changes in mRNA and/or protein expression of several factors that play an important role in spermatogenesis. Protein kinase A expression was markedly reduced, while downstream phospho-ERK and p38 were elevated in knockout animals. Expression of major transcription factors, such as Sox9 and phospho-Sox9, was decreased, while that of Sox10, as a redundant factor, was increased in PACAP-deficient mice. The reduced phospho-Sox9 expression was partly due to increased expression and activity of phosphatase PP2A in knockout mice. Targets of Sox transcription factors, such as collagen type IV, were reduced in knockout mice. In summary, our results show that lack of PACAP leads to disturbed signaling in spermatogenesis, which could be a factor responsible for reduced fertility in PACAP knockout mice, and further support the role of PACAP in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Reglodi
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - S Cseh
- Department and Clinic of ReproductionUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - B Somoskoi
- Department and Clinic of ReproductionUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - B D Fulop
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - E Szentleleky
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - V Szegeczki
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - A Kovacs
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Varga
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kiss
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - H Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular NeuropharmacologyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental DevelopmentUnited Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Division of BioscienceInstitute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - A Tamas
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Bardosi
- MVZ für HistologieZytologie und Molekulare Diagnostik, Trier, Germany
| | - S Manavalan
- Department of Basic SciencesNational University of Health Sciences, Pinellas Park, Florida, USA
| | - E Bako
- Cell Biology and Signalling Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of SciencesDepartment of Medical Chemistry, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - R Zakany
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - T Juhasz
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Signalling Enhances Osteogenesis in UMR-106 Cell Line. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 54:555-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Thomas RL, Crawford NM, Grafer CM, Halvorson LM. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase–Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:857-71. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719112466310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin L. Thomas
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Natalie M. Crawford
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Constance M. Grafer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lisa M. Halvorson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
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Brubel R, Kiss P, Vincze A, Varga A, Varnagy A, Bodis J, Mark L, Jambor E, Maasz G, Hashimoto H, Helyes Z, Toth G, Tamas A, Koppan M, Reglodi D. Effects of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide on Human Sperm Motility. J Mol Neurosci 2012; 48:623-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-012-9806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Abstract
Label-free biosensors for studying cell biology have finally come of age. Recent developments have advanced the biosensors from low throughput and high maintenance research tools to high throughput and low maintenance screening platforms. In parallel, the biosensors have evolved from an analytical tool solely for molecular interaction analysis to powerful platforms for studying cell biology at the whole cell level. This paper presents historical development, detection principles, and applications in cell biology of label-free biosensors. Future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Fang
- Biochemical Technologies, Science and Technology Division, Corning Inc., Corning, NY 14831, USA
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