Trypsin-like arginine amidases including plasminogen and plasmin in human seminal plasma by affinity adsorption and elution

Effects of Progesterone and 17β-Estradiol under Presence or Absence of FBS on Plasminogen Activators Activity in Porcine Uterine Epithelial Cells

The present study was conducted to investigate the regulatory mechanism of plasminogen activators (PAs) activation by 17β-estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) in porcine uterine epithelial cells (pUECs). pUECs were collected from porcine uterine horn and cultured at 80% confluence. Then, 0.1% (v/v) DMSO, 20 ng/mL E₂, and P₄ with or without fetal bovine serum (FBS) treated to cultured cells for 24 hours. The supernatants were used for measurement of PAs activity and expression of urokinase-type PA (uPA), tissue-type PA (tPA), uPA specific receptor (uPAR), and type-1 PA inhibitor (PAI-1) mRNA were analyzed by real-time PCR. The expression of PAs-related genes was not affect by steroid hormones in both of serum treatment groups. However, PAs activity was increased by treatment of E₂ compared to 0.1% DMSO treatment in serum-free group (p<0.05). Then, E₂ and P₄ were diluted with 0.002% (v/v) DMSO for reduction of its effect and treated to cultured cells without FBS. Only tPA mRNA was significantly increased by E₂ treatment (p<0.05). PAs activity was enhanced in E₂ treated group compared to control groups (p<0.05). These results indicate that serum-free condition is more proper to evaluate effect of steroid hormones and activation of PAs in pUECs was mainly regulated by estrogen. These regulation of PAs activation may be associated with uterine remodeling during pre-ovulatory phase in pigs, however, further studies are needed to investigate precise regulatory mechanism.

Effects of 17β-estradiol, Interleukin-1β, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Activity and mRNA Expression of Plasminogen Activators in Porcine Endometrial Cells

This study aimed to investigate changes in the activity and mRNA expression of plasminogen activators (PAs) induced by 17β-estradiol (E₂), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in porcine endometrial cells. Endometrial cells were isolated from the epithelium and cultured to 80% confluence. They were then treated for 24 h with E₂ (0.2, 2, 20, and 200 ng/mL), IL-1β (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL), and hCG (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 IU/mL). mRNA expressions of urokinase-type (uPA) and tissue-type (tPA) PAs were analyzed using reverse transcription PCR, and activities were measured using a PA activity assay. mRNA expressions of uPA and tPA increased with E₂ treatment; however, this was not significant. Similarly, treatment with hCG did not influence the mRNA expressions of PAs. Interestingly, treatment with 0.1 ng/mL IL-1β significantly reduced the mRNA expression of uPA, but did not affect that of tPA. Treatment with 2, 20, and 200 ng/mL E₂ increased PA activity compared with the control group; treatment with 0.1 and 1 ng/mL IL-1β significantly increased PA activity compared with the other IL-1β treatment groups, whereas treatment with 10 and 100 ng/mL IL-1β decreased. Treatment with 2 IU/mL hCG increased PA activity compared with the other treatment groups, although there were no significant differences between the hCG and control groups. In conclusion, the activity and mRNA expression of PAs were differently regulated by the hormone/cytokine and its concentration in porcine endometrial cells. Therefore, understanding PA regulatory mechanisms may help to improve the reproductive potential of domestic animals.

Isoniazid metabolism and hepatotoxicity

Isoniazid (INH) is highly effective for the management of tuberculosis. However, it can cause liver injury and even liver failure. INH metabolism has been thought to be associated with INH-induced liver injury. This review summarized the metabolic pathways of INH and discussed their associations with INH-induced liver injury.

Effects of plasmin on sperm-oocyte interactions during in vitro fertilization in the pig

The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of plasmin on sperm viability and sperm-oocyte interaction during in vitro fertilization in the pig. Porcine sperm, which were washed in Dulbecco's PBS were re-suspended and incubated in fertilization medium (mTBM; modified Tris-buffered medium) containing 0, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 or 100.0ng/mL of plasmin. Sperm viability was not affected by plasmin treatment. Addition of plasmin in doses ranging from 0.1 to 100.0ng/mL for 2, 4 or 6h to washed boar sperm resulted in enhancement of acrosome reaction (AR) compared with untreated cells. The concentration of 0.1ng/mL plasmin (95+/-18 sperm/oocyte) had no effect on sperm binding, whereas 1.0ng/mL (123+/-21 sperm/oocyte), 10.0ng/mL (124+/-16 sperm/oocyte) and 100.0ng/mL (124+/-15 sperm/oocyte) of plasmin increased sperm binding compared with the control (83+/-15 sperm/oocyte). The zona pellucida solubility (zona dissolution time) was less in medium with 1.0ng/mL (123+/-24s), 10.0ng/mL (99+/-15s) or 100.0ng/mL (95+/-19s) plasmin compared with control (176+/-27s). When pig oocytes and sperm were co-incubated in various concentrations of plasmin for 6h, the penetration rate was greater in medium with 1.0ng/mL plasmin (77.5+/-3.1%) compared with the control. However, there were no differences in the polyspermic rates and mean number of sperm (MNS)/oocyte between the groups treated with plasmin and control. These results suggest that plasmin might play a role in events related to fertilization.

Effect of plasmin on movement characteristics of ejaculated bull spermatozoa

Proteolytic enzymes appear to have an essential role in multiple phases of mammalian fertilization. Several observations suggest that the plasminogen activator/plasmin system might also play a role in mammalian fertilization. Movement characteristics of bovine sperm incubated with different concentrations of plasmin were investigated using a computer-assisted automated semen analysis system. Sperm were incubated up to 4h in a modified Tyrode's medium (control) and 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mU/ml of plasmin. The percentage motile sperm was significantly higher at 0 h for sperm incubated in 1, 10, and 100 mU of plasmin. Relative to sperm incubated in control medium, lateral head displacement (ALH), curvilinear velocity, beat cross frequency, path velocity and straight line velocity (VSL) of sperm treated with 100 mU of plasmin for 0 h were increased. After 2h of incubation, sperm treated with 100 mU of plasmin showed an increase in ALH, but a decrease in VSL, straightness and linearity. The effect of plasmin on most motility parameters appears to be direct since all these parameters were affected at 0 h of incubation. Our results support the notion of hyperactivation of bovine spermatozoa following incubation with different concentrations of plasmin. The present work provides additional information to further characterize motility movement of bovine sperm associated with final preparation for fertilization.

Induction of the acrosome reaction in bull spermatozoa with plasmin

Proteolytic enzymes appear to have an essential role in multiple phases of mammalian fertilization. Plasmin, the active enzyme of the plasminogen activation system that stimulates fibrinolysis and proteolysis has a less well-documented role in reproduction. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of the active protease, plasmin, on the ability of bovine sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction. Aliquots of freshly ejaculated bull sperm were incubated in capacitating conditions with 10 microg ml-1 of heparin for 4 h. Every 2 h an aliquot of spermatozoa was exposed to lysophosphatidylcholine (100 microg ml-1) or 0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mU of plasmin to induce the acrosome reaction in capacitated spermatozoa. Plasmin increased the percentage of live acrosome reacted sperm after 4 h of incubation in the capacitation medium. Viability was not affected by any of the treatments. This study provides new information on bovine acrosome reaction during in vitro incubation with plasmin and indicates that this protease may participate in the proteolytic events that accompany fertilization.

Blood coagulation factor X (FX) in human seminal plasma

The active form of human blood coagulation factor X (FXa, EC 3.4.21.6) showing N-alpha-Benzoyl-L-isoleucyl-L-glutamyl-L-glycyl-L-arginine- p-nitroanilide (S-2222) hydrolyzing activity was first detected in human semen (seminal plasma) by affinity chromatography using anti-human coagulation factor X, and this enzyme activity was inhibited by anti-human FX. This enzyme has been associated with the human coagulation factor X (FX) in human semen (seminal plasma) by Western blot analysis, and the molecular mass of mature FX was also estimated to be 59 KDa by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis.

Localization of a proteolytic enzyme within the efferent and deferent duct epithelial cells of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) using immunohistochemistry

Turkey seminal plasma contains a serine protease found to be distinct from the spermatozoal acrosin. However, the origin and biological roles of this enzyme are unknown. Our experimental objective was to identify the cellular source of this protease within the male reproductive tract. The enzyme was isolated from seminal plasma using benzamidine-Sepharose 6B chromatography. A synthetic substrate, Nalpha-benzoyl-DL-arginine p-nitroanilide, was used to detect fractions containing the enzyme. The affinity chromatography technique yielded a 150-fold increase in amidase activity. Analysis of the protease by SDS-PAGE revealed two protein bands with relative molecular masses of 37 000 and 61 000. Proteolytic activity was detected within the smaller band as evidenced by casein digestion. Further analysis of the purified protein revealed that the smaller protein band was glycosylated. To determine the cellular source of the protease, a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies was then developed against the purified protease, and used in immunohistochemistry. Frozen tissue sections from the liver, testis, epididymal region, and deferent duct were fixed in 4% (w/v) paraformaldehyde, permeabilized with 0.2% (v/v) (octylphenoxy)polyethoxyethanol followed by routine immunohistochemistry procedures. Monoclonal antibodies did not bind to tissue sections from either the liver or testis, or to blood plasma proteins. Both the distal portion of the efferent duct and the deferent duct were immunoreactive. We concluded that the protease found in turkey seminal plasma is concentrated to the distal efferent duct and the deferent duct epithelial cells.

Identification and localization of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 within the porcine oviduct

The porcine oviduct synthesizes de novo and secretes a number of proteins into culture medium, many of which are unidentified. The objectives of the present study were to 1) semipurify and identify a M(r) 45 000 secreted protein of the oviduct, 2) examine its synthesis within the three functional segments (infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus), and 3) evaluate its distribution throughout the oviduct. Oviductal tissue was collected during early pregnancy, divided into functional segments, and subsequently cultured. Medium was collected, and the M(r) 45 000 protein was concentrated by gel-filtration chromatography. The semipurified protein was transferred onto a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane and subjected to N-terminal amino acid analysis. The 26-amino acid sequence was 96% identical to that of pig plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1. Analysis by 1-dimensional SDS-PAGE and fluorography of rabbit anti-human PAI-1-immunoprecipitated product confirmed PAI-1. Subsequent 2-dimensional SDS-PAGE and fluorographic analyses of media revealed greater PAI-1 synthesis by the isthmus than by the ampulla or infundibulum. PAI-1 was immunolocalized throughout the oviduct and was heavily concentrated in the apical region of epithelial cells. Immunogold electron microscopy localized PAI-1 within putative secretory granules in the epithelial apical region and also associated with cilia in the isthmus. Isthmic PAI expression suggests a crucial role in protecting the preimplantation embryo from proteolytic degradation as well as in regulation of extracellular matrix turnover and remodeling.

Proteases with plasminogen activator activity in hamster oviduct

At present the physiological role of most oviductal proteins remains unknown. In this work, we present evidence that the oviductal secretion as well as the crude oviductal tissue-extract show proteolytic-like esterase and amidase activity. The proteolytic activity of the oviductal enzymes was higher in the oviducts of superovulated hamster females than in those of normal ones, indicating that gonadotrophic hormones would stimulate the synthesis and secretion of these enzymes. Some of their properties were analyzed in the 15,600-g supernatant of both oviductal tissue extracts (OE) and oviductal fluid (OF). The enzymatic activity toward the synthetic substrates p-tosyl-l-arginine methyl ester-HCl (TAME) and alpha-N-benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide HCl (BAPNA) was activated by calcium ions, reached a maximum at pH 7.5, and was inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), N-alpha-p-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone HCl (TLCK), phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), and benzamidine. The OE glycoprotein fraction recognized by WGA-Sepharose affinity columns (37% total proteins) showed proteolytic activity with properties similar to the OE and OF enzymes. The protease activity could be ascribed to a plasminogen activator (PA) detected in the Triton X-100 treated tissue crude membrane fraction (Triton-CMF) and in the oviductal secretion of the superovulated females. In the Triton-CMF fraction, 100% of the proteolytic activity was plasminogen-dependent. The use of amiloride, a selective urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) inhibitor, shows that 90% of this activity was due to a tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and 10% to uPA whereas in the uterus 100% of the activity was tPA. Only a small percentage of the OF proteolytic activity was plasminogen-dependent, probably due to the presence of PA inhibitors in this medium.

Amidolytic activities and prostate-specific antigen in human seminal plasma

The amounts of protein measured by absorbance at 280 nm, succinyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L-prolyl-L-leucine-p-nitroanilide (Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-pNA), D-valyl-cyclohexyl-alanyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide (Val-CHA-Arg-pNA), and glutamyl-L-phenylalanine-p-nitroanilide (Glu-Phe-pNA) amidolytic activities, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were measured in human seminal plasma (HSP) samples separated from the semen of 46 cases, including 13 cases of azoospermia and 33 cases of normozoospermia showing either good or poor quality of liquefaction. There was a highly significant correlation between the concentrations of all amidolytic enzyme activities studied and the concentration of PSA in HSP samples (p<.01). The HSP sample volume showed a relatively good negative coefficient of correlation to all items measured (p<.01) with the exception of protein concentration. The Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-pNA, Val-CHA-Arg-pNA, and Glu-Phe-pNA amidolytic activities in azoospermia HSP samples were 2.33. 1.68, and 1.43 times higher, respectively, than those of normozoospermia samples showing good quality liquefaction. After the addition of morphologically purified human sperm to HSP sample of azoospermia cases, the Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-pNA amidolytic activity in the HSP sample of azoospermia was not decreased for up to 18 h incubation, while the number of motile human sperm gradually declined, and no motile human sperm were detected after 18 h of incubation. The high Suc-Ala-AlaPro-Leu-pNA amidolytic activity in HSP samples of azoospermia cases did not result from a lack of motility.

Prostatic kallikrein hK2, but not prostate-specific antigen (hK3), activates single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator

Our work was undertaken to compare the relative efficiency of 2 purified prostatic kallikreins, namely, hK2 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA or hK3), in the activation of single-chain urokinase (scuPA). We found that hK2 converts scuPA into an active enzyme with an efficiency equal to approximately 1/50 that of plasmin. During the activation of scuPA by hK2, two fragments of 33 and 22 kDa were generated. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the 33 kDa fragment showed that hK2 cleaved scuPA between Lys158 and Ile159. In contrast to a previous report by another group, our purified hK3 preparation containing no trypsin-like contaminants was totally unable to activate scuPA. Our results show that kallikrein hK2 has plasmin-like activity and suggest that it could be the initiator of a proteolytic cascade leading to prostatic cancer invasion.

Fibrinogen-like substance and thrombin-like enzyme in seminal plasma: coagulation system of human semen

This investigation was conducted to examine the presence of fibrinogen-like substance and thrombin-like enzyme in human semen (human seminal plasma) after liquefaction. The human seminal plasma contained small amounts of respective substances which are absorbed on anti-fibrinogen and anti-thrombin III affinity columns, respectively. The thrombin-like enzyme with Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA amidolytic activity was inhibited by human seminal plasma trypsin-like enzyme inhibitor (HSP-TI) and antithrombin III. The fibrinogen-like substance reacted with the thrombin-like enzyme, forming a fibrin-like substance. It would appear that certain aspects of the coagulation process in human semen constitute the same process as the final stage of the blood coagulation system.

Human seminal plasma proteinase inhibitor: action toward some trypsin-like arginine amidases from humans

Human seminal plasma trypsin-like proteinase inhibitor (HSTPI) was separated and examined by trypsin Cellulofine affinity adsorption and Cellulofine GCL-300 gel filtration and its inhibitory action toward some arginine amidases obtained from the urine, semen, and blood of humans. HSTPI showed strong inhibitory action toward two types of human seminal plasma basic arginine amidases (BHSAA-L and -A), human seminal plasma acidic arginine amidase with affinity to lima bean trypsin inhibitor (LBTI) column (AHSAA-L), and human acrosin and thrombin. Conversely, no or little inhibition was observed toward human urinary arginine amidase-2, human high molecular weight urokinase, or human seminal plasma acidic arginine amidase with affinity to aprotinin column (AHSAA-A, tissue kallikrein). Measurement of Ki values of BHSAA-L with affinity to LBTI column toward HSTPI and LBTI revealed that the arginine amidase had a stronger affinity for LBTI than that for HSTPI. This indicates that it is the difference in Ki values that allows BHSAA-L to be separated by the LBTI affinity adsorption method from human seminal plasma containing a large amount of HSTPI.