1
|
Rempuia V, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Differential effect of visfatin inhibition on the testicular androgen and estrogen receptors expression in early pubertal mice. Endocrine 2024; 84:1216-1228. [PMID: 38273138 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is now well known that visfatin is expressed in the testis and ovary of various animals. Visfatin is known to regulate gonadal functions such as steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in the ovary and testis of mice. Recently, we have shown that visfatin has an inhibitory role in the infantile mice testis. It has also been shown that visfatin stimulates testicular steroidogenesis in adult rats. However, the role of visfatin during puberty has not been investigated in relation to the above-mentioned process. OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of visfatin inhibition by FK866 from PND25 to PND35 (pre-pubertal to early pubertal) in male Swiss albino mice on steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. METHODS Sixteen mice (25 days old) were divided into two groups, one group was given normal saline and the other group was administered with an inhibitor of visfatin (FK866) at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, western blot analysis and hormonal assay were done. RESULTS Visfatin inhibition resulted in increased estrogen secretion, body weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and proliferation along with increased expression of BCl2, casapse3, ERs and aromatase expression in the mice testis. Visfatin inhibition down-regulated the testicular visfatin expression and also decreased abundance in the adipose tissues. CONCLUSION In conclusion, decreased AR expression and increased ERs expression by FK866, suggest that visfatin might have a stimulatory effect on AR signaling than ERs in the early pubertal stage of mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanlal Rempuia
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muñoz E, Fuentes F, Felmer R, Arias ME, Yeste M. Effects of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species on Male Fertility. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:802-836. [PMID: 38019089 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Significance: In recent decades, male fertility has been severely reduced worldwide. The causes underlying this decline are multifactorial, and include, among others, genetic alterations, changes in the microbiome, and the impact of environmental pollutants. Such factors can dysregulate the physiological levels of reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) in the patient, generating oxidative and nitrosative stress that impairs fertility. Recent Advances: Recent studies have delved into other factors involved in the dysregulation of ROS and RNS levels, such as diet, obesity, persistent infections, environmental pollutants, and gut microbiota, thus leading to new strategies to solve male fertility problems, such as consuming prebiotics to regulate gut flora or treating psychological conditions. Critical Issues: The pathways where ROS or RNS may be involved as modulators are still under investigation. Moreover, the extent to which treatments can rescue male infertility as well as whether they may have side effects remains, in most cases, to be elucidated. For example, it is known that prescription of antioxidants to treat nitrosative stress can alter sperm chromatin condensation, which makes DNA more exposed to ROS and RNS, and may thus affect fertilization and early embryo development. Future Directions: The involvement of extracellular vesicles, which might play a crucial role in cell communication during spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, and the relevance of other factors such as sperm epigenetic signatures should be envisaged in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Muñoz
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Doctoral Program in Sciences, Major in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernanda Fuentes
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Doctoral Program in Sciences, Major in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Matsuyama S, DeFalco T. Steroid hormone signaling: multifaceted support of testicular function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1339385. [PMID: 38250327 PMCID: PMC10796553 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1339385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development and adult physiology are dependent on the action of steroid hormones. In particular, the reproductive system is reliant on hormonal signaling to promote gonadal function and to ensure fertility. Here we will describe hormone receptor functions and their impacts on testicular function, focusing on a specific group of essential hormones: androgens, estrogens, progesterone, cortisol, and aldosterone. In addition to focusing on hormone receptor function and localization within the testis, we will highlight the effects of altered receptor signaling, including the consequences of reduced and excess signaling activity. These hormones act through various cellular pathways and receptor types, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted research approach to understand their critical roles in testicular function. Hormones exhibit intricate interactions with each other, as evidenced, for example, by the antagonistic effects of progesterone on mineralocorticoid receptors and cortisol's impact on androgens. In light of research findings in the field demonstrating an intricate interplay between hormones, a systems biology approach is crucial for a nuanced understanding of this complex hormonal network. This review can serve as a resource for further investigation into hormonal support of male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Matsuyama
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kasimanickam VR, Kasimanickam RK. In Silico Analysis of miRNA-Mediated Genes in the Regulation of Dog Testes Development from Immature to Adult Form. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091520. [PMID: 37174557 PMCID: PMC10177090 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput in-silico techniques help us understand the role of individual proteins, protein-protein interaction, and their biological functions by corroborating experimental data as epitomized biological networks. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the association of miRNA-mediated genes in the regulation of dog testes development from immature to adult form by in-silico analysis. Differentially expressed (DE) canine testis miRNAs between healthy immature (2.2 ± 0.13 months; n = 4) and mature (11 ± 1.0 months; n = 4) dogs were utilized in this investigation. In silico analysis was performed using miRNet, STRING, and ClueGo programs. The determination of mRNA and protein expressions of predicted pivotal genes and their association with miRNA were studied. The results showed protein-protein interaction for the upregulated miRNAs, which revealed 978 enriched biological processes GO terms and 127 KEGG enrichment pathways, and for the down-regulated miRNAs revealed 405 significantly enriched biological processes GO terms and 72 significant KEGG enrichment pathways (False Recovery Rate, p < 0.05). The in-silico analysis of DE-miRNA's associated genes revealed their involvement in the governing of several key biological functions (cell cycle, cell proliferation, growth, maturation, survival, and apoptosis) in the testis as they evolve from immature to adult forms, mediated by several key signaling pathways (ErbB, p53, PI3K-Akt, VEGF and JAK-STAT), cytokines and hormones (estrogen, GnRH, relaxin, thyroid hormone, and prolactin). Elucidation of DE-miRNA predicted genes' specific roles, signal transduction pathways, and mechanisms, by mimics and inhibitors, which could perhaps offer diagnostic and therapeutic targets for infertility, cancer, and birth control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dewaele A, Dujardin E, André M, Albina A, Jammes H, Giton F, Sellem E, Jolivet G, Pailhoux E, Pannetier M. Absence of Testicular Estrogen Leads to Defects in Spermatogenesis and Increased Semen Abnormalities in Male Rabbits. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2070. [PMID: 36360307 PMCID: PMC9690781 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are steroid hormones produced by the aromatization of androgens by the aromatase enzyme, encoded by the CYP19A1 gene. Although generally referred to as "female sex hormones", estrogen is also produced in the adult testes of many mammals, including humans. To better understand the function of estrogens in the male, we used the rabbit model which is an important biomedical model. First, the expression of CYP19A1 transcripts was localized mainly in meiotic germ cells. Thus, testicular estrogen appears to be produced inside the seminiferous tubules. Next, the cells expressing ESR1 and ESR2 were identified, showing that estrogens could exert their function on post-meiotic germ cells in the tubules and play a role during sperm maturation, since ESR1 and ESR2 were detected in the cauda epididymis. Then, CRISPR/Cas9 CYP19A1-/- genetically modified rabbits were analyzed. CYP19A1-/- males showed decreased fertility with lower sperm count associated with hypo-spermatogenesis and lower spermatid number. Germ/sperm cell DNA methylation was unchanged, while sperm parameters were affected as CYP19A1-/- males exhibited reduced sperm motility associated with increased flagellar defects. In conclusion, testicular estrogens could be involved in the spermatocyte-spermatid transition in the testis, and in the acquisition of sperm motility in the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Dewaele
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emilie Dujardin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marjolaine André
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Audrey Albina
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Frank Giton
- APHP, Pôle Biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, 94040 Créteil, France
- INSERM IMRB U955, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Geneviève Jolivet
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pregnancy Achievement by Medical Assisted Reproduction Is Correlated to the G Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 mRNA Abundance in Human Spermatozoa. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12073240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens, specifically 17β-estradiol (E2), play an important role in male health, including male fertility. The G protein-coupled receptor for estrogen 30 (GPR30) is essential for mediating the rapid non-genomic effects of E2 on a variety of testicular cells, including spermatozoa, although its molecular effects remain largely unknown. In this work, we hypothesized that the GPR30 mRNA abundance in spermatozoa could be correlated to sperm quality. Sperm GPR30 mRNA could also be carried into the oocyte, potentially impacting embryo development and the success of a pregnancy. For this study, 81 sperm samples were collected from couples seeking fertility treatment and undergoing medically assisted reproduction treatments (ART), following the World Health Organization guidelines. GPR30 mRNA abundance in spermatozoa was assessed with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The resulting data show that there is no correlation between the abundance of the GPR30 transcript with paternal BMI, age, or sperm quality parameters. Interestingly, we observed that higher levels of GPR30 mRNA abundance in spermatozoa were related to the achievement of biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05) by couples undergoing treatment. These results highlight the role of the sperm’s RNA cargo in offspring development, suggesting that spermatozoa mRNA content can influence ART success.
Collapse
|
7
|
Walczak-Jędrzejowska R, Forma E, Oszukowska E, Bryś M, Marchlewska K, Kula K, Słowikowska-Hilczer J. Expression of G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor ( GPER) in Whole Testicular Tissue and Laser-Capture Microdissected Testicular Compartments of Men with Normal and Aberrant Spermatogenesis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030373. [PMID: 35336747 PMCID: PMC8945034 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Nowadays, there is no doubt that estrogens play an important role in male reproduction, affecting testicular cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and metabolism. It is also widely believed that intratesticular balance of androgens and estrogens is crucial for the testicular development and function and that the increased testicular estrogen production may be associated with spermatogenic failure. There is also growing epidemiological evidence that the exposure of men to endocrine disruptors demonstrating estrogenic activity (xenoestrogens) may lead to impairment of male fertility via interference with estrogen signaling pathways. Besides the two classical nuclear estrogen receptors, the membrane-bound G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) was described in human testicular tissue. However, there are little data on its expression in testes with disturbed spermatogenesis. In this study, we investigated the GPER expression pattern in biopsies of azoospermic men with complete and aberrant spermatogenesis. Our results showed an increased expression of the GPER in testes with impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, they indicate a possible involvement of estrogen signaling through GPER in disturbed function of Sertoli cells—the cells that support spermatogenic process. Abstract In this study, we retrospectively investigated GPER expression in biopsies of azoospermic men with complete (obstructive azoospermia—OA) and aberrant spermatogenesis (nonobstructive azoospermia—NOA). Each biopsy was histologically evaluated with morphometry. The testicular GPER expression was analyzed by the immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR technique in the whole testicular tissue and in seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells after laser-capture microdissection. In laser-microdissected compartments, we also analyzed transcriptional expression of selected Leydig (CYP17A1, HSD17B3, StAR) and Sertoli cell (AMH, SCF, BMP4) function markers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed expression of GPER in the cytoplasm of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Its stronger intensity was observed in Sertoli cells of NOA biopsies. The RT-PCR analysis of the GPER mRNA level unequivocally showed its increased expression in seminiferous tubules (i.e., Sertoli cells), not Leydig cells in NOA biopsies. This increased expression correlated positively with the transcriptional level of AMH—a marker of Sertoli cell immaturity, as well as FSH serum level in NOA but not in the OA group. Our results clearly demonstrate altered GPER expression in testes with primary spermatogenic impairment that might be related to Sertoli cell maturity/function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Walczak-Jędrzejowska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (K.K.); (J.S.-H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-272-53-91
| | - Ewa Forma
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (E.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Elżbieta Oszukowska
- II Clinic of Urology, Medical University of Lodz, Pabianicka Str. 62, 93-513 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Bryś
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (E.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Marchlewska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (K.K.); (J.S.-H.)
| | - Krzysztof Kula
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (K.K.); (J.S.-H.)
| | - Jolanta Słowikowska-Hilczer
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (K.K.); (J.S.-H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharma A, Minhas S, Dhillo WS, Jayasena CN. Male infertility due to testicular disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e442-e459. [PMID: 33295608 PMCID: PMC7823320 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Male infertility is defined as the inability to conceive following 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse. It is the causative factor in 50% of couples and a leading indication for assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Testicular failure is the most common cause of male infertility, yet the least studied to date. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The review is an evidence-based summary of male infertility due to testicular failure with a focus on etiology, clinical assessment, and current management approaches. PubMed-searched articles and relevant clinical guidelines were reviewed in detail. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS/RESULTS Spermatogenesis is under multiple levels of regulation and novel molecular diagnostic tests of sperm function (reactive oxidative species and DNA fragmentation) have since been developed, and albeit currently remain as research tools. Several genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors provoking testicular failure have been elucidated during the last decade; nevertheless, 40% of cases are idiopathic, with novel monogenic genes linked in the etiopathogenesis. Microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors are recently developed therapeutic approaches for men with the most severe form of testicular failure, nonobstructive azoospermia. However, high-quality clinical trials data is currently lacking. CONCLUSIONS Male infertility due to testicular failure has traditionally been viewed as unmodifiable. In the absence of effective pharmacological therapies, delivery of lifestyle advice is a potentially important treatment option. Future research efforts are needed to determine unidentified factors causative in "idiopathic" male infertility and long-term follow-up studies of babies conceived through ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sharma
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Valeri C, Lovaisa MM, Racine C, Edelsztein NY, Riggio M, Giulianelli S, Venara M, Bedecarrás P, Ballerini MG, di Clemente N, Lamb CA, Schteingart HF, Rey RA. Molecular mechanisms underlying AMH elevation in hyperoestrogenic states in males. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15062. [PMID: 32934281 PMCID: PMC7492256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by Sertoli cells of the testes from early fetal life until puberty, when it is downregulated by androgens. In conditions like complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), AMH downregulation does not occur and AMH increases at puberty, due in part to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) effect. However, other conditions like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), characterised by low FSH, also have increased AMH. Because both CAIS and PJS may present as hyperoestrogenic states, we tested the hypothesis that oestradiol (E2) upregulates AMH expression in peripubertal Sertoli cells and explored the molecular mechanisms potentially involved. The results showed that E2 is capable of inducing an upregulation of endogenous AMH and of the AMH promoter activity in the prepubertal Sertoli cell line SMAT1, signalling through ERα binding to a specific ERE sequence present on the hAMH promoter. A modest action was also mediated through the membrane oestrogen receptor GPER. Additionally, the existence of ERα expression in Sertoli cells in patients with CAIS was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The evidence presented here provides biological plausibility to the hypothesis that testicular AMH production increases in clinical conditions in response to elevated oestrogen levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Valeri
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María M Lovaisa
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine (CRSA), 75012, Paris, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, 75013, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris-Diderot Université, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Y Edelsztein
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Riggio
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giulianelli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos, IBIOMAR-CCT (CENPAT-CONICET), U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Marcela Venara
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Bedecarrás
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María G Ballerini
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nathalie di Clemente
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine (CRSA), 75012, Paris, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Caroline A Lamb
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Helena F Schteingart
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang Q, Shen JY, Zhang R, Hong JW, Li Z, Ding Z, Wang HX, Zhang JP, Zhang MR, Xu LC. Effects and mechanisms of pyrethroids on male reproductive system. Toxicology 2020; 438:152460. [PMID: 32278050 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic pyrethroids are used as insecticides in agriculture and a variety of household applications worldwide. Pyrethroids are widely distributed in all environmental compartments and the general populations are exposed to pyrethroids through various routes. Pyrethroids have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which are responsible for the male reproductive impairments. The data confirm pyrethroids cause male reproductive damages. The insecticides exert the toxic effects on male reproductive system through various complex mechanisms including antagonizing androgen receptor (AR), inhibiting steroid synthesis, affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, acting as estrogen receptor (ER) modulators and inducing oxidative stress. The mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity of pyrethroids involve multiple targets and pathways. The review will provide further insight into pyrethroid-induced male reproductive toxicity and mechanisms, which is crucial to preserve male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Yu Shen
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Wei Hong
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Ding
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Heng-Xue Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Peng Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei-Rong Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Chun Xu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guercio G, Saraco N, Costanzo M, Marino R, Ramirez P, Berensztein E, Rivarola MA, Belgorosky A. Estrogens in Human Male Gonadotropin Secretion and Testicular Physiology From Infancy to Late Puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:72. [PMID: 32158430 PMCID: PMC7051936 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several reports in humans as well as transgenic mouse models have shown that estrogens play an important role in male reproduction and fertility. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) are expressed in different male tissues including the brain. The estradiol-binding protein GPER1 also mediates estrogen action in target tissues. In human testes a minimal ERα expression during prepuberty along with a marked pubertal up-regulation in germ cells has been reported. ERβ expression was detected mostly in spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and immature spermatids. In Sertoli cells ERβ expression increases with age. The aromatase enzyme (cP450arom), which converts androgens to estrogens, is widely expressed in human tissues (including gonads and hypothalamus), even during fetal life, suggesting that estrogens are also involved in human fetal physiology. Moreover, cP450arom is expressed in the early postnatal testicular Leydig cells and spermatogonia. Even though the aromatase complex is required for estrogen synthesis, its biological relevance is also related to the regulation of the balance between androgens and estrogens in different tissues. Knockout mouse models of aromatase (ArKO) and estrogen receptors (ERKOα, ERKOβ, and ERKOαβ) provide an important tool to study the effects of estrogens on the male reproductive physiology including the gonadal axis. High basal serum FSH levels were reported in adult aromatase-deficient men, suggesting that estrogens are involved in the negative regulatory gonadotropin feedback. However, normal serum gonadotropin levels were observed in an aromatase-deficient boy, suggesting a maturational pattern role of estrogen in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion. Nevertheless, the role of estrogens in primate testis development and function is controversial and poorly understood. This review addresses the role of estrogens in gonadotropin secretion and testicular physiology in male humans especially during childhood and puberty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Guercio
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Institute Garrahan-CONICET, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora Saraco
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Institute Garrahan-CONICET, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Costanzo
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roxana Marino
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ramirez
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esperanza Berensztein
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Cellular Biology and Histology, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marco A. Rivarola
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Institute Garrahan-CONICET, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Belgorosky
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Institute Garrahan-CONICET, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Alicia Belgorosky
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chevalier N, Hinault C, Clavel S, Paul-Bellon R, Fenichel P. GPER and Testicular Germ Cell Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:600404. [PMID: 33574796 PMCID: PMC7870790 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.600404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), also known as GPR30, is a widely conserved 7-transmembrane-domain protein which has been identified as a novel 17β-estradiol-binding protein that is structurally distinct from the classic oestrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). There are still conflicting data regarding the exact role and the natural ligand of GPER/GPR30 in reproductive tracts as both male and female knock-out mice are fertile and have no abnormalities of reproductive organs. Testicular germ cell cancers (TGCCs) are the most common malignancy in young males and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. Clinical and experimental studies suggested that estrogens participate in the physiological and pathological control of male germ cell proliferation. In human seminoma cell line, while 17β-estradiol (E2) inhibits in vitro cell proliferation through an ERβ-dependent mechanism, an impermeable E2 conjugate (E2 coupled to BSA), in vitro cell proliferation is stimulated by activating ERK1/2 and protein kinase A through a membrane GPCR that we further identified as GPER/GPR30. The same effect was observed with low but environmentally relevant doses of BPA, an estrogenic endocrine disrupting compound. Furthermore, GPER/GPR30 is specifically overexpressed in seminomas but not in non-seminomas and this overexpression is correlated with an ERβ-downregulation. This GPER/GPR30 overexpression could be linked to some genetic variations, as single nucleotide polymorphisms, which was also reported in other hormone-dependent cancers. We will review here the implication of GPER/GPR30 in TGCCs pathophysiology and the arguments to consider GPER/GPR30 as a potential therapeutic target in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Chevalier
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France
- *Correspondence: Nicolas Chevalier, ;
| | - Charlotte Hinault
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fénichel P, Chevalier N. Is Testicular Germ Cell Cancer Estrogen Dependent? The Role of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2981-2989. [PMID: 31617897 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most frequent cancer of the young male, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The pathogenesis and reasons for this increase remain unknown. However, epidemiological and experimental data have suggested that, similar to genital malformations and sperm impairment, it could result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors including fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with estrogenic effects. In this review, we analyze the expression of classic and nonclassic estrogen receptors by TGCC cells, the way they may influence germ cell proliferation induced by EDCs, and discuss how this estrogen dependency supports the developmental and environmental hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Fénichel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Equipe, France
| | - Nicolas Chevalier
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Equipe, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Exposure to Pb and Cd alters MCT4/CD147 expression and MCT4/CD147-dependent lactate transport in mice Sertoli cells cultured in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 56:30-40. [PMID: 30615929 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) provide lactate as an energy substrate to develop germ cells during spermatogenesis. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) can induce SC toxicity. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Pb and Cd alter lactate transport and production by SCs. Mouse SC line (15P-1 cells) were cultured in the absence and presence of lead acetate (PbAc, 1, 10, 20 and 30 μM) or cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 0.5, 5, 10 and 15 μM) for 24 h. The results showed that PbAc exposure significantly decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and mRNA level, intracellular and extracellular lactate, and MCT4 and CD147 protein levels but increased MCT4 and CD147 mRNA levels. However, PbAc did not alter the glucose uptake, glucose transporters 1 (GLUT1) and 3 (GLUT3) mRNA expression of SCs. Thus, PbAc mainly decreased lactate production by inhibiting LDH activity. In CdCl2-treated SCs, intracellular lactate content increased but extracellular lactate content decreased significantly, P < .05. The glucose uptake, LDH activity, and mRNA expression of GLUT1, GLUT3 and LDH, all significantly increased. But the mRNA and protein levels of MCT4 and CD147 significantly decreased. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of co-localizations of the MCT4-CD147 complex dose-dependently decreased in the cell membrane. Thus, CdCl2 may reduce lactate export by suppressing MCT4 and CD147 expression. These results suggest that PbAc and CdCl2 disrupt lactate production and transport in mouse SCs by disturbing glycolysis or inhibiting MCT4-CD147 transporter expression and co-localizations.
Collapse
|
15
|
Biscotti MA, Adolfi MC, Barucca M, Forconi M, Pallavicini A, Gerdol M, Canapa A, Schartl M. A Comparative View on Sex Differentiation and Gametogenesis Genes in Lungfish and Coelacanths. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1430-1444. [PMID: 29850809 PMCID: PMC6007259 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex differentiation and reproduction are the keys to the perpetuation of favorable gene combinations and positively selected traits. In vertebrates, several gonad development features that differentiate tetrapods and fishes are likely to be, at least in part, related to the water-to-land transition. The collection of information from basal sarcopterygians, coelacanths, and lungfishes, is crucial to improve our understanding of the molecular evolution of pathways involved in reproductive functions, since these organisms are generally regarded as “living fossils” and as the direct ancestors of tetrapods. Here, we report for the first time the characterization of >50 genes related to sex differentiation and gametogenesis in Latimeria menadoensis and Protopterus annectens. Although the expression profiles of most genes is consistent with the intermediate position of basal sarcopterygians between actinopterygian fish and tetrapods, their phylogenetic placement and presence/absence patterns often reveal a closer affinity to the tetrapod orthologs. On the other hand, particular genes, for example, the male gonad factor gsdf (Gonadal Soma-Derived Factor), provide examples of ancestral traits shared with actinopterygians, which disappeared in the tetrapod lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Biscotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Marco Barucca
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mariko Forconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Marco Gerdol
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Italy
| | - Adriana Canapa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Wuerzburg, Germany.,Hagler Institute of Advanced Study and Department of Biology,Texa A&M University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:995-1043. [PMID: 28539434 PMCID: PMC6151497 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have historically been associated with female reproduction, but work over the last two decades established that estrogens and their main nuclear receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also regulate male reproductive and nonreproductive organs. 17β-Estradiol (E2) is measureable in blood of men and males of other species, but in rete testis fluids, E2 reaches concentrations normally found only in females and in some species nanomolar concentrations of estrone sulfate are found in semen. Aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in Leydig cells, seminiferous epithelium, and other male organs. Early studies showed E2 binding in numerous male tissues, and ESR1 and ESR2 each show unique distributions and actions in males. Exogenous estrogen treatment produced male reproductive pathologies in laboratory animals and men, especially during development, and studies with transgenic mice with compromised estrogen signaling demonstrated an E2 role in normal male physiology. Efferent ductules and epididymal functions are dependent on estrogen signaling through ESR1, whose loss impaired ion transport and water reabsorption, resulting in abnormal sperm. Loss of ESR1 or aromatase also produces effects on nonreproductive targets such as brain, adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Expression of GPER is extensive in male tracts, suggesting a possible role for E2 signaling through this receptor in male reproduction. Recent evidence also indicates that membrane ESR1 has critical roles in male reproduction. Thus estrogens are important physiological regulators in males, and future studies may reveal additional roles for estrogen signaling in various target tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dostalova P, Zatecka E, Dvorakova-Hortova K. Of Oestrogens and Sperm: A Review of the Roles of Oestrogens and Oestrogen Receptors in Male Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050904. [PMID: 28441342 PMCID: PMC5454817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The crucial role that oestrogens play in male reproduction has been generally accepted; however, the exact mechanism of their action is not entirely clear and there is still much more to be clarified. The oestrogen response is mediated through oestrogen receptors, as well as classical oestrogen receptors’ variants, and their specific co-expression plays a critical role. The importance of oestrogen signalling in male fertility is indicated by the adverse effects of selected oestrogen-like compounds, and their interaction with oestrogen receptors was proven to cause pathologies. The aims of this review are to summarise the current knowledge on oestrogen signalling during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and discuss the available information on oestrogen receptors and their splice variants. An overview is given of species-specific differences including in humans, along with a detailed summary of the methodology outcome, including all the genetically manipulated models available to date. This review provides coherent information on the recently discovered mechanisms of oestrogens’ and oestrogen receptors’ effects and action in both testicular somatic and germ cells, as well as in mature sperm, available for mammals, including humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Dostalova
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Zatecka
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Dvorakova-Hortova
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 12844 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Leavy M, Trottmann M, Liedl B, Reese S, Stief C, Freitag B, Baugh J, Spagnoli G, Kölle S. Effects of Elevated β-Estradiol Levels on the Functional Morphology of the Testis - New Insights. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39931. [PMID: 28045098 PMCID: PMC5206739 DOI: 10.1038/srep39931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated estradiol levels are correlated with male infertility. Causes of hyperestrogenism include diseases of the adrenal cortex, testis or medications affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The aim of our study was to elucidate the effects of estradiol treatment on testicular cellular morphology and function, with reference to the treatment regimen received. Testes samples (n = 9) were obtained post-orchiectomy from male-to-female transsexuals within the age range of 26–52 years. Each patient had a minimum of 1–6 years estradiol treatment. For comparison, additional samples were obtained from microscopically unaltered testicular tissue surrounding tumors (n = 7). The tissues obtained were investigated by stereomicroscopy, histochemistry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemistry. Our studies revealed that estradiol treatment significantly decreased the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (p < 0.05) and induced fatty degeneration in the surrounding connective tissue. An increase in collagen fiber synthesis in the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the seminiferous tubules was also induced. Spermatogenesis was impaired resulting in mainly spermatogonia being present. Sertoli cells revealed diminished expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Both Sertoli and Leydig cells showed morphological alterations and glycoprotein accumulations. These results demonstrate that increased estradiol levels drastically impact the human testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myles Leavy
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthias Trottmann
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Liedl
- Department of Urogenital Surgery, Clinics for Surgery Munich-Bogenhausen, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Stief
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Freitag
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, Germany
| | - John Baugh
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giulio Spagnoli
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Kölle
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lu P, Wang F, Song X, Liu Y, Zhang K, Cao N. Relative abundance of G protein-coupled receptor 30 and localization in testis and epididymis of sheep at different developmental stages. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 175:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
20
|
Siddeek B, Lakhdari N, Inoubli L, Paul-Bellon R, Isnard V, Thibault E, Bongain A, Chevallier D, Repetto E, Trabucchi M, Michiels JF, Yzydorczyk C, Simeoni U, Urtizberea M, Mauduit C, Benahmed M. Developmental epigenetic programming of adult germ cell death disease: Polycomb protein EZH2-miR-101 pathway. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1459-1479. [PMID: 27762633 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The Developmental Origin of Health and Disease refers to the concept that early exposure to toxicants or nutritional imbalances during perinatal life induces changes that enhance the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. Patients/materials & methods: An experimental model with an adult chronic germ cell death phenotype resulting from exposure to a xenoestrogen was used. RESULTS A reciprocal negative feedback loop involving decreased EZH2 protein level and increased miR-101 expression was identified. In vitro and in vivo knockdown of EZH2 induced an apoptotic process in germ cells through increased levels of apoptotic factors (BIM and BAD) and DNA repair alteration via topoisomerase 2B deregulation. The increased miR-101 levels were observed in the animal blood, meaning that miR-101 may be a part of a circulating mark of germ cell death. CONCLUSION miR-101-EZH2 pathway deregulation could represent a novel pathophysiological epigenetic basis for adult germ cell disease with environmental and developmental origins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bénazir Siddeek
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, Nice F-06204, France.,Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France
| | - Nadjem Lakhdari
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, Nice F-06204, France.,Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France
| | - Lilia Inoubli
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, Nice F-06204, France.,Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France
| | - Rachel Paul-Bellon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, Nice F-06204, France.,Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France
| | - Véronique Isnard
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Pôle de Digestif-Obstétrique, Centre de Reproduction, Nice F-06202, France
| | - Emmanuelle Thibault
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Pôle de Biologie, Centre de Reproduction, Nice F-06202, France
| | - André Bongain
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Pôle de Digestif-Obstétrique, Centre de Reproduction, Nice F-06202, France
| | - Daniel Chevallier
- Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Pôle d'Urologie, Service d'Urologie, Nice F-06202, France
| | - Emanuela Repetto
- Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 10, Nice F-06204, France
| | - Michele Trabucchi
- Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 10, Nice F-06204, France
| | - Jean-François Michiels
- Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Pôle de Biologie, Service d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, Nice F-06202, France
| | - Catherine Yzydorczyk
- Division of Paediatrics & DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV & University of Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland
| | - Umberto Simeoni
- Division of Paediatrics & DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV & University of Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland
| | | | - Claire Mauduit
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, Nice F-06204, France.,Université Lyon 1, UFR Médecine Lyon Sud, Lyon F-69921, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hopital Lyon Sud, Laboratoire d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, Pierre-Bénite F-69495, France
| | - Mohamed Benahmed
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, Nice F-06204, France.,Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Médecine, Nice F-06000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Département de Recherche Clinique et d'Innovation, Nice F-06001, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Adibnia E, Razi M, Malekinejad H. Zearalenone and 17 β-estradiol induced damages in male rats reproduction potential; evidence for ERα and ERβ receptors expression and steroidogenesis. Toxicon 2016; 120:133-46. [PMID: 27527272 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The estrogen receptors (ERs)-dependent effects of Zearalenone (ZEA) on structure and function of the testis as well as sperm parameters were compared with 17-β estradiol as endogenous substance. For this purpose, 30 mature male rats were assigned into five groups as; control (appropriate volume of normal saline, i. p.), ZEA-received (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg, b. w., i. p.) and 17 β-estradiol (E2)-received (appropriate dose of 0.1 mg/kg, i. p.). Following 28 days, the mRNA levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in the testis and sperms and the expression of them at protein levels in testicles were estimated. Mitochondrial content of germinal epithelium, Leydig cells steroid foci, sperm quality parameters and serum level of testosterone were assessed. Fluorescent techniques were used for analyzing apoptosis and mRNA damage in necrotic cells. ZEA reduced the mRNA and protein levels of ERα in testicles while up-regulated the ERβ expression. The mRNA level of ERα decreased in sperms of ZEA and E2-received animals. No remarkable changes were found for ERβ expression in sperms from ZEA and E2-received animals. ZEA reduced the Leydig cells steroidogenesis, mitochondrial content of germinal cells and elevated cellular apoptosis and necrosis dose-dependently. E2 reduced the testosterone concentration, enhanced the apoptosis and reduced sperm quality. Our data suggest that ZEA-induced detrimental effects in the structure and function of testis, may attribute to changing the ERs expression at mRNA and translational level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Adibnia
- Department of Comparative Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box: 1177, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Comparative Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box: 1177, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Hassan Malekinejad
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box: 1177, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Differential expression of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor in the normal and cryptorchid testis of a dog. Lab Anim Res 2016; 32:128-32. [PMID: 27382382 PMCID: PMC4931037 DOI: 10.5625/lar.2016.32.2.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Descending of the testes is an important process for spermatogenesis and cryptorchidism is one of the most relevant genital defects in dogs. In a previous study, we observed abnormal morphology and proliferation of Sertoli cells in a cryptorchid testis. In the present study, we investigated the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the normal and cryptorchid testis of a dog. Elective orchidectomy was performed on the dog's abdominal right testis (undescended, cryptorchid) and scrotal left testis (descended, normal). In the normal testis, estrogen receptor α immunoreactivity was detected in Leydig cells alone, while estrogen receptor α immunoreactivity in the cryptorchid testis was significantly prominent in the Sertoli cells as well. In addition, progesterone receptor immunoreactivity in the control testis was detected in the spermatids, but was not detected in the cryptorchid testis. This result suggests that unilateral cryptorchidism causes increases of estrogen receptor α expression in Sertoli cells.
Collapse
|
23
|
Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:10-26. [PMID: 27143445 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together with its main affecting factors.
Collapse
|
24
|
Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Jesus TT, Sá R, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Estrogenic regulation of bicarbonate transporters from SLC4 family in rat Sertoli cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 408:47-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2481-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
25
|
Leska A, Kiezun J, Kaminska B, Dusza L. Estradiol concentration and the expression of estrogen receptors in the testes of the domestic goose (Anser anser f. domestica) during the annual reproductive cycle. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015; 51:96-104. [PMID: 25616248 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal fluctuations in the activity of bird testes are regulated by a complex mechanism where androgens play a key role. Until recently, the role played by estrogens in males has been significantly underestimated. However, there is growing evidence that the proper functioning of the testes is associated with optimal estradiol (E2) concentration in both the plasma and testes of many mammalian species. Estrogens are gradually emerging as very important players in hormonal regulation of reproductive processes in male mammals. Despite the previously mentioned, it should be noted that estrogenic action is limited by the availability of specific receptors--estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). Interestingly, there is a general scarcity of information concerning the estrogen responsive system in the testes of male birds, which is of particular interest in exploring the phenomenon of seasonality of reproduction. To address this question, we have investigated for the first time the simultaneous expression of testicular ERα and ERβ genes and proteins with the accompanying plasma and testicular E2 concentrations during the annual reproductive cycle of male bird. The research model was the domestic goose (Anser anser f. domestica), a species whose annual reproductive cycle can be divided into 3 distinct phases characterized by changes in testicular activity. It has been revealed that the stable plasma E2 profile did not correspond to changing intratesticular E2 profile throughout the experiment. The expression of ERα and ERβ genes and proteins was detected in gander testes and it fluctuated on a seasonal basis with lower level in breeding and sexual reactivation stages and higher level during the nonbreeding stage. Our results demonstrated changes in testicular sensitivity to estrogens in male domestic goose during the annual reproductive cycle. The seasonal pattern of estrogen receptors (ERs) expression was analyzed against the hormonal background and a potential mechanism of ERs regulation in bird testes was proposed. The present study revealed seasonal variations in the estrogen responsive system, but further research is needed to fully explore the role of estrogens in the reproductive tract of male birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Leska
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - J Kiezun
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - B Kaminska
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - L Dusza
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
In the mammalian testis, spermatogenesis is a highly coordinated process of germ cell development, which ends with the release of ‘mature’ spermatozoa. The fine regulation of spermatogenesis is strictly dependent on sex steroid hormones, which orchestrate the cellular and molecular events underlying normal development of germ cells. Sex steroids actions also rely on the control of germ cell survival, and the programmed cell death by apoptosis has been indicated as a critical process in regulating the size and quality of the germ line. Recently, oestrogens have emerged as important regulators of germ cell fate. However, the beneficial or detrimental effects of oestrogens in spermatogenesis are controversial, with independent reports arguing for their role as cell survival factors or as apoptosis-inducers. The dual behaviour of oestrogens, shifting from ‘angels to devils’ is supported by the clinical findings of increased oestrogens levels in serum and intratesticular milieu of idiopathic infertile men. This review aims to discuss the available information concerning the role of oestrogens in the control of germ cell death and summarises the signalling mechanisms driven oestrogen-induced apoptosis. The present data represent a valuable basis for the clinical management of hyperoestrogenism-related infertility and provide a rationale for the use of oestrogen-target therapies in male infertility.
Collapse
|
27
|
Tajiri N, Duncan K, Borlongan MC, Pabon M, Acosta S, de la Pena I, Hernadez-Ontiveros D, Lozano D, Aguirre D, Reyes S, Sanberg PR, Eve DJ, Borlongan CV, Kaneko Y. Adult stem cell transplantation: is gender a factor in stemness? Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15225-43. [PMID: 25170809 PMCID: PMC4200754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy now constitutes an important area of regenerative medicine. The aging of the population has mandated the discovery and development of new and innovative therapeutic modalities to combat devastating disorders such as stroke. Menstrual blood and Sertoli cells represent two sources of viable transplantable cells that are gender-specific, both of which appear to have potential as donor cells for transplantation in stroke. During the subacute phase of stroke, the use of autologous cells offers effective and practical clinical application and is suggestive of the many benefits of using the aforementioned gender-specific cells. For example, in addition to being exceptionally immunosuppressive, testis-derived Sertoli cells secrete many growth and trophic factors and have been shown to aid in the functional recovery of animals transplanted with fetal dopaminergic cells. Correspondingly, menstrual blood cells are easily obtainable and exhibit angiogenic characteristics, proliferative capability, and pluripotency. Of further interest is the ability of menstrual blood cells, following transplantation in stroke models, to migrate to the infarct site, secrete neurotrophic factors, regulate the inflammatory response, and be steered towards neural differentiation. From cell isolation to transplantation, we emphasize in this review paper the practicality and relevance of the experimental and clinical use of gender-specific stem cells, such as Sertoli cells and menstrual blood cells, in the treatment of stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tajiri
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Kelsey Duncan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mia C Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mibel Pabon
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Sandra Acosta
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Ike de la Pena
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Diana Hernadez-Ontiveros
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Diego Lozano
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Daniela Aguirre
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Stephanny Reyes
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Paul R Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA. psanberg@.usf.edu
| | - David J Eve
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Yuji Kaneko
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kaneko Y, Dailey T, Weinbren NL, Rizzi J, Tamboli C, Allickson JG, Kuzmin-Nichols N, Sanberg PR, Eve DJ, Tajiri N, Borlongan CV. The battle of the sexes for stroke therapy: female- versus male-derived stem cells. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2014; 12:405-412. [PMID: 23469849 DOI: 10.2174/1871527311312030013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy is a major discipline of regenerative medicine that has been continually growing over the last two decades. The aging of the population necessitates discovery of therapeutic innovations to combat debilitating disorders, such as stroke. Menstrual blood and Sertoli cells are two gender-specific sources of viable transplantable cells for stroke therapy. The use of autologous cells for the subacute phase of stroke offers practical clinical application. Menstrual blood cells are readily available, display proliferative capacity, pluripotency and angiogenic features, and, following transplantation in stroke models, have the ability to migrate to the infarct site, regulate the inflammatory response, secrete neurotrophic factors, and have the possibility to differentiate into neural lineage. Similarly, the testis-derived Sertoli cells secrete many growth and trophic factors, are highly immunosuppressive, and exert neuroprotective effects in animal models of neurological disorders. We highlight the practicality of experimental and clinical application of menstrual blood cells and Sertoli cells to treat stroke, from cell isolation and cryopreservation to administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kaneko
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Travis Dailey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Nathan L Weinbren
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Jessica Rizzi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Cyrus Tamboli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | | | | | - Paul R Sanberg
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - David J Eve
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Naoki Tajiri
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Martins AD, Correia S, Bernardino RL, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Cavaco JE, Socorro S. Expression pattern of G protein-coupled receptor 30 in human seminiferous tubular cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 201:16-20. [PMID: 24681226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of estrogens in male reproductive physiology has been intensively studied over the last few years. Yet, the involvement of their specific receptors has long been a matter of debate. The selective testicular expression of the classic nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) argues in favor of ER-specific functions in the spermatogenic event. Recently, the existence of a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30) mediating non-genomic effects of estrogens has also been described. However, little is known about the specific testicular expression pattern of GPR30, as well as on its participation in the control of male reproductive function. Herein, by means of immunohistochemical and molecular biology techniques (RT-PCR and Western blot), we aimed to present the first exhaustive evaluation of GPR30 expression in non-neoplastic human testicular cells. Indeed, we were able to demonstrate that GPR30 was expressed in human testicular tissue and that the staining pattern was consistent with its cytoplasmic localization. Additionally, by using cultured human Sertoli cells (SCs) and isolated haploid and diploid germ cells fractions, we confirmed that GPR30 is expressed in SCs and diploid germ cells but not in haploid germ cells. This specific expression pattern suggests a role for GPR30 in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F Oliveira
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana D Martins
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sara Correia
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Raquel L Bernardino
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Silva
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Biomedical Research Multidisciplinary Unit (UMIB-FCT), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal
| | - José E Cavaco
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Beguelini MR, Falleiros LR, Góes RM, Rahal P, Morielle-Versute E, Taboga SR. Differential expression of aromatase, estrogen receptor alpha and 17β-HSD associated with the processes of total testicular regression and recrudescence in the bat Myotis nigricans (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 201:53-64. [PMID: 24726986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the worldwide distribution and many unique reproductive adaptations that bats present, many aspects of their reproductive hormonal regulation have not been adequately studied, especially in species that presented patterns of total testicular regression. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the testicular expression of 17β-HSD type 1, aromatase and ERα in the bat Myotis nigricans, during the four periods of its reproductive cycle. Immunoreactivity for ERα was detected only in the cytoplasm of elongated spermatids and in the nuclei of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Expression of aromatase was observed in round and elongated spermatids and in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Immunoreactivity for 17β-HSD was restricted to the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. The three expression patterns varied significantly during the four periods of the reproductive cycle. Expression of ERα and aromatase in spermatids was continuous, while expression of ERα in spermatogonia occurred only in initial types (Ap). Expression of ERα and aromatase in Sertoli cells varied, with expression only in periods of spermatogenetic activities; and the same variation was observed for the expression of aromatase and 17β-HSD in Leydig cells. We, therefore, propose that the processes of total testicular regression and posterior recrudescence suffered by M. nigricans from September to January in the northwest of the São Paulo State of Brazil, are directly regulated by testosterone and estrogen. This occurs via the production of testosterone by 17β-HSD, its conversion into estrogen by aromatase, and activation/deactivation of Sertoli cells' AR and spermatogonia's ERα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateus R Beguelini
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Luiz R Falleiros
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Rejane M Góes
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Paula Rahal
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Morielle-Versute
- Department of Zoology and Botany, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Expression pattern of estrogen receptors α and β and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in the human testis. Histochem Cell Biol 2014; 142:421-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-014-1216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
32
|
Lin J, Zhu J, Li X, Li S, Lan Z, Ko J, Lei Z. Expression of genomic functional estrogen receptor 1 in mouse sertoli cells. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1411-22. [PMID: 24615934 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114527355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There is no consensus whether Sertoli cells express estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence demonstrated that mouse Sertoli cell lines, TM4, MSC-1, and 15P-1, and purified primary mouse Sertoli cells (PSCs) contained Esr1 messenger RNA and proteins. Incubation of Sertoli cells with 17β-estradiol (E2) or ESR1 agonist stimulated the expression of an estrogen responsive gene Greb1, which was prevented by ESR inhibitor or ESR1 antagonist. Overexpression of Esr1 in MSC-1 enhanced E2-induced Greb1 expression, while knockdown of Esr1 by small interfering RNA in TM4 attenuated the response. Furthermore, E2-induced Greb1 expression was abolished in the PSCs isolated from Amh-Cre/Esr1-floxed mice in which Esr1 in Sertoli cells were selectively deleted. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that E2-induced Greb1 expression in Sertoli cells was mediated by binding of ESR1 to estrogen responsive elements. In summary, ligand-dependent nuclear ESR1 was present in mouse Sertoli cells and mediates a classical genomic action of estrogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jia Zhu
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xian Li
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shengqiang Li
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Zijian Lan
- Division of Life Sciences, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, USA
| | - Jay Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ravi P, Jiang J, Liew WC, Orbán L. Small-scale transcriptomics reveals differences among gonadal stages in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:5. [PMID: 24405829 PMCID: PMC3896769 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) is a protandrous hermaphrodite that typically matures as a male at approximately 2-4 years of age and then changes sex in subsequent years. Although several sexual maturation stages have been described histologically for both testis and ovary, the underlying gene expression profiles remain lacking. The development of a gene expression platform is therefore necessary to improve our understanding of the gonad development of this cultured teleost species. METHODS Thirty Asian seabass gonads were collected from farms in Singapore, examined histologically and staged according to their sex and gonadal maturation status. Partial coding sequences of 24 sex-related genes were cloned using degenerate primers and were sequenced. Additional 13 cDNA sequences were obtained through next-generation sequencing. A real-time qPCR was then performed using the microfluidic-based Fluidigm 48.48 Dynamic arrays. RESULTS We obtained 17 ovaries and 13 testes at various stages of sexual maturation. Of the 37 genes that were tested, 32 (86%) showed sexually dimorphic expression. These genes included sex-related genes, sox9, wt1, amh, nr5a2, dmrt1 and nr0b1, which showed testis-enhanced expression similar to other vertebrate species. Known male- and female-enhanced germ cells markers, which were established from studies in other species, similarly showed testis- and ovary-enhanced expression, respectively, in the Asian seabass. Three pro-Wnt signaling genes were also upregulated in the ovary, consistent with existing studies that suggested the role of Wnt signaling in ovarian differentiation in teleosts and mammals. The expression patterns of genes involved in steroidogenesis, retinoic acid metabolism, apoptosis and NF-κB signaling were also described. We were able to classify gonads according to sex and gonadal maturation stages, based on their small-scale transcriptomic profiles, and to uncover a wide variation in expression profiles among individuals of the same sex. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of a selected set of genes related to reproduction and in sufficient number of individuals using a qPCR array can elucidate new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in Asian seabass gonad development. Given the conservation of gene expression patterns found in this study, these insights may also help us draw parallels with other teleosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Ravi
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Present address: National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Junhui Jiang
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore, 5 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069110, Singapore
| | - Woei Chang Liew
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - László Orbán
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Department of Animal Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, H-8360, Keszthely, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Vija L, Meduri G, Comperat E, Vasiliu V, Izard V, Ferlicot S, Boukari K, Camparo P, Viengchareun S, Constancis E, Dumitrache C, Lombès M, Young J. Expression and characterization of androgen receptor coregulators, SRC-2 and HBO1, during human testis ontogenesis and in androgen signaling deficient patients. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 375:140-8. [PMID: 23707616 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is essential for testicular physiology and spermatogenesis. SRC-2 and HBO1 are two AR coregulators yet their expression and roles in human testis are unknown. For the first time, we studied by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, the expression and distribution of these two coregulators during human testicular ontogenesis, in patients with altered AR signaling (Androgen insensitivity syndrome, AIS) and evaluated the functional impact of SRC-2 and HBO1 on AR signaling in a Sertoli cell context. SRC-2 was present in Sertoli cells at all developmental stages. HBO1 was barely or focally detected in the fetal testis yet its expression, in Sertoli and germ cells, drastically increased postnatally from early infancy to adulthood. In transient co-transfection studies we showed that SRC-2 induced, while HBO1 inhibited AR-mediated transactivation of reporter constructs in murine Sertoli SMAT1 cells. HBO1, but not SRC-2, expression was reduced in testes of patients with AIS compared to normal testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Vija
- Univ Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre F-94276, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Andreassen M, Frystyk J, Faber J, Kristensen LØ, Juul A. Growth hormone (GH) activity is associated with increased serum oestradiol and reduced Anti-Müllerian Hormone in healthy male volunteers treated with GH and a GH antagonist. Andrology 2013; 1:595-601. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00096.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Andreassen
- Department of Internal Medicine; Endocrine Unit; Herlev Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Herlev; Denmark
| | | | - J. Faber
- Department of Internal Medicine; Endocrine Unit; Herlev Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Herlev; Denmark
| | - L. Ø. Kristensen
- Department of Internal Medicine; Endocrine Unit; Herlev Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Herlev; Denmark
| | - A. Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction; Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen; Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Membrane transporters for sulfated steroids in the human testis--cellular localization, expression pattern and functional analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62638. [PMID: 23667501 PMCID: PMC3648580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfated steroid hormones are commonly considered to be biologically inactive metabolites, but may be reactivated by the steroid sulfatase into biologically active free steroids, thereby having regulatory function via nuclear androgen and estrogen receptors which are widespread in the testis. However, a prerequisite for this mode of action would be a carrier-mediated import of the hydrophilic steroid sulfate molecules into specific target cells in reproductive tissues such as the testis. In the present study we detected predominant expression of the Sodium-dependent Organic Anion Transporter (SOAT), the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 6A1, and the Organic Solute Carrier Partner 1 in human testis biopsies. All of these showed significantly lower or even absent mRNA expression in severe disorders of spermatogenesis (arrest at the level of spermatocytes or spermatogonia, Sertoli cell only syndrome). Only SOAT was significantly lower expressed in biopsies showing hypospermatogenesis. By use of immunohistochemistry SOAT was localized to germ cells at various stages in human testis biopsies showing normal spermatogenesis. SOAT immunoreactivity was detected in zygotene primary spermatocytes of stage V, pachytene spermatocytes of all stages (I–V), secondary spermatocytes of stage VI, and round spermatids (step 1 and step 2) in stages I and II. Furthermore, SOAT transport function for steroid sulfates was analyzed with a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry procedure capable of profiling steroid sulfate molecules from cell lysates. With this technique, the cellular inward-directed SOAT transport was verified for the established substrates dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estrone-3-sulfate. Additionally, β-estradiol-3-sulfate and androstenediol-3-sulfate were identified as novel SOAT substrates.
Collapse
|
37
|
Simões VL, Alves MG, Martins AD, Dias TR, Rato L, Socorro S, Oliveira PF. Regulation of apoptotic signaling pathways by 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol in immature rat Sertoli cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 135:15-23. [PMID: 23220551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is an important regulatory event in testicular homeostasis and optimization of sperm production. Sertoli cells (SCs) form the blood-testis barrier creating a special microenvironment where germ cells develop and are under strict hormonal control. Estrogens and androgens are known to play critical roles in SCs functioning, improving their in vitro survival by preventing apoptotic progression. Herein, we studied the influence of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the apoptotic signaling pathways of immature rat cultured SCs. For that we chose key points of the apoptotic pathway that interact with the mitochondria and evaluated the mRNA expression and/or protein levels of several apoptotic markers such as p53, the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member Bax, the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and caspase-3 and 9. Caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation were also evaluated as endpoint markers of apoptosis. E2 and DHT down-regulated the mRNA transcript levels of p53, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3. The protein levels of AIF were reduced after DHT treatment while E2-treated cells presented decreased levels of cleaved caspase-9 protein. Moreover, Bax/Bcl2 ratio was significantly decreased in E2-treated cells. The apoptotic endpoints caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation presented significant decreased levels after hormonal treatment. Taken together, these results show that E2 and DHT act as apoptotic signaling modulators in in vitro immature rat SCs suggesting that androgens and estrogens may be capable of modulating independent pathways of the apoptotic event by regulating different pro-apoptotic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V L Simões
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Alves MG, Rato L, Carvalho RA, Moreira PI, Socorro S, Oliveira PF. Hormonal control of Sertoli cell metabolism regulates spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:777-93. [PMID: 23011766 PMCID: PMC11113727 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal regulation is essential to spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells (SCs) have functions that reach far beyond the physical support of germ cells, as they are responsible for creating the adequate ionic and metabolic environment for germ cell development. Thus, much attention has been given to the metabolic functioning of SCs. During spermatogenesis, germ cells are provided with suitable metabolic substrates, in a set of events mediated by SCs. Multiple signaling cascades regulate SC function and several of these signaling pathways are hormone-dependent and cell-specific. Within the seminiferous tubules, only SCs possess receptors for some hormones rendering them major targets for the hormonal signaling that regulates spermatogenesis. Although the mechanisms by which SCs fulfill their own and germ cells metabolic needs are mostly studied in vitro, SC metabolism is unquestionably a regulation point for germ cell development and the hormonal control of these processes is required for a normal spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco G. Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Rato
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rui A. Carvalho
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology (FCTUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I. Moreira
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hampl R, Kubátová J, Sobotka V, Heráček J. Steroids in semen, their role in spermatogenesis, and the possible impact of endocrine disruptors. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2013; 13:1-5. [DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2013-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe data on hormonal steroids in the human seminal plasma and their role in spermatogenesis are summarized. The seminal steroid levels need not correlate with the blood plasma levels. The recent reports showed that androgen, especially dihydrotestosterone, and the estrogen levels in the seminal fluid may be used as the markers of spermatogenesis impairment. The estradiol concentration in the seminal plasma was higher than in the blood plasma, and its levels were significantly increased in men with impaired spermatogenesis. A good indicator for predicting the normal spermatogenesis, therefore, seems to be the testosterone/estradiol ratio. The seminal plasma also contains significant amounts of cortisol, which influences the androgen biosynthesis through its receptors in the Leydig cells. The local balance between cortisol and inactive cortisone is regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the activity of which may be affected by the environmental chemicals acting as the endocrine disruptors (EDCs). These compounds are believed to participate in worsening the semen quality – the sperm count, motility, and morphology, as witnessed in the recent last decades. As to the steroids’ role in the testis, the EDCs may act as antiandrogens by inhibiting the enzymes of testosterone biosynthesis, as the agonists or antagonists through their interaction with the steroid hormone receptors, or at the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Surprisingly, though the EDCs affect the steroid action in the testis, there is no report of a direct association between the concentrations of steroids and the EDCs in the seminal fluid. Therefore, measuring the steroids in the semen, along with the various EDCs, could help us better understand the role of the EDCs in the male reproduction.
Collapse
|
40
|
Strauss L, Rantakari P, Sjögren K, Salminen A, Lauren E, Kallio J, Damdimopoulou P, Boström M, Boström PJ, Pakarinen P, Zhang F, Kujala P, Ohlsson C, Mäkelä S, Poutanen M. Seminal vesicles and urinary bladder as sites of aromatization of androgens in men, evidenced by a CYP19A1‐driven luciferase reporter mouse and human tissue specimens. FASEB J 2012; 27:1342-50. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-219048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leena Strauss
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Laboratory of Electron MicroscopyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Pia Rantakari
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Klara Sjögren
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchInstitute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Anu Salminen
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Eve Lauren
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jenny Kallio
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Functional Foods ForumUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Minna Boström
- Division of UrologyDepartment of SurgeryTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Peter J. Boström
- Division of UrologyDepartment of SurgeryTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Pirjo Pakarinen
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - FuPing Zhang
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Paula Kujala
- Department of PathologyTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchInstitute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Sari Mäkelä
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Functional Foods ForumUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchInstitute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Metabolic modulation induced by oestradiol and DHT in immature rat Sertoli cells cultured in vitro. Biosci Rep 2012; 32:61-9. [PMID: 21671886 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells actively metabolize glucose that is converted into lactate, which is used by developing germ cells for their energy metabolism. Androgens and oestrogens have general metabolic roles that reach far beyond reproductive processes. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sex hormones on metabolite secretion/consumption in primary cultures of rat Sertoli cells. Sertoli cell-enriched cultures were maintained in a defined medium for 50 h. Glucose and pyruvate consumption, and lactate and alanine secretion were determined, by 1H-NMR (proton NMR) spectra analysis, in the presence or absence of 100 nM E2 (17β-oestradiol) or 100 nM 5α-DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Cells cultured in the absence (control) or presence of E2 consumed the same amount of glucose (29±2 pmol/cell) at similar rates during the 50 h. After 25 h of treatment with DHT, glucose consumption and glucose consumption rate significantly increased. Control and E2-treated cells secreted similar amounts of lactate during the 50 h, while the amount of lactate secreted by DHT-treated cells was significantly lower. Such a decrease was concomitant with a significant decrease in LDH A [LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) chain A] and MCT4 [MCT (monocarboxylate transporter) isoform 4] mRNA levels after 50 h treatment in hormonally treated groups, being more pronounced in DHT-treated groups. Finally, alanine production was significantly increased in E2-treated cells after 25 h treatment, which indicated a lower redox/higher oxidative state for the cells in those conditions. Together, these results support the existence of a relation between sex hormones action and energy metabolism, providing an important assessment of androgens and oestrogens as metabolic modulators in rat Sertoli cells.
Collapse
|
42
|
Oliveira P, Alves M, Rato L, Laurentino S, Silva J, Sá R, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho R, Cavaco J, Socorro S. Effect of insulin deprivation on metabolism and metabolism-associated gene transcript levels of in vitro cultured human Sertoli cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1820:84-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
|
43
|
Lucas TF, Pimenta MT, Pisolato R, Lazari MFM, Porto CS. 17β-estradiol signaling and regulation of Sertoli cell function. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:318-324. [PMID: 22332115 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.4.18903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we will present an overview of estrogen actions in the testis from immature and adult animals, with special emphasis on signaling mechanisms involved in the 17β-estradiol regulation of Sertoli cell function in immature rats. 17β-estradiol activates Sertoli cell proliferation in immature rats by a mechanism that involves the translocation of the estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2 to the plasma membrane, phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1. Activation of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also induces phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 via epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation, which in turn increases expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL2 and decreases the expression of proapoptotic protein BAX, indicating an antiapoptotic role of E2-GPER in immature rat Sertoli cells. In conclusion, ESRs and GPER can mediate rapid 17β-estradiol signaling in Sertoli cells, and modulate transcriptional events important for Sertoli cell function and maintenance of normal testis development and homeostasis. Our findings are important to clarify the role of estrogen in a critical period of testicular development and to direct further studies, which may contribute to better understand the causes of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Fg Lucas
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology; Department of Pharmacology; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Rato L, Silva J, Sá R, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho RA, Cavaco JE, Socorro S. Influence of 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol on human Sertoli cells metabolism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e612-20. [PMID: 21812787 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells metabolize glucose, converting it to lactate that is used by developing germ cells for their energy metabolism. Androgens and oestrogens have metabolic roles that reach far beyond reproductive processes. So, the main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sex steroid hormones on metabolite secretion/consumption in human Sertoli cells. Human Sertoli cell-enriched primary cultures were maintained in a defined medium for 50 h and glucose, pyruvate, lactate and alanine variations were determined using (1) H-NMR spectra analysis, in the absence or presence of 100 nm 17β-estradiol (E(2) ) or 100 nm 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The mRNA expression levels of glucose transporters, lactate dehydrogenase and monocarboxylate transporters were also determined using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Cells cultured in the absence (control) or presence of E(2) consumed the same amounts of glucose at similar rates during the 50 h. During the first 15 h of treatment with DHT, glucose consumption and glucose consumption rate were significantly higher. Nevertheless, DHT-treated cells secreted a significantly lower amount of lactate than control and E(2) -treated cells. Such a decrease was concomitant with a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase A mRNA levels after 50 h treatment in DHT-treated groups. Finally, alanine production was significantly increased in E(2) -treated cells after 25 h treatment, which indicated a lower redox/higher oxidative state for the cells on those conditions. These results support the existence of a relationship between sex steroid hormones action and energy metabolism, providing the first assessment of androgens and oestrogens as metabolic modulators of human Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P F Oliveira
- CICS - UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lee IW, Kuo PH, Su MT, Kuan LC, Hsu CC, Kuo PL. Quantitative trait analysis suggests polymorphisms of estrogen-related genes regulate human sperm concentrations and motility. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1585-96. [PMID: 21429951 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human spermatogenesis is regulated by complex networks, and estrogens are recognized as one of the significant regulators of spermatogenesis. We tested the associations between variants of estrogen-related genes and semen parameters. METHODS We performed genotyping for genetic variants of estrogen-related genes and quantitative trait analysis of fertile and infertile men with well-characterized reproductive phenotypes. Men with known semen parameters (n= 677) were enrolled, including 210 fertile men and 467 infertile men. A total of 17 genetic markers from 10 genes, including 2 estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β), 7 estrogen synthesizing/metabolizing genes (CYP19A1, HSD17B1, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, COMT, GSTM1, GSTT1) and 1 transport gene (SHBG) were genotyped. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were taken as quantitative traits to correlate with genetic variants in the estrogen-related genes. RESULTS Five genes (rs1801132 and rs2228480 of the ER-α gene, rs1256049 and rs4986938 of the ER-β gene, rs605059 of the HSD17B1 gene, rs1799941 of the SHBG gene and rs1048943 and rs4646903 of the CYP1A1 gene) were found to be significantly associated with sperm concentration (P< 0.01), while five genes (rs1801132 of the ER-a gene, rs1256049 of the ER-β gene, rs1048943 of the CYP1A1 gene, rs605059 of the HSD17B1 gene and rs1799941 along with rs6259 of the SHBG gene) were associated with sperm motility (P< 0.01). None of the estrogen-related genes were associated with sperm morphology. With an increasing number of risk alleles, sperm concentration and motility tended to deteriorate and show a loci-dosage effect. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative trait analysis based on a limited number of genetic markers suggests that estrogen-related genes mainly regulate sperm concentration and motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I-Wen Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lopparelli RM, Zancanella V, Giantin M, Ravarotto L, Cozzi G, Montesissa C, Dacasto M. Constitutive expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and related transcription factors in cattle testis and their modulation by illicit steroids. Xenobiotica 2011; 40:670-80. [PMID: 20666625 DOI: 10.3109/00498254.2010.506562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In veterinary species, little information about extrahepatic drug metabolism is actually available. Therefore, the presence of foremost drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and related transcription factors mRNAs was initially investigated in cattle testis; then, their possible modulation following the in vivo exposure to illicit growth promoters (GPs), which represent a major issue in cattle farming, was explored. All target genes were expressed in cattle testis, albeit to a lower extent compared to liver ones; furthermore, illicit protocols containing dexamethasone and 17β-oestradiol significantly up-regulated cytochrome P450 1A1, 2E1, oestrogen receptor-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α mRNA levels. Overall, the constitutive expression of foremost DMEs and related transcription factors was demonstrated for the first time in cattle testis and illicit GPs were shown to affect pre-transcriptionally some of them, with possible consequences upon testicular xenobiotic drug metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Lopparelli
- Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica, Patologia comparata ed Igiene veterinaria, Agripolis Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kaushik MC, Misro MM, Sehgal N, Nandan D. AR versus ER (α) expression in the testis and pituitary following chronic estrogen administration in adult rat. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2010; 56:420-30. [PMID: 20883121 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2010.501891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of the testis-pituitary axis has direct relevance to the expression of androgen and estrogen receptors. Androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ERα) expression during hypospermatogenesis after chronic estrogen administration to rats was studied in the adult testis and pituitary utilizing immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and RT-PCR. Both organs demonstrated higher AR transcriptional activity gradually increasing from 15 days (d) to 30 d of estrogen treatment. However, the AR protein as measured by either immunostaining or western blotting demonstrated a significant decline. A distinct break down of the AR protein in the pituitary into two specific bands was seen. In contrast, higher ERα transcriptional activity coincided well with the rise in protein and immunoexpression in both organs. FSH and testosterone (serum, intra-testicular testosterone) were found significantly (p < 0.001) lowered compared with raised estradiol levels. Spermatogenesis was adversely affected and was associated with a significant increase in cell apoptosis in both organs. The pituitary demonstrated a higher rate of apoptosis at the end of 30 d of estrogen treatment. Taken together, the above data indicate that chronic estrogenization to adult rats up-regulates ERα but down-regulates AR protein expression in testis and pituitary which probably has a direct association to the marked rise in cell apoptosis in these organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh C Kaushik
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|