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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.
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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
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2
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Sokouti Nasimi F, Zahri S, Ahmadian S, Bagherzadeh A, Nazdikbin Yamchi N, Haghighi L, Bedate AM, Khalilzadeh B, Rahbarghazi R, Mahdipour M. Estradiol modulated differentiation and dynamic growth of CD90 + spermatogonial stem cells toward Sertoli-like cells. Life Sci 2021; 286:120041. [PMID: 34637796 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mouse CD90+ SSCs were enriched using the MACS technique and incubated with different doses of estradiol, ranging from 0.01 ng/mL to 500 μg/mL, for 7 days. The viability of SSCs was determined using an MTT assay. The combined effects of estradiol plus Sertoli cell differentiation medium on the orientation of SSCs toward Sertoli-like cells were also assessed. Using immunofluorescence imaging, we monitored protein levels of Oct3/4 after being exposed to estradiol. In addition, protein levels of testosterone, TF, and ABP were measured using ELISA. The expression of Sertoli cell-specific genes such as SOX9, GATA4, FSHR, TF, and ESR-1 and -2 was monitored using real-time PCR assay, and the effects of 14-day injection of estradiol on sperm parameters and Oct3/4 positive progenitor cells in a model of mouse were determined. Data showed that estradiol increased the viability of mouse SSCs in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control (p < 0.05). Along with these changes, cells displayed morphological changes and reduced Oct3/4 transcription factor levels compared to the control SSCs. 7-day incubation of SSCs with estradiol led to the up-regulation of SOX9, GATA4, FSHR, TF, and ESR-1 and -2, and levels of testosterone, TF, and ABP were increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The in-vivo examination noted that estradiol reduced sperm parameters coincided with morphological abnormalities (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed pathological changes in seminiferous tubules and reduction of testicular Oct3/4+ progenitor cells. In conclusion, estradiol treatment probably can induce Sertoli cell differentiation of SSCs while exogenous administration leads to testicular progenitor cell depletion and infertility in long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sokouti Nasimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saber Zahri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Bagherzadeh
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Leila Haghighi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alberto Miranda Bedate
- Department of Immune Mechanisms (IMM), Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines (IIV), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Balal Khalilzadeh
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahdipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Oestrogen regulates SOX9 bioavailability by rapidly activating ERK1/2 and stabilising microtubules in a human testis-derived cell line. Exp Cell Res 2020; 398:112405. [PMID: 33271127 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear SOX9 is essential for Sertoli cell differentiation and the development of a testis. Exposure of Sertoli cells to exogenous oestrogen causes cytoplasmic retention of SOX9, inhibiting testis development and promoting ovarian development. The cytoplasmic localisation of SOX9 requires a stabilised microtubule network and a key MAPK complex, ERK1/2, is responsive to oestrogen and known to affect the microtubule network. We hypothesised that oestrogen could stabilise microtubules through the activation of ERK1/2 to promote the cytoplasmic retention of SOX9. Treatment of human testis-derived NT2/D1 cells for 30 min with oestrogen rapidly activated ERK1/2, stabilised the microtubule network and increased cytoplasmic localisation of SOX9. The effects of oestrogen on SOX9 and tubulin were blocked by the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126, demonstrating that ERK1/2 mediates the stabilisation of microtubules and cytoplasmic retention of SOX9 by oestrogen. Together, these data revealed a previously unknown mechanism for oestrogen in impacting MAPK signalling to block SOX9 bioavailability and the differentiation of Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deidre M Mattiske
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Pal S, Verma R, Kumar J, Haldar C. Photoperiod modulates oestrogen status, insulin interposed glucose uptake and connexin-43 in testes of golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1548874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sriparna Pal
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rakesh Verma
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Chandana Haldar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Kumar A, Dumasia K, Deshpande S, Raut S, Balasinor NH. Delineating the regulation of estrogen and androgen receptor expression by sex steroids during rat spermatogenesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 182:127-136. [PMID: 29709634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERα and β) and androgen receptor (AR) regulate various critical processes during spermatogenesis. Since spermatogenesis is very sensitive to hormonal stimuli and perturbations, it is important to understand the regulation of expression of these receptors by sex steroid hormones. Although many studies have reported deregulation of steroid receptors on endocrine disruption, there is no consensus on the regulation of their expression by steroid hormones during spermatogenesis, and a lack of clear understanding of the mechanism of regulation. Here, we evaluated the receptor expressions in a well-established exogenous estradiol administration model. We then investigated the mechanisms by which the individual receptors regulate their expression by binding to the respective hormone response elements upstream of these receptor genes. By further employing in vitro and in vivo models of ER and AR stimulation or antagonism, we delineated their regulation in a receptor subtype-specific manner. Our results indicate that ERα positively regulates expression of both the ERs; whereas, ERβ and AR negatively regulate expression of both ERβ and AR by direct binding to upstream regulatory regions. The perturbations in the levels of steroid receptors could be an important factor contributing to spermatogenic defects and male sub-fertility after estradiol and ER agonist treatment. Our study delineates the direct contribution of the individual steroid receptors in the regulation of their own expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kumar
- Neuroendocrinology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Kushaan Dumasia
- Neuroendocrinology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Sharvari Deshpande
- Neuroendocrinology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Sanketa Raut
- Neuroendocrinology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - N H Balasinor
- Neuroendocrinology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Mattawanon N, Spencer JB, Schirmer DA, Tangpricha V. Fertility preservation options in transgender people: A review. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2018; 19:231-242. [PMID: 30219984 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-018-9462-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gender affirming procedures adversely affect the reproductive potential of transgender people. Thus, fertility preservation options should be discussed with all transpeople before medical and surgical transition. In transwomen, semen cryopreservation is typically straightforward and widely available at fertility centers. The optimal number of vials frozen depends on their reproductive goals and treatment options, therefore a consultation with a fertility specialist is optimal. Experimental techniques including spermatogonium stem cells (SSC) and testicular tissue preservation are technologies currently under development in prepubertal individuals but are not yet clinically available. In transmen, embryo and/or oocyte cryopreservation is currently the best option for fertility preservation. Embryo cryopreservation requires fertilization of the transman's oocytes with a donor or partner's sperm prior to cryopreservation, but this limits his future options for fertilizing the eggs with another partner or donor. Oocyte cryopreservation offers transmen the opportunity to preserve their fertility without committing to a male partner or sperm donor at the time of cryopreservation. Both techniques however require at least a two-week treatment course, egg retrieval under sedation and considerable cost. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is a promising experimental method that may be performed at the same time as gender affirming surgery but is offered in only a limited amount of centers worldwide. In select places, this method may be considered for prepubertal children, adolescents, and adults when ovarian stimulation is not possible. Novel methods such as in-vitro activation of primordial follicles, in vitro maturation of immature oocytes and artificial gametes are under development and may hold promise for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natnita Mattawanon
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David A Schirmer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vin Tangpricha
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
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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.
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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
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Verderame M, Scudiero R, Limatola E. Exploring the Role of Estrogens in Lizard Spermatogenesis through the Study of Clomiphene and FSH Effects. Int J Endocrinol 2017; 2017:4760638. [PMID: 29463981 PMCID: PMC5804365 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4760638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a fascinating biological process aiming to generate haploid spermatozoa from diploid spermatogonia through a specific hormonal network between gonadotropins and steroids. Increasing evidence suggests that the primary female sex hormone estrogen plays an active role in this process. This research points out on the role of estrogen during lizard spermatogenesis by using three experimental approaches: (1) exposure to an analogue of nonsteroidal estrogen as Clomiphene citrate that acts both as estrogen agonist and antagonist; (2) exposure to the gonadotropin FSH; and (3) exposures to FSH followed by Clomiphene. Histological and immunohistochemical results demonstrate that in the lizard Podarcis sicula during the mating period, Clomiphene as well as FSH determines the breakdown of spermatogenesis and the epididymal regression, presumably through estrogens input as indirectly demonstrated by the appearance of ERα and vitellogenin in the liver. The ability of Clomiphene to restore the gonadal natural condition after FSH treatment is also demonstrated. Finally, data indicate that lizard testis and epididymis control their morphophysiology regulating the intracellular presence of ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Ermelinda Limatola
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
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9
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Magri ML, Gottardo MF, Zárate S, Eijo G, Ferraris J, Jaita G, Ayala MM, Candolfi M, Pisera D, Seilicovich A. Opposite effects of dihydrotestosterone and estradiol on apoptosis in the anterior pituitary gland from male rats. Endocrine 2016; 51:506-16. [PMID: 26296379 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0719-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hormones locally synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland are involved in regulation of pituitary cell renewal. In the pituitary, testosterone (T) may exert its actions per se or by conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or 17β-estradiol (E2) by 5α-reductase and aromatase activity, which are expressed in this gland. Previous reports from our laboratory showed that estrogens modulate apoptosis of lactotropes and somatotropes from female rats. Now, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of gonadal steroids on apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells from adult male rats. T in vitro did not modify apoptosis in anterior pituitary cells from gonadectomized (GNX) male rats. DHT, a non-aromatizable androgen, exerted direct antiapoptotic action on total anterior pituitary cells and folliculo-stellate cells, but not on lactotropes, somatotropes, or gonadotropes. On the contrary, E2 exerted a rapid apoptotic effect on total cells as well as on lactotropes and somatotropes. Incubation of anterior pituitary cells with T in presence of Finasteride, an inhibitor of 5α-reductase, increased the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells. In vivo administration of DHT to GNX rats reduced apoptosis in the anterior pituitary whereas E2 exerted proapoptotic action and reduced cells in G2/M-phase of the cell cycle. In summary, our results indicate that DHT and E2 have opposite effects on apoptosis in the anterior pituitary gland suggesting that local metabolization of T to these steroids could be involved in pituitary cell turnover in males. Changes in expression and/or activity of 5α-reductase and aromatase may play a role in the development of anterior pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Magri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Gottardo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe Eijo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimena Ferraris
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Jaita
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela Moreno Ayala
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianela Candolfi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Pisera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Seilicovich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Dumasia K, Kumar A, Kadam L, Balasinor NH. Effect of estrogen receptor-subtype-specific ligands on fertility in adult male rats. J Endocrinol 2015; 225:169-80. [PMID: 25869617 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of normal male fertility relies on the process of spermatogenesis which is under complex endocrine control by mechanisms involving gonadotropin and steroid hormones. Although testosterone is the primary sex steroid in males, estrogen is locally produced in the testis and plays a very crucial role in male fertility. This is evident from presence of both the estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) in the testis and their absence, as in the case of knockout mice models, leads to sterility. The present study was undertaken to understand individual roles of the two ERs in spermatogenesis and their direct contribution towards the maintenance of male fertility using receptor-subtype-specific ligands. Administration of ERα and β agonists to adult male rats for 60 days results in a significant decrease in fertility, mainly due to an increase in pre- and post-implantation loss and a concomitant decrease in litter size and sperm counts. Our results indicate that ERα is mainly involved in negative feedback regulation of gonadotropin hormones, whereas both ERs are involved in regulation of prolactin and testosterone production. Histological examinations of the testis reveal that ERβ could be involved in the process of spermiation since many failed spermatids were observed in stages IX-XI following ERβ agonist treatment. Our results indicate that overactivation of estrogen signaling through either of its receptors can have detrimental effects on the fertility parameters and that the two ERs have both overlapping and distinct roles in maintenance of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushaan Dumasia
- Department of Neuroendocrinology National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Anita Kumar
- Department of Neuroendocrinology National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Leena Kadam
- Department of Neuroendocrinology National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - N H Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
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11
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Upadhyay RD, Kumar AV, Sonawane S, Gaonkar R, Balasinor NH. Estrogen Effects on Actin Cytoskeletal and Endocytic Proteins Associated With Tubulobulbar Complex Disruption in Rat Testes. Reprod Sci 2013; 20:1162-74. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719113477491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul D. Upadhyay
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Anita V. Kumar
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Shobha Sonawane
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Reshma Gaonkar
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Nafisa H. Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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12
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Bharti S, Misro MM, Rai U. Clomiphene citrate potentiates the adverse effects of estrogen on rat testis and down-regulates the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes. Fertil Steril 2012; 99:140-148.e5. [PMID: 22999797 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the antiestrogenic effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) in male rats estrogenized with estradiol-3-benzoate (EB). DESIGN Prospective experimental study. SETTING Laboratory. ANIMALS Adult male albino rats (Holtzman strain). INTERVENTION(S) CC was given alone or in combination with EB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Testicular function and steroidogenic enzyme gene expression were evaluated in control versus treated groups. RESULT(S) EB after 30 days of treatment induced a rise in TUNEL-positive germ cells adversely affecting spermatogenesis with complete absence of elongated spermatids or sperms. CC alone had only a moderate effect. In contrast, CC+EB synergistically inflicted more adverse effects as apoptotic germ cells per tubule rose further. Significant down-regulation in expression of testicular steroidogenic enzyme genes StAR, p450scc, 3β-HSD, and p450c17 was observed. In the EB-alone group, aromatase gene expression in the testis was up-regulated but reversed in brain and liver tissues. CC alone had little modulatory effect on aromatase expression. On the other hand, CC+EB countered the EB-induced rise of aromatase expression in the testis. CONCLUSION(S) The above findings indicate that CC in the presence of estrogen synergistically potentiates more adverse effects in testis, inhibiting expression of upstream steroidogenic enzyme genes and leading to disruption of steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bharti
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi, India; Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - M M Misro
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi, India.
| | - Umesh Rai
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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13
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Kaushik MC, Misro MM, Sehgal N, Nandan D. Testosterone administration to adult rats differentially modulates androgen and oestrogen receptor-α expression in reproductive organs and pituitary. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:312-22. [PMID: 21729141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and oestrogen receptor α (ERα) expression has direct bearing on the physiology of male reproductive organs. With the help of three independent tools of immunohistochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR, AR and ER α receptor expression was examined in the testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle and pituitary of adult rats following testosterone enanthate (TE, 3 mg/100 μl of olive oil/rat per week) intervention for 15 and 30 days. TE administration reduced AR immunoexpression which coincided well with the decline in the receptor protein and transcript levels. In contrast, ERα was found overexpressed in all the organs. While weights of testis and epididymis decreased significantly, those of prostate, seminal vesicle and pituitary demonstrated an upward trend. Spermatogenesis was adversely affected with decline in number of germ cells per tubule and increased prevalence of germ cell apoptosis. Increase in serum and decrease in intra-testicular levels of testosterone were found significant (P < 0.001) in both 15 and 30 days treatment groups. Serum follicle stimulating hormone declined significantly (P < 0.001) at the end of 30 days treatment. Taken together, the above findings indicate that the testosterone intervention differentially modulates, AR ERα expression, which is associated with hypospermatogenesis and increased germ cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Kaushik
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi, India
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Kirkpatrick ME, Clark AS. Androgen inhibition of sexual receptivity is modulated by estrogen. Physiol Behav 2010; 102:361-6. [PMID: 21130793 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sexual receptivity induced in ovariectomized rats by the long-term administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) can be inhibited by concurrent administration of androgens. Experiment 1 examined the role of time course and dose of androgens in the inhibition of estrogen-induced sexual receptivity. Ovariectomized rats were treated with EB (2.0 microg per rat per day) for 6 days and tested for sexual receptivity (Test Day I). EB treatment continued for 15 days concomitant with daily administration of one of three doses of dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP; 7.5, 0.75, 0.075 mg/kg) or 3α-androstanediol (3α-Adiol; 3.75, 1.0, 0.375 mg/kg). Four tests for sexual receptivity were conducted on days 3, 6, 14, and 15 of the androgen/vehicle treatment period (Test Days II-V). On Day 15 (Test Day V), the rats received progesterone (1.0 mg per rat) 4 h before testing. Using the same experimental design, Experiment 2 examined the effect of increasing the dose of estrogen on the androgenic inhibition of sexual receptivity. Ovariectomized rats were treated with one of two doses of EB (2.0 or 10.0 microg per rat per day) concomitant with daily administration of DHTP (7.5 mg/kg) or 3α-Adiol (3.75 mg/kg). In Experiment 1, the highest doses of both DHTP and 3α-Adiol significantly inhibited estrogen-induced sexual receptivity. Data from Experiment 2 indicate that the inhibitory effects of DHTP but not 3α-Adiol can be moderated by an increased dose of EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Psychology, Wheaton College, Box 18, 26 E. Main Street, Norton, MA 02766, USA.
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