1
|
Zhao H, Mou Q, Wang F, Du ZQ, Yang CX. Profile of key metabolites and identification of HMGCS1-DHEA pathway in porcine Sertoli cells treated by Vitamin C. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106580. [PMID: 38997072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106580] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid, AA), as vital micro-nutrient, plays an essential role for male animal reproduction. Previously, we showed that vitamin C reprogrammed the transcriptome and proteome to change phenotypes of porcine immature Sertoli cells (iSCs). Here, we used LC-MS-based non-targeted metabolomics to further investigate the metabolic effects of vitamin C on porcine iSCs. The results identified 43 significantly differential metabolites (DMs) (16 up and 27 down) as induced by vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate sesquimagnesium salt hydrate, AA2P) treatment of porcine iSCs, which were mainly enriched in steroid related and protein related metabolic pathways. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) showed that significantly differential metabolites of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis) and Desmosterol (involved in steroid degradation) were significantly increased, which were partially consistent with metabolomic results. Further integrative analysis of metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics data identified the strong correlation between the key differential metabolite of Dehydroepiandrosterone and 6 differentially expressed genes (DEGs)/proteins (DEPs) (HMGCS1, P4HA1, STON2, LOXL2, EMILIN2 and CCN3). Further experiments validated that HMGCS1 could positively regulate Dehydroepiandrosterone level. These data indicate that vitamin C could modulate the metabolism profile, and HMGCS1-DHEA could be the pathway to mediate effects exerted by vitamin C on porcine iSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Qiao Mou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China.
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chopra P, Tomar AK, Thapliyal A, Ranjan P, Datta SK, Yadav S. Quantitative Proteomics of COVID-19 Recovered Patients Identifies Long-Term Changes in Sperm Proteins Leading to Cellular Stress in Spermatozoa. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2409-2424. [PMID: 38658489 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01560-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Following an initial recovery, COVID-19 survivors struggle with a spectrum of persistent medical complications, including fatigue, breathlessness, weight loss, hair loss, and attention deficits. Additionally, there is growing evidence of adverse effects of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system. This investigation seeks to understand the long-term ramifications on male fertility by examining hormonal profiles, semen parameters, and sperm proteome of recovered COVID-19 patients compared to controls. The serum hormone profiles between the two groups showed minimal variations except for prolactin, cortisol, and testosterone levels. Testosterone levels were slightly lower, while prolactin and cortisol were elevated in COVID-19 cases compared to controls. Though semen parameters exhibited no significant disparities between the COVID-19 and control groups, quantitative proteomics analysis revealed changes in sperm proteins. It identified 190 differentially expressed proteins, of which 161 were upregulated and 29 downregulated in COVID-19 cases. Western blotting analysis validated the differential expression of serpin B4 and calpain 2. Bioinformatics analysis signifies cellular stress in the spermatozoa of COVID-19 recovered patients and thus, SOD and MDA levels in semen were measured. MDA levels were found to be significantly elevated, indicating lipid peroxidation in COVID-19 samples. While the effects of COVID-19 on semen parameters may exhibit a potential for reversal within a short duration, the alterations it inflicts on sperm proteome are persisting consequences on male fertility. This study paves the path for further research and emphasizes the significance of comprehending the complex molecular processes underlying the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parul Chopra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Anil Kumar Tomar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ayushi Thapliyal
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Piyush Ranjan
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sudip Kumar Datta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Savita Yadav
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma J, Sun B, Te LG, Huang X, Zuo X, Han XK, Wang SS. A Dietary Supplement Jinghuosu Ameliorates Reproductive Damage Induced by Tripterygium Glycosides. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:330-338. [PMID: 38212501 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the possible protective effects of Jinghuosu, a dietary supplement (DS), on tripterygium glycosides (TG)-induced reproductive system injury in rats and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS A reproductive damage model was established in rats by feeding of TGs. Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups using a random number table (n=7 in each): control (C) group, model (M) group, DS group and L-carnitine (LC) group. Rats in M, DS and LC groups received 40 mg/kg TGs orally. Starting from the 5th week, after administration of TGs for 4 h every day, rats in DS and LC groups were administered with 2.7 g/kg DS and 0.21 g/kg LC, respectively, for protective treatment over the next 4 weeks. Rats in Group C continued to receive the control treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for histopathological analysis of rat testicular tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Chemiluminescence assay was used to determine the serum testosterone content. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were conducted to analyze the expression of genes and proteins related to the testosterone synthesis pathway and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 antioxidant pathway. RESULTS Oral administration of TGs induced significant increases in the testicular levels of zinc transporter 1 and MDA (P<0.05). On the other hand, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and serum testosterone, serum zinc, testicular zinc, Zrt-, Irt-like protein 1, ALP, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, Cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1, 3 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 T-AOC, GSH-Px, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1 and NAD (P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 levels decreased following TGs exposure (P<0.05). All of these phenotypes were evidently reversed by DS (P<0.05). CONCLUSION DS Jinghuosu protects against TG-induced reproductive system injury in rats, probably by improving zinc homeostasis, enhancing the testosterone synthesis and attenuating oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Institute of Reproductive Health, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Li-Ger Te
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Han
- Xingtai Infertility Specialist Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei Province, 054000, China
| | - Shu-Song Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Institute of Reproductive Health, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China.
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moradi M, Hashemian MA, Fathi M, Peysokhan M, Hashemian AH, Moradi B, Jalili C, Faramarzi A. Utility of vitamin C in ameliorating citalopram-induced testicular toxicity via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23543. [PMID: 37794744 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern that antidepressant drugs impair sexual function and adversely impact spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of vitamin C against citalopram (CTL)-evoked testicular toxicity and spermatogenesis impairment in mice. Mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, CTL, vitamin C 100, vitamin C 200, CTL plus vitamin C 100, and CTL plus vitamin C 200. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 10 mg/kg of CTL for 35 days with or without vitamin C. At the end of the study, body and testes weight, sperm parameters, histopathology of testes, testosterone level, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were evaluated. Our findings revealed that vitamin C restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity. Testosterone levels and testes histopathology were significantly improved in the vitamin C-administrated groups. Furthermore, vitamin C administration markedly alleviated CTL-induced nitro-oxidative damage, enhancing TAC levels, and reducing NO and MDA levels. Whilst CTL therapy induced a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to the control, the administration of vitamin C significantly prevented the apoptotic effects of CTL. Together, vitamin C therapy protects against CTL-induced testicular damage via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis, which provides evidence for vitamin C as a beneficial therapy against antidepressant drug-associated reproductive toxicity and male sub/infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Moradi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arshia Hashemian
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fathi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Peysokhan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hashemian
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bahareh Moradi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cyrus Jalili
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Azita Faramarzi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalfas T, Kaltsas A, Symeonidis EN, Symeonidis A, Zikopoulos A, Moustakli E, Tsiampali C, Tsampoukas G, Palapela N, Zachariou A, Sofikitis N, Dimitriadis F. COVID-19 and Male Infertility: Is There a Role for Antioxidants? Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1483. [PMID: 37627478 PMCID: PMC10451649 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081483] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), jeopardizes male fertility because of the vulnerability of the male reproductive system, especially the testes. This study evaluates the effects of the virus on testicular function and examines the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the damage caused by oxidative stress (OS). A comprehensive PubMed search examined exocrine and endocrine testicular function alteration, the interplay between OS and COVID-19-induced defects, and the potential benefit of antioxidants. Although the virus is rarely directly detectable in sperm and testicular tissue, semen quality and hormonal balance are affected in patients, with some changes persisting throughout a spermatogenesis cycle. Testicular pathology in deceased patients shows defects in spermatogenesis, vascular changes, and inflammation. Acute primary hypogonadism is observed mainly in severely infected cases. Elevated OS and sperm DNA fragmentation markers suggest redox imbalance as a possible mechanism behind the fertility changes. COVID-19 vaccines appear to be safe for male fertility, but the efficacy of antioxidants to improve sperm quality after infection remains unproven due to limited research. Given the limited and inconclusive evidence, careful evaluation of men recovering from COVID-19 seeking fertility improvement is strongly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Asterios Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Efthalia Moustakli
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | | | - Georgios Tsampoukas
- Department of Urology, Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK;
| | - Natalia Palapela
- Medical Faculty, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (A.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
George TE, Okhiai PO, Osonuga IO, Oyesola OA. Protective Effect of Commercial Grade Vitamin C against Alcohol-induced Testicular Damage in Male Wistar Rats. J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:99-105. [PMID: 37547092 PMCID: PMC10404017 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_39_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol consumption has a negative effect on male fertility, but Vitamin C may be able to alleviate this effect. Aims In this study, the protective effect of Vitamin C against alcohol-induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats was evaluated. Settings and Design This study was conducted in a University setting. Following a 14-day acclimatisation period, forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups of five rats. The control group received only food and water, test group B received alcohol only, test group C to E received different doses of Vitamin C, test group F to G received different doses of Vitamin C and alcohol. Materials and Methods After a 21-day treatment period, the testis were harvested and analysed for sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, level of lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes. Statistical Analysis Used All analyses was performed using SPSS (version 16) and Microsoft Excel (2019) using Student's t-test. Results The results showed that in groups administered with alcohol only, there was a decrease in sperm count. Sperm motility, morphology, viability and antioxidant enzyme activity, but increase in the level of lipid peroxidation. In groups treated with Vitamin C and alcohol, there was improvement in the sperm parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity and a decrease and decrease in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, in the histology of the testis, regenerative changes were seen. Conclusion The chronic consumption of alcohol can have a deleterious effect on the testis, but commercial-grade Vitamin C can reverse these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo Emmanuel George
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikeji-Arakiji, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Peter Okhemukhokho Okhiai
- Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakiji, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ifabunmi Oduyemi Osonuga
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikeji-Arakiji, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olusoji Adebusoye Oyesola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikeji-Arakiji, Osun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
M’Kacher R, Colicchio B, Junker S, El Maalouf E, Heidingsfelder L, Plesch A, Dieterlen A, Jeandidier E, Carde P, Voisin P. High Resolution and Automatable Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Using In Situ Telomere and Centromere Hybridization for the Accurate Detection of DNA Damage: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065699. [PMID: 36982772 PMCID: PMC10054499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the event of a radiological or nuclear accident, or when physical dosimetry is not available, the scoring of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes constitutes an essential tool for the estimation of the absorbed dose of the exposed individual and for effective triage. Cytogenetic biodosimetry employs different cytogenetic assays including the scoring of dicentrics, micronuclei, and translocations as well as analyses of induced premature chromosome condensation to define the frequency of chromosome aberrations. However, inherent challenges using these techniques include the considerable time span from sampling to result, the sensitivity and specificity of the various techniques, and the requirement of highly skilled personnel. Thus, techniques that obviate these challenges are needed. The introduction of telomere and centromere (TC) staining have successfully met these challenges and, in addition, greatly improved the efficiency of cytogenetic biodosimetry through the development of automated approaches, thus reducing the need for specialized personnel. Here, we review the role of the various cytogenetic dosimeters and their recent improvements in the management of populations exposed to genotoxic agents such as ionizing radiation. Finally, we discuss the emerging potentials to exploit these techniques in a wider spectrum of medical and biological applications, e.g., in cancer biology to identify prognostic biomarkers for the optimal triage and treatment of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radhia M’Kacher
- Cell Environment DNA Damage R&D, Genopole, 91000 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-160878918
| | - Bruno Colicchio
- IRIMAS, Institut de Recherche en Informatique, Mathématiques, Automatique et Signal, Université de Haute-Alsace, 69093 Mulhouse, France
| | - Steffen Junker
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elie El Maalouf
- Cell Environment DNA Damage R&D, Genopole, 91000 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | | | - Andreas Plesch
- MetaSystems GmbH, Robert-Bosch-Str. 6, D-68804 Altlussheim, Germany
| | - Alain Dieterlen
- IRIMAS, Institut de Recherche en Informatique, Mathématiques, Automatique et Signal, Université de Haute-Alsace, 69093 Mulhouse, France
| | - Eric Jeandidier
- Laboratoire de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier de la Région de Mulhouse Sud-Alsace, 69093 Mulhouse, France
| | - Patrice Carde
- Department of Hematology, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94804 Villejuif, France
| | - Philippe Voisin
- Cell Environment DNA Damage R&D, Genopole, 91000 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen Y, Sun T, Liu K, Yuan P, Liu C. Exploration of the common genetic landscape of COVID-19 and male infertility. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1123913. [PMID: 37020555 PMCID: PMC10067640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1123913] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has spread widely across continents since 2019, causing serious damage to human health. Accumulative research uncovered that SARS-CoV-2 poses a great threat to male fertility, and male infertility (MI) is a common comorbidity for the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore the cross-talk molecular mechanisms between COVID-19 and MI. Materials and methods A total of four transcriptome data regarding COVID-19 and MI were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository, and were divided for two purposes (initial analysis and external validation). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, GO and pathway annotation, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, connectivity ranking, ROC analysis, immune infiltration, and translational and post-translational interaction were performed to gain hub COVID-19-related DEGs (CORGs). Moreover, we recorded medical information of COVID-19 patients with MI and matched healthy controls, and harvested their sperm samples in the university hospital. Expressions of hub CORGs were detected through the qRT-PCR technique. Results We identified 460 overlapped CORGs in both the COVID-19 DEGs and MI DEGs. CORGs were significantly enriched in DNA damage and repair-associated, cell cycle-associated, ubiquitination-associated, and coronavirus-associated signaling. Module assessment of PPI network revealed that enriched GO functions were closely related to cell cycle and DNA metabolism processes. Pharmacologic agent prediction displayed protein-drug interactions of ascorbic acid, biotin, caffeine, and L-cysteine with CORGs. After connectivity ranking and external validation, three hub CORGs (ENTPD6, CIB1, and EIF3B) showed good diagnostic performance (area under the curve > 0.75). Subsequently, three types of immune cells (CD8+ T cells, monocytes, and macrophages M0) were dominantly enriched, and 24 transcription factor-CORGs interactions and 13 miRNA-CORGs interactions were constructed in the network. Finally, qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that there were significant differences in the expression of hub CORGs (CIB1 and EIF3B) between the patient and control groups. Conclusion The present study identified and validated hub CORGs in COVID-19 and MI, and systematically explored molecular interactions and regulatory features in various biological processes. Our data provide new insights into the novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of COVID-19-associated MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinwei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Penghui Yuan, ; Chang Liu,
| | - Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Penghui Yuan, ; Chang Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment? Foods 2022; 11:foods11182884. [PMID: 36141012 PMCID: PMC9498392 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? After two years mastered by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are now witnessing a turnaround. The reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 led to increasing importance of a new disease called post-COVID syndrome. The term post-COVID is used to indicate permanency of symptoms in patients who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Immune, antiviral, antimicrobial therapies, as well as ozone therapy have been used to treat COVID-19 disease. Vaccines have then become available and administered worldwide to prevent the insurgence of the disease. However, the pandemic is not over yet at all given the emergence of new omicron variants. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this view, great interest was found in nutraceutical products, including vitamins (C, D, and E), minerals (zinc), melatonin, probiotics, flavonoids (quercetin), and curcumin. This review summarizes the role of nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.
Collapse
|
10
|
Musazadeh V, Karimi A, Bagheri N, Jafarzadeh J, Sanaei S, Vajdi M, Karimi M, Niazkar HR. The favorable impacts of silibinin polyphenols as adjunctive therapy in reducing the complications of COVID-19: A review of research evidence and underlying mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113593. [PMID: 36027611 PMCID: PMC9393179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The proceeding pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 is the latest global challenge. Like most other infectious diseases, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunctions play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Furthermore, the quest of finding a potential pharmaceutical therapy for preventing and treating COVID-19 is still ongoing. Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans extracted from the milk thistle, has exhibited numerous therapeutic benefits. We reviewed the beneficial effects of silymarin on oxidative stress, inflammation, and the immune system, as primary factors involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. We searched PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases up to April 2022 using the relevant keywords. In summary, the current review indicates that silymarin might exert therapeutic effects against COVID-19 by improving the antioxidant system, attenuating inflammatory response and respiratory distress, and enhancing immune system function. Silymarin can also bind to target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, including main protease, spike glycoprotein, and RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, leading to the inhibition of viral replication. Although multiple lines of evidence suggest the possible promising impacts of silymarin in COVID-19, further clinical trials are encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vali Musazadeh
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arash Karimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Nasim Bagheri
- Department of microbiology Islamic Azad University of medical science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaber Jafarzadeh
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sarvin Sanaei
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Vajdi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mozhde Karimi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty ofMedical Sciences ,Tarbiat Modares University
| | - Hamid Reza Niazkar
- Breast Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sengupta P, Dutta S. N-acetyl cysteine as a potential regulator of SARS-CoV-2-induced male reproductive disruptions. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2022; 27:14. [PMID: 35730047 PMCID: PMC9197722 DOI: 10.1186/s43043-022-00104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has shown its persistent pandemic strength. This viral infectivity, kinetics, and the mechanisms of its actions in human body are still not completely understood. In addition, the infectivity and COVID-19 severity reportedly differ with patient’s gender with men being more susceptible to the disease. Thus, different studies have also suggested the adverse impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive functions, mainly emphasizing on high expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the testes that allows the viral entry into the cells. Main body The N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent therapeutic agent of COVID-19, may be effective in reducing the impairing impacts of this disease on male reproductive functions. NAC acts as mucolytic agent by reducing sulfide bonds in the cross-linked glycoprotein matrix in mucus owing to its free sulfhydryl group. Since NAC also breaks the viral disulfide bonds required for the host cell invasion, it may help to prevent direct SARS-CoV-2 invasion into the testicular cells as well. NAC also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, directly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating the redox state by maintaining the thiol pool being a precursor of cysteine (an essential substrate for glutathione synthesis). Since it is suggested that male reproductive impairment in COVID-19 patient may be caused by secondary immune responses owing to systemic inflammation and OS, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of NAC explained above may attribute in protecting the male reproduction functions from these COVID-19-mediated damages. Conclusion This article explains the mechanisms how NAC treatment for COVID-19 may prevent the infection-mediated disruptions in male reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|