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Huang B, Li F, You D, Deng L, Xu T, Lai S, Ai Y, Huang J, Zhou Y, Ge L, Zeng X, Xu Z, Zhu L. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infects the reproductive system of male piglets and impairs development of the blood-testis barrier. Virulence 2024; 15:2384564. [PMID: 39072452 PMCID: PMC11290757 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2384564] [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] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes a highly contagious disease that threatens the global swine industry. Recent studies have focused on the damage that PRRSV causes to the reproductive system of male pigs, although pathological research is lacking. Therefore, we examined the pathogenic mechanisms in male piglets infected with PRRSV. Gross and histopathological changes indicated that PRRSV affected the entire reproductive system, as confirmed via immunohistochemical analysis. PRRSV infected Sertoli cells and spermatogonia. To test the new hypothesis that PRRSV infection in piglets impairs blood - testis barrier (BTB) development, we investigated the pathology of PRRSV damage in the BTB. PRRSV infection significantly decreased the quantity and proliferative capacity of Sertoli cells constituting the BTB. Zonula occludens-1 and β-catenin were downregulated in cell - cell junctions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that several crucial genes and signalling pathways involved in the growth and development of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and tight junctions in the testes were downregulated. Apoptosis, necroptosis, inflammatory, and oxidative stress-related pathways were activated, whereas hormone secretion-related pathways were inhibited. Many Sertoli cells and spermatogonia underwent apoptosis during early differentiation. Infected piglets exhibited disrupted androgen secretion, leading to significantly reduced testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels. A cytokine storm occurred, notably upregulating cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Markers of oxidative-stress damage (i.e. H2O2, malondialdehyde, and glutathione) were upregulated, whereas antioxidant-enzyme activities (i.e. superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase) were downregulated. Our results demonstrated that PRRSV infected multiple organs in the male reproductive system, which impaired growth in the BTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzhou Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fengqin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong You
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lishuang Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyuan Lai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanru Ai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianbo Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuancheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, China
- Livestock and Poultry Biological Products Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangpeng Ge
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu Zeng
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiwen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Lu Y, Ma W, Tang H, Wu X, Yang X, Sun F. 4-methylimidazole exposure impairs sperm mobility by reducing the expression of blood-testis barrier junction protein in mouse testes. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100928. [PMID: 39083984 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100928] [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] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
4-methylimidazole (4-MI), a derivative of imidazole, is a widely used component in caramel-colored food products such as soy sauce, beer and other soft drinks. The present study is aimed to investigate the effects of 4-MI on the male reproduction. The results revealed that 8 weeks of 4-MI exposure did not significantly alter the body weight and testicular weight of male mice. However, testicular morphology and computer-assisted sperm analysis showed that exposed to 4-MI caused irregular arrangement of spermatogenic cells in the testes and weakened sperm motility. Consistently, we observed the decreased fertilization ability in vivo of 4-MI-treated male mice. We further demonstrated that 4-MI disrupted the blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity by decreasing the protein expression of BTB-related junction with permeability assay and western blot. In addition, the apoptosis of Sertoli cells (TM4) occurred in 4-MI treated mice, which might be caused by the generation of oxidative stress. Collectively, our findings document that 4-MI exposure damages the sperm mobility via disruption of BTB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Hanyu Tang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiwen Yang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
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Jia ZC, Liu SJ, Chen TF, Shi ZZ, Li XL, Gao ZW, Zhang Q, Zhong CF. Chlorogenic acid can improve spermatogenic dysfunction in rats with varicocele by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by oxidative mitochondrial DNA and cGAS/STING pathway. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107571. [PMID: 38936048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107571] [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] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, Varicocele (VC) has been recognized as a common cause of male infertility that can be treated by surgery or drugs. How to reduce the damage of VC to testicular spermatogenic function has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Among them, overexpressed ROS and high levels of inflammation may play a key role in VC-induced testicular damage. As the key mediated innate immune pathways, cGAS-STING shaft under pathological conditions, such as in cell and tissue damage stress can be cytoplasmic DNA activation, induce the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle, triggering downstream of the inflammatory cascade reaction. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), as a natural compound from a wide range of sources, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and is a potential effective drug for the treatment of varicocele infertility. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of CGA in the spermatogenic dysfunction of the rat testis induced by VC and the potential mechanisms. The results of this study have shown that CGA gavage treatment ameliorated the pathological damage of seminiferous tubules, increased the number of sperm in the lumen, and increased the expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1, which indicated the therapeutic effect of CGA on spermatogenic dysfunction in the testis of VC rats. Meanwhile, the damage of mitochondrial structure was alleviated and the expression levels of ROS, NLRP3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18) were significantly reduced in the testicular tissues of model rats after CGA treatment. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time the high expression status of cGAS and STING in testicular tissues of VC model rats, and this was ameliorated to varying degrees after CGA treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that CGA can improve the spermatogenic function of the testis by reducing mitochondrial damage and inhibiting the activation of the cGAS-STING axis, inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and improving the inflammatory damage of the testis, highlighting the potential of CGA as a therapeutic agent for varicocele infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Chao Jia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Sheng-Jing Liu
- Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Teng-Fei Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Zhuo-Zhuo Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Zhao-Wang Gao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China.
| | - Chong-Fu Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, Jinan 250000, China.
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Abdel Hafez SMN, Saber EA, Aziz NM, Aleem MMAE, Mohamed MS, Abdelhafez EMN, Ibrahim RA. Possible protective effects of vanillin against stress-induced seminiferous tubule injury via modulation of Nrf2 and ZO1. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03355-6. [PMID: 39186188 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Around 20% of the human population is distressed. Previous studies have looked into the relationship between restraint immobilization stress (IS) and sexual behavior in male rats. The current study aimed to provide a brief explanation of the mechanisms that generated testicular injury with chronic IS and an attempt to evaluate the mechanisms and effects of vanillin as a novel protective agent. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into six groups: control, vanillin-treated, chronic 2-h IS, 2-h stressed-vanillin-treated, chronic 6-h IS, and 6-h stressed-vanillin treated. The rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical study. The testes were processed for biochemical and histological study, as well as histological Johnsen score. The results showed that prolonged IS increased both corticosterone and TNF-α levels as well as decreased testosterone, luteinizing hormone, catalase, and Nrf2 levels. This effect was more pronounced after 6 h of IS compared to 2 h. It also induced various testicular injuries with weak ZO-1 and CD34 immunoreactions. On the contrary, vanillin improved all mentioned biochemical and histological alternations induced by stress. Additionally, computational molecular docking analyses were conducted on the compound vanillin within the active site of Zona Occludens-1 (PDB ID: 2JWE). The results demonstrated remarkable docking scores and binding affinity, corroborating its potential protective efficacy. It could be concluded that vanillin is a promising treatment alternative for protecting testicular tissue from the harmful effects of IS via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Entesar Ali Saber
- Department of Medical Sciences (Histology and Cell Biology), Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Neven Makram Aziz
- Department of Medical Sciences (Physiology), Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Randa Ahmed Ibrahim
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Soto-Heras S, Reinacher L, Wang B, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Park CJ, Hess RA, Ko CJ. Cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in the dog: unresolved questions and challenges in translating insights from human studies†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:269-291. [PMID: 38738783 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae075] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, and testicular cancer show a strong correlation in both dogs and humans. Yet, long-standing medical debates persist about whether the location of undescended testes directly causes testicular cancer in humans or if both conditions stem from a common origin. Although testicular cancer is a prevalent disease in dogs, even less is known about its cause and correlation with testicular descent in this species. This review investigates the relation between these two disorders in dogs, drawing insights from human studies, and examines key biomarkers identified thus far. In addition, it explores potential causal links, including the impact of temperature on maturing testicular cells and a potential shared genetic origin. Notably, this literature review reveals significant differences between men and dogs in reproductive development, histological and molecular features of testicular tumors, and the prevalence of specific tumor types, such as Sertoli cell tumors in cryptorchid dogs and germ cell tumors in humans. These disparities caution against using dogs as models for human testicular cancer research and underscore the limitations when drawing comparisons between species. The paper concludes by suggesting specific research initiatives to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto-Heras
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Lindsey Reinacher
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Bensen Wang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Ji Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - CheMyong Jay Ko
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Wang Z, Zhu J, Zhang D, Lv J, Wu L, Liu Z. The significant mechanism and treatments of cell death in heatstroke. Apoptosis 2024; 29:967-980. [PMID: 38886312 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01979-w] [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] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
With global warming, extreme environmental heat is becoming a social issue of concern, which can cause adverse health results including heatstroke (HS). Severe heat stress is characterized by cell death of direct heat damage, excessive inflammatory responses, and coagulation disorders that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) and even death. However, the significant pathophysiological mechanism and treatment of HS are still not fully clear. Various modes of cell death, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis and PANoptosis are involved in MODS induced by heatstroke. In this review, we summarized molecular mechanism, key transcriptional regulation as for HSF1, NRF2, NF-κB and PARP-1, and potential therapies of cell death resulting in CNS, liver, intestine, reproductive system and kidney injury induced by heat stress. Understanding the mechanism of cell death provides new targets to protect multi-organ function in HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Wang
- Department of Metabolic Surgery, Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Pediatric, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Dingshun Zhang
- Department of Medicine Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Jinke Lv
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangping Wu
- Department of Metabolic Surgery, Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510010, China.
| | - Zhifeng Liu
- Department of Medicine Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, 510010, China.
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IIDA M, ASANO A. Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on spermatogenesis-related gene expression in mouse testis and testis-derived cell lines. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:555-562. [PMID: 38556323 PMCID: PMC11144540 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0042] [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] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin released into the gastrointestinal tract after food ingestion, and stimulates insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreatic islets. Incretins have recently been reported to have extrapancreatic actions, and they are anticipated to have potential efficacy for conditions such as male infertility as well as diabetes. However, the effects of incretins on male reproductive function remain unclear. In this study, GLP-1 receptor expression and the effects of GLP-1 on spermatogenesis-associated genes were investigated using mouse testes and testis-derived cultured cell lines. Glp1r mRNA and GLP-1 protein were expressed in mouse testes at levels comparable to or greater than those in positive control adipose tissue, and the liver and intestine, and also in a Sertoli cell line (TM4) and a Leydig cell line (MA-10) as well as the GC-1 spg and GC-2 spd (ts) germ cell lines. TM4 cells treated with the GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide showed transiently and significantly upregulated Kitl, Pdgfa, and Glp1r mRNA expression. Furthermore, at 1 hr post-exenatide administration to male mice, Kitl and Glp1r mRNA expression levels were significantly increased, and Pdgfa mRNA expression level also showed a tendency toward increase. TM4 cells were treated with various cell-activating agents, and bucladesine elicited significantly increased Glp1r mRNA expression. We suggest that GLP-1 provides acute stimulation of Sertoli cells in the mouse testis and has a stimulatory effect on the expression of spermatogenesis-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi IIDA
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
- Safety Assessment Department, Kumamoto Laboratories, Mediford Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi ASANO
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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Hsieh KL, Sun TB, Huang KH, Lin CH, Tang LY, Liu CL, Chao CM, Chang CP. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning normalizes scrotal temperature, sperm quality, testicular structure, and erectile function in adult male rats subjected to exertional heat injury. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112175. [PMID: 38341020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112175] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Testicular hyperthermia has been noted in men who work in high ambient temperatures. Scrotal temperatures above the normal range caused germ cell loss in the testes and resulted in male subfertility. In adult male rats, exercising at a higher environmental temperature (36 °C with relative humidity of 50%, 52 min) caused exertional heat stroke (EHS) characterized by scrotal hyperthermia, impaired sperm quality, dysmorphology in testes, prostates and bladders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we aim to ascertain whether hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP: 100% O2 at 2.0 atm absolute [ATA] for 2 h daily for 14 days consequently before the onset of EHS) is able to prevent the problem of EHS-induced sterility, testes, prostates, and bladders dysmorphology and erectile dysfunction. At the end of exertional heat stress compared to normobaric air (NBA or non-HBOP) rats, the HBOP rats exhibited lower body core temperature (40 °C vs. 43 °C), lower scrotal temperature (34 °C vs. 36 °C), lower neurological severity scores (2.8 vs. 5.8), higher erectile ability, (5984 mmHg-sec vs. 3788 mmHg-sec), higher plasma testosterone (6.8 ng/mL vs. 3.5 ng/mL), lower plasma follicle stimulating hormone (196.3 mIU/mL vs. 513.8 mIU/mL), lower plasma luteinizing hormone (131 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L), lower plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (5136 pg/mL vs. 6129 pg/mL), lower plasma corticosterone (0.56 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL), lower sperm loss and lower values of histopathological scores for epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bladder. Our data suggest that HBOP reduces body core and scrotal hyperthermia and improves sperm loss, testis/prostate/bladder dysmorphology, and erectile dysfunction after EHS in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Bor Sun
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hua Huang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Yu Tang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Liang Liu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Ping Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Berry CW, Fuller MT. Functional septate junctions between cyst cells are required for survival of transit amplifying male germ cells expressing Bag of marbles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.587826. [PMID: 38617328 PMCID: PMC11014526 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
In adult stem cell lineages, the cellular microenvironment plays essential roles to ensure the proper balance of self-renewal, differentiation and regulated elimination of differentiating cells. Although regulated death of progenitor cells undergoing proliferation or early differentiation is a feature of many tissues, mechanisms that initiate this pruning remain unexplored, particularly in the male germline, where up to 30% of the germline is eliminated before the meiotic divisions. We conducted a targeted screen to identify functional regulators required in somatic support cells for survival or differentiation at early steps in the male germ line stem cell lineage. Cell type-specific knockdown in cyst cells uncovered novel roles of genes in germline stem cell differentiation, including a previously unappreciated role of the Septate Junction (SJ) in preventing cell death of differentiating germline progenitors. Loss of the SJ in the somatic cyst cells resulted in elimination of transit-amplifying spermatogonia by the 8-cell stage. Germ cell death was spared in males mutant for the differentiation factor bam indicating that intact barriers surrounding transit amplifying progenitors are required to ensure germline survival once differentiation has initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron W. Berry
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Margaret T. Fuller
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
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Chen N, Wan X, Wang M, Li Y, Wang X, Zeng L, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Cheng S, Shen Y. Cross-talk between Vimentin and autophagy regulates blood-testis barrier disruption induced by cadmium. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123625. [PMID: 38401636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) plays a vital role in mammalian spermatogenesis by separating the seminiferous epithelium into an adluminal and a basal compartment. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that is widely present in the environment. We observed that Cd can induce BTB disruption, leading to apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to BTB injury induced by Cd have not yet been fully clarified. Vimentin (Vim) is an important desmosome-like junction protein that mediates robust adhesion in the BTB. In this study, we investigated how Vim responds to Cd. We found that Cd treatment led to a significant decrease in Vim expression, accompanied by a marked increase in LC3-II expression and a higer number of autophagosomes. Interestingly, we also observed that Cd-induced autophagy was associated with decreased Vim activity and enhanced apoptosis of testicular cells. To further investigate the role of autophagy in Vim regulation under Cd exposure, we treated cells with an autophagy inhibitor called 3-MA. We found that 3-MA treatment enhanced Vim expression and improved the disruption of the BTB under Cd exposure. Additionally, the inhibition of Vim confirmed the role of autophagy in modulating Vim expression. These results reveal a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of Cd involving the interplay between a heavy metal and a protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510620, PR China
| | - Mei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Woman's Health Care, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Yichang Central People's Hospital, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Medical Genetics Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Jinzhao Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Yanwei Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Shun Cheng
- College of Zhixing, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430011, PR China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China.
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Chen J, Xia Y, Ben Y, Lu X, Dou K, Ding Y, Han X, Yang F, Wang J, Li D. Embryonic exposure to aluminum chloride blocks the onset of spermatogenesis through disturbing the dynamics of testicular tight junctions via upregulating Slc25a5 in offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170128. [PMID: 38242464 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Studies have revealed neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive toxicity in mice exposed to aluminum. However, relatively few studies have been conducted to clarify the mechanism underlying the impact of embryonic exposure to aluminum on the development of the male reproductive system in offspring. Pregnant mice were administered aluminum chloride (AlCl3) by gavage from day 12.5 of gestation until birth. Our findings demonstrated that embryonic exposure to AlCl3 disrupted testicular development and spermatogenesis by impairing testicular architecture, reducing sperm count, and upregulating the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein between Sertoli cells (SCs). Further in vitro studies revealed that treatment with AlCl3 stabilized TJ proteins Occludin and ZO-1 expression by inhibiting ERK signaling pathway activation, thereby upregulating Slc25a5 expression which induced ATP production leading to disruption of cytoskeletal protein homeostasis. Therefore, the study provided a new mechanistic insight into how AlCl3 exposure interfered with testicular development and spermatogenesis while suggesting that Slc25a5 might be a target affected by AlCl3 influencing cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yunhui Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yu Ben
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Xinyan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Kou Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yibing Ding
- Translational Medicine Core Facilities, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Industrial College of biomedicine and health industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Industrial College of biomedicine and health industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China; Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Medical and Health Key Discipline Construction Project, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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12
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Visnyaiová K, Varga I, Feitscherová C, Pavlíková L, Záhumenský J, Mikušová R. Morphology of the immune cells in the wall of the human uterine tube and their possible impact on reproduction-uterine tube as a possible immune privileged organ. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1325565. [PMID: 38516130 PMCID: PMC10955054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1325565] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The uterine tube, as well as other parts of the upper female reproductive system, is immunologically unique in its requirements for tolerance to allogenic sperm and semi-allogenic embryos, yet responds to an array of sexually transmitted pathogens. To understand this dichotomy, there is a need to understand the functional morphology of immune cells in the wall of the uterine tube. Thus, we reviewed scientific literature regarding immune cells and the human uterine tube by using the scientific databases. The human uterine tube has a diverse population of immunocompetent cells representing both the innate and adaptive immune systems. We describe in detail the possible roles of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (macrophages and dendritic cells), T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, neutrophils and mast cells in association with the reproductive functions of uterine tubes. We are also discussing about the possible "immune privilege" of the uterine tube, as another mechanism to tolerate sperm and embryo without eliciting an inflammatory immune response. In uterine tube is not present an anatomical blood-tissue barrier between antigens and circulation. However, the immune cells of the uterine tube probably represent a type of "immunological barrier," which probably includes the uterine tube among the immunologically privileged organs. Understanding how immune cells in the female reproductive tract play roles in reproduction is essential to understand not only the mechanisms of gamete transport and fertilization as well as embryo transport through the uterine tube, but also in improving results from assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Visnyaiová
- Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Claudia Feitscherová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lada Pavlíková
- Department of Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of Western Bohemia, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jozef Záhumenský
- Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Renáta Mikušová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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13
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Kumar L, Solanki S, Jain A, Botts M, Gupta R, Rajput S, Roti Roti E. MAPKs signaling is obligatory for male reproductive function in a development-specific manner. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1330161. [PMID: 38406668 PMCID: PMC10885697 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1330161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represent widely expressed and evolutionarily conserved proteins crucial for governing signaling pathways and playing essential roles in mammalian male reproductive processes. These proteins facilitate the transmission of signals through phosphorylation cascades, regulating diverse intracellular functions encompassing germ cell development in testis, physiological maturation of spermatozoa within the epididymis, and motility regulation at ejaculation in the female reproductive tract. The conservation of these mechanisms appears prevalent across species, including humans, mice, and, to a limited extent, livestock species such as bovines. In Sertoli cells (SCs), MAPK signaling not only regulates the proliferation of immature SCs but also determines the appropriate number of SCs in the testes at puberty, thereby maintaining male fertility by ensuring the capacity for sperm cell production. In germ cells, MAPKs play a crucial role in dynamically regulating testicular cell-cell junctions, supporting germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Throughout spermatogenesis, MAPK signaling ensures the appropriate Sertoli-to-germ cell ratio by regulating apoptosis, controlling the metabolism of developing germ cells, and facilitating the maturation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. During ejaculation in the female reproductive tract, MAPKs regulate two pivotal events-capacitation and the acrosome reaction essential for maintaining the fertility potential of sperm cells. Any disruptions in MAPK pathway signaling possibly may disturb the testicular microenvironment homeostasis, sperm physiology in the male body before ejaculation and in the female reproductive tract during fertilization, ultimately compromising male fertility. Despite decades of research, the physiological function of MAPK pathways in male reproductive health remains inadequately understood. The current review attempts to combine recent findings to elucidate the impact of MAPK signaling on male fertility and proposes future directions to enhance our understanding of male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumar
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Ashish Jain
- Department of Microbiology, Smt. CHM College, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, India
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Yan Q, Li T, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Wang Q, Yuan L. Caveolin 1 Regulates the Tight Junctions between Sertoli Cells and Promotes the Integrity of Blood-Testis Barrier in Yak via the FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:183. [PMID: 38254351 PMCID: PMC10812639 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaks, a valuable livestock species endemic to China's Tibetan plateau, have a low reproductive rate. Cryptorchidism is believed to be one of the leading causes of infertility in male yaks. In this study, we compared the morphology of the normal testis of the yak with that of the cryptorchidism, and found dysplasia of the seminiferous tubules, impaired tightness of the Sertoli cells, and a disruption of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the cryptorchidism. Previous studies have shown that CAV1 significantly contributes to the regulation of cell tight junctions and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that CAV1 may play a regulatory role in tight junctions and BTB in Yaks Sertoli cells, thereby influencing the development of cryptorchidism. Additional analysis using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting confirmed that CAV1 expression is up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism. CAV1 over-expression plasmids and small RNA interference sequences were then transfected in vitro into yak Sertoli cells. It was furthermore found that CAV1 has a positive regulatory effect on tight junctions and BTB integrity, and that this regulatory effect is achieved through the FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings, the first application of CAV1 to yak cryptorchidism, provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cell tight junctions and BTB. This paper suggests that CAV1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for yak cryptorchidism and may provide insight for future investigations into the occurrence of cryptorchidism, the maintenance of a normal physiological environment for spermatogenesis and male reproductive physiology in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tianan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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15
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Mi X, Chen C, Feng C, Qin Y, Chen ZJ, Yang Y, Zhao S. The Functions and Application Prospects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Reproduction. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:347-355. [PMID: 39005061 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232291010240221104445] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed in multiple systems and mediates a variety of biological activities, such as mitosis, motility, and morphogenesis. A growing number of studies have revealed the expression patterns and functions of HGF in ovarian and testicular physiology from the prenatal to the adult stage. HGF regulates folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis by modulating the functions of theca cells and granulosa cells in the ovary. It also mediates somatic cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, thereby affecting spermatogenesis in males. In addition to its physiological effects on the reproductive system, HGF has shown advantages in preclinical studies over recent years for the treatment of male and female infertility, particularly in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. This review aims to summarize the pleiotropic functions of HGF in the reproductive system and to provide prospects for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Mi
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Caiyi Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring (No.2021RU001), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajuan Yang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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16
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Liu T, Liu G, Xu Y, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Xu Y. Zearalenone Induces Blood-Testis Barrier Damage through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Paraptosis of Sertoli Cells in Goats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:553. [PMID: 38203724 PMCID: PMC10778680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010553] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is present worldwide as a serious contaminant of food and feed and causes male reproductive toxicity. The implication of paraptosis, which is a nonclassical paradigm of cell death, is unclear in ZEA-induced male reproductive disorders. In this study, the toxic effects of ZEA on the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the related mechanisms of paraptosis were detected in goats. ZEA exposure, in vivo, caused a significant decrease in spermatozoon quality, the destruction of seminiferous tubules, and damage to the BTB integrity. Furthermore, ZEA exposure to Sertoli cells (SCs) in vitro showed similar dysfunction in structure and barrier function. Importantly, the formation of massive cytoplasmic vacuoles in ZEA-treated SCs corresponded to the highly swollen and dilative endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and paraptosis inhibition significantly alleviated ZEA-induced SC death and vacuolization, which indicated the important contribution of paraptosis in ZEA-induced BTB damage. Meanwhile, the expression of ER stress marker proteins was increased after ZEA treatment but decreased under the inhibition of paraptosis. The vacuole formation and SC death, induced by ZEA, were remarkably blocked by ER stress inhibition. In conclusion, these results facilitate the exploration of the mechanisms of the SC paraptosis involved in ZEA-induced BTB damage in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (T.L.); (G.L.); (Y.X.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Gengchen Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (T.L.); (G.L.); (Y.X.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yinghuan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (T.L.); (G.L.); (Y.X.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuqi Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China;
| | - Yunxuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (T.L.); (G.L.); (Y.X.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongjie Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (T.L.); (G.L.); (Y.X.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongping Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (T.L.); (G.L.); (Y.X.); (Y.Z.)
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Falvo S, Minucci S, Santillo A, Senese R, Chieffi Baccari G, Venditti M. A short-term high-fat diet alters rat testicular activity and blood-testis barrier integrity through the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1274035. [PMID: 38027181 PMCID: PMC10643185 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1274035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and, in parallel, an ongoing decline in sperm quality and male fertility has been described. Numerous studies demonstrated the intimate association between overweight/obesity and reproductive dysfunction due to a highly intricate network of causes not yet completely understood. This study expands the knowledge on the impact of a short-term high-fat diet (st-HFD) on rat testicular activity, specifically on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, focusing on the involved molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity, and SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs pathways. Methods Ten adult Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five and treated with a standard diet or an HFD for five weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for serum sex hormone assay; one testis was stored at -80ÅãC for western blot analysis, and the other, was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Results Five weeks of HFD results in reduced steroidogenesis, increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and altered spermatogenesis, as highlighted by reduced protein levels ofmeiotic and post-meiotic markers. Further, we evidenced the compromission of the BTB integrity, as revealed by the downregulation of structural proteins (N-Cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) other than the phosphorylation of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). At the molecular level, the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, andbiogenesis), and the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways, were evidenced. Interestingly, no change was observed in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, NF-kB, and IL-6). Conclusions The combined data led us to confirm that overweight is a less severe state than obesity. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could improve the possibility of identifying novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Napoli, Italy
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