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Chorley BN, Klinefelter GR, Nelson GM, Strader LF, Nguyen HH, Schladweiler MC, Palmer G, Moore ML, Grindstaff RD, Padgett WT, Carswell GK, Fisher AA, Kodavanti UP, Dye JA, Miller CN. Episodic ozone exposure in Long-Evans rats has limited effects on cauda sperm motility and non-coding RNA populations. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108631. [PMID: 38830453 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108631] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence suggests the potential for air pollutants to induce male reproductive toxicity. In experimental studies, exposure to ozone during sensitive windows in the sperm lifecycle has been associated with impaired sperm motility. Subsequently, we sought to investigate the effects of episodic exposure to ozone during sperm maturation in the rat. Long-Evans rats were exposed to either filtered air or ozone (0.4 or 0.8 ppm) for five non-consecutive days over two weeks. Ozone exposure did not impact male reproductive organ weights or sperm motility ∼24 hours following the final exposure. Furthermore, circulating sex hormones remained unchanged despite increased T3 and T4 in the 0.8 ppm group. While there was indication of altered adrenergic signaling attributable to ozone exposure in the testis, there were minimal impacts on small non-coding RNAs detected in cauda sperm. Only two piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were altered in the mature sperm of ozone-exposed rats (piR-rno-346434 and piR-rno-227431). Data across all rats were next analyzed to identify any non-coding RNAs that may be correlated with reduced sperm motility. A total of 7 microRNAs (miRNAs), 8 RNA fragments, and 1682 piRNAs correlated well with sperm motility. Utilizing our exposure paradigm herein, we were unable to substantiate the relationship between ozone exposure during maturation with sperm motility. However, these approaches served to identify a suite of non-coding RNAs that were associated with sperm motility in rats. With additional investigation, these RNAs may prove to have functional roles in the acquisition of motility or be unique biomarkers for male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian N Chorley
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Gary R Klinefelter
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Gail M Nelson
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Lillian F Strader
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Helen H Nguyen
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Mette C Schladweiler
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Grant Palmer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Makala L Moore
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Rachel D Grindstaff
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - William T Padgett
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Gleta K Carswell
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Anna A Fisher
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Urmila P Kodavanti
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Janice A Dye
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Colette N Miller
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
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Nazanin M, Razi M, Tolouei-Azar J. Effect of running exercise training on inflammatory mediators and cytokines expression in testicular tissue; effect of exercise intensity. Life Sci 2024; 339:122397. [PMID: 38185243 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122397] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of running exercise training protocols (ETPs) with varying intensities on inflammatory responses, with a specific focus on the interactions between inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and Leydig cell steroidogenic activity, as well as testosterone secretion. To this end, 24 Wistar rats were subdivided into sedentary control, low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT) intensity continuous running ETP groups. After 8 weeks, the expression levels of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-KB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the testicular nitric oxide (NO) content were assessed and compared between groups. Moreover, the mean distributions of Leydig cells/mm2 of interstitial connective tissue, their steroidogenic activity, and serum level of testosterone were assessed. The LICT did not show any significant (p > 0.05) change in the expression levels of all aforementioned biomarkers. In contrast, both the MICT and HICT groups demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the expression levels of TLR-4, NFK-B, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 at both the mRNA and protein levels. The testicular NO has increased in HICT and MICT groups. Despite a decrease in the distribution of Leydig cells in both the MICT and HICT groups, the HICT group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and serum testosterone levels. In conclusion, our findings revealed that ETPs can influence Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and testosterone secretion, contingent on their intensity. These effects are attributed to alterations in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozaffari Nazanin
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Javad Tolouei-Azar
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Daneshgah Blv, Urmia, Iran
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3
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Long C, He P, Tu R, Song X, Li H, Huang W, Liu J, Zhang L, Guo Y. Subchronic toxicity evaluation of Huobahuagen extract and plasma metabolic profiling analysis combined with conventional pathology methods. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:201-215. [PMID: 37697829 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4532] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Huobahua, namely, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch, known as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, especially its underground parts, has been widely developed into several Tripterygium agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It has sparked wide public concern about its safety, such as multi-organ toxicity. However, the toxic characteristics and damage mechanism of Huobahuagen extract (HBHGE) remain unclear. In the present study, subchronic oral toxicity study of HBHGE (10.0 g crude drug/kg/day for 12 weeks) was performed in male rats. Hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters, urinalysis, and plasma metabolic profiling were assessed. The single-dose subchronic toxicity results related to HBHGE exhibited obvious toxicity to the testis and epididymis of male rats. Furthermore, plasma metabolomics analysis suggested that a series of metabolic disorders were induced by oral administration of HBHGE, mainly focusing on amino acid (glutamate, phenylalanine, and tryptophan) metabolisms, pyrimidine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Moreover, it appeared that serum testosterone in male rats treated with HBHGE for 12 weeks, decreased significantly, and was susceptible to the toxic effects of HBHGE. Taken together, conventional pathology and plasma metabolomics for preliminarily exploring subchronic toxicity and underlying mechanism can provide useful information about the reduction of toxic risks from HBHGE and new insights into the development of detoxification preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Long
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Peilin He
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruxia Tu
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxian Song
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Henghua Li
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Wentao Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianyi Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanlei Guo
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
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Matsuyama S, DeFalco T. Steroid hormone signaling: multifaceted support of testicular function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1339385. [PMID: 38250327 PMCID: PMC10796553 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1339385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development and adult physiology are dependent on the action of steroid hormones. In particular, the reproductive system is reliant on hormonal signaling to promote gonadal function and to ensure fertility. Here we will describe hormone receptor functions and their impacts on testicular function, focusing on a specific group of essential hormones: androgens, estrogens, progesterone, cortisol, and aldosterone. In addition to focusing on hormone receptor function and localization within the testis, we will highlight the effects of altered receptor signaling, including the consequences of reduced and excess signaling activity. These hormones act through various cellular pathways and receptor types, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted research approach to understand their critical roles in testicular function. Hormones exhibit intricate interactions with each other, as evidenced, for example, by the antagonistic effects of progesterone on mineralocorticoid receptors and cortisol's impact on androgens. In light of research findings in the field demonstrating an intricate interplay between hormones, a systems biology approach is crucial for a nuanced understanding of this complex hormonal network. This review can serve as a resource for further investigation into hormonal support of male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Matsuyama
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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5
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Juarez-Carreño S, Geissmann F. The macrophage genetic cassette inr/dtor/pvf2 is a nutritional status checkpoint for developmental timing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh0589. [PMID: 37729406 PMCID: PMC10511196 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
A small number of signaling molecules, used reiteratively, control differentiation programs, but the mechanisms that adapt developmental timing to environmental cues are less understood. We report here that a macrophage inr/dtor/pvf2 genetic cassette is a developmental timing checkpoint in Drosophila, which either licenses or delays biosynthesis of the steroid hormone in the endocrine gland and metamorphosis according to the larval nutritional status. Insulin receptor/dTor signaling in macrophages is required and sufficient for production of the PDGF/VEGF family growth factor Pvf2, which turns on transcription of the sterol biosynthesis Halloween genes in the prothoracic gland via its receptor Pvr. In response to a starvation event or genetic manipulation, low Pvf2 signal delays steroid biosynthesis until it becomes Pvr-independent, thereby prolonging larval growth before pupariation. The significance of this developmental timing checkpoint for host fitness is illustrated by the observation that it regulates the size of the pupae and adult flies.
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Broniowska Ż, Tomczyk I, Grzmil P, Bystrowska B, Skórkowska A, Maciejska A, Kazek G, Budziszewska B. Benzophenone-2 exerts reproductive toxicity in male rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108450. [PMID: 37543253 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108450] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Benzophenone derivatives such as benzophenone-2 (BP-2) belong to the group of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Increased exposure to EDCs is considered to be an important factor behind the decline of human fertility. The main aim of the present study was to determine the effect of BP-2 on testicular function specified by sperm analysis, the level of sex hormones and their receptors. Since BP-2 has been shown to activate the immune system, another aim of the research was to verify the hypothesis that the immune system may be contributing to the testis toxicity of this compound and for this purpose changes in macrophage and lymphocyte populations in the testes were determined. BP-2 at a dose of 100 mg/kg was administered dermally, twice daily at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 4-weeks. It was shown that BP-2 reduced the number and motility of sperm and increased the number of sperm showing morphological changes. By determining the concentration of sex hormones, a significant decrease in testosterone levels and an increase in the blood levels of 17β-estradiol were demonstrated. Similar to the results obtained from the blood samples, testosterone levels in the testes were lowered, which could affect sperm parameters. The effect of BP-2 on lowering testosterone levels and the number of sperm cells may be due to immunoactivation in the testes, because it has been detected that this compound significantly decreased the number of the immunosuppressive resident testicular macrophages (TMs) (CD68-CD163+), but increased pro-inflammatory TMs with monocyte-like properties (CD68+CD163-).
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Broniowska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland.
| | - Igor Tomczyk
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Grzmil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Beata Bystrowska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
| | - Alicja Skórkowska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
| | - Alicja Maciejska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kazek
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogusława Budziszewska
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, PL, Poland
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Pei J, Xiong L, Guo S, Wang X, La Y, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Guo X. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals a Cell Atlas and Cell Communication in Yak Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031839. [PMID: 36768166 PMCID: PMC9915757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Yaks (Bos grunniens) are the only bovine species that adapt well to the harsh high-altitude environment in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. However, the reproductive adaptation to the climate of the high elevation remains to be elucidated. Cell composition and molecular characteristics are the foundation of normal ovary function which determines reproductive performance. So, delineating ovarian characteristics at a cellular molecular level is conducive to elucidating the mechanism underlying the reproductive adaption of yaks. Here, the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was employed to depict an atlas containing different cell types with specific molecular signatures in the yak ovary. The cell types were identified on the basis of their specifically expressed genes and biological functions. As a result, a cellular atlas of yak ovary was established successfully containing theca cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and proliferating cells. A cell-to-cell communication network between the distinct cell types was constructed. The theca cells were clustered into five subtypes based on their biological functions. Further, CYP11A1 was confirmed as a marker gene for the theca cells by immunofluorescence staining. Our work reveals an ovarian atlas at the cellular molecular level and contributes to providing insights into reproductive adaption in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence:
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Santacroce L, Imbimbo C, Ballini A, Crocetto F, Scacco S, Cantore S, Di Zazzo E, Colella M, Jirillo E. Testicular Immunity and Its Connection with the Microbiota. Physiological and Clinical Implications in the Light of Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1335. [PMID: 36013286 PMCID: PMC9409709 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a complex process, which is based on the cooperation between the endocrine-immune system and the microbiota. Testicular immunity is characterized by the so-called immune privilege, a mechanism that avoids autoimmune attacks against proteins expressed by spermatozoa. Testicular microbiota is connected with the gut microbiota, the most prevalent site of commensals inthe body. Both microbiotas take part inthe development of the immune system and protection againstpathogen invasion. Dysbiosis is caused by concurrent pathologies, such as obesity, diabetes, infections and trauma. The substitution of beneficial bacteria with pathogens may lead to destruction of spermatozoa directly or indirectly and, ultimately, to male infertility. Novel therapeutic interventions, i.e., nutritional interventions and supplementation of natural products, such as, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants and polyphenols, may lead to the restoration of the otherwise-impaired male reproductive potential, even if experimental and clinical results are not always concordant. In this review, the structure and immune function of the testis will be described with special reference to the blood-testisbarrier. The regulatory role of both the gut and testicular microbiota will be illustrated in health and disease, also emphasizing therapeutic attempts with natural products for the correction of male infertility, in the era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cantore
- Independent Researcher, Sorriso & Benessere—Ricerca e Clinica, 70129 Bari, Italy
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marica Colella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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