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Contreras-Mellado P, Bravo A, Zambrano F, Sánchez R, Boguen R, Risopatrón J, Merino O, Uribe P. Oxidative Stress Induces Changes in Molecular Markers Associated with Ferroptosis in Human Spermatozoa. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e83. [PMID: 39344120 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.240085] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent regulated cell death characterized by increased bioavailability of redox-active iron, loss of GPX4 antioxidant capacity, and oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxidative stress induced by arachidonic acid (AA) on ferroptotic cell death in human spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors were exposed to AA (5, 25, and 50 µM) for 1 hour at 37 ℃, including an untreated control. Oxidative stress was confirmed by evaluation of cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS production, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and motility. Subsequently, molecular markers of ferroptosis including iron content, levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, IREB2 and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The analyses were carried out using either flow cytometry, a microplate reader or confocal laser microscopy. RESULTS AA-induced oxidative stress showed increased cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS production accompanied by impairedΔΨm, viability and motility in human spermatozoa. These results were associated with biochemical and molecular markers related to ferroptotic cell death including an increase in iron content in the form of ferrous (Fe2+) ions, SLC7A11, ACSL4, IREB2, a decrease in the level of GPX4, and an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation compared to the untreated control. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that AA-induced oxidative stress induces cell death with biochemical characteristics of ferroptosis in human spermatozoa, demonstrating another mechanism of alteration of sperm function induced by oxidative stress and could establish new therapeutic objectives to prevent the decrease in sperm quality mediated by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Contreras-Mellado
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Ph.D. Program in Sciences Mention Applied Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Anita Bravo
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Boguen
- Department of Diagnostic Processes and Evaluation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Catolica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatrón
- Center of Excellence of Biotechnology in Reproduction (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Merino
- Center of Excellence of Biotechnology in Reproduction (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Hao J, Ren J, Chang B, Xu H, Wang H, Ji L. Transcriptome and proteomic analysis reveal the protective mechanism of acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36664. [PMID: 39286182 PMCID: PMC11403502 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36664] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is an integral component of complementary and alternative medicine that has been reported to enhance sperm motility, improve semen quality, and consequently augment male fertility. However, the precise mechanisms of action and the underlying molecular pathways remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms through which acupuncture improves reproductive function in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced asthenozoospermia. We collected sperm from the epididymis for semen analysis, collected serum to determine gonadotropin and oxidative stress marker levels, conducted histological examination of testicular tissue using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also assessed oxidative stress levels and total iron content in testicular tissue and validated the proteomic and transcriptomic analysis results of testicular tissue using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), protein imprinting analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our results indicate that acupuncture enhances sperm quality in asthenozoospermic mice; increases serum testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; and attenuates oxidative damage, iron accumulation, and mitochondrial injury in mouse testicular tissues. Through protein and transcriptomic analyses, we identified 21 key genes, of which cytochrome b-245 heavy chain (CYBB), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1 (ACSL1), and ferritin mitochondria (FTMT) were closely associated with ferroptosis. RT-qPCR, protein imprinting, and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses collectively indicated that acupuncture reduced ACSL1 and CYBB expression, and increased GPX4 and FTMT expression. Overall, the ferroptosis pathway associated with ACSL1/CYBB/FTMT/GPX4 represents a potential strategy through which acupuncture can improve the reproductive function in asthenozoospermic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianheng Hao
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Jia Ren
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Boya Chang
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Huichao Xu
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Haijun Wang
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Laixi Ji
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- The Second Clinical College, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
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Geng N, Dong S, Xie P, Zhang Y, Shi R, Chen C, Xu Z, Chen Q. Excessive fluoride induces ovarian function impairment by regulating levels of ferroptosis in fluorosis women and ovarian granulosa cells. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108556. [PMID: 38342390 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108556] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ferroptosis in fluorosis women and the in vitro molecular mechanisms leading to ovarian dysfunction and abnormal hormone secretion by sodium fluoride (NaF) treatment of KGN cells. Fifty women with fluorosis as Fluorosis group and fifty healthy women as Control group were included in this study. The levels of lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant enzyme were assessed by photometric methods. The content of iron and glutathione (GSH) in serum was measured by microplate method. KGN cells were treated by different concentration of NaF (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 ×10-3 M) for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-related molecules, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member (SLC7A11), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and p53, were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Fluorosis group women had a significant higher levels of iron, Malondialdehyde (MDA), FSH and LH, and a lower levels of E2 and antioxidant enzyme in serum than that in the control group. The representative molecular changes of ferroptosis, such as the decrease in GPX4, Nrf2 and SLC7A11 expression (mRNA and protein expression), the increase in protein expression of p53, and a reduced level of E2 were observed in KGN cells treated by excessive NaF.It is concluded therefore that NaF increases the expression of p53 and inhibits ovarian granulosa cell ferroptosis preventive protein expression, resulting in abnormal hormone secretion and the ovarian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Geng
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Department of rheumatism and immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xian Medical College, PR China.
| | - Siyuan Dong
- Class S0141, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China.
| | - Pengpeng Xie
- Class S1121, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Class S1121, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Rong Shi
- Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China.
| | - Chen Chen
- Endocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
| | - Zhao Xu
- College of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong University.
| | - Qun Chen
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the P.R. China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China.
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Zhang J, Su T, Fan Y, Cheng C, Xu L, LiTian. Spotlight on iron overload and ferroptosis: Research progress in female infertility. Life Sci 2024; 340:122370. [PMID: 38141854 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122370] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element for organisms. However, iron overload, which is common in haematological disorders (e.g. haemochromatosis, myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anaemia, and thalassaemia, blood transfusion-dependent or not), can promote reactive oxygen species generation and induce ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death characterised by excess iron and lipid peroxidation, thus causing cell and tissue damage. Infertility is a global health concern. Recent evidence has indicated the emerging role of iron overload and ferroptosis in female infertility by inducing hypogonadism, causing ovary dysfunction, impairing preimplantation embryos, attenuating endometrial receptivity, and crosstalk between subfertility-related disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. In addition, gut microbiota and their metabolites are involved in iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and female infertility. In this review, we systematically elaborate on the current research progress in female infertility with a novel focus on iron overload and ferroptosis and summarise promising therapies targeting iron overload and ferroptosis to recover fertility in women. In summary, our study provides new insights into female infertility and offers literature references for the clinical management of female infertility associated with iron overload and ferroptosis, which may be beneficial for females with haematopoietic disorders suffering from both iron overload and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tiantian Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Lanping Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital & Institute of Hematology, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - LiTian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.
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Xu J, Zhang L, Si Y, Huang W, Liu R, Liu Z, Jiang Z, Xu F. Ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis of spermatogonia is involved in busulfan-induced oligospermia in the mice. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 390:110870. [PMID: 38220133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110870] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Busulfan, a bifunctional alkylated chemotherapeutic agent, has male reproductive toxicity and induce oligospermia, which is associated with ferroptosis. However, the specific target cells of busulfan-induced oligospermia triggered by ferroptosis are largely elusive, and the detailed mechanisms also require further exploration. In the present study, busulfan (0.6, and 1.2 mM, 48 h) causes ferroptosis in GC-1 spg cells through inducing Fe2+, ROS and MDA accumulation and functional inhibition of Xc-GSH-GPX4 antioxidant system. After inhibition of ferroptosis by Fer-1 (1 μM, pretreatment for 2 h) or DFO (10 μM, pretreatment for 2 h) reverses busulfan-induced destructive effects in GC-1 spg cells. Furthermore, using RNA-seq and Western blotting, we found that busulfan promotes autophagy-dependent ferritin degradation, as reflected by enriching in autophagy, increased LC3 II, Beclin1 and NCOA4, as well as decreased P62 and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). Ultimately, GC-1 spg cells and Balb/c mice were treated with busulfan and/or 3-MA, the inhibitor of autophagy. The results displayed that inhibition of autophagy relieves busulfan-induced FTH1 degradation and then blocks the occurrence of ferroptosis in GC-1 spg cells and testicular spermatogonia, which subsequently alleviates busulfan-caused testicular damage and spermatogenesis disorders. In summary, these data collectively indicated that ferroptosis of spermatogonia is involved in busulfan-induced oligospermia and mediated by autophagy-dependent FTH1 degradation, identifying a new target for the therapy of busulfan-induced male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 246003, China; Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Lianshuang Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 246003, China; Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yaru Si
- Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China; Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Wanyue Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Ranran Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264199, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Bin Zhou Medical University, Yan Tai, 264003, China
| | - Zhonglin Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 246003, China; Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Feibo Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 246003, China; Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.
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Yuan W, Sun Z, Ji G, Hu H. Emerging roles of ferroptosis in male reproductive diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:358. [PMID: 37770442 PMCID: PMC10539319 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01665-x] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that leads to excessive lipid peroxidation in different cells. Ferroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death and is associated with various diseases. Iron is essential for spermatogenesis and male reproductive function. Therefore, it is not surprising that new evidence supports the role of ferroptosis in testicular injury. Although the molecular mechanism by which ferroptosis induces disease is unknown, several genes and pathways associated with ferroptosis have been linked to testicular dysfunction. In this review, we discuss iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and related regulatory pathways. In addition, we analyze the endogenous and exogenous factors of ferroptosis in terms of iron metabolism and testicular dysfunction, as well as summarize the relationship between ferroptosis and male reproductive dysfunction. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to target ferroptosis for treating male reproductive diseases and provide new directions for preventing male reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Institute of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Zhibin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Guojie Ji
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Huanhuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
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Li W, Xiong Y, Zhu J, Jin X, Meng J, He W. Establishing a prognostic model with ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2023-2032. [PMID: 37701097 PMCID: PMC10493782 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-194] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Ferroptosis is a distinct form of cell death that has the potential to supersede the drug resistance that is commonly observed with current chemotherapeutic agents. As a result, ferroptosis presents a new and innovative therapeutic pathway for cancer treatment. The current understanding regarding the expression of genes associated with ferroptosis in bladder cancer (BLCA) and their prognostic implications remains unclear. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the potential prognostic value of ferroptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in BLCA. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was accessed to download RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological features of BLCA while accessing the FerrDb database to download ferroptosis-associated genes. The study calculated risk scores for ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs, and subsequently divided patients with BLCA into two groups, namely high- and low-risk, on the basis of the median risk score. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves, Cox regression analysis, and column plots were utilized for evaluating the risk score prognostic value. Subsequently, the involvement of ferroptosis-associated mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA status, and immune responses was investigated for BLCA prognosis. Results Thirty-six lncRNAs were identified to be differently expressed and linked to the prognosis of BLCA. The findings from the K-M curve analysis indicated a significant association between a high-risk lncRNA profile and poor BLCA prognosis. The area under curve (AUC) value of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.810. The risk assessment model exhibited superior performance in predicting prognosis for BLCA compared to conventional clinicopathological features. Conclusions Thirty-six lncRNAs were found to be linked to ferroptosis for the prognosis of patients with BLCA, and these results may provide new insights for treating BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junlei Zhu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jin Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenqiang He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Horta Remedios M, Liang W, González LN, Li V, Da Ros VG, Cohen DJ, Zaremberg V. Ether lipids and a peroxisomal riddle in sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166232. [PMID: 37397249 PMCID: PMC10309183 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166232] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm are terminally differentiated cells that lack most of the membranous organelles, resulting in a high abundance of ether glycerolipids found across different species. Ether lipids include plasmalogens, platelet activating factor, GPI-anchors and seminolipid. These lipids play important roles in sperm function and performance, and thus are of special interest as potential fertility markers and therapeutic targets. In the present article, we first review the existing knowledge on the relevance of the different types of ether lipids for sperm production, maturation and function. To further understand ether-lipid metabolism in sperm, we then query available proteomic data from highly purified sperm, and produce a map of metabolic steps retained in these cells. Our analysis pinpoints the presence of a truncated ether lipid biosynthetic pathway that would be competent for the production of precursors through the initial peroxisomal core steps, but devoid of subsequent microsomal enzymes responsible for the final synthesis of all complex ether-lipids. Despite the widely accepted notion that sperm lack peroxisomes, the thorough analysis of published data conducted herein identifies nearly 70% of all known peroxisomal resident proteins as part of the sperm proteome. In view of this, we highlight open questions related to lipid metabolism and possible peroxisomal functions in sperm. We propose a repurposed role for the truncated peroxisomal ether-lipid pathway in detoxification of products from oxidative stress, which is known to critically influence sperm function. The likely presence of a peroxisomal-derived remnant compartment that could act as a sink for toxic fatty alcohols and fatty aldehydes generated by mitochondrial activity is discussed. With this perspective, our review provides a comprehensive metabolic map associated with ether-lipids and peroxisomal-related functions in sperm and offers new insights into potentially relevant antioxidant mechanisms that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weisheng Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lucas N. González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vanina G. Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora J. Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Zaremberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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