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Andrade AD, Almeida PGC, Mariani NAP, Santos NCM, Camargo IA, Martini PV, Kushima H, Ai D, Avellar MCW, Meinhardt A, Pleuger C, Silva EJR. Regional modulation of toll-like receptor signaling pathway genes in acute epididymitis in mice. Andrology 2024; 12:1024-1037. [PMID: 38497291 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13630] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Region-specific immune environments in the epididymis influence the immune responses to uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection, a relevant cause of epididymitis in men. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential to orchestrate immune responses against bacterial infections. The epididymis displays region-specific inflammatory responses to bacterial-derived TLR agonists, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR4 agonist) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA; TLR2/TLR6 agonist), suggesting that TLR-associated signaling pathways could influence the magnitude of inflammatory responses in epididymitis. OBJECTIVES To investigate the expression and regulation of key genes associated with TLR4 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling pathways during epididymitis induced by UPEC, LPS, and LTA in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Epididymitis was induced in mice using UPEC, ultrapure LPS, or LTA, injected into the interstitial space of the initial segment or the lumen of the vas deferens close to the cauda epididymidis. Samples were harvested after 1, 5, and 10 days for UPEC-treated animals and 6 and 24 h for LPS-/LTA-treated animals. Ex vivo epididymitis was induced by incubating epididymal regions from naive mice with LPS or LTA. RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were conducted. RESULTS UPEC infection up-regulated Tlr2, Tlr4, and Tlr6 transcripts and their associated signaling molecules Cd14, Ticam1, and Traf6 in the cauda epididymidis but not in the initial segment. In these epididymal regions, LPS and LTA differentially modulated Tlr2, Tlr4, Tlr6, Cd14, Myd88, Ticam1, Traf3, and Traf6 expression levels. NFKB and AP1 activation was required for LPS- and LTA-induced up-regulation of TLR-associated signaling transcripts in the cauda epididymidis and initial segment, respectively. CONCLUSION The dynamic modulation of TLR4 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling pathways gene expression during epididymitis indicates bacterial-derived antigens elicit an increased tissue sensitivity to combat microbial infection in a spatial manner in the epididymis. Differential activation of TLR-associated signaling pathways may contribute to fine-tuning inflammatory responses along the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre D Andrade
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila G C Almeida
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalia C M Santos
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela A Camargo
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Poliana V Martini
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helio Kushima
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dingding Ai
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Centre of Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Christiane Pleuger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Hessian Center of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Beer HN, Lacey TA, Gibbs RL, Most MS, Hicks ZM, Grijalva PC, Marks-Nelson ES, Schmidt TB, Petersen JL, Yates DT. Daily Eicosapentaenoic Acid Infusion in IUGR Fetal Lambs Reduced Systemic Inflammation, Increased Muscle ADRβ2 Content, and Improved Myoblast Function and Muscle Growth. Metabolites 2024; 14:340. [PMID: 38921474 PMCID: PMC11205652 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060340] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses exhibit systemic inflammation that contributes to programmed deficits in myoblast function and muscle growth. Thus, we sought to determine if targeting fetal inflammation improves muscle growth outcomes. Heat stress-induced IUGR fetal lambs were infused with eicosapentaenoic acid (IUGR+EPA; n = 9) or saline (IUGR; n = 8) for 5 days during late gestation and compared to saline-infused controls (n = 11). Circulating eicosapentaenoic acid was 42% less (p < 0.05) for IUGR fetuses but was recovered in IUGR+EPA fetuses. The infusion did not improve placental function or fetal O2 but resolved the 67% greater (p < 0.05) circulating TNFα observed in IUGR fetuses. This improved myoblast function and muscle growth, as the 23% reduction (p < 0.05) in the ex vivo differentiation of IUGR myoblasts was resolved in IUGR+EPA myoblasts. Semitendinosus, longissimus dorsi, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles were 24-39% lighter (p < 0.05) for IUGR but not for IUGR+EPA fetuses. Elevated (p < 0.05) IL6R and reduced (p < 0.05) β2 adrenoceptor content in IUGR muscle indicated enhanced inflammatory sensitivity and diminished β2 adrenergic sensitivity. Although IL6R remained elevated, β2 adrenoceptor deficits were resolved in IUGR+EPA muscle, demonstrating a unique underlying mechanism for muscle dysregulation. These findings show that fetal inflammation contributes to IUGR muscle growth deficits and thus may be an effective target for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley N. Beer
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Taylor A. Lacey
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Rachel L. Gibbs
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Micah S. Most
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Zena M. Hicks
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Pablo C. Grijalva
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Eileen S. Marks-Nelson
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Ty B. Schmidt
- Meat Science and Muscle Biology, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Jessica L. Petersen
- Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Dustin T. Yates
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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3
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Type XXVIII Collagen Regulates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by SREBP1-Mediated HKDC1 Expression. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2022; 2022:9582559. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9582559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. A novel collagen called type XXVIII collagen (COL28) is involved in cancer and lung fibrosis. Preliminary data showed that renal tubular epithelial cells could proliferate, migrate, and undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) when COL28 was overexpressed; however, it is still unknown how this occurs and what the underlying mechanism is. Methods. We analyzed the differential expression of genes (DEGs) in the stable COL28 overexpression HK-2 cell lines by RNA-sequencing analysis, before which Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Genes related to COL28 promoting HK-2 cell proliferation and EMT were screened and verified. By using western blot and immunofluorescence, the effects of COL28 on the expression of α-SMA, E-cadherin, Snail, HKDC1, and SREBP1 were detected. The effect of COL28 overexpression on renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice was detected by H&E and Masson staining. HKDC1 interference agent was synthesized and transfected into the HK-2 cell line stably overexpressing COL28. In HK-2 cells, the effects of HKDC1 interference on the expression of α-SMA, E-cadherin, and Snail were detected. Results. We screened and verified that HKDC1 was related to COL28 and promoted HK-2 cell proliferation and EMT. WB showed that in HK-2 cells, COL28 overexpression increased α-SMA, Snail, HKDC1, and SREBP1 expressions and decreased E-cadherin expression. Overexpression of COL28 aggravated renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice; upregulated α-SMA, Snail, HKDC1, and SREBP1 expressions; and decreased the E-cadherin protein expression in UUO mice. Interference of HKDC1 expression promoted the E-cadherin protein expression while inhibiting α-SMA, Snail, HKDC1, and SREBP1 protein expressions. Conclusion. Overexpression of COL28 can aggravate renal interstitial fibrosis by encouraging renal tubular epithelial cells to undergo EMT, and interference with HKDC1 expression can alleviate fibrosis by reversing EMT induced by COL28 overexpression.
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Gong J, Wang P, Liu JC, Li J, Zeng QX, Yang C, Li Y, Yu D, Cao D, Duan YG. Integrative Analysis of Small RNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Identifies Signatures Associated With Chronic Epididymitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883803. [PMID: 35634321 PMCID: PMC9130659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic epididymitis (CE) refers to a long-lasting inflammatory condition of the epididymis, which is considered the most common site of intrascrotal inflammation and an important aetiological factor of male infertility. Recent studies demonstrate that small RNAs secreted from epididymal epithelium modulate embryo development and offspring phenotypes via sperm transmission, and the resulting modifications may lead to transgenerational inheritance. However, to date, the genome-wide analysis of small RNA together with the transcriptomic expression profiles of human epididymis and CE is still lacking. In this study, we facilitated next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics to comprehensively analyze the small RNA and mRNA in an integrative way and identified signatures associated with CE. Both of the small RNA and mRNA expression data demonstrated relatively larger molecular differences among the segmental region of the epididymides, including caput, corpus, and cauda, than that of the inflammatory conditions. By comparing the inflamed caputs to the controls, a total of 1727 genes (1220 upregulated and 507 downregulated; 42 most significant genes, adjusted P <0.05) and 34 miRNAs (23 upregulated and 11 downregulated) were identified as differentially expressed. In silico functional enrichment analysis showed their roles in regulating different biological activities, including leukocyte chemotaxis, extracellular milieu reconstruction, ion channel and transporter-related processes, and nervous system development. Integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA identified a regulatory network consisting of 22 miRNAs and 31 genes (miRNA-mRNA) which are strong candidates for CE. In addition, analysis about other species of small RNA, including (miRNA), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), Y RNA, and rsRNA identified the distinct expression pattern of tsRNA in CE. In summary, our study performed small RNA and miRNA profiling and integrative analysis in human CE. The findings will help to understand the role of miRNA-mRNA in the pathogenesis of CE and provide molecular candidates for the development of potential biomarkers for human CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Gong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Chuan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qun-Xiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Ferreira LGA, Nishino FA, Fernandes SG, Ribeiro CM, Hinton BT, Avellar MCW. Epididymal embryonic development harbors TLR4/NFKB signaling pathway as a morphogenetic player. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 149:103456. [PMID: 34915277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Wolffian duct (WD) is an embryonic tissue that undergoes androgen-induced morphological changes to become the epididymis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and nuclear factor kB (NFKB)-induced effectors are expressed in the adult epididymis and represent important players in epididymal innate immune responses. TLR4/NFKB signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved and plays a critical morphogenetic role in several species; however, its function during WD morphogenesis is unknown. We hypothesized that TLR4/NFKB pathway plays a role during WD development. Here we examined TLR4 expression and regulation of TLR4-target genes during rat WD morphogenesis between embryonic days (e) 17.5-20.5. The functionality of TLR4/NFKB signaling was examined using WD organotypic cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli (TLR4 agonist) and PDTC (NFKB inhibitor). TLR4 was detected at mRNA level in e17.5 (uncoiled duct) and e20.5 (coiled duct) WDs, and spatio-temporal changes in TLR4 immunoreactivity were observed between these two time points. Expression level analysis of a subset of TLR4-regulated genes showed that TLR4/NFKB pathway was activated after exposure of cultured WD to LPS (4 h), an event that was abrogated by PDTC. Long-term exposure of cultured WDs to LPS (96 h) resulted in dysregulations of morphogenetic events and LAMA1 immunodistribution changes, suggesting the extracellular matrix at the intersection between WD morphogenesis and balance of innate immune components. Our results unveil the epididymal morphogenesis as an event equipped with TLR4/NFKB signaling components that may serve developmental functions, and eventually transition to host defense function when the fetus is exposed to an infectious or noninfectious threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G A Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Nishino
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Samuel G Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Camilla M Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil; Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá (UNIARAXÁ), Araxá, MG, 38180-084, Brazil
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil.
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6
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Mei C, Kang Y, Zhang C, He C, Liao A, Huang D. C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Plays an Anti-Inflammatory Role in Rat Epididymitis Induced by UPEC. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:711842. [PMID: 34466404 PMCID: PMC8403061 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.711842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epididymitis is mainly caused by retrograde urinary tract infection with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). This disease is an important factor (accounting for 20-30%) causing male infertility. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a protein composed of 22 amino acids, is proved to play an immunoregulatory role in respiratory and cardiovascular systems. CNP is expressed extremely high in the epididymis, but whether CNP plays the same role in acute epididymitis is unclear. At first, we established an acute caput epididymitis model in rats with UPEC and treated them with CNP to measure inflammatory damage. Then RNA-seq transcriptome technology was used to reveal potential signal pathways. Secondly, the turbidity and activity of UPEC were assessed using a microplate reader and the amount of UPEC by agar plates after incubation with CNP. Thirdly, macrophages in caput epididymis were tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Meanwhile, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without CNP was used to stimulate the macrophage (RAW264.7) in vitro and to detect the expression level of pro-inflammatory factors. Finally, the macrophage (RAW264.7) was treated with CNP, 8-Br-cGMP [cyclic guanosinc monophosphate (cGMP) analog] and KT5823 [protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor], and the expression level of nuclear factor-k-gene binding (NF-kB) signal pathway was examined. The results showed that the damage of epididymis induced by UPEC as well as the pro-inflammatory factors could be alleviated significantly with CNP treatment. CNP could inhibit the activity and numbers of bacteria in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Moreover, CNP repressed the invasion, and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (such as NF-kB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in macrophages and its effect could be inhibited by KT5823. Therefore, we drew a conclusion from the above experiments that CNP alleviates the acute epididymitis injury induced by UPEC. On one hand, CNP could inhibit the growth of UPEC. On the other hand, CNP could decrease invasion and inflammatory reaction of macrophages; the mechanism was involved in inhibiting NF-kB signal pathway through the cGMP/PKG in macrophages. This research would open up the possibility of using CNP as a potential treatment for epididymitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Mei
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Reproductive Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenlu Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyu He
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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7
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Cunningham AM, Walker DM, Ramakrishnan A, Doyle MA, Bagot RC, Cates HM, Peña CJ, Issler O, Lardner CK, Browne C, Russo SJ, Shen L, Nestler EJ. Sperm Transcriptional State Associated with Paternal Transmission of Stress Phenotypes. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6202-6216. [PMID: 34099514 PMCID: PMC8287983 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3192-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Paternal stress can induce long-lasting changes in germ cells potentially propagating heritable changes across generations. To date, no studies have investigated differences in transmission patterns between stress-resilient and stress-susceptible mice. We tested the hypothesis that transcriptional alterations in sperm during chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) transmit increased susceptibility to stress phenotypes to the next generation. We demonstrate differences in offspring from stressed fathers that depend on paternal category (resilient vs susceptible) and offspring sex. Importantly, artificial insemination (AI) reveals that sperm mediates some of the behavioral phenotypes seen in offspring. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), we report substantial and distinct changes in the transcriptomic profiles of sperm following CSDS in susceptible versus resilient fathers, with alterations in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) predominating especially in susceptibility. Correlation analysis revealed that these alterations were accompanied by a loss of regulation of protein-coding genes by lncRNAs in sperm of susceptible males. We also identify several co-expression gene modules that are enriched in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sperm from either resilient or susceptible fathers. Taken together, these studies advance our understanding of intergenerational epigenetic transmission of behavioral experience.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This manuscript contributes to the complex factors that influence the paternal transmission of stress phenotypes. By leveraging the segregation of males exposed to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) into either resilient or susceptible categories we were able to identify the phenotypic differences in the paternal transmission of stress phenotypes across generations between the two lineages. Importantly, this work also alludes to the significance of both long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and protein coding genes (PCGs) mediating the paternal transmission of stress. The knowledge gained from these data are of particular interest in understanding the risk for the development of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Cunningham
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Deena M Walker
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Marie A Doyle
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Rosemary C Bagot
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Hannah M Cates
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Catherine J Peña
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Orna Issler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Casey K Lardner
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Caleb Browne
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Scott J Russo
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Li Shen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
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8
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Pleuger C, Silva EJR, Pilatz A, Bhushan S, Meinhardt A. Differential Immune Response to Infection and Acute Inflammation Along the Epididymis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:599594. [PMID: 33329594 PMCID: PMC7729520 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is a tubular structure connecting the vas deferens to the testis. This organ consists of three main regions—caput, corpus, and cauda—that face opposing immunological tasks. A means of combating invading pathogens is required in the distally located cauda, where there is a risk of ascending bacterial infections originating from the urethra. Meanwhile, immune tolerance is necessary at the caput, where spermatozoa with immunogenic neo-antigens originate from the testis. Consistently, when challenged with live bacteria or inflammatory stimuli, the cauda elicits a much stronger immune response and inflammatory-inflicted damage than the caput. At the cellular level, a role for diverse and strategically positioned mononuclear phagocytes is emerging. At the mechanistic level, differential expression of immunoprotective and immunomodulatory mediators has been detected between the three main regions of the epididymis. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about region-specific immunological characteristics and unveil possible underlying mechanisms on cellular and molecular levels. Improved understanding of the different immunological microenvironments is the basis for an improved therapy and counseling of patients with epididymal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Erick José Ramo Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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9
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Pierce CF, Brown VR, Olsen SC, Boggiatto P, Pedersen K, Miller RS, Speidel SE, Smyser TJ. Loci Associated With Antibody Response in Feral Swine ( Sus scrofa) Infected With Brucella suis. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:554674. [PMID: 33324693 PMCID: PMC7724110 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.554674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species widespread throughout the United States that disrupt ecosystems, damage crops, and carry pathogens of concern for the health of domestic stock and humans including Brucella suis-the causative organism for swine brucellosis. In domestic swine, brucellosis results in reproductive failure due to abortions and infertility. Contact with infected feral swine poses spillover risks to domestic pigs as well as humans, companion animals, wildlife, and other livestock. Genetic factors influence the outcome of infectious diseases; therefore, genome wide association studies (GWAS) of differential immune responses among feral swine can provide an understanding of disease dynamics and inform management to prevent the spillover of brucellosis from feral swine to domestic pigs. We sought to identify loci associated with differential antibody responses among feral swine naturally infected with B. suis using a case-control GWAS. Tissue, serum, and genotype data (68,516 bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms) collected from 47 feral swine were analyzed in this study. The 47 feral swine were culture positive for Brucella spp. Of these 47, 16 were antibody positive (cases) whereas 31 were antibody negative (controls). Single-locus GWAS were performed using efficient mixed-model association eXpedited (EMMAX) methodology with three genetic models: additive, dominant, and recessive. Eight loci associated with seroconversion were identified on chromosome 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 18. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses revealed nine putative candidate genes related to immune function, most notably phagocytosis and induction of an inflammatory response. Identified loci and putative candidate genes may play an important role in host immune responses to B. suis infection, characterized by a detectable bacterial presence yet a differential antibody response. Given that antibody tests are used to evaluate brucellosis infection in domestic pigs and for disease surveillance in invasive feral swine, additional studies are needed to fully understand the genetic component of the response to B. suis infection and to more effectively translate estimates of Brucella spp. antibody prevalence among feral swine to disease control management action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney F. Pierce
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Vienna R. Brown
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Steven C. Olsen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Infectious Bacterial Diseases, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Paola Boggiatto
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Infectious Bacterial Diseases, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Kerri Pedersen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ryan S. Miller
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Scott E. Speidel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Timothy J. Smyser
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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10
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Andrade AD, Almeida PGC, Mariani NAP, Freitas GA, Kushima H, Filadelpho AL, Spadella MA, Avellar MCW, Silva EJR. Lipopolysaccharide-induced epididymitis modifies the transcriptional profile of Wfdc genes in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:144-158. [PMID: 33034631 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Whey-acidic protein four-disulfide core domain (WFDC) genes display putative roles in innate immunity and fertility. In mice, a locus on chromosome 2 contains 5 and 11 Wfdc genes in its centromeric and telomeric subloci, respectively. Although Wfdc genes are highly expressed in the epididymis, their contributions to epididymal function remain elusive. Here, we investigated whether Wfdc genes are regulated in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced epididymitis, an inflammatory condition that impairs male fertility. We induced epididymitis in mice via (i) interstitial LPS injection into epididymal initial segment and (ii) intravasal LPS injection into the vas deferens towards cauda epididymis. Interstitial and intravasal LPS induced a differential upregulation of inflammatory mediators (interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, interferon gamma, and interleukin 10) in the initial segment and cauda epididymis within 72 h post-treatment. These changes were accompanied by a time-dependent endotoxin clearance from the epididymis. In the initial segment, interstitial LPS upregulated all centromeric (Slpi, Wfdc5, Wfdc12, Wfdc15a, and Wfdc15b) and five telomeric (Wfdc2, Wfdc3, Wfdc6b, Wfdc10, and Wfdc13) Wfdc transcripts at 24 and 72 h. In the cauda epididymis, intravasal LPS upregulated Wfdc5 and Wfdc2 transcripts at 24 h, followed by a downregulation of Wfdc15b and three telomeric (Wfdc6a, Wfdc11, and Wfdc16) gene transcripts at 72 h. Pharmacological inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation prevented LPS-induced upregulation of centromeric and telomeric Wfdc genes depending on the epididymal region. We show that LPS-induced inflammation differentially regulated the Wfdc locus in the proximal and distal epididymis, indicating region-specific roles for the Wfdc family in innate immune responses during epididymitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre D Andrade
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscila G C Almeida
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Freitas
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Kushima
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - André L Filadelpho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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11
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Lin N, Song X, Chen B, Ye H, Wang Y, Cheng X, Wang H. Leptin is upregulated in epididymitis and promotes apoptosis and IL-1β production in epididymal epithelial cells by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106901. [PMID: 33182054 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epididymitis, one of the most common urological disease, is a significant cause of male infertility. Leptin is capable of modulating both reproduction and immune response. We analyzed the serum and seminal plasma levels of leptin in infertile patients with or without chronic epididymitis. Experimental epididymitis models were generated by administrating 200 μg Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of leptin in epididymis were detected using qPCR, Western blots 6-72 h after injection, and using immunohistochemistry 72 h after injection. Besides, rat epididymal epithelial cells were isolated as an in vitro model and were treated with leptin (5-40 ng/ml, 6-48 h), LPS (1ug/ml, 6 h), and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 (10 μM, 2 h). Cell Counting Kits-8 assay and Annexin V/PE assay were used to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Quantitive PCR and ELISA assay were used to detected inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) production. Western Blots were used to detect molecular related to cell apoptosis, IL-1β maturation, and NLRP3 inflammasome. We found that patients with chronic epididymitis presented a significantly higher level of seminal plasma leptin and correlated declined sperm progressive motility. Leptin and leptin receptor expression in epididymis was significantly upregulated 24 h after LPS administration both in mRNA and protein level, and highly expressed in the epididymis epithelium 72 h after LPS administration. In epididymal epithelial cells, leptin reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner via cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP. Leptin enhanced the LPS-induced production of IL-1β, which was associated with increased IL-1β maturation and caspase-1 activation. Furthermore, NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 attenuated the effects of leptin or co-treatment with LPS on NLRP3, ASC expression, IL-1β maturation, and caspase-1 activation, which indicated that leptin promotes IL-1β production via activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. These data suggested that leptin may act as a potential evaluation and treatment target for epididymitis and male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhe Lin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China.
| | - Hao Ye
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Youlin Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
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