1
|
Shakeel M, Choi Y, Yoon M. Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14561. [PMID: 38613192 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14561] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism affects spermatogenesis and testis development, often resulting in stallion subfertility/infertility. This study aims to identify the specific germ cells impacted by cryptorchism in stallions. In a previous study, we found that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in different germ cells within stallions. Herein, we assessed the heat stress-induced response of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST). This goal was accomplished by comparing PGP9.5 and VASA expression patterns through reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. We also compared the cross-sectional ST area between groups. Six post-pubertal Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid stallions were used. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of PGP9.5 and VASA was significantly upregulated in the NST group than in the CST group. Additionally, the cross-sectional ST area and localization of PGP9.5 and VASA in germ cells were significantly higher in the NST group than in the CST group. Regarding Leydig cells, PGP9.5 staining was observed in both groups. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were immunostained with VASA in the NST group, while immunostaining was only observed in spermatogonia in the CST group. These results indicate long-term exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, directly impacts germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Younju Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reifarth L, Körber H, Packeiser EM, Goericke-Pesch S. Detection of spermatogonial stem cells in testicular tissue of dogs with chronic asymptomatic orchitis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1205064. [PMID: 37396999 PMCID: PMC10311113 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1205064] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic asymptomatic idiopathic orchitis (CAO) is an important but neglected cause of acquired infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in male dogs. The similarity of the pathophysiology in infertile dogs and men supports the dog's suitability as a possible animal model for studying human diseases causing disruption of spermatogenesis and evaluating the role of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) as a new therapeutic approach to restore or recover fertility in cases of CAO. To investigate the survival of resilient stem cells, the expression of the protein gene product (PGP9.5), deleted in azoospermia like (DAZL), foxo transcription factor 1 (FOXO1) and tyrosine-kinase receptor (C-Kit) were evaluated in healthy and CAO-affected canine testes. Our data confirmed the presence of all investigated germ cell markers at mRNA and protein levels. In addition, we postulate a specific expression pattern of FOXO1 and C-Kit in undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, respectively, whereas DAZL and PGP9.5 expressions were confirmed in the entire spermatogonial population. Furthermore, this is the first study revealing a significant reduction of PGP9.5, DAZL, and FOXO1 in CAO at protein and/or gene expression level indicating a severe disruption of spermatogenesis. This means that chronic asymptomatic inflammatory changes in CAO testis are accompanied by a significant loss of SSCs. Notwithstanding, our data confirm the survival of putative stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation and lay the groundwork for further research into stem cell-based therapeutic options to reinitialize spermatogenesis in canine CAO-affected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Reproductive Unit – Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Transcriptomic Analysis of Testicular Gene Expression in a Dog Model of Experimentally Induced Cryptorchidism. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162476. [PMID: 36010553 PMCID: PMC9406621 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism, a condition in which testes fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum, is a risk factor for infertility and germ cell cancer. Normally, tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells in the testes form a blood–testes barrier that regulates spermatogenesis; however, the effect of cryptorchidism on tight junctions is not well-understood. We established a model of heat-induced testicular damage in dogs using surgical cryptorchidism. We sequenced RNA to investigate whether certain transcripts are expressed at higher rates in heat-damaged versus normally descended testes. Claudins, cell adhesion molecules, were relatively highly expressed in cryptorchid testes: claudins 2, 3, 5, 11, and 18 were significantly increased in cryptorchid testes and reduced by orchiopexy. SOX9-positive Sertoli cells were present in the seminiferous tubules in both cryptorchid and control testes. Using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis to compare Sertoli cells cultured at 34 °C and 37 °C, we found that Sertoli cell claudins 2, 3, 5, 11, and 18 were significantly increased at 37 °C; however, accumulation was higher in the G0/G1 phase in Sertoli cells cultured at 34 °C. These results indicate that testicular hyperthermia caused by cryptorchidism affects claudin expression, regulated germ cell death, and the proliferation of Sertoli cells.
Collapse
|
4
|
Yue M, Fan X, Liu Y, Yue W, Ren G, Zhang J, Zhang X, Li Q, He J. Effects of body temperature on the expression and localization of meiosis-related proteins STRA8 and SCP3 in boar testes. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:718-723. [PMID: 31253359 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Body temperature could lead to interruption of spermatogenesis, but the molecular mechanism was still unclear. Cryptorchidism was defined as the failure of testes to enter the scrotum, which exposed the testes to body temperature. Meiosis was a unique feature of germ cell development. Whether cryptorchidism damage the initiation of meiosis in boars had not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether spermatogonia in the cryptorchid testes entered into meiosis by detecting meiosis-related markers stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3). Three boars with spontaneous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism were used. The testis located in the abdomen was cryptorchidism group, the scrotal testis of the same animal was used as control. HE results showed that only Sertoli cells, and a few spermatogonia remained in the seminiferous tubules, and no spermatids were seen compared with the control. Immunohistochemistry results showed that in both control and cryptorchidism group, STRA8 was mainly expressed in the nucleus of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In control group, SCP3 was expressed in the nucleus of spermatocytes. In cryptorchidism group, SCP3 immunopositive cells were also observed. qRT-PCR and Western Blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of STRA8 and SCP3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid boars. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 in cryptorchidism suggested that spermatogonia could still enter meiosis in cryptorchid boars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meishan Yue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Fan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Yihui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Weidong Yue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Gaoya Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Qinghong Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China.
| | - Junping He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pieri NCG, Mançanares ACF, de Souza AF, Fernandes H, Diaza AMG, Bressan FF, Roballo KCS, Casals JB, Binelli M, Ambrósio CE, Dos Santos Martins D. Xenotransplantation of canine spermatogonial stem cells (cSSCs) regulated by FSH promotes spermatogenesis in infertile mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:135. [PMID: 31109365 PMCID: PMC6528206 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xenotransplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) has become a popular topic in various research fields because manipulating these cells can provide insights into the mechanisms associated with germ cell lines and the entire spermatogenesis process; moreover, these cells can be used in several biotechnology applications. To achieve successful xenotransplantation, the in vitro microenvironment in which SSCs are cultured should be an ideal microenvironment for self-renewal and similar to the in vivo testicular microenvironment. The age of the donor, the correct spermatogenesis cycle, and the quality of the donor tissue are also important. Although cell culture-related factors, such as the in vitro supplementation of hormonal factors, are known to promote successful xenotransplantation in mice, little is known about the influence of these factors on SSCs in vitro or in vivo in other mammalian species, such as dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). In this context, the goals of this study were to test the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on canine spermatogonial stem cell (cSSC) cultures since this hormone is related to the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling pathway, which is responsible for the self-renewal and maintenance of these cells in vivo, and to investigate the microenvironment of the SSC culture after FSH supplementation. Additionally, in vivo analyses of transplanted FSH-supplemented cSSCs in the testes of infertile mice were performed to assess the capacity of cSSCs to develop, maintain, and restore spermatogenesis. Methods SSCs from canine prepubertal testes (aged 3 months) were cultured in vitro in the presence of FSH (10 IU L−1). GFRA1 transcript expression was detected to confirm the spermatogonia population in culture and the effect of FSH on these cells. The protein and transcript levels of late germ cell markers (GFRA1, DAZL, STRA8, PLZF, and CD49f) and a pluripotency marker (OCT4) were detected at 72 and 120 h to confirm the cSSC phenotype. In vivo experiments were performed by transplanting GFP+ cSSCs into infertile mice, and a 10-week follow-up was performed. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to confirm the repopulation capacity after cSSC xenotransplantation in the testis. Results Supplementation with FSH in cell culture increased the number of cSSCs positive for GFRA1. The cSSCs were also positive for the pluripotency and early germline marker OCT4 and the late germline markers PLZF, DAZL, C-kit, and GFRA-1. The in vivo experiments showed that the cSSCs xenotransplanted into infertile mouse testes were able to repopulate germline cells in the seminiferous tubules of mice. Conclusions In conclusion, our results showed for the first time that the treatment of cSSC cultures with FSH can promote in vitro self-renewal, increase the population of germline cells, and possibly influence the success of spermatogenesis in infertile mice in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Hugo Fernandes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Angela Maria Gonella Diaza
- North Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Marianna, FL, USA
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly Cristine Santos Roballo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.,School of Pharmacy at University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, 82071, USA
| | - Juliana Barbosa Casals
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, L.E. "Red" Larson Building, Bldg. 499, Room 122 C, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Dos Santos Martins
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|