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Mihalj D, Bukatova S, Reichova A, Havranek T, Bacova Z, Szeiffova Bacova B, Bakos J. Developmental effects of oxytocin on GABAergic neurons in the olfactory brain regions. Neuroscience 2024; 555:184-193. [PMID: 39094821 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.035] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin affects social recognition, interactions, and behavior in adults. Despite growing data on the role of oxytocin in the sensory systems, its effects on early olfactory system development remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the developmental impact of oxytocin on selected parameters of the GABAergic system in olfactory brain regions. We found a significant increase in the expression of GABAergic markers and scaffolding proteins in the olfactory bulb during the early stages of development in both male and female rats, regardless of oxytocin treatment administered on postnatal days 2 and 3 (P2 and P3, 5 µg/pup). Oxytocin administration markedly reduced the expression of the scaffolding protein Gephyrin in male rats and it led to a significant increase in the number of GABAergic synaptic puncta in the piriform cortex of male rats at P5, P7, and P9. Our data suggest that the developmental action of oxytocin in relation to the GABAergic system may represent a mechanism by which the plasticity and maturation of olfactory brain regions are regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Mihalj
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislava Bukatova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Reichova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Havranek
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Szeiffova Bacova
- Institute for Heart Research, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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2
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Yu Y, Gao M, Xu H. Ginger Extract and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation: A Promising Strategy to Improve Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Physiol Res 2024; 73:351-367. [PMID: 39027953 PMCID: PMC11299783 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935266] [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] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy may result from the overproduction of ROS, TRPM2 and TRPV2. Moreover, the therapeutic role of ginger, omega-3 fatty acids, and their combinations on the expression of TRPM2 and TRPV2 and their relationship with apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage in heart tissue of rats with type 2 diabetes have not yet been determined. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ginger and omega-3 fatty acids on diabetic cardiomyopathy by evaluating the cardiac gene expression of TRPM2 and TRPV2, oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in male rats. Ninety adult male Wistar rats were equally divided into nine control, diabetes, and treated diabetes groups. Ginger extract (100 mg/kg) and omega-3 fatty acids (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) were orally administrated in diabetic rats for 6 weeks. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding a high-fat diet and a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg). Glucose, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lipid profile, insulin in serum, and TNF-alpha IL-6, SOD, MDA, and CAT in the left ventricle of the heart were measured. The cardiac expression of TRPM2, TRPV2, NF-kappaB, Bcl2, Bax, Cas-3, and Nrf-2 genes was also measured in the left ventricle of the heart. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was continuously recorded to monitor arrhythmia at the end of the course. The serum levels of cTnI, glucose, insulin, and lipid profile, and the cardiac levels of MDA, IL-6, and TNF-alpha increased in the diabetic group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the cardiac levels of SOD and CAT decreased in the diabetic group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The cardiac expression of TRPM2, TRPV2, NF-kappaB, Bax, and Cas-3 increased and Bcl2 and Nrf-2 expression decreased in the diabetic group compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, simultaneous and separate treatment with ginger extract and omega-3 fatty acids (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) could significantly moderate these changes (p<0.05). The results also showed that the simultaneous treatment of ginger extract and different doses of omega-3 fatty acids have improved therapeutic effects than their individual treatments (p<0.05). It can be concluded that ginger and omega-3 fatty acids showed protective effects against diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative damage of the heart and reducing blood glucose and cardiac expression of TRPM2 and TRPV2. Combining ginger and omega-3 in the diet may provide a natural approach to reducing the risk or progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy while preserving heart structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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3
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Liu JL, Chen LJ, Liu Y, Li JH, Zhang KK, Hsu C, Li XW, Yang JZ, Chen L, Zeng JH, Xie XL, Wang Q. The gut microbiota contributes to methamphetamine-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116457. [PMID: 38754198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug belonging to the amphetamine-type stimulant class, known to exert male reproductive toxicity. Recent studies suggest that METH can disrupt the gut microbiota. Furthermore, the gut-testis axis concept has gained attention due to the potential link between gut microbiome dysfunction and reproductive health. Nonetheless, the role of the gut microbiota in mediating the impact of METH on male reproductive toxicity remains unclear. In this study, we employed a mouse model exposed to escalating doses of METH to assess sperm quality, testicular pathology, and reproductive hormone levels. The fecal microbiota transplantation method was employed to investigate the effect of gut microbiota on male reproductive toxicity. Transcriptomic, metabolomic, and microbiological analyses were conducted to explore the damage mechanism to the male reproductive system caused by METH. We found that METH exposure led to hormonal disorders, decreased sperm quality, and changes in the gut microbiota and testicular metabolome in mice. Testicular RNA sequencing revealed enrichment of several Gene Ontology terms associated with reproductive processes, as well as PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. FMT conveyed similar reproductive damage from METH-treated mice to healthy recipient mice. The aforementioned findings suggest that the gut microbiota plays a substantial role in facilitating the reproductive toxicity caused by METH, thereby highlighting a prospective avenue for therapeutic intervention in the context of METH-induced infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Li Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Li-Jian Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Hao Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kai-Kai Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Clare Hsu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian-Zheng Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Long Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Hao Zeng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xie
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Galvão NA, Cordeiro F, Bernardi MM, Kirsten TB. Ivermectin prevents stress-induced testicular damage in juvenile rats. Tissue Cell 2024; 86:102292. [PMID: 38159533 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102292] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Ivermectin is a popular antiparasitic drug used in veterinary and human medicine. Studies by our group have shown that therapeutic doses of ivermectin induce some brain and behavioral impairments, especially in the reproductive sphere. So far, the studies were focused in adulthood. Considering that juveniles are more susceptible to drugs during developmental stages and both farm/domestic animals and humans have been medicated with ivermectin in youth, it is necessary to evaluate the possible harm effects in youth. The stress variable is also important, as it potentially influences the effects produced by ivermectin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate morphofunctional and hormonal reproductive aspects of juvenile rats exposed to ivermectin and/or stressed. Prepubertal male rats were treated with 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg of ivermectin (a therapeutic dose and a higher dose, respectively). Rats were also submitted to a restraint stress session. The testis morphology and histology were analyzed and plasma testosterone levels were measured. The two doses of ivermectin did not induce a biologically relevant effect on testis and testosterone levels of rats. However, restraint stress impaired macroscopic and microscopic morphometric and stereological parameters, as well as the histology of the testis: it increased the relative testis weight, the tubular diameter, the tubular luminal diameter, and the tubular cellular index, and injured the interstitial area. Previous treatment of juvenile rats with ivermectin prevented most of the stress-induced testes injuries. In conclusion, in addition to be a remarkable antiparasitic agent, ivermectin prevented stress-induced testes injuries in juvenile rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia A Galvão
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flora Cordeiro
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria M Bernardi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago B Kirsten
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil.
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5
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Nielsen JLM, Majzoub A, Esteves S, Humaidan P. Unraveling the Impact of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Reproductive Outcomes. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:241-257. [PMID: 38092034 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying subcellular causes of male infertility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) research has been at the forefront of this focus. DNA damage can occur during spermatogenesis due to faulty chromatin compaction or excessive abortive apoptosis. It can also happen as sperm transit through the genital tract, often induced by oxidative stress. There are several methods for SDF testing, with the sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTI nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, comet assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test being the most commonly used. Numerous studies strongly support the negative impact of SDF on male fertility potential. DNA damage has been linked to various morphological and functional sperm abnormalities, ultimately affecting natural conception and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. This evidence-based review aims to explore how SDF influences male reproduction and provide insights into available therapeutic options to minimize its detrimental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett L M Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sandro Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Azizi S, Kheirandish R, Dabiri S, Lakzaee M. Adverse effects of methamphetamine on vital organs of male rats: Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:549-557. [PMID: 37051094 PMCID: PMC10083837 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68573.15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Methamphetamine (named crystal, ice, and crank), is a strong psychostimulant drug with addictive and neurotoxic properties. It is absorbed by various organs and induces tissue damage in abusers. Most METH studies have focused on the central nervous system and its effects on other organs have been neglected. Experimental investigations of animal models are used to provide significant additional information. We have studied the histopathological effects of methamphetamine in the brains, hearts, livers, testes, and kidneys of rats. Materials and Methods Methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously for 21 days. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with markers including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for reactive astrocytes, vimentin as an intermediate filament in different cells, and CD45 marker for the detection of reactive microglia in the brain. Also, some samples were taken from livers, kidneys, hearts, and testes. Results Degenerative changes and necrosis were the most common histopathological effects in the liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and brains of rats treated with methamphetamine. Immunohistochemical analyses by vimentin and GFAP markers revealed reactive microglia and astrocytes with the appearance of swollen cell bodies and also short, thickened, and irregular processes. Moreover, the number of CD45-positive cells was higher in this group. Reactive cells were more noticeable in the peduncles and subcortical white matter of the cerebellum. Conclusion Our results showed the toxic effects of methamphetamine on the vital organs and induction of neurotoxicity, cardiomyopathy, renal damage, and infertility in male rats. We could not attribute observed hepatic changes to METH and further evaluation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Azizi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
- Corresponding author: Shahrzad Azizi. Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. ;
| | - Reza Kheirandish
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Pathology Department, Afzalipour Kerman Medical School, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mina Lakzaee
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Kaewman P, Nudmamud-Thanoi S, Thongleart J, Charoenlappanit S, Roytrakul S, Thanoi S. Differential protein expression of GABA A receptor alpha 1 subunit and calbindin in rat spermatozoa associated with proteomic analysis in testis following methamphetamine administration. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0273888. [PMID: 36598915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273888] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) can induce spermatogenesis impairment, testicular apoptosis, and abnormal sperm quality. It also promotes changes in the expression of receptors for sex hormones and neurotransmitters, including GABA receptors in the testis. Proteomic assessment focusing on proteins involved in the calcium signalling pathway in the testis can facilitate diagnostic factors contributing to testicular and sperm functions, especially those related to spermatogenesis and fertilisation. In this study, we proposed to determine the localisation and differential expression of GABA A receptor alpha 1 subunit (GABA A-α1) in the spermatozoa of METH-administered rats. The differential proteomic profile of the testis was also observed by focusing on proteins in the KEGG pathways belonging to the calcium signalling pathway. There were 212 differentially expressed proteins in the rat testis, based on the cut-off value of 1.2-fold change. Most of those proteins, 13 proteins, were classified in the calcium signalling pathway, including 4 down-regulated and 9 up-regulated proteins. An immunolocalisation study of the GABA A-α1 receptor and calbindin revealed their localisation in the equatorial segment of the head in the rat spermatozoa. The expression of calbindin is also found in the middle piece of sperm. An increase in GABA A-α1 receptor in rat spermatozoa was correlated with an increase in abnormal sperm motility and morphology after methamphetamine exposure. Moreover, calbindin expression in sperm decreased in METH-administered rats. All our findings demonstrate that METH influences intracellular calcium homeostasis by acting through the calcium signalling pathway-associated proteins. Moreover, it might disrupt ion homeostasis in sperm through the GABA A-α1 receptor and calbindin, triggering a change in intracellular calcium and chloride ions. These changes may cause abnormalities in spermatogenesis, testicular apoptosis, and sperm quality impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweena Kaewman
- School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Jitnapar Thongleart
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sawanya Charoenlappanit
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Samur Thanoi
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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Schifano N, Chiappini S, Mosca A, Miuli A, Santovito MC, Pettorruso M, Capogrosso P, Dehò F, Martinotti G, Schifano F. Recreational Drug Misuse and Its Potential Contribution to Male Fertility Levels' Decline: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1582. [PMID: 36421906 PMCID: PMC9688450 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recreational drug intake may be associated with a range of medical untoward consequences, including male infertility. However, as the related evidence is still limited, the main outcome of this review is to provide a better understanding of the existence of any association between recreational drug misuse and male fertility levels' decline. Whilst searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, a comprehensive overview of the literature regarding male infertility and substances of abuse (e.g., phytocannabinoids, opiates/opioids, stimulants, 'herbal highs', psychedelics, and 'novel psychoactive substances) was here undertaken. Due to the paucity of robust, high-quality, empirical, human studies, a narrative strategy was here preferred over a systematic approach. Relevant data are qualitatively analyzed and presented in a table. Although most available evidence is in support of a detrimental role of cannabis on human spermatogenesis, a few remaining studies failed to document any effect of this drug on seminal quality, and it is not clear to which extent this drug impacts fertility rates/time to pregnancy. The current understanding of the impact of opiate-, cocaine- and amphetamine/stimulant-misuse on human reproduction is widely unknown, and most studies dealing with this matter represent only an extrapolation of data derived from specific clinical circumstances. Although the message of 'no smoking, no alcohol and no street drugs' should always be offered as good health advice to all patients seeking medical help for fertility issues, robust scientific clinical evidence in support of a direct detrimental impact of recreational drugs on spermatogenesis is scant to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Schifano
- Department of Urology, ASST Sette Laghi–Circolo e Fondazione Macchi Hospital, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Miuli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Santovito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, ASST Sette Laghi–Circolo e Fondazione Macchi Hospital, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Federico Dehò
- Department of Urology, ASST Sette Laghi–Circolo e Fondazione Macchi Hospital, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK
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Allaeian Jahromi Z, Meshkibaf MH, Naghdi M, Vahdati A, Makoolati Z. Methamphetamine Downregulates the Sperm-Specific Calcium Channels Involved in Sperm Motility in Rats. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:5190-5196. [PMID: 35187334 PMCID: PMC8851642 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Calcium channels play essential roles in sperm motility. A family of sperm-specific cation channels including CatSper1-4 has been identified as voltage-dependent ion channels that act as sperm motility regulators. Methamphetamine is known to cause apoptosis in seminiferous tubules and affect sperm quality. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of methamphetamine on expression of the CatSper family and Mvh genes. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of nine rats each: the control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. The control group received no solvents or drugs, but experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 were daily given 0.2 mL of a solution by gavage that contained 0.5, 1, and 2 mg of methamphetamine, respectively, for 45 days. The rats were then anesthetized, and one testis removed from each rat was used in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's posthoc test were used to analyze the data at the P < 0.05 significance level. Treatment with methamphetamine resulted in decreased testis and epididymis weights compared to the control rats. The results showed that the mRNA fold expression level of the CatSper family and Mvh genes decreased significantly in experimental groups compared to that in the control (P < 0.05). Methamphetamine decreased the expression levels of the CatSper and Mvh genes, and thus, it seemed that it can increase the probability of infertility through sperm motility reduction by lowering the expression levels of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Allaeian Jahromi
- Department
of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars 11341-73631, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Meshkibaf
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Majid Naghdi
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Akbar Vahdati
- Department
of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Shiraz 71937-1135, Iran
| | - Zohreh Makoolati
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
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10
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Mansouri S, Jalali M, Nikravesh MR, Soukhtanloo M. Down-regulation of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 genes by methamphetamine. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1868007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Somaieh Mansouri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Matuszewska A, Nowak B, Szeląg A, Merwid-Ląd A, Partyka A, Tomkalski T, Podhorska-Okołów M, Piotrowska A, Kwiatkowska J, Niżański W. Long-term stiripentol administration, an anticonvulsant drug, does not impair sperm parameters in rats. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14058. [PMID: 33792946 DOI: 10.1111/and.14058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the influence of long-term administration of stiripentol on sex hormones and semen quality in young Wistar rats. Investigated animals received for 6 months either stiripentol or saline solution. After one month, stiripentol increased temporarily serum level of testosterone (p < 0.05) and FSH (p < 0.01). However, after 6 months levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin and SHBG were comparable in both groups. After 6 months, semen analysis did not reveal differences in sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm motility between groups. However, stiripentol increased the rate of head defect (p < 0.001) and midpiece abnormalities (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed higher percentage of live cells without lipid peroxidation (p < 0.00001) and higher percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosomes (p < 0.000001) in rats receiving stiripentol. There was no significant difference between groups in sperm mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation index. However, percentage of high DNA stainability cells was increased in stiripentol group (p < 0.001). The data showed that stiripentol does not cause obvious disturbances in young rat's semen. Detected changes in semen morphology and chromatin structure need further explanation, and their influence on rat's fertility should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beata Nowak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Adam Szeląg
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Merwid-Ląd
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Partyka
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Tomkalski
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Hospital in Lower Silesia Tadeusz Marciniak Center for Emergency Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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12
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Kaewman P, Nudmamud-Thanoi S, Amatyakul P, Thanoi S. High mRNA expression of GABA receptors in human sperm with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and teratozoospermia and its association with sperm parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 48:50-60. [PMID: 33648045 PMCID: PMC7943344 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.03972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the mRNA expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the sperm of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) and teratozoospermic (TER) men compared to normozoospermic (NOR) men, as well as the relationships between GABA receptor expression and sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality. Methods The mRNA expression of GABA A-α1 and GABA B-R2 receptors in sperm was examined using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in three groups of patients: NOR (n=32), OAT (n=22), and TER (n=45). The fertilization rate and embryo quality were assessed in 35 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; 10 NOR, 10 OAT, and 15 TER men). Results OAT men had significantly higher mRNA expression of GABA A-α1 and GABA B-R2 receptors in sperm than NOR men; however, the difference between TER and NOR men was not significant. High levels of these receptors were significantly correlated with low sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, as well as the rate of good-quality embryos (GQEs) at the cleavage stage after ICSI. Patients whose female partners had a >50% GQE rate at the cleavage stage had significantly lower levels of GABA A-α1 receptor expression than those whose partners had a ≤50% GQE rate. Conclusion Our findings indicate that mRNA levels of GABA receptors in human sperm are correlated with poor sperm quality and associated with embryo development after ICSI treatment. The GABA A-α1 receptor in sperm has a stronger relationship with embryo quality at the cleavage stage than the GABA B-R2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweena Kaewman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Patcharada Amatyakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Naresuan Infertility Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Samur Thanoi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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13
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Ajayi AF, Akhigbe RE. The physiology of male reproduction: Impact of drugs and their abuse on male fertility. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13672. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi
- Department of Physiology College of Medicine Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso Nigeria
| | - Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology College of Medicine Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso Nigeria
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories Oasis of Grace Hospital Osogbo Nigeria
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14
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Hadziselimovic F, Verkauskas G, Vincel B, Stadler MB. Testicular expression of long non-coding RNAs is affected by curative GnRHa treatment of cryptorchidism. Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:18. [PMID: 31890219 PMCID: PMC6933710 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptorchidism is a frequent endocrinopathy in boys that has been associated with an increased risk of developing testicular cancer and infertility. The condition is curable by combined surgery and hormonal treatment during early pre-pubertal stages using gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). However, whether the treatment also alters the expression of testicular long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is unknown. To gain insight into the effect of GnRHa on testicular lncRNA levels, we re-analyzed an expression dataset generated from testicular biopsies obtained during orchidopexy for bilateral cryptorchidism. Results We identified EGFR-AS1, Linc-ROR, LINC00221, LINC00261, LINC00282, LINC00293, LINC00303, LINC00898, LINC00994, LINC01121, LINC01553, and MTOR-AS1 as potentially relevant for the stimulation of cell proliferation mediated by GnRHa based on their direct or indirect association with rapidly dividing cells in normal and pathological tissues. Surgery alone failed to alter the expression of these transcripts. Conclusion Given that lncRNAs can cooperate with chromatin-modifying enzymes to promote epigenetic regulation of genes, GnRHa treatment may act as a surrogate for mini-puberty by triggering the differentiation of Ad spermatogonia via lncRNA-mediated epigenetic effects. Our work provides additional molecular evidence that infertility and azoospermia in cryptorchidism, resulting from defective mini-puberty cannot be cured with successful orchidopexy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Children's Day Care Center, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Gilvydas Verkauskas
- 2Children's Surgery Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Beata Vincel
- 3Children's Surgery Centre, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Michael B Stadler
- 4Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,5Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
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Mansouri S, Jalali M, Nikravesh MR, Soukhtanloo M. Alteration of collagen type IV and laminin α5 expression in seminiferous tubules of BALB/c mice following methamphetamine exposure. TOXIN REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2019.1649285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Somaieh Mansouri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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Yang L, Shen J, Chen J, Li W, Xie X. Reduced Glycolysis Contributed to Inhibition of Testis Spermatogenesis in Rats After Chronic Methamphetamine Exposure. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:5453-5464. [PMID: 31332157 PMCID: PMC6668493 DOI: 10.12659/msm.917491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reports suggested that methamphetamine (METH) exposure could lead to inhibition of rat testis spermatogenesis. Glycolysis and glucose metabolism as well as oxidative stress have been implicated in testis spermatogenesis. Here we explored the underlying mechanism of local metabolism and glycolysis of testis after METH exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS METH was intraperitoneally injected into rats with different doses and duration of METH exposure to establish short-term and chronic exposure models. The serum 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was applied to identify differential metabolites and metabolic signature. The mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 1 (HK1) and lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) in rat testes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Further, we determined the 4 proteins with western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Decreased testes index and sperm counts were showed in the chronic METH group. The metabolome revealed that the main differential metabolites impacted were associated with glycolysis and glucose metabolism. The mRNA and protein expression of GLUT1, HK1, and LDHC were reduced in the chronic METH group but elevated in the short-term METH group, whereas HIF1alpha was upregulated in the short-term METH group but remained at baseline in the chronic METH group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, glucose metabolism was regulated by HIF1alpha after short-term METH exposure. Reduced glycolysis in the testis led to impaired spermatogenesis after chronic METH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Jihong Shen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Jianheng Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
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Duca Y, Aversa A, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE, La Vignera S. Substance Abuse and Male Hypogonadism. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E732. [PMID: 31121993 PMCID: PMC6571549 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive deterioration of male reproductive function is occurring in Western countries. Environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyles have been implicated in the decline of testosterone levels and sperm production observed in the last fifty years. Among unhealthy lifestyles, substance and drug abuse is a recognized cause of possible alterations of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Alcohol, opioids and anabolic-androgenic steroids are capable to reduce testosterone production in male interfering with testicular and/or hypothalamic-pituitary function. Other substances such as nicotine, cannabis, and amphetamines alter spermatogenesis inducing oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis in testicular tissue. Substance and drug abuse is a potentially reversible cause of hypogonadism, defined as the failure of the testis to produce physiological concentrations of testosterone and/or a normal number of spermatozoa. The identification of the abuse is important because the withdrawal of substance intake can reverse the clinical syndrome. This review summarizes the most important clinical and experimental evidence on the effect of substance abuse on testosterone and sperm production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Duca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | | | - Aldo Eugenio Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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