RESUMO
Testosterone, the primary sex hormone in male lizards, is closely linked to Leydig cell activity (the cells where steroidogenesis occurs) throughout the reproductive cycle, but testosterone action is related to androgen receptors (ARs) distribution in the seminiferous epithelium. In temperate zones, environmental factors detected through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, downregulate plasma testosterone, resulting in a seasonal reproductive cycle. The aim of this work is to study plasma testosterone in adult male lizards of Liolaemus cuyanus, an oviparous species, throughout its reproductive cycle and its relationship with Leydig cell histology, TotalLeydigCell/ActiveLeydigCell (TLC/ALC) ratio, environmental factors (temperature, relative humidity and solar irradiation) and ARs distribution in seminiferous epithelium. Specimens (N = 27) were captured (October to March) in a semi-arid zone (Valle de Matagusanos, San Juan, Argentina) and grouped into three relevant reproductive periods: pre-reproductive (PrR), reproductive (R), and post-reproductive (PsR). Significant differences in plasma testosterone were found among these periods, highest during R than in PsR. A significant positive correlation between plasma testosterone and TLC/ALC ratio was also observed. Plasma testosterone has a significant positive correlation only with solar irradiation, but not with the other variables. In PrR and R, ARs distribution was cytoplasmic and nuclear, shifting to only cytoplasmic in PsR. These results highlight the close correspondence between plasma testosterone, Leydig cell histology and activity, environmental factors, and ARs distribution, resulting in a synchronization that allows males of L. cuyanus to coordinate their reproductive cycle with the most favorable environmental conditions, probably for mating and birth of offspring.
Assuntos
Lagartos , Testosterona , Masculino , Animais , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Lagartos/fisiologia , Receptores Androgênicos/metabolismo , Reprodução/fisiologiaRESUMO
We have previously demonstrated significant in vitro natriuretic effects of anandamide (AEA) nanoformulation in polymeric nanoparticles, whose size prevents their accumulation in organs, such as the kidneys. Therefore, it is of particular interest to design and test nanostructures that can pharmacologically accumulate in these organs. In this regard, we prepared and characterized polymeric nanomicelles (~14 and 40 nm). Likewise, their biodistribution was determined. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive rats (WKY), n = 3 per group, were divided into five treatment conditions: control, sham, free AEA freshly dispersed in aqueous solution or 24 h after its dispersion, and AEA encapsulated in nanomicelles. The kidneys were the main site of accumulation of the nanoformulation after 24 h. Freshly dispersed free AEA showed its classical triphasic response in SHR, which was absent from all other treatments. Nanoformulated AEA produced a sustained antihypertensive effect over 2 h, accompanied by a significant increase in fractional sodium excretion (FSE %). These effects were not observed in WKY, sham, or free AEA-treated rats after 24 h of its aqueous dispersion. Without precedent, we demonstrate in vivo natriuretic, diuretic, and hypotensive effects of AEA nanoformulation in polymeric nanomicelles, suggesting its possible use as a new antihypertensive agent with intravenous administration and passive renal accumulation.
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BACKGROUND: Rabbits are sensitive to dietary cholesterol and rapidly develop hypercholesterolemia, leading to prominent subfertility. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2 drives the intracellular cholesterol pathway in many tissues, including the testicles. Its abnormal regulation could be the mainly responsible for the failure of suppressing cholesterol synthesis in a cholesterol-enriched environment, ultimately leading to testicular and seminal alterations. However, extra-virgin olive oil consumption has beneficial properties that promote lowering of cholesterol levels, including the recovery of seminal parameters altered under a high-fat diet. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to investigate the effects of high-fat diet supplementation with extra-virgin olive oil at the molecular level on rabbit testes, by analyzing sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2 protein and its corresponding downstream effectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 12 months, male rabbits were fed a control diet, high-fat diet, or 6-month high-fat diet followed by 6-month high-fat diet plus extra-virgin olive oil. Serum lipids, testosterone levels, bodyweight, and seminal parameters were tested. The mRNA and protein levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and low-density lipoprotein receptor were determined by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting techniques. The expression pattern of sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2 protein in the rabbit testicles was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, testicular cholesterol was detected and quantified by filipin staining and gas chromatography. RESULTS: The data showed that the addition of extra-virgin olive oil to high-fat diet reduced testicular cholesterol levels and recovered the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and low-density lipoprotein receptor initially altered by the high-fat diet. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The combination of high-fat diet with extra-virgin olive oil encourages testicular recovery by modifying the expression of the enzymes related to intracellular cholesterol management.
Assuntos
Dieta Hiperlipídica , Doenças Testiculares , Humanos , Animais , Masculino , Coelhos , Azeite de Oliva/farmacologia , Dieta Hiperlipídica/efeitos adversos , Colesterol , Lipoproteínas LDL , OxirredutasesRESUMO
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory conditions contribute as key determinants in the development of vascular and renal diseases. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) of oil macerated with garlic (OMG) are promising phytochemicals which could protect us from hyper-inflammation and oxidative stress-induced organ damage. The present work evaluated the effect of OMG intake in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-KO) mice. Adult female ApoE-KO mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with control chow, oil-supplemented diet and OMG-supplemented diet. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and blood, aorta, kidneys, liver and abdominal adipose tissues were obtained for further analysis. Biochemical parameters were measured in plasma, lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was determined in the adipose tissue, oil red O was used to stain atherosclerotic lesions, and histological and ultrastructural analyses of the kidneys were performed. Renal expression levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Wilms' Tumor Protein (WT-1) were determined by western blotting and the co-immunoprecipitation assay (p53/WT-1). Also, transmission electron microscopy for studying the expression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn-2) was used to assess mitochondrial damage. The results showed that long-term moderate intake of OMG improved serum triglyceride levels, diminished the atheroma plaque area, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, we found a decrease in oxidative and inflammatory markers, less apoptosis and reduced WT-1 expression in the kidneys. Also, OMG increased p53/WT-1 protein interactions and reduced mitochondrial damage. Our findings suggest that OMG intake would produce anti-atherosclerotic, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in adult ApoE-KO mice, conferring significant renovascular protective actions in a mechanism mediated, at least in part, by WT-1.
Assuntos
Aterosclerose , Alho , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios , Antioxidantes , Apolipoproteínas E/genética , Aterosclerose/tratamento farmacológico , Aterosclerose/genética , Aterosclerose/prevenção & controle , Feminino , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53RESUMO
Male fertility has been shown to be dependent on cholesterol homeostasis. This lipid is essential for testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis, but its levels must be maintained in an optimal range for proper testicular function. In particular, sperm cells' development is very sensitive to high cholesterol levels, noticeably during acrosomal formation. The aim of this work was to study whether the molecular pathway that regulates intracellular cholesterol, the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) pathway, is affected in the testicles of animals under a fat diet. To investigate this, we took advantage of the non-obese hypercholesterolemia (HC) model in New Zealand rabbits that displays poor sperm and seminal quality. The testicular expression of SREBP isoform 2 (SREBP2) and its target molecules 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) were studied under acute (6 months) and chronic (more than 12 months) fat intake by RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. Our findings showed that fat consumption promoted down-regulation of the SREBP2 pathway in the testicle at 6 months, but upregulation after a chronic period. This was consistent with load of testicular cholesterol, assessed by filipin staining. In conclusion, the intracellular pathway that regulates cholesterol levels in the testicle is sensitive to dietary fats, and behaves differently depending on the duration of consumption: it has a short-term protective effect, but became deregulated in the long term, ultimately leading to a detrimental situation. These results will contribute to the understanding of the basic mechanisms of the effect of fat consumption in humans with idiopathic infertility.
Assuntos
Colesterol/metabolismo , Dieta Hiperlipídica , Proteína de Ligação a Elemento Regulador de Esterol 2/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Animais , Infertilidade Masculina/metabolismo , Masculino , Coelhos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Análise do SêmenRESUMO
Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) expression has been described in many organs as showing neurotrophic, anti-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and pro-cell survival properties. However, references to its activity in the male reproductive system are scarce. We aimed to characterize the expression of PEDF in the male reproductive tract of Wistar rats by using RT-PCR, western blot and immunostaining and also evaluate the effect of flutamide in PEDF expression. We found that PEDF is expressed in the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles in Wistar rats, but notably not in the testes. Under the effect of flutamide PEDF expression decreased, recovering by suppressing the antiandrogen. The epididymis is an essential organ in sperm maturation-storages. The role of PEDF in this physiological process has not been fully elucidated yet, but considering that in other systems PEDF has anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidants and pro-cell survival properties, its expression along the epididymis could play a role in the protection of spermatozoa while they are stored.
Assuntos
Epididimo/metabolismo , Proteínas do Olho/metabolismo , Flutamida/farmacologia , Fatores de Crescimento Neural/metabolismo , Serpinas/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Apoptose , Sobrevivência Celular , Epididimo/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Próstata/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Glândulas Seminais/metabolismo , Testículo/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
High-fat diet is associated with hypercholesterolemia and seminal alterations in White New Zealand rabbits. We have previously reported disorders in the development of the manchette-acrosome complex during spermiogenesis and decreased testicular efficiency in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. On the other hand, olive oil incorporated into the diet improves cholesterolemia and semen parameters affected in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In this paper, we report the recovery-with the addition of olive oil to diet-from the sub-cellular mechanisms involved in the shaping of the sperm cell and testicular efficiency altered in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Using morphological (structural, ultra-structural and immuno-fluorescence techniques) and cell biology techniques, a reorganization of the manchette and related structures was observed when olive oil was added to the high-fat diet. Specifically, actin filaments, microtubules and lipid rafts-abnormally distributed in hypercholesterolemic rabbits-were recovered with dietary olive oil supplementation. The causes of the decline in sperm count were studied in the previous report and here in more detail. These were attributed to the decrease in the efficiency index and also to the increase in the apoptotic percentage in testis from animals under the high-fat diet. Surprisingly, the addition of olive oil to the diet avoided the sub-cellular, efficiency and apoptosis changes observed in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. This paper reports the positive effects of the olive oil addition to the diet in the recovery of testicular efficiency and normal sperm shaping, mechanisms altered by hypercholesterolemia.
Assuntos
Acrossomo/efeitos dos fármacos , Dieta Hiperlipídica/efeitos adversos , Hipercolesterolemia/tratamento farmacológico , Azeite de Oliva/administração & dosagem , Doenças Testiculares/prevenção & controle , Acrossomo/patologia , Animais , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Hipercolesterolemia/induzido quimicamente , Hipercolesterolemia/complicações , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Infertilidade Masculina/prevenção & controle , Masculino , Microdomínios da Membrana/efeitos dos fármacos , Azeite de Oliva/farmacologia , Coelhos , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Espermatogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças Testiculares/etiologia , TestículoRESUMO
Lethal ventricular arrhythmias increase in patients with chronic kidney disease that suffer an acute coronary event. Chronic kidney disease induces myocardial remodeling, oxidative stress, and arrhythmogenesis. A manifestation of the relationship between kidney and heart is the concomitant reduction in vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the increase in angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1 ). Melatonin has renal and cardiac protective actions. One potential mechanism is the increase in the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70)-an antioxidant factor. We aim to determine the mechanisms involved in melatonin (Mel) prevention of kidney damage and arrhythmogenic heart remodeling. Unilateral ureteral-obstruction (UUO) and sham-operated rats were treated with either melatonin (4 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 15 days. Hearts and kidneys from obstructed rats showed a reduction in VDR and Hsp70. Associated with AT1 up-regulation in the kidneys and the heart of UUO rats also increased oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, mitochondrial edema, and dilated crests. Melatonin prevented these changes and ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion. The action potential lengthened and hyperpolarized in melatonin-treated rats throughout the experiment. We conclude that melatonin prevents renal damage and arrhythmogenic myocardial remodeling during unilateral ureteral obstruction due to a decrease in oxidative stress/fibrosis/apoptosis associated with AT1 reduction and Hsp70-VDR increase.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/metabolismo , Melatonina/uso terapêutico , Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina/metabolismo , Receptores de Calcitriol/metabolismo , Taquicardia Ventricular/tratamento farmacológico , Taquicardia Ventricular/metabolismo , Actinas/metabolismo , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibrose/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/genética , Marcação In Situ das Extremidades Cortadas , Técnicas In Vitro , Rim/metabolismo , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica , Microscopia de Fluorescência , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Miocárdio/metabolismo , NADPH Oxidases/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos WKY , Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina/genética , Receptores de Calcitriol/genéticaRESUMO
Peroxynitrite is a highly reactive nitrogen species and a potent inducer of apoptosis and necrosis in somatic cells. Peroxynitrite-induced nitrosative stress has emerged as a major cause of impaired sperm function; however, its ability to trigger cell death has not been described in human spermatozoa. The objective here was to characterize biochemical and morphological features of cell death induced by peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress in human spermatozoa. For this, spermatozoa were incubated with and without (untreated control) 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), in order to generate peroxynitrite. Sperm viability, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), externalization of phosphatidylserine, DNA oxidation and fragmentation, caspase activation, tyrosine nitration, and sperm ultrastructure were analyzed. The results showed that at 24 h of incubation with SIN-1, the sperm viability was significantly reduced compared to untreated control (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the MPT was induced (P < 0.01) and increment in DNA oxidation (P < 0.01), DNA fragmentation (P < 0.01), tyrosine nitration (P < 0.0001) and ultrastructural damage were observed when compared to untreated control. Caspase activation was not evidenced, and although phosphatidylserine externalization increased compared to untreated control (P < 0.001), this process was observed in <10% of the cells and the gradual loss of viability was not characterized by an important increase in this parameter. In conclusion, peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress induces the regulated variant of cell death known as MPT-driven necrosis in human spermatozoa. This study provides a new insight into the pathophysiology of nitrosative stress in human spermatozoa and opens up a new focus for developing specific therapeutic strategies to better preserve sperm viability or to avoid cell death.
Assuntos
Morte Celular , Mitocôndrias/patologia , Estresse Nitrosativo/fisiologia , Espermatozoides/patologia , Adulto , Caspases/metabolismo , Ativação Enzimática , Humanos , Masculino , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Necrose , Permeabilidade , Ácido Peroxinitroso/farmacologia , Fosfatidilserinas/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/ultraestruturaRESUMO
Male infertility is a disorder of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The presence of low-motile or immotile spermatozoa is one of many causes of infertility; however, this observation provides little or no information regarding the pathogenesis of the malfunction. Good sperm motility depends on correct assembly of the sperm tail in the testis and efficient maturation during epididymal transit. Thiols of flagellar proteins, such as outer dense fibre protein 1 (ODF1), are oxidised to form disulfides during epididymal transit and the spermatozoa become motile. This study was designed to determine how oxidative changes in protein thiol status affect progressive motility in human spermatozoa. Monobromobimane (mBBr) was used as a specific thiol marker and disruptor of sperm progressive motility. When mBBr was blocked by dithiothreitol it did not promote motility changes. The analysis of mBBr-treated spermatozoa revealed a reduction of progressive motility and an increased number of spermatozoa with non-progressive motility without affecting ATP production. Laser confocal microscopy and western blot analysis showed that one of the mBBr-positive proteins reacted with an antibody to ODF1. Monobromobimane fluorescence intensity of the sperm tail was lower in normozoospermic than asthenozoospermic men, suggesting that thiol oxidation in spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic men is incomplete. Our findings indicate that mBBr affects the thiol status of ODF1 in human spermatozoa and interferes with progressive motility.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Choque Térmico/fisiologia , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Trifosfato de Adenosina/biossíntese , Astenozoospermia/fisiopatologia , Compostos Bicíclicos com Pontes/farmacologia , Ditiotreitol/farmacologia , Proteínas de Choque Térmico/química , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Infertilidade Masculina/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Cauda do Espermatozoide/fisiologia , Compostos de Sulfidrila/química , Compostos de Sulfidrila/metabolismoRESUMO
Increased chicken-derived fat and fructose consumption in the human diet is paralleled by an increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). Herein, we aimed at developing and characterizing a mouse model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) resembling most of the key features of the human MS. To accomplish this, we fed male C57BL/6J mice for 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks with either a low-fat diet (LFD) or a high-chicken-fat diet (HFD) and tap water with or without 10% fructose (F). This experimental design resulted in the following four experimental groups: LFD, LFD + F, HFD, and HFD + F. Over the feeding period, and on a weekly basis, the HFD + F group had more caloric intake and gained more weight than the other experimental groups. Compared to the other groups, and at the end of the feeding period, the HFD + F group had a higher adipogenic index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting basal glycemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and atherogenic index and showed steatohepatitis and systemic oxidative stress/inflammation. A mouse model of DIO that will allow us to study the effect of MS in different organs and systems has been developed and characterized.
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Peroxynitrite is a highly reactive nitrogen species and when it is generated at high levels it causes nitrosative stress, an important cause of impaired sperm function. High levels of peroxynitrite have been shown to correlate with decreased semen quality in infertile men. Thiol groups in sperm are mainly found in enzymes, antioxidant molecules, and structural proteins in the axoneme. Peroxynitrite primarily reacts with thiol groups of cysteine-containing proteins. Although it is well known that peroxynitrite oxidizes sulfhydryl groups in sperm, the subcellular localization of this oxidation remains unknown. The main objective of this study was to establish the subcellular localization of peroxynitrite-induced nitrosative stress in thiol groups and its relation to sperm motility in human spermatozoa. For this purpose, spermatozoa from healthy donors were exposed in vitro to 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a compound which generates peroxynitrite. In order to detect peroxynitrite and reduced thiol groups, the fluorescent probes, dihydrorhodamine 123 and monobromobimane (mBBr), were used respectively. Sperm viability was analyzed by propidium iodide staining. Peroxynitrite generation and thiol redox state were monitored by confocal microscopy whereas sperm viability was evaluated by flow cytometry. Sperm motility was analyzed by CASA using the ISAS(®) system. The results showed that exposure of human spermatozoa to peroxynitrite results in increased thiol oxidation which is mainly localized in the sperm head and principal piece regions. Thiol oxidation was associated with motility loss. The high susceptibility of thiol groups to peroxynitrite-induced oxidation could explain, at least in part, the negative effect of reactive nitrogen species on sperm motility. ABBREVIATIONS: DHR: dihydrorhodamine 123; mBBr: monobromobimane ONOO(-): peroxynitrite RNS: reactive nitrogen species RFI: relative fluorescence intensity SIN-1: 3-morpholinosydnonimine CASA: Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis PARP: poli ADP ribose polimerasa VCL: curvilinear velocity VSL: straight-line velocity VAP: average path velocity PRDXs: peroxiredoxins ODF: outer dense fiber ODF1: outer dense fiber 1 PI: propidium iodide DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide SD: standard deviation ANOVA: analysis of variance.
Assuntos
Ácido Peroxinitroso/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Compostos de Sulfidrila/metabolismo , Corantes Fluorescentes , Humanos , Masculino , Molsidomina/análogos & derivados , Molsidomina/metabolismo , Oxirredução , Análise do Sêmen , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides/citologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a public health problem with mostly unknown causes, and where strong hereditary genetic alterations have not been fully elucidated. However, the use of experimental models has provided valuable information. Recent evidences suggest that alterations in key nephrogenic factors, such as Wilms' tumor 1 transcription factor (WT-1), could contribute to the development of hypertension. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the expression of WT-1 and related genes in the nephrogenic process in connection with the development of hypertension as well as the corresponding anatomical and functional correlation. METHODS: Male spontaneously hypertensive and control rats were evaluated weekly from birth until week 8 of life. Their blood pressure was taken weekly using the tail-cuff blood pressure system. Weekly, 5 rats per group were sacrificed with a lethal injection of pentobarbital, and their kidneys were removed, decapsulated and weighed. The serum was collected for measuring biochemical parameters. The results were assessed using one-way analysis of variance for comparisons between groups. RESULTS: The relationship between renal weight/total body weights was established, without significantly different values. These data were compared with apoptosis, fibrosis, number and size of the glomeruli. The elevation of systolic blood pressure was significant since week 6. Biochemical values differed slightly. Histology showed a slight increase in deposits of collagen fibers since week 4. Additionally, in kidney cortices, the expression of WT-1, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and vitamin D receptors (VDR) decreased since week 4. Finally, we demonstrated ultrastructural damage to mitochondria since week 4. CONCLUSIONS: Our results would suggest an unprecedented link, possibly a regulatory mechanism, between WT-1 on nephrogenic alteration processes and their relationship with hypertension. Moreover, and previous to the increase in blood pressure, we demonstrated low expressions of WT-1, VDR and Hsp70 in kidneys from neonatal SHRs. If so, this may suggest that deregulation in the expression of WT-1 and its impact on nephrogenesis induction could be crucial in understanding the development and maintenance of hypertension.
Assuntos
Hipertensão/metabolismo , Rim/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/ultraestrutura , Proteínas WT1/metabolismo , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Apoptose , Pressão Sanguínea , Peso Corporal , Fibrose , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/metabolismo , Hipertensão/patologia , Imuno-Histoquímica , Marcação In Situ das Extremidades Cortadas , Rim/patologia , Córtex Renal/metabolismo , Masculino , Microscopia Confocal , Microscopia Eletrônica , Microscopia de Fluorescência , Tamanho do Órgão , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos SHR , Ratos Endogâmicos WKY , Receptores de Calcitriol/metabolismoRESUMO
In many mammalian and non-mammalian species, mature sperm interact within the female reproductive tract or inside the epididymal lumen using cohesive forces. This phenomenon, known as "sperm conjugation," is sometimes confused with sperm agglutination, which is the result of the interaction of epididymal or ejaculate spermatozoa upon release into culture medium. In addition to "agglutination," the terms "association," "rouleaux," or "rosettes" are employed interchangeably to describe the conjugation phenomenon, which inevitably causes confusion due to the non-unifying nomenclature. This variety of descriptions is likely due to a poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in such conspicuous cell-cell interaction as well as the different morphologies that result from such interactions among species. Here, we summarize the published data regarding mammalian sperm conjugation, considering the organisms in which sperm interaction was observed; the particular terminology employed; findings regarding the components that enable sperm to adhere; sperm behavior when deposited in the female reproductive tract; and hypotheses formulated to clarify the biological function and, when known, the mechanisms for sperm interaction. We also propose a new classification system for this phenomenon that might clearly unify the criteria used to describe this behavior. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 884-896, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assuntos
Reprodução/fisiologia , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Aglutinação/fisiologia , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Cardiovascular disease is often associated with chronic kidney disease and vice versa; myocardial vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are among the probable links between the 2 disorders. The vitamin D receptor activator paricalcitol protects against some renal and cardiovascular complications. However, the structural and electrophysiological effects of myocardial vitamin D receptor modification and its impact on the response to ischemia-reperfusion are currently unknown. This work attempted to determine whether obstructive nephropathy induced myocardial changes (in rats) linked to vitamin D receptor deficiency and to ventricular arrhythmias in Langendorff-perfused hearts. Unilateral ureteral-obstructed and Sham-operated rats were treated with either paricalcitol (30 ng/kg/d intraperitoneal) or vehicle for 15 days. In 5 hearts from each group, we found that obstructed rats showed a reduction in VDRs and an increase in angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression (messenger RNA and protein), suffered fibrosis (determined by Masson trichrome stain) and myofibril reduction with an increase in mitochondrial size, and had dilated crests (determined by electron microscopy). These changes were reversed by paricalcitol. In 8 additional hearts per group, we found that obstructed rats showed a higher incidence of ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion (after 10 minutes of regional ischemia) than did those treated with paricalcitol. The action potential duration was prolonged throughout the experiment in paricalcitol-treated rats. We conclude that the reduction in myocardial vitamin D receptor expression in obstructed rats might be related to myocardial remodeling associated with an increase in arrhythmogenesis and that paricalcitol protects against these changes by restoring myocardial vitamin D receptor levels and prolonging action potentials.
Assuntos
Arritmias Cardíacas/tratamento farmacológico , Ergocalciferóis/uso terapêutico , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/tratamento farmacológico , Miocárdio/patologia , Receptores de Calcitriol/deficiência , Obstrução Ureteral/complicações , Potenciais de Ação , Animais , Circulação Coronária , Feminino , Miocárdio/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos WKY , Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina/análise , Receptores de Calcitriol/análise , Obstrução Ureteral/metabolismoRESUMO
Previous hypertension studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are linked to elevated renin-angiotensin system. The heat shock protein 70 regulates signaling pathways for cellular oxidative stress responses. Hsp70 has been shown to protect against angiotensin II-induced hypertension and exert a cytoprotective effect. Here, we wanted to evaluate whether the vitamin D receptor (VDR) associated with Hsp70/AT1 expression may be involved in the mechanism by which paricalcitol provides renal protection in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). One-month-old female SHRs were treated for 4 months with vehicle, paricalcitol, enalapril, or a combination of both paricalcitol and enalapril. The following were determined: blood pressure; biochemical parameters; fibrosis; apoptosis; mitochondrial morphology; and VDR, AT1 receptor, and Hsp70 expression in the renal cortex. Blood pressure was markedly reduced by enalapril or the combination but not by paricalcitol alone. However, VDR activation, enalapril or combination, prevented fibrosis, the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells, mitochondrial damage, and NADPH oxidase activity in SHRs. Additionally, high AT1 receptor expression, like low Hsp70 expression (immunohistochemical/immunofluorescence studies), was reversed in the renal cortices of paricalcitol- and/or enalapril-treated animals (SHRs), and these changes were most marked in the combination therapy group. Finally, all of the recovery parameters were consistent with an improvement in VDR expression. Data suggest that Hsp70/AT1 modulated by VDR is involved in the mechanism by which paricalcitol provides renal protection in SHRs. We propose that low AT1 expression through VDR induction could be a consequence of the heat shock response Hsp70-mediated cell protection.
Assuntos
Ergocalciferóis/uso terapêutico , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/genética , Hipertensão/tratamento farmacológico , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Substâncias Protetoras/uso terapêutico , Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina/genética , Receptores de Calcitriol/metabolismo , Animais , Anti-Hipertensivos/uso terapêutico , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Pressão Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Enalapril/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipertensão/genética , Hipertensão/patologia , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Rim/metabolismo , Rim/patologia , Rim/fisiopatologia , NADP/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos SHRRESUMO
Fat increment (0.05% cholesterol, chol) in standard diet promoted a significant increase in serum and sperm membrane chol, which ultimately altered membrane-coupled sperm specific functions: osmotic resistance, acrosomal reaction, and sperm capacitation in White New Zealand rabbits. These changes were also associated with a reduction in motility percentage and appearance of abnormal sperm morphology. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary olive oil (OO, 7% v/w) administration to several male hypercholesterolemic rabbits (hypercholesterolemic rabbits, HCR) with altered fertility parameters. These HCR males were achieved by feeding normal rabbits with a high-fat diet (0.05% chol). HCR were associated with a modest non-significant increase in body weight (standard diet, 4.08±0.17 Kg, versus high-fat diet, 4.37±0.24 Kg). Hypercholesterolemic rabbits presented a marked decrease in semen volume, sperm cell count, and percentage of sperm motility, associated with a significant increase in sperm cell abnormalities. Moreover, sperm capacitation measured by the characteristic phosphorylated protein pattern in and induced acrosomal reaction were also altered suggesting sperm dysfunction. However, the administration of OO (for 16 weeks) to rabbits that were fed with 50% of the high-fat diet normalized serum chol. Curiously, OO supply succeeded to attenuate the seminal and sperm alterations observed in HCR group. Administration of OO alone did not cause any significant changes in above mentioned parameters. These data suggest that OO administration to HCR male rabbits recovers the loss of semen quality and sperm functionality.
Assuntos
Hipercolesterolemia/prevenção & controle , Óleos de Plantas/farmacologia , Análise do Sêmen , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Reação Acrossômica/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Colesterol na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Colesterol na Dieta/efeitos adversos , Dieta Hiperlipídica/efeitos adversos , Gorduras Insaturadas na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Gorduras Insaturadas na Dieta/farmacologia , Eletroforese em Gel de Poliacrilamida , Hipercolesterolemia/etiologia , Hipercolesterolemia/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Azeite de Oliva , Fosforilação/efeitos dos fármacos , Fosfotirosina/metabolismo , Óleos de Plantas/administração & dosagem , Coelhos , Capacitação Espermática/efeitos dos fármacos , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
Vitamin D slows the progression of chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, activators of vitamin D receptors (VDR) have suppressant effects on the renin-angiotensin system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions. This study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of paricalcitol, a VDR activator, at the mitochondrial level using an obstructive nephropathy model [unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)]. Rats subjected to UUO and controls were treated daily with vehicle or paricalcitol. The control group underwent a sham surgery. The treatment was done for 15 days (30 ng/kg). The following were determined: biochemical parameters; fibrosis; apoptosis; mitochondrial morphology; VDR, AT(1) receptor, and NADPH oxidase 4 expression; and NADPH oxidase activity (in total and in mitochondrial fractions from the renal cortex). VDR activation prevented fibrosis (20 ± 5 vs. 60 ± 10%) and the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells (10 ± 3 vs. 25 ± 4) in UUO. Biochemical, histological, and molecular studies suggest mitochondrial injury. Electron microscopy revealed in UUO electronically luminous material in the nucleus. Some mitochondria were increased in size and contained dilated crests and larger than normal spaces in their interiors. These changes were not present with paricalcitol treatment. Additionally, high AT(1)-receptor mRNA and NADPH activity was reverted in mitochondrial fractions from obstructed paricalcitol-treated animals (0.58 ± 0.06 vs. 0.95 ± 0.05 relative densitometry units and 9,000 ± 800 vs. 15,000 ± 1,000 relative fluorescence units·µg protein(-1)·min(-1), respectively). These changes were consistent with an improvement in VDR expression (0.75 ± 0.05 vs. 0.35 ± 0.04 relative densitometry units). These results suggest that paricalcitol confers a protective effect and reveal, as well, a possible AT(1) receptor-dependent protective effect that occurs at the mitochondrial level.
Assuntos
Citoproteção/efeitos dos fármacos , Ergocalciferóis/farmacologia , Nefropatias/patologia , Rim/patologia , Mitocôndrias/patologia , Obstrução Ureteral/patologia , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Ergocalciferóis/uso terapêutico , Fibrose , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Rim/metabolismo , Nefropatias/tratamento farmacológico , Nefropatias/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos WKY , Sistema Renina-Angiotensina , Obstrução Ureteral/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency induces activation of NF-kB and impairs activities of antioxidant enzymes in aorta. AIM OF THE STUDY: We study the effect of vitamin A deficiency on the aorta histoarchitecture and the possibly contribution of its prooxidant and inflammatory effects to artery alterations. METHODS: Twenty-one-day-old Wistar male rats were fed during 3 months with vitamin A-deficient diet (-A, n = 8) or the same diet containing 8 mg of retinol palmitate/kg of diet (+A, control, n = 8). In aortas, thiobarbituric reactive substances and reduced glutathione levels were measured by spectrophotometry. Expressions of TNF-alpha, NOX-2, VCAM-1, and TGF-beta1 were assessed by RT-PCR and Western Blot. The morphology of aorta was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In -A rats, high levels of TBARS in serum and aorta and low levels of GSH in aorta were found. An increased expression of TNF-alpha, NOX-2, VCAM-1, and TGF-beta1 in aorta from -A rats was observed. Examination of the intimal layer by light microscopy indicated the presence of an irregular surface in -A aortas. TEM studies showed large vacuoles and multivesicular bodies along the endothelium and also multivesicular bodies in the subendothelial space of aortas from -A rats. Furthermore, the histological appearance of internal elastic lamina was different from control. Small vesicles in the medial layer were observed in aortas from vitamin A-deficient rats. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin A deficiency produces histoarchitectural alterations in aorta, which can be associated, at least in part, to the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by vitamin A deficiency.
Assuntos
Aorta/imunologia , Aorta/ultraestrutura , Estresse Oxidativo , Vasculite/etiologia , Deficiência de Vitamina A/patologia , Deficiência de Vitamina A/fisiopatologia , Animais , Aorta/metabolismo , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Glutationa/metabolismo , Masculino , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/genética , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Corpos Multivesiculares/ultraestrutura , NADPH Oxidase 2 , NADPH Oxidases/genética , NADPH Oxidases/metabolismo , Oxirredução , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Distribuição Aleatória , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Túnica Íntima/ultraestrutura , Vacúolos/ultraestrutura , Molécula 1 de Adesão de Célula Vascular/genética , Molécula 1 de Adesão de Célula Vascular/metabolismo , Deficiência de Vitamina A/imunologia , Deficiência de Vitamina A/metabolismoRESUMO
Mammalian sperm proteins undergo thiol group (SH) oxidation to form disulfides bonds (SS) as they travel through the epididymis during cell maturation. Disulfide bonds are involved in chromatin condensation and tail organelle stabilization. In this work, we used a fluorescent thiol-selective labeling agent, monobromobimane (mBBr), to study the protein thiol status of rat sperm during maturation. Fluorescence signal decrease along the epididymal trip, more evidently in the head, but also in the tail, indicates that both sub cellular regions participate in the thiol changes. The sources of the fluorescence signal are sulfhydryls sperm proteins labeled by mBBr (mBBr-spp). Initial attempts to identify the mBBr-spp labeled were detected in the initial-caput, but not in the distal cauda-segment of the epididymis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE analysis. This phenomenon could be due to protein resistance to solubilization. For this reason, disulfide bond reduction was accomplished by sodium dodecyl sulfate plus dithiothreitol treatment to recover the mBBr signal in SDS-PAGE. Under this protocol, a major 27 kDa protein band displays a strong signal. Protein identification by mass spectrometry and sequence database searching correlated this protein with the outer dense fiber 1 (ODF1). The mBBr specifically bound to N-terminal domain cysteine of ODF1. The mBBr reduces rat sperm motility, quantitatively and qualitatively, and the effects are dose dependent, without significantly increasing the percentage of dead sperm. Thus, we found that ODF1 is highly responsible for mBBr fluorescence detection in the sperm tail, and the motility inhibition by the fluorescence marker indicates that ODF1 N-terminal domain are related to sperm motility. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.