Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tahseen S. Sayed, Nafisa H. Balasinor, Kumari Nishi
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in male reproduction, impacting sperm function and male sexual behavior. Dysfunctional ECS is linked to the development of prostate cancer.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriella Chieffi Baccari, Giuseppe Iurato, Alessandra Santillo, Brian Dale
Summary: Male infertility is correlated with the shortening of sperm telomeres, which regulate the reproductive lifespan. Telomeres are composed of DNA repeats and are coupled to proteins and RNA. Telomerase activity in male germ cells maintains telomere length during spermatogenesis, despite DNA replication and genotoxic factors. Exposure to pollutants has been associated with male infertility, but few consider telomeric DNA as a parameter for sperm function. This review aims to provide comprehensive data on the structure and function of telomeres in spermatogenesis and the influence of environmental pollutants.
Review
Biology
Jeremie Subrini, James Turner
Summary: The mammalian Y chromosome is critical for male sex determination and spermatogenesis, but its functional studies have been challenging. Current research is focusing on identifying the minimum set of Y genes necessary for male reproduction.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Albaraa Mojadadi, Alice Au, Wed Salah, Paul Witting, Gulfam Ahmad
Summary: Selenium is a micronutrient essential for life, with dietary intake within the physiological range critical for human health and reproductive functions. However, uncertainties surrounding how different dietary selenium sources are processed in the body and the optimal intake levels have led to imprecision in dietary guidelines, controversies, and adverse outcomes. This review aims to explore the sources of selenium, metabolic pathways, and its critical role in thyroid gland and reproductive functions, while also addressing controversies in clinical practice and proposing future directions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiu Yan, Yong Zhang, Qi Wang, Ligang Yuan
Summary: Autophagy is an important cell reprogramming mechanism in the testes, playing a crucial role in spermatogenesis, testicular endocrinology, and the function of SCs and LCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jian Chen, Chunsheng Han
Summary: This mini review highlights the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mammalian spermatogenesis, emphasizing the challenges in studying their functions and the progress in using genetic methods. The authors suggest that with the advancement of traditional methods and new technologies, studies on miRNAs in spermatogenesis can be conducted more effectively.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shun Bai, Meihong Hu, Lina Yu, Linjun Chen, Jidong Zhou, Limin Wu, Bo Xu, Xiaohua Jiang, Xindong Zhang, Xianhong Tong, Qiuling Yue
Summary: Background: DNAJB7 is a highly conserved protein involved in various biological processes. However, its function in spermatogenesis and male fertility has been unclear. Methods: Dnajb7-deficient mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system to investigate the role of DNAJB7 in male reproduction. Results: DNAJB7 is specifically expressed in haploid germ cells. Dnajb7 knockout mice are fertile and show no defects in Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, meiotic and postmeiotic cells, suggesting that DNAJB7 is not essential for spermatogenesis.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
XueXia Liu, ZhiXin Wang, Fujun Liu
Summary: Mice treated with BPA exhibited decreased sperm quality, lower serum testosterone levels, and a sub-fertile phenotype, mainly due to impaired germ cell proliferation. BPA had a concentration-dependent inhibition effect on germ cell proliferation, leading to reduced male fertility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinmei Li, Shenglei Feng, Xixiang Ma, Shuiqiao Yuan, Xiaoli Wang
Summary: In this study, the role of non-histone methyltransferase METTL21A in spermatogenesis was investigated using a global knockout mouse model. The results showed that METTL21A is highly expressed in mouse testes but its ablation does not affect male fertility or the development of male germ cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Anna Keppner, Miguel Correia, Sara Santambrogio, Teng Wei Koay, Darko Maric, Carina Osterhof, Denise Winter, Angele Clerc, Michael Stumpe, Frederic Chalmel, Sylvia Dewilde, Alex Odermatt, Dieter Kressler, Thomas Hankeln, Roland H. Wenger, David Hoogewijs
Summary: Spermatogenesis relies on the gene expression program driven by Adgb, where the absence of Adgb leads to male infertility and abnormal sperm shape. Adgb interacts with Sept10, and the absence of Adgb mislocalizes Sept10 in sperm, revealing the importance of Adgb in proper sperm head shaping and flagellum formation.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Claire Hogan, Anthony V. Perkins
Summary: Selenium is an essential trace element for human health, and deficiency can lead to various diseases. Selenium is incorporated into selenoproteins, which play important roles in antioxidant defense, signaling, hormone production, DNA synthesis, and protein response. This review highlights the importance of selenium for a healthy pregnancy and the role of placental selenoproteins in early life development.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukas Zeisel, Jan G. Felber, Karoline C. Scholzen, Lena Poczka, Dorian Cheff, Martin S. Maier, Qing Cheng, Min Shen, Matthew D. Hall, Elias S. J. Arner, Julia Thorn-Seshold, Oliver Thorn-Seshold
Summary: This study developed a chemical probe for mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which is resistant to thiol reductants in cells and releases specific cargos. The probe showed specific sensitivity to cytosolic TrxR1 and performed well in TrxR1-dependent cellular assays. This lays the foundation for in vivo imaging of TrxR1 activity in health and disease, and provides a theoretical basis for the rational design of probes for other key players in redox biology.
Review
Cell Biology
Paola Rebuzzini, Gemma Fabozzi, Danilo Cimadomo, Filippo Maria Ubaldi, Laura Rienzi, Maurizio Zuccotti, Silvia Garagna
Summary: Environmental toxicants can have multigenerational effects on reproductive systems, impacting both exposed and unexposed individuals. Epigenetic mechanisms may play a crucial role in the non-genetic transmission of environmental information.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Indrashis Bhattacharya, Souvik Dey, Arnab Banerjee
Summary: Spermatogenesis is a complex process of male germ cell division and differentiation regulated by gonadotropins FSH and LH. The somatic testicular cells, such as Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and Peritubular myoid cells, play a crucial role in this process. FSH supports the expansion and differentiation of pre-meiotic germ cells, while LH stimulates the production of testosterone by Leydig cells. Testosterone promotes the formation of the blood-testis barrier, completion of germ cell meiosis, and sperm release.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tao Liu, Xiaoting Liu, Rangrang Zhou, Hong Chen, Huaigang Zhang, Bo Zhang
Summary: Selenium is shown to have a significant impact on gene expression in oats, particularly in key genes related to selenate metabolism. The study identified 27 unigenes associated with selenate metabolism, with key genes exhibiting dramatic upregulation under selenate treatment. The research provides insights into the mechanisms underlying selenium uptake and metabolism in oats under high-selenium conditions.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zhicheng Wang, Shiyi Chen, Yan Zhang, Changqi Su, Yonglan Liao, Shilin Zhang, Yan Ren, Fei Ye, Changjun Zeng, Guangbin Zhou, Hong Xian, Ming Zhang
Summary: Reproductive system can be affected by various double-stranded RNA viruses, which disrupt ovary function and pregnancy. Poly(I:C), a mimic of double-stranded RNA virus, significantly impairs mouse early embryonic development in vitro, causing DNA damage, abnormal spindle morphology, increased apoptosis, and decreased successful rate of in vitro fertilization.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiong Wang, Fan Liu, Qin An, Wenli Wang, Zhimei Cheng, Yunping Dai, Qingyong Meng, Yali Zhang
Summary: Lactoferrin (Ltf) plays a protective role in skeletal muscle by promoting the proliferation of satellite cells (SCs) and skeletal muscle regeneration. It holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for skeletal muscle injuries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Mengyao Wang, Yu Qi, Yutao Cao, Xiaosheng Zhang, Yongsheng Wang, Qingyou Liu, Jinlong Zhang, Guangbin Zhou, Yue Ai, Shao Wei, Linli Wang, Guoshi Liu, Zhengxing Lian, Hongbing Han
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus infections pose a potential threat to livestock production and public health. This study has constructed a novel receptor TLR2-4, which activates multiple signaling pathways to enhance autophagy and increase the clearance of S. aureus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chang Liu, Jin Liu, Tongtong Wang, Yang Su, Lei Li, Miaomiao Lan, Yingying Yu, Fan Liu, Lei Xiong, Kun Wang, Meijing Chen, Na Li, Qing Xu, Yue Hu, Yuxin Jia, Qingyong Meng
Summary: This study reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism for muscle-BAT crosstalk, involving Islr, Ndufs2, and IL-6, which play crucial roles in regulating energy homeostasis and may serve as potential therapeutic targets for obesity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Yuan, Yihan Wang, Malik Ahsan Ali, Ziyue Qin, Zhihua Guo, Yan Zhang, Ming Zhang, Guangbin Zhou, Jiandong Yang, Lei Chen, Linyuan Shen, Li Zhu, Changjun Zeng
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the interaction and mechanism between heparin and olfactory receptors (ORs) in carrying out boar sperm capacitation. The results showed that OR2C1 is an essential component that regulates sperm capacitation by recognizing and binding with heparin. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further revealed the specific binding site on OR2C1 for heparin. Knocking down OR2C1 significantly inhibited sperm capacitation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the involvement of ORs in sperm capacitation and fertilization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Panagiota D. Pantiora, Alexandros I. Balaouras, Ioanna K. Mina, Christoforos I. Freris, Athanasios C. Pappas, Georgios P. Danezis, Evangelos Zoidis, Constantinos A. Georgiou
Summary: Pomegranate, known for its medicinal properties, contains phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids. The potential health benefits of pomegranate juice and by-products have attracted scientific interest, particularly in their role as potential protective agents against diseases like cancer. This review provides an update on current research on pomegranate's potential against different human diseases, with a focus on cancer. Additionally, it discusses the potential applications of pomegranate as a natural additive to improve the quality of animal products.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Ali Mujtaba Shah, Iqra Bano, Izhar Hyder Qazi, Maharach Matra, Metha Wanapat
Summary: Yaks play a vital role in the livelihood and economy of the people in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They provide important products such as milk, meat, fur, and manure, and are domesticated from wild yaks. Yaks graze in the summer but face feeding issues in the winter due to scarce pasture, affecting their production performance. This review article discusses the domestication, feeding patterns, differences between normal and growth-retarded yaks, microbial community, blood biochemistry, milk and meat compositions, and reproduction of yaks. Yaks are closely associated with the well-being and livelihood of the people in the QTP.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evangelia T. T. Ioannou, Konstantinos S. S. Gliatis, Evangelos Zoidis, Constantinos A. A. Georgiou
Summary: This study found that the addition of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v sesame oil to olive oil can delay the oxidation process during deep frying, and increase the frying time of olive oil. Furthermore, replacing olive oil with sesame oil can reduce the rate of formation of secondary oxidation products. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is more resistant to oxidation than regular olive oil, and the frying time increases when EVOO replaces olive oil.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qin An, Lei Zhang, Xiyue Qin, Xiong Wang, Wenli Wang, Qingyong Meng, Yali Zhang
Summary: The protective effects of Sonchus arvensis Linn. phenolic compounds (SAP) and Hemerocallis citrina Baroni. phenolic compounds (HCP) have been evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans. SAP and HCP exhibited different phenolic compositions and showed positive effects against high-sucrose or high stearic acid-induced damage. HCP had a stronger effect on reproductive ability and the TGF-beta signaling pathway was involved in the protective effects of both SAP and HCP.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexandros Georganas, Elisavet Giamouri, Athanasios C. Pappas, Evangelos Zoidis, Michael Goliomytis, Panagiotis Simitzis
Summary: Agro-industrial by-products can be used as alternative feeds for animal nutrition, promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. They contain bioactive compounds that can improve poultry health. This review highlights the potential of various agro-industrial by-products as functional feeds for poultry, as well as the limitations and mechanisms of their beneficial effects. It emphasizes the need for standardized nutrient content, elimination of potential hazards, and proper control measures for these by-products to be utilized effectively in animal nutrition.
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Jones Ofosu, Yunhai Zhang, Ying Liu, Xiuzhu Sun, Guobo Quan, Manuel Alvarez Rodriguez, Guangbin Zhou
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waseem Ali, Yusheng Bian, Hao Zhang, Izhar Hyder Qazi, Hui Zou, Jiaqiao Zhu, Zongping Liu
Summary: Cadmium is a widely used environmental pollutant that can cause various health issues, particularly related to reproductive health. This review focuses on the impact of cadmium exposure on female reproductive health, including during and after pregnancy. Cadmium exposure has been found to disrupt steroidogenesis, delay puberty, affect reproductive hormones, disturb menstrual cycles, increase the risk of premature births, and reduce birth weights in females. Additionally, prenatal exposure to cadmium has been shown to have differential effects on offspring, with more negative impacts on female offspring. Furthermore, lactation with cadmium-contaminated milk can lead to disparities in brain physiology, reflex changes, and physical immaturity in nursing babies. These findings highlight the importance of conducting further studies on the consequences of cadmium exposure on reproductive health.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS AND BIOAVAILABILITY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Tianyi Lv, Beijia Cao, Jianpeng Qin, Yaozong Wei, Bo Pan, Jiangfeng Ye, Guangbin Zhou
Summary: This study investigates whether melatonin can modulate oxidative stress in parthenogenetic 2-cell embryos derived from vitrified-warmed oocytes through SIRT1. The results demonstrate that melatonin can reduce oxidative stress by regulating SIRT1 and promote the development of vitrified-warmed mouse MII oocytes.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jones Ofosu, Moses Addo Nartey, Xianhong Mo, Jiangfeng Ye, Yan Zhang, Changjun Zeng, Ming Zhang, Yi Fang, Guangbin Zhou
Summary: Metabolites in ram sperm play important roles in maintaining plasma membrane integrity, energy metabolism, and cryotolerance regulation. This study identified differential metabolites during cryopreservation in ram sperm and found that certain key polyunsaturated fatty acids were down-regulated during cooling and cryopreservation. The differentially regulated metabolites were enriched in several metabolic pathways, providing new knowledge to improve the cryopreservation process.