Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
M. Christine Schleif, Shelby L. Havel, Michael D. Griswold
Summary: Retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A, plays important roles in the developmental processes of mammals, especially in spermatogenesis. It is crucial for the formation of the blood-testis barrier and spermatogonial differentiation, spermiation, and assisting in meiotic completion in male reproduction. However, research results on female oogenesis have shown varying outcomes.
Article
Developmental Biology
Oleksandr Kirsanov, Taylor A. Johnson, Bryan A. Niedenberger, Taylor N. Malachowski, Benjamin J. Hale, Qing Chen, Brad Lackford, Jiajia Wang, Anukriti Singh, Karen Schindler, Brian P. Hermann, Guang Hu, Christopher B. Geyer
Summary: Retinoic acid (RA) is proposed as the substance that induces meiosis in mammals, but the evidence for this role is based on studies in fetal ovaries where germ cell differentiation and meiotic initiation are inseparable. However, in postnatal testes, these events are separated by more than 1 week. This study found that while RA is necessary for spermatogonial differentiation, it is not essential for meiotic initiation, progression, and completion in the testis, indicating an independent model for male meiotic initiation.
Article
Cell Biology
Indrashis Bhattacharya, Partigya Sharma, Shriya Purohit, Sachin Kothiyal, Moitreyi Das, Arnab Banerjee
Summary: This opinion article briefly reviews our current understanding on the RA-driven spermatogonial differentiation in murine testes, including the role of RA in the transition of spermatogonia types and the regulation of meiotic prophase.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Yu Zhou, Yunyan Wang
Summary: Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by the microenvironment in the testes. The blood-testis barrier and retinoic acid signaling play crucial roles in this process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yubing Luo, Jie Wang, Xiaoming Bai, Hesheng Xiao, Wenjing Tao, Linyan Zhou, Deshou Wang, Jing Wei
Summary: Two paralogous rec8 genes, OnRec8a and OnRec8b, were identified in Nile tilapia, showing differential expression patterns during spermatogenesis and oogenesis. The expression of both genes can be upregulated by RA signaling, suggesting their potential involvement in the RA-mediated meiosis program.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mateus C. Adolfi, Amaury Herpin, Anabel Martinez-Bengochea, Susanne Kneitz, Martina Regensburger, David J. Grunwald, Manfred Schartl
Summary: Sex determination mechanism is associated with retinoic acid (RA) and Stra8, affecting germ cell development. RA treatments may inhibit germ cell differentiation and lead to precocious meiosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maryam Khanehzad, Roya Abbaszadeh, Marzieh Holakuyee, Mohammad Hossein Modarressi, Seyed Mehdi Nourashrafeddin
Summary: The interaction between FSH and RA signaling may trigger and influence the differentiation and initiation of meiosis in spermatogonia.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Chun-Wei Feng, Guillaume Burnet, Cassy M. Spiller, Fiona Ka Man Cheung, Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak, Peter Koopman, Josephine Bowles
Summary: This study demonstrates the crucial role of retinoic acid responsive elements (RAREs) in initiating Stra8 expression in the fetal mouse ovary, along with the enhancement of Stra8 expression by the transcription factor DMRT1 in the presence of retinoic acid. The specific anterior-to-posterior pattern of Stra8 initiation in germ cells is faithfully recapitulated by the 2.9 kb Stra8 promoter, highlighting the importance of RAREs in regulating germ cell meiosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Shenfei Sun, Yamei Jiang, Qiaoli Zhang, Hongjie Pan, Xinyang Li, Li Yang, Meina Huang, Wei Wei, Xiaoye Wang, Mengdi Qiu, Lihuan Cao, Hua He, Miao Yu, Hanmin Liu, Bing Zhao, Ning Jiang, Runsheng Li, Xinhua Lin
Summary: The research identifies the essential role of zinc finger HIT-type containing 1 (Znhit1) and its control of the deposition of the histone variant H2A.Z in the initiation of meiosis.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chunlan Long, Yu Zhou, Lianju Shen, Yihang Yu, Dong Hu, Xing Liu, Tao Lin, Dawei He, Tao Xu, Deying Zhang, Jing Zhu, Guanghui Wei
Summary: This study found that RA supplementation can up-regulate the expression of c-Kit, Stra8, and Sycp3 by activating RARa in neonatal cryptorchid infertile rats. RA can also inhibit the protein expression of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and promote autophagy in cryptorchid testes.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Traci Topping, Michael D. Griswold
Summary: This study demonstrates the crucial role of retinoic acid in the transition of undifferentiated A spermatogonia to differentiated spermatogonia, with retinoic acid synthesis by Sertoli cells being essential for the initial round of spermatogonial differentiation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zheng-Hui Zhao, Tie-Gang Meng, Hong-Yong Zhang, Yi Hou, Heide Schatten, Zhen-Bo Wang, Qing-Yuan Sun
Summary: This study examined interspecies differences in oogenesis by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data of mouse, monkey, and human female germ cells, revealing significant variations in cell cycle transitions and regulatory patterns across species. The findings suggest that differences in cell cycle regulation may contribute to the developmental allochrony of female germ cells between species, providing new insights into interspecies differences in oogenesis.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Reproductive Biology
Michael Griswold, Cathryn Hogarth
Summary: The formation of spermatozoa starts with germ-line stem cells creating a pool of undifferentiated spermatogonia. These cells need to be stimulated by retinoic acid (RA) to differentiate and ultimately form mature spermatozoa. By using specific drugs and injecting RA, the process of spermatogenesis can be synchronized with one to three stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Taylor A. Johnson, Bryan A. Niedenberger, Oleksandr Kirsanov, Ellen Harrington, Taylor Malachowski, Christopher B. Geyer
Summary: The foundation of mammalian spermatogenesis is formed by undifferentiated spermatogonia, which includes spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and transit-amplifying progenitors that differentiate in response to retinoic acid (RA). Our study reveals that both progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia in the adult testis can respond to exogenous RA, but their fate is different-undifferentiated progenitors precociously differentiate and proceed into meiosis, while differentiating spermatogonia are unable to hasten their entry into meiosis. These findings provide insights into the regulation of spermatogonial fate by RA during steady-state spermatogenesis.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xueni You, Tianjiao Li, Youjie Cui, Wei Liu, Zechao Cheng, Wenxian Zeng, Peng Wang, Yi Zheng
Summary: This study isolated and enriched porcine prospermatogonia from neonatal pig testes and exposed them to retinoic acid, finding that it can induce porcine prospermatogonial differentiation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed transcriptomic alterations associated with this differentiation. The study also identified a pig-specific long non-coding RNA, lncRNA-106504875, which positively regulates porcine spermatogonial proliferation.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Adil Emrah Sonbahar, Mehmet Gokhan Culha, Emmanuele Jannini
Summary: This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the FSFI-6 questionnaire which is a shortened version of the common tool FSFI-19 for assessing female sexual function. The results indicated that the abbreviated FSFI-6 questionnaire is a valuable tool for screening women with Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), showing strong correlation with the longer FSFI-19 version.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPOTENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Bac Nguyen Hoai, Long Hoang, Duc Tran, Thang Nguyen Cao, Luu Doan Tien, Andrea Sansone, Emmanuele A. Jannini
Summary: Investigating testicular size in men is crucial for understanding reproductive and sexual functions, but the lack of country-specific standard values hinders diagnosis and treatment. A retrospective study of 24,440 men in Vietnam revealed that hypogonadal and unexplained infertile men had significantly smaller testicular sizes compared to healthy fathers. Testicular volume in Vietnamese men was negatively correlated with LH and FSH levels, and positively correlated with testosterone levels.
Review
Andrology
Andrea Sansone, Tommaso B. Jannini, Susanna Dolci, Emmanuele A. Jannini
Summary: Peter Abelard is a renowned figure in philosophy, theology, and psychology, known for his mastery of dialectical debate. His relationship with Heloise d'Argenteuil is characterized by intense passion and documented through their correspondence, which has become a model for sentimental education and romantic love letters. Through analysis of Abelard's writings and historical context, we aim to explore whether he was castrated or subjected to an even more brutal punishment.
Letter
Andrology
Elena Colonnello, Andrea Sansone, Emmanuele A. A. Jannini
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valerio Da Ros, Letizia Oddo, Yosra Toumia, Eugenia Guida, Silvia Minosse, Lidia Strigari, Silvia Strolin, Giulia Paolani, Francesca Di Giuliano, Roberto Floris, Francesco Garaci, Susanna Dolci, Gaio Paradossi, Fabio Domenici
Summary: This proof-of-concept study establishes a delivery strategy for radioactive lanthanides against recurrent glioblastoma using biocompatible PVA microbubbles and endovascular radiopharmaceutical infusion. The successful formulation turns PVA microbubbles into a microdevice with efficient Yttrium cargo loading. The selective targeting of Yttrium-loaded microbubbles on glioblastoma-associated tumor endothelial cells is achieved through biorecognition between overexpressed alpha(V)beta(3) integrin and the ligand Cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys) on the microbubble surface.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bac Nguyen Hoai, Long Hoang, Thang Nguyen Cao, Quan Pham Minh, Emmanuele A. JanninI
Summary: Hypogonadism can have a significant impact on men's physical and psychological health, but diagnosing and treating it in developing countries can be challenging due to lack of awareness, limited resources, and high treatment costs. This review examines the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the perspective of a developing country.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Giacomo Ciocca, Giulia Origlia, Erika Limoncin, Daniele Mollaioli, Annalisa Tanzilli, Vittorio Lingiardi, Emmanuele A. Jannini
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of the capacity to love in hypersexual behavior, considering distress and defense mechanisms as possible mediators. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between the capacity to love and hypersexual behavior. Psychological distress and immature defense mechanisms were found to mediate this relationship. The results highlight the importance of the capacity to love in mental and sexual health.
JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ambra Colopi, Serena Fuda, Samuele Santi, Angelo Onorato, Valeriana Cesarini, Maurizio Salvati, Carmela Rita Balistrieri, Susanna Dolci, Eugenia Guida
Summary: Glioblastoma (GBM) is more common in adults and less common in pediatric patients. Age and gender play a significant role in the development, mutational landscape, clinical manifestations, and survival of GBM. The impact of age and gender on tumor prognosis and diagnosis is also discussed.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Filippo Maria Nimbi, Roberta Galizia, Erika Limoncin, Tom Levy, Emmanuele Angelo Jannini, Chiara Simonelli, Renata Tambelli
Summary: The present study aimed to develop and validate the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire-Part 2 (SDEF2), focusing on the use, experiences, attitudes, and sharing of sexual fantasies. The SDEF2 showed good psychometric properties, internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity, being able to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional individuals. This study validates the usefulness of the SDEF2 in assessing different aspects related to fantasizing activity, which is associated with sexual functioning and satisfaction.
Letter
Psychology, Clinical
Hui Zhang, Elena Colonnello, Fu Wang, Emmanuele A. Jannini
ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Hoai Bac Nguyen, Cao Thang Nguyen, Minh Quan Pham, Long Hoang, Andrea Sansone, Emmanuele A. Jannini
Summary: This study aimed to determine the validity and threshold value of self-estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time (PIELT) in the diagnosis of premature ejaculation (PE). The results showed that a PIELT of <= 3.5 minutes predicts PE, indicating the need to revise the taxonomy and definition of PE.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Hui Zhang, Elena Colonnello, Andrea Sansone, Fu Wang, Jun Guo, Chunling Wang, Yan Zhang, Emmanuele A. Jannini
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating premature ejaculation (PE) and found that acupuncture has a significant effect on improving certain important indicators of PE. However, due to the low quality of the included studies, larger and well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Giulia Salvatore, Susanna Dolci, Antonella Camaioni, Francesca Gioia Klinger, Massimo De Felici
Summary: Considerable progress has been made in deriving mammalian germ cells from pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, over the past two decades. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells have the potential to generate primordial germ cell-like cells, but the efficiency is lower compared to using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria De Arcangelis, Luciana De Angelis, Federica Barbagallo, Federica Campolo, Ana Gabriela de Oliveira do Rego, Manuela Pellegrini, Fabio Naro, Mauro Giorgi, Lucia Monaco
Summary: Phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) is involved in regulating various physiological processes and its increased activity has been observed in pathological conditions. In this study, the presence of three Pde5a isoforms was identified in cardiomyocytes and specific isoforms were found to play a causal role in pathological responses. The overexpression of Pde5a1 in compromised muscle and the involvement of MyoD and Runx1 in Pde5a1 transcriptional activity were also discovered.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Paola Grimaldi
Summary: Research shows that men use cannabis more frequently and are at higher risk of developing related disorders. While direct adverse effects on male reproductive functions have been studied, the long-term health risks for users and their offspring are still actively researched.