A multi-omics approach reveals that lotus root polysaccharide iron ameliorates iron deficiency-induced testicular damage by activating PPARγ to promote steroid hormone synthesis.

Iron deficiency is a common nutritional issue that seriously affects male reproductive health. Lotus root polysaccharide iron (LRPF), a novel nutritional supplement, may ameliorate the damage caused by iron deficiency, however, the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we comprehensively determined the benefits of LRPF on reproduction in iron-deficient mice by integrating transcriptomics, microbiomics and serum metabolomics. Microbiomics showed that LRPF could restore changes to the intestinal microbiota caused by iron deficiency. Metabolomics results showed that LRPF stabilised steroid hormone and fatty acid metabolism in iron-deficient mice, reduced the content of ethyl chrysanthemumate (EC) and ameliorated the reproductive impairment. The transcriptomic analysis showed that LRPF regulated steroid hormone synthesis and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway in iron-deficient mice. In vitro experiments showed that LRPF could promote steroid hormone synthesis in Leydig cells by activating PPARγ. In conclusion, this study highlights the advantage of LRPF to improve testicular development.

Multiple omics integration analysis reveals the regulatory effect of chitosan oligosaccharide on testicular development.

Infertility is a global health problem affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide, with approximately half caused by males. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has strong antioxidant capacity, but its impact on the male reproductive system has not been effectively evaluated. To address this, we integrated RNA-seq, serum metabolomics and intestinal 16 S rDNA analysis to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the male reproductive system. The results showed that COS has potential targets for the treatment of oligospermia, which can promote the expression of meiotic proteins DDX4, DAZL and SYCP1, benefit germ cell proliferation and testicular development, enhance antioxidant capacity, and increase the expression of testicular steroid proteins STAR and CYP11A1. At the same time, COS can activate PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in testis and TM3 cells. Microbiome and metabolomics analysis suggested that COS alters gut microbial community composition and cooperates with serum metabolites to regulate spermatogenesis. Therefore, COS promotes male reproduction by regulating intestinal microorganisms and serum metabolism, activating PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, improving testicular antioxidant capacity and steroid regulation.

A comprehensive review on potential role of selenium, selenoproteins and selenium nanoparticles in male fertility.

Selenium (Se), a component of selenoproteins and selenocompounds in the human body, is crucial for the development of male reproductive organs, DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone, metabolism, and defence against infections and oxidative damage. In the testis, it must exceed a desirable level since either a shortage or an overabundance causes aberrant growth. The antioxidant properties of selenium are essential for preserving human reproductive health. Selenoproteins, which have important structural and enzymatic properties, control the biological activities of Se primarily. These proteins specifically have a role in metabolism and a variety of cellular processes, such as the control of selenium transport, thyroid hormone metabolism, immunity, and redox balance. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are less hazardous than selenium-based inorganic and organic materials. Upon being functionalized with active targeting ligands, they are both biocompatible and capable of efficiently delivering combinations of payloads to particular cells. In this review, we discuss briefly the chemistry, structure and functions of selenium and milestones of selenium and selenoproteins. Next we discuss the various factors influences male infertility, biological functions of selenium and selenoproteins, and role of selenium and selenoproteins in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanism of selenium transport and protective effects of selenium on oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. We also highlight critical contribution of selenium nanoparticles on male fertility and spermatogenesis. Finally ends with conclusion and future perspectives.

Bacillus licheniformis ameliorates Aflatoxin B1-induced testicular damage by improving the gut-metabolism-testis axis.

Global aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination is inevitable, and it can significantly damage testicular development. However, the current mechanism is confusing. Here, by integrating the transcriptome, microbiome, and serum metabolome, we comprehensively explain the impact of AFB1 on testis from the gut-metabolism-testis axis. Transcriptome analysis suggested that AFB1 exposure directly causes abnormalities in testicular inflammation-related signalling, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathway, and proliferation-related signalling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) pathway, which was verified by immunofluorescence. On the other hand, we found that upregulated inflammatory factors in the intestine after AFB1 exposure were associated with intestinal microbial dysbiosis, especially the enrichment of Bacilli, and enrichment analysis showed that this may be related to NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated NOD-like receptor signalling. Also, AFB1 exposure caused blood metabolic disturbances, manifested as decreased hormone levels and increased oxidative stress. Significantly, B. licheniformis has remarkable AFB1 degradation efficiency (> 90%). B. licheniformis treatment is effective in attenuating gut-testis axis damage caused by AFB1 exposure through the above-mentioned signalling pathways. In conclusion, our findings indicate that AFB1 exposure disrupts testicular development through the gut-metabolism-testis axis, and B. licheniformis can effectively degrade AFB1.

Exercise Therapy Research in Ankylosing Spondylitis-Induced Back Pain: A Bibliometric Study (2004-2023).

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly causing back pain, affects up to 0.5% of the global population, more commonly in males. Frequently undiagnosed in early stages, AS is often associated with comorbid depression and anxiety, imposing significant healthcare burdens. Despite available pharmaceutical treatments, exercise therapy (ET) has emerged as an effective, side-effect-free alternative, particularly for managing AS-induced back pain. This study aims to explore the research trends in ET for treating AS back pain from 2004-2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS A comprehensive analysis of 437 articles, sourced from the Science Citation Index-Expanded within the Web of Science Core Collection, was conducted using CiteSpace 6.2.R5. This study spanned from 2004 to October 15, 2023, examining publications, authors, institutions, and keywords to assess keyword co-occurrences, temporal progressions, and citation bursts. RESULTS Research interest in ET for AS began escalating around 2008 and has since shown steady growth. The USA emerged as a significant contributor, with Van der Heijde, Desiree, and RUDWALEIT M being notable authors. Key institutions include Assistance Publique Hopitaux Paris and UDICE-French Research Universities, with ANN RHEUM DIS being the most influential journal. The field's evolution is marked by interdisciplinary integration and branching into various sub-disciplines. CONCLUSIONS Exercise therapy for AS-induced back pain is a growing research area, necessitating further exploration in clinical management and rehabilitation strategies. The relationship between ET and osteoimmunological mechanisms remains a focal point for future research, with a trend towards personalized and interdisciplinary treatment approaches.

Aflatoxin B1 affects porcine alveolar macrophage growth through the calcium signaling pathway mediated by the ceRNA regulatory network.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most prevalent contaminants in human and animal food, impairs the immune system, but information on the mechanisms of AFB1-mediated macrophage toxicity is still lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, for the first time, we employed whole transcriptome sequencing technology to explore the molecular mechanism by which AFB1 affects the growth of porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM). We found that AFB1 exposure reduced the proliferative capacity of PAM and prevented cell cycle progression. Based on whole transcriptome analysis, RT-qPCR, ICC and RNAi, we verified the role and regulatory mechanism of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in the process of AFB1 exposure affecting the growth of PAM. CONCLUSIONS: We found that AFB1 induced MSTRG.43,583, MSTRG.67,490, MSTRG.84,995, and MSTRG.89,935 to competitively bind miR-219a, miR-30b-3p, and miR-30c-1-3p, eliminating the inhibition of its target genes CACNA1S, RYR3, and PRKCG. This activated the calcium signaling pathway to regulate the growth of PAM. These results provide valuable information on the mechanism of AFB1 exposure induced impairment of macrophage function in humans and animals.

Identification of unique transcriptomic signatures through integrated multispecies comparative analysis and WGCNA in bovine oocyte development.

BACKGROUND: Cattle (Bos taurus) are a major large livestock, however, compared with other species, the transcriptional specificity of bovine oocyte development has not been emphasised. RESULTS: To reveal the unique transcriptional signatures of bovine oocyte development, we used integrated multispecies comparative analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to perform bioinformatic analysis of the germinal follicle (GV) and second meiosis (MII) gene expression profile from cattle, sheep, pigs and mice. We found that the expression levels of most genes were down-regulated from GV to MII in all species. Next, the multispecies comparative analysis showed more genes involved in the regulation of cAMP signalling during bovine oocyte development. Moreover, the green module identified by WGCNA was closely related to bovine oocyte development. Finally, integrated multispecies comparative analysis and WGCNA picked up 61 bovine-specific signature genes that participate in metabolic regulation and steroid hormone biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: In a short, this study provides new insights into the regulation of cattle oocyte development from a cross-species comparison.

Aflatoxin B1 disrupts testicular development via the cell cycle-related Ras/PI3K/Akt signaling in mice and pig.

Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), a type I carcinogen widely present in the environment, not only poses a danger to animal husbandry, but also poses a potential threat to human reproductive health, but its mechanism is still unclear. To address this question, multi-omics were performed on porcine Sertoli cells and mice testis. The data suggest that AFB1 induced testicular damage manifested as decreased expression of GJA1, ZO1 and OCCLUDIN in mice (p < 0.01) and inhibition of porcine Sertoli cell proliferation. Transcriptomic analysis suggested changes in noncoding RNA expression profiles that affect the cell cycle-related Ras/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway after AFB1 exposure both in mice and pigs. Specifically, AFB1 caused abnormal cell cycle of testis with the characterization of decreased expressions of CCNA1, CCNB1 and CDK1 (p < 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed that the G2/M phase was significantly increased after AFB1 exposure. Meanwhile, AFB1 downregulated the expressions of Ras, PI3K and AKT both in porcine Sertoli cell (p < 0.01) and mice testis (p < 0.01). Metabolome analysis verified the alterations in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (p < 0.05). Moreover, the joint analysis of metabolome and microbiome found that the changes of metabolites were correlated with the expression of flora. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that AFB1 impairs testicular development via the cell cycle-related Ras/PI3K/Akt signaling.

Naringin regulates intestinal microorganisms and serum metabolites to promote spermatogenesis.

Naringin (NAR) is a dihydroflavonoid with various biological activities and pharmacological effects, especially natural antioxidant activity. To gain a better understanding of the effects of NAR on the reproductive system, especially spermatogenesis, we employed western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, metabolomics and microbiomics to comprehensively dissect the impact of NAR on spermatogenesis. NAR promotes germ cell proliferation and testicular development, and promotes the secretion of sex hormones. Microbiomic and metabonomic analysis showed that NAR improved intestinal microflora and cooperated with serum metabolites to regulate spermatogenesis. Therefore, NAR is beneficial for male reproduction by regulating intestinal microorganisms and serum metabolism.

Percutaneous endoscopic decompression for calcified thoracic disc herniation using a novel T rigid bendable burr.

BACKGROUND: The basic endoscopic instruments are not suitable for removing calcified or hard discs in patients with thoracic disc herniations (TDH). We describe a percutaneous endoscopic technique for the treatment of calcified TDH using an endoscopic drill system with a T rigid bendable burr. METHODS: Eleven patients (8 males, mean age 42.1 years) with single-segmental calcified TDH were treated with percutaneous endoscopic surgeries. RESULTS: Our technique using this endoscopic drill system with a T rigid bendable burr is safe and effective for the treatment of calcified TDH. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic decompression using the T rigid bendable burr is a safe and reproducible surgical procedure for the treatment of calcified TDH.

Mapping Chinese annual gross primary productivity with eddy covariance measurements and machine learning.

Annual gross primary productivity (AGPP) is the basis for grain production and terrestrial carbon sequestration. Mapping regional AGPP from site measurements provides methodological support for analysing AGPP spatiotemporal variations thereby ensures regional food security and mitigates climate change. Based on 641 site-year eddy covariance measuring AGPP from China, we built an AGPP mapping scheme based on its formation and selected the optimal mapping way, which was conducted through analysing the predicting performances of divergent mapping tools, variable combinations, and mapping approaches in predicting observed AGPP variations. The reasonability of the selected optimal scheme was confirmed by assessing the consistency between its generating AGPP and previous products in spatiotemporal variations and total amount. Random forest regression tree explained 85 % of observed AGPP variations, outperforming other machine learning algorithms and classical statistical methods. Variable combinations containing climate, soil, and biological factors showed superior performance to other variable combinations. Mapping AGPP through predicting AGPP per leaf area (PAGPP) explained 86 % of AGPP variations, which was superior to other approaches. The optimal scheme was thus using a random forest regression tree, combining climate, soil, and biological variables, and predicting PAGPP. The optimal scheme generating AGPP of Chinese terrestrial ecosystems decreased from southeast to northwest, which was highly consistent with previous products. The interannual trend and interannual variation of our generating AGPP showed a decreasing trend from east to west and from southeast to northwest, respectively, which was consistent with data-oriented products. The mean total amount of generated AGPP was 7.03 ± 0.45 PgC yr-1 falling into the range of previous works. Considering the consistency between the generated AGPP and previous products, our optimal mapping way was suitable for mapping AGPP from site measurements. Our results provided a methodological support for mapping regional AGPP and other fluxes.

Multi-omics analysis reveals that iron deficiency impairs spermatogenesis by gut-hormone synthesis axis.

Considering that research has mainly focussed on how excessive iron supplementation leads to reproductive cytotoxicity, there is a lack of in-depth research on reproductive system disorders caused by iron deficiency. To gain a better understanding of the effects of iron deficiency on the reproductive system, especially spermatogenesis, we first constructed a mouse model of iron deficiency. We employed multi-omic analysis, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, to comprehensively dissect the impact of iron deficiency on spermatogenesis. Moreover, we verified our findings in detail using western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and other techniques. Microbiomic analysis revealed altered gut microbiota in iron-deficient mice, and functional predictive analysis showed that gut microbiota can regulate spermatogenesis. The transcriptomic data indicated that iron deficiency directly alters expression of meiosis-related genes. Transcriptome data also revealed that iron deficiency indirectly regulates spermatogenesis by affecting hormone synthesis, findings confirmed by metabolomic data, western blot and immunofluorescence. Interestingly, competing endogenous RNA networks also play a vital role in regulating spermatogenesis after iron deficiency. Taken together, the data elucidate that iron deficiency impairs spermatogenesis and increases the risk of male infertility by affecting hormone synthesis and promoting gut microbiota imbalance.

Antioxidant and Biological Activities of the Lotus Root Polysaccharide-Iron (III) Complex.

In this study, the synthesis parameters of the lotus root polysaccharide iron complex (LRPF) were determined and optimized by response surface methodology. Under the optimum preparation conditions, the pH of the solution was 9, the ratio of M (trisodium citrate): m (lotus root polysaccharide) was 0.45, the reaction time was 3 h. UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, CD, and NMR were used for the characterization of the LRPF. LRPF has good stability and easily releases iron ions under artificial gastrointestinal conditions. LRPF exhibited antioxidant activity in vitro and can significantly improve the antioxidant activity in vivo. In addition, LRPF has a good effect in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in model mice, impacts the gut microbiome, and reduces the iron deficiency-induced perniciousness by regulating steroid hormone biosynthesis. Therefore, LRPF can be used as a nutritional supplement to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anemia and improve human immunity.

Single-cell transcriptomic profiling to evaluate the effects of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate exposure on early meiosis of female mouse germ cells.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) has proven characteristics of an endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC), which can threaten the reproductive health of humans and other animals. In mammals, a series of chromosomal events occur during the meiotic stage of oocytes. External toxins may enter the body and cause infertility and other related diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the influence of DEHP exposure on the molecular mechanism of germ cell meiosis. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyse the ovaries of foetal mice at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and E14.5 after maternal DEHP exposure. DEHP exposure further activated the pathways related to DNA repair in germ cells, increased the expression of genes related to DNA damage and changed the developmental trajectory of germ cells. DEHP exposure may affect the proliferation of pregranulosa (PG) cells. Moreover, DEHP exposure altered the signal transduction between PG cells and germ cells. We showed that DEHP affects meiosis by causing DNA damage in oocytes and disrupting the signal transduction between PG cells and germ cells. These results provide a strong theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of DEHP-mediated female reproductive health problems.

Identification of apoptotic pathways in zearalenone-treated mouse sertoli cells.

Zearalenone (ZEN), one of the most prevalent non-steroidal oestrogenic mycotoxins, is primarily produced by Fusarium fungi. Due to its toxicity as an oestrogenic compound and wide distribution in feed and foods, the reproductive toxicology of ZEN exposure is of public concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ZEN on Sertoli cells to identify apoptotic pathways induced by this compound. We found that ZEN reduced the viability and caused apoptosis in Sertoli cells in vitro. Notably, we observed that such effects were associated with a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the number of cells that showed positive staining for γH2AX and RAD51, enzymes essential for repairing DNA damage. There was a parallel decrease in the expression of occludin and connexin 43, proteins that are present in the testis-blood barrier and gap junctions of Sertoli cells, respectively. Overall, the present study confirms that ZEN exposure can have serious deleterious effects on mammalian Sertoli cells and offers novel insight about its molecular targets in these cells.

Case Report: Adult degenerative scoliosis in two patients treated with percutaneous spinal endoscopic-assisted lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.

Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) is a serious disease that often affects middle-aged and elderly people. ADS does not only cause sagittal and coronal deformity of the lumbar spine but also causes severe back and leg pain secondary to the compression of the neural structures. Open surgery remains the main method for correcting the occurring deformity and decompression of the neural structures; however, its benefit is limited in cases of large trauma. Minimally invasive spinal (MIS) surgery is an alternative method that has recently witnessed rapid development. It has the advantage of providing rapid recovery with less trauma as compared to conventional open surgery. We report two cases of ADS treated with percutaneous spinal endoscopic-assisted lumbar interbody fusion (EALIF) and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Both cases had moderate deformities of the lumbar spine (load-sharing classification 4-7 points) with severe back and leg pain, and they underwent successful MIS surgery. At 6 months of follow-up, the visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores of both patients improved and the deformity was corrected. For moderate ADS, percutaneous spinal EALIF and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation may achieve an effective correction of the deformity with direct decompression of neural structures.

Comprehensive review on the positive and negative effects of various important regulators on male spermatogenesis and fertility.

With the increasing global incidence of infertility, the influence of environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and nutrients on reproductive health has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. The quantity and quality of sperm play vital roles in male fertility, and both characteristics can be affected by external and internal factors. In this review, the potential role of genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors; nutrients and trace elements in male reproductive health, spermatozoa function, and fertility potency and the underlying mechanisms are considered to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of infertility.

Structural modification and biological activities of carboxymethyl Pachymaran.

Polysaccharides are good chelating agents for metal ions, which are often used to synthesize polysaccharide metal ion complexes. With carboxymethyl pachymaran (CMP) as the substrate, carboxymethyl pachymaran iron (CMPF), carboxymethyl pachymaran selenium (CMPS), and carboxymethyl pachymaran zinc (CMPZ) were synthesized by response surface methodology, and their biological characteristics were studied. The results showed that the CMP was a ß-polysaccharide, and the degree of carboxymethylation was 0.6352. The polysaccharide metal ion complexes were characterized by physicochemical methods, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All the polysaccharides and complexes possessed antioxidant activity in vitro with scavenging activities to ABTS, superoxide anions, and ferrous ions. CMPF, CMPS, and CMPZ caused significant inhibition of A2780 cell proliferation, promoted the production of reactive oxygen species, and induced apoptosis in a human ovarian cancer cell line (A2780 cells). These results suggest that the CMP complex may be an effective candidate drug for cancer treatment in the field of functional food and pharmacology.