Apelin is found in human sperm and testis and is raised in inflammatory pathological conditions.

Apelin/APJ receptor (R) is involved in many oxidative stress-induced pathological conditions. Since this system is not yet explored in male reproduction, we studied apelin/APJ-R in human semen and testis. Semen of 41 infertile patients with varicocele, genitourinary infections, unexplained infertility and 12 fertile men was analysed (WHO guidelines, 2021). Apelin was quantified by ELISA in seminal fluid and spermatozoa, interleukin (IL)-1ß in seminal fluid. Apelin/APJ-R were immunolocalized in spermatozoa and testis. Apelin was present in spermatozoa and its levels were negatively correlated with normal sperm morphology% (r = -0.857; p < 0.001), and positively with IL-1ß levels (r = 0.455; p < 0.001). Apelin and IL-1ß concentrations were increased in patients' samples with varicocele (apelin p < 0.01; IL-1ß p < 0.05) and infections (apelin p < 0.01; IL-1ß p < 0.001). By logistic regression analysis, apelin (OR 1.310; p = 0.011) and IL-1ß (OR 1.572; p = 0.005) were predictors of inflammatory diseases (varicocele, infections). Apelin and APJ-R immunofluorescence labels were weak in sperm tail of fertile men and intense along tail, cytoplasmic residues and post-acrosomal sheath of sperm from infertile men. In testis, apelin and APJ-R labels were evident in Leydig cells and weak inside the seminiferous tubule. Apelin/APJ-R system is present in human spermatozoa and testicular tissue and probably involved in human fertility.

Follicular Fluid Components in Reduced Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, and Idiopathic Infertility.

Follicular fluid (FF) molecules, and their increase or decrease, can contribute to appropriate follicular growth and oocyte maturation, thus being related to female infertility conditions. In this paper, we studied the changes and the relationships of some biochemical components, hormones, antioxidant enzymes, F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), and resolvin (Rv) D1 in the FF of infertile women with different reproductive conditions such as endometriosis, reduced ovarian reserve, and idiopathic infertility during assisted reproductive techniques (ART). In the whole population, positive correlations between albumin (ALB)/iron (Fe), ALB/beta-2-microglobulin (B2MG), and F2-IsoPs/RvD1 were detected in the FF. In FF from aged women, increased levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and reduced anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were associated with a worse oocyte quality. The negative ART outcome was influenced by patient age and AMH, B2MG, and FSH levels. Moreover, the reduced ovarian reserve condition was characterised by a significant decrease in oocyte number and quality, AMH amount, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as by an increase in age and FSH levels. In the presence of endometriosis, high levels of MDA and RvD1 were detected in FF, with a decrease in luteinising hormone (LH). Finally, among the molecules examined, none characterised the condition of idiopathic infertility. These data could support the identification of new FF markers in different reproductive disorders, suggesting the need for personalised therapeutic approaches and optimised ART outcomes. In particular, the evaluation of resolvins and lipid mediators in FF could be a promising field of investigation with which to understand the entity of oxidative stress and inflammation in some female infertility conditions.

F4-Neuroprostane Effects on Human Sperm.

Swim-up selected human sperm were incubated with 7 ng F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs) for 2 and 4 h. Sperm motility and membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP) were evaluated. The percentage of reacted acrosome was assessed by pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA). Chromatin integrity was detected using the acridine orange (AO) assay and localization of the ryanodine receptor was performed by immunofluorescence analysis. Sperm progressive motility (p = 0.02) and the percentage of sperm showing a strong MMP signal (p = 0.012) significantly increased after 2 h F4-NeuroP incubation compared to control samples. The AO assay did not show differences in the percentage of sperm with dsDNA between treated or control samples. Meanwhile, a significantly higher number of sperm with reacted acrosomes was highlighted by PSA localization after 4 h F4-NeuroP incubation. Finally, using an anti-ryanodine antibody, the immunofluorescence signal was differentially distributed at 2 and 4 h: a strong signal was evident in the midpiece and postacrosomal sheath (70% of sperm) at 2 h, whereas a dotted one appeared at 4 h (53% of sperm). A defined concentration of F4-NeuroPs in seminal fluid may induce sperm capacitation via channel ions present in sperm cells, representing an aid during in vitro sperm preparation that may increase the positive outcome of assisted fertilization.

Effects and Mechanisms Activated by Treatment with Cationic, Anionic and Zwitterionic Liposomes on an In Vitro Model of Porcine Pre-Pubertal Sertoli Cells.

Liposomes have been successfully used as drug-delivery vehicles, but there are no clinical studies on improved fertility and the few reported experimental studies have been performed in animal models far from humans. The aim of this paper was to study the effects of treatment with cationic, anionic and zwitterionic liposomes on our superior mammalian model of porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells (SCs) to find a carrier of in vitro test drugs for SCs. Porcine pre-pubertal SCs cultures were incubated with different liposomes. Viability, apoptosis/necrosis status (Annexin-V/Propidium iodide assay), immunolocalisation of ß-actin, vimentin, the phosphorylated form of AMP-activated protein Kinase (AMPK)α and cell ultrastructure (Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM) were analysed. Zwitterionic liposomes did not determine changes in the cell cytoplasm. The incubation with anionic and cationic liposomes modified the distribution of actin and vimentin filaments and increased the levels of the phosphorylated form of AMPKα. The Annexin/Propidium Iodide assay suggested an increase in apoptosis. TEM analysis highlighted a cytoplasmic vacuolisation. In conclusion, these preliminary data indicated that zwitterionic liposomes were the best carrier to use in an in vitro study of SCs to understand the effects of molecules or drugs that could have a clinical application in the treatment of certain forms of male infertility.

MicroRNA as Possible Mediators of the Synergistic Effect of Celecoxib and Glucosamine Sulfate in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocyte Exposed to IL-1ß.

This study investigated the role of a pattern of microRNA (miRNA) as possible mediators of celecoxib and prescription-grade glucosamine sulfate (GS) effects in human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were treated with celecoxib (1.85 µM) and GS (9 µM), alone or in combination, for 24 h, with or without interleukin (IL)-1ß (10 ng/mL). Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by cytometry, nitric oxide (NO) by Griess method. Gene levels of miRNA, antioxidant enzymes, nuclear factor erythroid (NRF)2, and B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2 expressions were analyzed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (real time PCR). Protein expression of NRF2 and BCL2 was also detected at immunofluorescence and western blot. Celecoxib and GS, alone or in combination, significantly increased viability, reduced apoptosis, ROS and NO production and the gene expression of miR-34a, -146a, -181a, -210, in comparison to baseline and to IL-1ß. The transfection with miRNA specific inhibitors significantly counteracted the IL-1ß activity and potentiated the properties of celecoxib and GS on viability, apoptosis and oxidant system, through nuclear factor (NF)-κB regulation. The observed effects were enhanced when the drugs were tested in combination. Our data confirmed the synergistic anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties of celecoxib and GS, suggesting microRNA as possible mediators.

Can Dietary n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Affect Apelin and Resolvin in Testis and Sperm of Male Rabbits?

Apelin and other novel adipokines have been associated with normal and pathological reproductive conditions in humans and animals. In this paper, we used a rabbit model to investigate if apelin and resolvin (RvD1) in testis and sperm are associated with the oxidative status of semen and serum testosterone of rabbits fed different diets enriched with flaxseed (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) or with fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, docosapentaenoic acid, DPAn-3, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). Apelin and RvD1 were detected by ELISA and apelin and the apelin receptor by immunofluorescence. Increased levels of apelin in testes from both enriched diets were shown, particularly in the interstitial tissue of the FLAX group. The FLAX diet enhanced serum testosterone, and both enriched diets showed higher levels of malondialdehyde and RvD1 in the testis. In ejaculated sperm, apelin and its receptor were localized in the entire tail of the control and both treated groups. The ryanodine receptor was investigated in rabbit testis; the fluorescent signal was increased in mature elongated spermatids of the FLAX group. In conclusion, this data seems to indicate that FLAX increases the amount of apelin in testis, suggesting an involvement of this adipokine in male reproduction and probably a role in the resolution of the inflammatory status.

Centriolar defects, centrin 1 alterations, and FISH studies in human spermatozoa of a male partner of a couple that produces aneuploid embryos in natural and artificial fertilization.

PURPOSE: To study the potential paternal contribution to aneuploidies in the man of a couple who obtained trisomic embryos with natural and assisted fertilization. METHODS: Semen analysis, immunofluorescence for localization of tubulin and centrin 1, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for chromosomes 18 and 9 were performed. Sperm of fertile men were used as controls. RESULTS: The percentages of sperm motility and normal forms were decreased. The percentages of sperm with tail reduced in dimension, headless tails, coiled tails, and altered head-tail junction were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the patient than in controls, whereas the percentage of sperm with a normal centrin 1 localization (two spots in the centriolar area) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in the patient. Immunofluorescence with anti-tubulin antibody showed that in most of the patient's sperm connecting pieces (83.00 ± 1.78%), two spots were present, indicating prominent proximal centriole/centriolar adjunct and evident distal centriole, whereas controls' sperm displayed a single spot, indicating the proximal centriole. The percentage of sperm with two spots was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the patient than in controls. TEM analysis showed that centriolar adjuncts of the patient's sperm were significantly longer (721.80 ± 122.26 nm) than in controls' sperm (310.00 ± 64.11 nm; P < 0.001). The aneuploidy frequencies of the patient's sperm, detected by FISH analysis, were increased with respect to controls. CONCLUSION: A paternal contribution to sperm aneuploidies cannot be excluded since the patient's sperm showed altered morphology, immature centriolar adjunct, presence of evident distal centriole, scarce presence of centrin 1, and high aneuploidy frequency.

Relevance of seminal F2-dihomo-IsoPs, F2-IsoPs and F4-NeuroPs in idiopathic infertility and varicocele.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the relevance of isoprostanoids i.e., F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs) and F2-dihomo-isoprostanes (F2-dihomo-IsoPs) in semen quality. Isoprostanoid levels were detected in semen of fertile and infertile men with varicocele or idiopathic infertility. Semen quality was assessed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; the relationships between isoprostanes and semen parameters were also explored. F2-IsoPs levels were significantly different in the varicocele group compared to idiopathic infertile group and fertile men (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively). Moreover, F2-dihomo-IsoP values were significantly higher in varicocele group respect to fertile men (P < 0.05). No significant statistical differences were found regarding F4-NeuroP concentrations. In the whole population, F2-IsoPs positively correlated with F2-dihomo-IsoPs and both isoprostanoids showed a positive correlation with immaturity and a negative correlation with sperm motility. F2-IsoP levels were positively correlated with the percentage of immaturity in infertile varicocele groups (P < 0.01) whereas a significant relationship between F4-NeuroP values and the percentage of sperm necrosis was shown in idiopathic infertility group (P < 0.01). A significant negative correlation of F4-NeuroPs with sperm morphology was detected in infertile varicocele subjects (P < 0.05). This study suggests that isoprostanoid semen levels appear to be associated with male infertility being related to the sperm quality and confirming the important role of fatty acids profiling in human sperm maturation.

Fatty Acid Profile and Metabolism Are Related to Human Sperm Parameters and Are Relevant in Idiopathic Infertility and Varicocele.

OBJECTIVES: Fatty acids (FA) modulate oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inflammatory processes in spermatogenesis. METHODS: The amount of 17 different FAs and the level of F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) were compared and correlated to sperm characteristics; these last ones were evaluated by light and electronic microscopy in varicocele and idiopathic infertile patients. RESULTS: Total n-3 polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the n-3 PUFAs, were significantly reduced in idiopathic infertile men compared to controls (P < 0.05). In the whole studied population, oleic acid and total monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) correlated negatively with sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, vitality, and fertility index and positively with sperm necrosis. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) amount was positively correlated with the percentage of sperm necrosis and cPLA2 level and negatively with sperm concentration. Sperm vitality was negatively correlated with the saturated fatty acids (SFAs). In infertile groups, cPLA2 was negatively correlated with DHA and n-3 PUFAs (both P < 0.05) and positively with EPA (P < 0.05). In the varicocele group, sperm vitality was negatively correlated with palmitoleic acid and total n-6 PUFAs (P < 0.05); sperm apoptosis was positively correlated with the total SFA percentage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FA composition in sperm membrane and the metabolism of sperm FAs are interrelated parameters, both relevant in sperm maturation processes and fertility.

Cytotoxic Effects of Cannabinoids on Human HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells: Different Mechanisms of THC, CBD, and CB83.

In this study, we investigated the effects of exposition to IC50 dose for 24 h of a new synthetic cannabinoid (CB83) and of phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on HT-29 colorectal carcinoma cells. Cell viability and proliferative activity evaluated using the MTT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and CyQUANT assays showed that cell viability was significantly affected when CB83, THC, and CBD were administered to cells. The results obtained showed that the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio was significantly reduced in the cells exposed to CBD and significantly increased in the cells treated with the CB83 when compared to the controls. CBD treatment causes a significant increase in malondialdehyde content. The catalase activity was significantly reduced in HT-29 cells after incubation with CB83, THC, and CBD. The activities of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in cells exposed to THC and significantly decreased in those treated with CBD. The ascorbic acid content was significantly reduced in cells exposed to CB83, THC, and CBD. The ultrastructural investigation by TEM highlighted a significantly increased percentage of cells apoptotic and necrotic after CB83 exposition. The Annexin V-Propidium Iodide assay showed a significantly increased percentage of cells apoptotic after CB83 exposition and necrotic cells after CBD and THC exposition. Our results proved that only CBD induced oxidative stress in HT-29 colorectal carcinoma cells via CB receptor-independent mechanisms and that CB83 caused a mainly CB2 receptor-mediated antiproliferative effect comparable to 5-Fuorouracil, which is still the mainstay drug in protocols for colorectal cancer.

Defective spermatogenesis and testosterone levels in kinase suppressor of Ras1 (KSR1)-deficient mice.

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the protein kinase suppressor of Ras1 (KSR1) in spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis in ksr1 -/- mice was studied in testicular tissue and epididymal spermatozoa by light and transmission electron microscopy and by immunofluorescence using antibodies to ghrelin and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD). Blood testosterone levels were also assessed. ksr1 -/- mice showed reduced epididymal sperm concentration and motility as compared with wild- type (wt) mice. Testis tissue from ksr1 -/- mice revealed a prevalent spermatogenetic arrest at the spermatocyte stage; the interstitial tissue was hypertrophic and the cytoplasm of the Leydig cells was full of lipid droplets. Ghrelin signal was present in the seminiferous tubules and, particularly, in the interstitial tissue of wt mice; however, in ksr1 -/- mice ghrelin expression was very weak in both the interstitial tissue and tubules. On the contrary, the signal of 3ß-HSD was weak in the interstitial tissue of wt and strong in ksr1 -/- mice. Testosterone levels were significantly increased in the blood of ksr1 -/- mice (P <0.05) as compared with wt. The results obtained reveal the importance of the KSR scaffold proteins in the spermatogenetic process. The study of the molecular mechanisms associated with spermatogenetic defects in a mouse model is essential to understand the factors involved in human spermatogenesis.

Characterisation of three systematic sperm tail defects and their influence on ICSI outcome.

This study characterized three cases of systematic sperm tail defects using electron microscopy and immunolocalisation of centrin 1 and tubulin and explored their impact on ICSI outcome. Structural sperm tail defects of possible genetic origin were suspected as the eosin test revealed a sperm viability of >70% despite severe asthenozoospermia or the absence of motility. In Patient 1, 80%-85% of axoneme cross sections was incomplete. The fluorescent signal of tubulin was weak along the entire tail; the signal of centrin 1 was normal. After ICSI, a female healthy baby was born. Patient 2 showed spermatozoa with tails reduced in length at different levels, axonemal and periaxonemal alterations and fragility of head-tail junction. Centrin 1 was altered in 80% of sperm. After ICSI, no embryos were obtained. Patient 3 showed tails reduced in length at light and fluorescence microscopy; ultrastructural study revealed a condition of dysplasia of fibrous sheath with heterogeneity of tails' length. The signal for centrin 1 was altered in 50% of spermatozoa; two embryos were transferred without pregnancy. The correct diagnosis of sperm pathology is important in case of systematic sperm defects as it enables the clinician to improve patient's management and to provide an adequate genetic counselling.

The effects in vitro of TNF-α and its antagonist 'etanercept' on ejaculated human sperm.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is primarily involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis; in addition it possesses pro-inflammatory properties. Anti-TNF-α strategies involve either administration of anti-TNF-α antibody or soluble TNF receptor to mop up circulating TNF-α. Etanercept, a recombinant human TNF-α receptor, was found to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The impact of TNF-α inhibitors on human fertility is of notable interest. This in vitro study investigated the effect of different concentrations of TNF-α and etanercept used alone or in combination on sperm viability, motility, mitochondrial function, percentage of apoptosis and chromatin integrity in swim-up selected human spermatozoa. A negative effect of TNF-α (300 and 500ng mL-1) and etanercept (from 800µg mL-1 to 2000µg mL-1) individually on sperm viability, motility, mitochondrial function, percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa and sperm DNA integrity was demonstrated. However, at concentrations of 100 and 200µg mL-1, etanercept can block, in a significant way, the toxic effects of TNF-α (500ng mL-1) on studied sperm characteristics. Our results confirm that TNF-α has a detrimental effect on sperm function and suggest, for the first time, that etanercept may counteract the in vitro toxic action of TNF-α. This data appears to be quite promising, although further studies, both in vivo and in vitro, are needed to understand the exact mechanism of action of TNF-α and TNF-α antagonists on sperm function.

Stereotactic biopsy approach to the upper clivus through the middle fossa floor that avoids pneumatised cavities and the intradural compartment.

BACKGROUND: Biopsies of clival lesions are usually performed, under general anaesthesia, through an anterior endoscopic approach or, alternatively, through a trans-nasal or trans-oral stereotactic approach. METHODS: A 57-year-old man with a symptomatic osteolytical lesion of the clivus, who refused general anaesthesia, underwent a sterotactically guided biopsy of the lesion by an antero-lateral approach through the temporal and sphenoid bones. RESULTS: Biopsy was successfully performed and the resulting diagnosis was myeloma. The patient was comfortable during and after surgery and there were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: The present stereotactic antero-lateral approach to the biopsy of the upper clivus can be considered an useful adjunct to the current trans-oral and transnasal approaches that often require general anaesthesia.

Ultrastructural study of spermatogenesis in KSR2 deficient mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the spermatogenesis in ksr2(-/-) mice. Spermatogenesis in 12-15 week-old C57BL/6 wt and ksr2(-/-) mice was observed in testicular tissue and epididymal sperm by light and transmission electron microscopy. The reproductive capacity of male ksr2(-/-) mice was strongly impaired. Concentration, morphology and motility of epididymal spermatozoa were altered in ksr2(-/-) mice. In seminiferous tubules from ksr2(-/-) mice, all stages of spermatogenetic process were represented; spermatids displayed defects concerning nuclear and acrosomal shape and periaxonemal structures of the tail; detached head and spermatozoa with an altered head-tail connection were observed; the interstitial tissue was severely disorganized, the Leydig cells have lost their connections. TEM analysis of epididymal spermatozoa confirmed the presence of such kind of alterations. We reported, for the first time, an ultrastructural study of ksr2(-/-) mice spermatogenesis. Remarkable findings regard the altered spermiogenetic process concomitant with a severe disorganization of interstitial tissue. Further studies are needed to assess the ksr2(-/-) mice hormonal status, focussing on testosterone levels since the interstitial tissue, where the Leydig cells reside, was compromised.

Changes in Ultrastructure and Cytoskeletal Aspects of Human Normal and Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Exposed to Interleukin-1ß and Cyclical Hydrostatic Pressure.

The aim of this study was to examine the ultrastructure and cytoskeletal organization in human normal and Osteoarhritic (OA) chondrocytes, exposed to interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and cyclic hydrostatic pressure (HP). Morphological examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences between normal and OA chondrocytes at the nuclear and cytoplasmic level. IL-1ß (5 ng/mL) induced a decrease of the number of mitochondria and Golgi bodies and a significant increase on the percentage of cells rich in vacuolization and in marginated chromatin. Cyclical HP (1-5 MPa, 0.25 Hz, for 3 h) did not change the morphology of normal chondrocytes, but had a beneficial effect on OA chondrocytes increasing the number of organelles. Normal and OA cells subjected to IL-1ß and HP recovered cytoplasmic ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence (IF) examination of normal chondrocytes showed an actin signal polarized on the apical sides of the cytoplasm, tubulin and vimentin uniformly distributed throughout cytoplasm and vinculin revealed a punctuated pattern under the plasma membrane. In OA chondrocytes, these proteins partially lost their organization. Stimulation with IL-1ß caused, in both type of cells, modification in the cytoskeletal organization; HP counteracted the negative effects of IL-1ß. Our results showed structural differences at nuclear, cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal level between normal and OA chondrocytes. IL-1ß induced ultrastructural and cytoskeletal modifications, counteracted by a cyclical low HP.

Cell density modulates SHC3 expression and survival of human glioblastoma cells through Fak activation.

Shc3 protein levels are high in human glioblastoma but they decrease in vitro. We found that SHC3 mRNA and protein increased when glioblastoma cells grew as multicellular tumor spheroid (MTS). Shc3 expression was also induced in adherent cultures by increasing cell density. Among the Shc family members, only Shc2 and Shc3 increased with cell density. Shc3 and focal adhesion kinase (Fak) interact as shown by co-immunoprecipitation. Inhibition of Fak activation reduced Shc3 increase and MTS formation and changed Shc3 phosphorylation pattern. Our results suggest that in gliomas cell density modulates Shc3 protein levels and its activity, at least in part, through Fak activation.

In Vitro Effects of Charged and Zwitterionic Liposomes on Human Spermatozoa and Supplementation with Liposomes and Chlorogenic Acid during Sperm Freezing.

Semen handling and cryopreservation induce oxidative stress that should be minimized. In this study, human semen was supplemented during cryopreservation with formulations of handmade liposomes and chlorogenic acid (CGA), an antioxidant compound. Zwitterionic (ZL), anionic (AL), and cationic (CL) liposomes were synthesized and characterized. Three aliquots of swim-up-selected sperm were incubated with ZL, AL, and CL (1:10,000), respectively. The percentages of sperm with progressive motility, high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; JC-1), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA acridine orange), and acrosome integrity (Pisum sativum agglutinin) were assessed. Then, human semen was frozen using both 1:10,000 ZL and CGA as follows: freezing medium/empty ZL (EL), freezing medium/empty ZL/CGA in the medium (CGA + EL), freezing medium/CGA loaded ZL (CGA), freezing medium (CTR). The same sperm endpoints were evaluated. ZL were the most tolerated and used for semen cryopreservation protocols. All the supplemented samples showed better endpoints versus CTR (p < 0.001). In particular, spermatozoa from the CGA and CGA + EL A samples showed increased motility, dsDNA, and acrosome integrity versus CTR and EL (p < 0.001; motility EL vs. CGA + EL p < 0.05). ZL and CGA can improve post-thaw sperm quality, acting on both cold shock effect management and oxidative stress. These findings open new perspectives on human and animal reproduction.

Redox Homeostasis and Nrf2-Regulated Mechanisms Are Relevant to Male Infertility.

Infertility represents a significant global health challenge, affecting more than 12% of couples worldwide, and most cases of infertility are caused by male factors. Several pathological pathways are implicated in male infertility. The main mechanisms involved are driven by the loss of reduction-oxidation (redox) homeostasis and the resulting oxidative damage as well as the chronic inflammatory process. Increased or severe oxidative stress leads to sperm plasma membrane and DNA oxidative damage, dysregulated RNA processing, and telomere destruction. The signaling pathways of these molecular events are also regulated by Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The causes of male infertility, the role of oxidative stress in male infertility and the Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway are reviewed. This review highlights the regulatory role of Nrf2 in the balance between oxidants and antioxidants as relevant mechanisms to male fertility. Nrf2 is involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Establishing a link between Nrf2 signaling pathways and the regulation of male fertility provides the basis for molecular modulation of inflammatory processes, reactive oxygen species generation, and the antioxidant molecular network, including the Nrf2-regulated antioxidant response, to improve male reproductive outcomes.

Antioxidants inhibit SAA formation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in a human cell model of alkaptonuria.

OBJECTIVE: Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive disease that currently lacks an appropriate therapy. Recently we provided experimental evidence that AKU is a secondary serum amyloid A (SAA)-based amyloidosis. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the use of antioxidants to inhibit SAA amyloid and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in AKU. METHODS: We adopted a human chondrocytic cell AKU model to evaluate the anti-amyloid capacity of a set of antioxidants that had previously been shown to counteract ochronosis in a serum AKU model. Amyloid presence was evaluated by Congo red staining. Homogentisic acid-induced SAA production and pro-inflammatory cytokine release (overexpressed in AKU patients) were evaluated by ELISA and multiplex systems, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by means of a fluorescence-based assay. RESULTS: Our AKU model allowed us to prove the efficacy of ascorbic acid combined with N-acetylcysteine, taurine, phytic acid and lipoic acid in significantly inhibiting SAA production, pro-inflammatory cytokine release and membrane lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSION: All the tested antioxidant compounds were able to reduce the production of amyloid and may be the basis for establishing new therapies for AKU amyloidosis.