Expression and Subcellular Localization of Retinoic Acid Receptor-α (RARα) in Healthy and Varicocele Human Spermatozoa: Its Possible Regulatory Role in Capacitation and Survival.
Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol
; 23(5): 374-81, 2015.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24992177
Varicocele, an abnormal tortuosity and dilation of veins of the pampiniform plexus, is the most common identifiable and correctable cause of male infertility. It is now becoming apparent that signaling through vitamin A metabolites, such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is indispensable for spermatogenesis and disruption of retinoic acid receptor-α (RARα) function may result in male sterility and aberrant spermatogenesis. Herein, we investigated by Western blot and immunogold electron microscopy the expression profiles and subcellular localization of RARα in healthy and varicocele human sperm; in addition, we analyzed the effects of ATRA on cholesterol efflux and sperm survival utilizing enzymatic colorimetric CHOD-PAP method and Eosin Y technique, respectively. In varicocele samples, a strong reduction of RARα expression was observed. Immunogold labeling evidenced cellular location of RARα also confirming its reduced expression in "varicocele" samples. Sperm responsiveness to ATRA treatment was reduced in varicocele sperm. Our study showed that RARα is expressed in human sperm probably with a dual role in promoting both cholesterol efflux and survival. RARα might be involved in the pathogenesis of varicocele as its expression is reduced in pathologic samples. Thus, ATRA administration in procedures for artificial insemination or dietary vitamin A supplementation might represent a promising therapeutic approach for the management of male infertility.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Espermatozoides
/
Varicocele
/
Expressão Gênica
/
Receptores do Ácido Retinoico
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
HISTOCITOQUIMICA
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália