scholarly journals Hercynine, Ergothioneine and Redox State in Stallion’s Seminal Plasma

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 855
Author(s):  
Salvatore Sotgia ◽  
Andrea Taras ◽  
Angelo Zinellu ◽  
Raffaele Cherchi ◽  
Arduino A Mangoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reactive Nitrogen Species ◽  
Redox State ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Biological Fluid ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Regeneration Processes

The dependence of a stallion’s spermatozoa on oxidative phosphorylation for energy requirements results in an unconventional relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fertility. In such a scenario, antioxidant activity must be finely controlled and not affect the essential functions of ROS. Some in vivo evidence suggests that the naturally occurring antioxidant ergothioneine (ERT) interferes with the critical roles of ROS/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in pro-oxidant states but not in healthy tissues. The measurement of ERT in seminal plasma collected from 14 stallions (five Anglo-Arab, five Sella Italiano and four Thoroughbreds of which three are Arabian and one English) aged 16 ± 6 years (range 6–25 years) confirms that ERT is present at high concentrations in this biological fluid, between 16.80 and 971.48 µmol/L. Although the presence of high ERT concentrations in the seminal plasma of a stallion has long been known, its exact biological role is uncertain. This might be due to the peculiar antioxidant cycle of ERT, specifically its rapid recovery, which potentially masks concentration fluctuations and, therefore, the extent of its physiological effects. The measurement of the ERT precursor and redox metabolite hercynine (ERY) may overcome such issues, as ERY does not undergo regeneration processes. ERY was detectable and measurable in the seminal plasma of all stallions at a median concentration of 7.50 (IQR 15.26) nmol/L. The analysis of the association between the ERT and ERY, as well as with other established antioxidants such as glutathione and cysteine, suggests that ERT may play a major role in the antioxidant machinery of seminal plasma, and that ERY might serve as a new combined marker of oxidative stress and semen quality.

Partial purification of galactinol synthase from leaves of Cucurbita pepo

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 1054-1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Cucurbita Pepo ◽  
Partial Purification ◽  
Galactinol Synthase ◽  
Inositol 1 ◽  
Mature Leaves ◽  
Galactosyl Transferase ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Uridine Nucleotides

An enzyme synthesizing galactinol, UDP-D-galactose:myo-inositol-1-α-D-galactosyl transferase (galactinol synthase), has been isolated and partially purified from mature leaves of Cucurbita pepo. The enzyme showed optimal activity between pH 7.5 and 8.0 and required Mn2+ and the presence throughout isolation, storage, and assay of a sulfhydryl protectant (β-mercaptoethanol). EDTA was completely inhibitory. From a range of metal ions only Mg2+ partially replaced Mn2+, while Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ were inhibitory. The uridine nucleotides and UDP-glucose were from 40 to 80% inhibitory and probably constitute part of the in vivo control system. High concentrations of galactose, melibiose, and xylose were partially inhibitory. The enzyme appeared highly specific for myo-inositol and showed no ability for galactosyl transfer to any other naturally occurring sugar or sugar alcohol. Some reactivity was obtained with the isomeric scyllo-inositol but the product was not identified. A range of other sugar nucleotides were unreactive.

Phytoestrogens

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Mackey ◽  
John Eden
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Asian Populations ◽  
Colon Cancers ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Urinary Levels ◽  
High Dietary Intake ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Relative Potencies

Phytoestrogens are defined as naturally occurring compounds found in plants that are structurally and functionally similar to 17-ß oestradiol or that produce oestrogenic effects. They are diphenolic in structure and are most commonly found in cereals, legumes and grasses. There have been numerous classes identified, the mostly highly investigated being isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are attenuated oestrogens. They behave both in vivo and in vitro as agonists and antagonists. Genistein and daidzein are found in high concentrations in soy beans and soy products. Their relative potencies as compared to oestradiol are low but they exhibit equivalent levels of bioactivity when tested in high concentrations. Lignans are found in oilseeds, cereals and berries. The main urinary lignans are enterolactone and enterodiol. Most phytoestrogens are modified by gut flora from glycoside precursors to a compound with oestrogenic properties. A high dietary intake of phytoestrogens was first noted to be associated with decreased incidences of certain diseases. This epidemiological data was obtained primarily from studying Asian populations. Soy consumption is highest in Japan, where urinary levels of phytoestrogen metabolites are extremely high and there are lower rates of so-called ‘Western’ diseases, including breast, endometrial, colon cancers as well as atherosclerotic disease. Research to date has focused on the antiproliferative potential of phytoestrogens, primarily genistein both in vitro and in vivo. Their role in the relief of menopausal symptoms, their hypocholesterolaemic effects and bone resorption protection have been investigated to some extent with promising results. A brief overview of the background of, and the research into, phytoestrogens will be provided in this article.

scholarly journals Cigarette smoking is associated with high level of ferroptosis in seminal plasma and affects semen quality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanhui Ou ◽  
Qirong Wen ◽  
Yu Deng ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Zhiheng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Cigarette Smoke Condensate ◽  
Human Seminal Plasma ◽  
High Level ◽  
Heavy Smokers

Abstract Purpose The effects of cigarette smoking on male semen quality are controversial, and the molecular mechanisms underlying how cigarette smoking affects semen quality are not clear yet. Methods In this study, semen samples from 70 heavy smokers and 75 non-smokers receiving infertility treatment were included. Basic semen parameters in non-smokers and heavy smokers were evaluated. Levels of glutathione (GSH), lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron and GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein level) were observed in human seminal plasma and in GC-2Spd cells exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). Results Heavy smokers had significantly higher abnormalities (sperm viability and sperm progressive motility) than non-smoking counterparts. Comparing non-smokers group, GSH level was reduced in the group of heavy smokers (P<0.05). However, the level of lipid ROS and iron were significantly increased (P<0.05). Besides, GSH level was reduced following treatment with CSC for 24 h, while lipid ROS and iron levels were increased (P<0.05). However, the levels were reduced after being co-cultured with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) (P<0.05). The level of GPX4 protein was reduced after being treated with CSC in 24 h, and increased after being co-cultured with Fer-1(P<0.05). Conclusion Cigarette smoking is associated with high level of ferroptosis in seminal plasma and affect semen quality.

Hydroxy-selenomethionine as an organic source of selenium in the diet improves boar reproductive performance in artificial insemination programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula P Pavaneli ◽  
Cristian H G Martinez ◽  
Denis H Nakasone ◽  
Ana Carolina Pedrosa ◽  
Maitê V Mendonça ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Gpx Activity ◽  
Organic Source

Abstract This study aimed to compare different selenium (Se) sources in the diet on boar's semen quality and fertility. For this, 28 boars aged 8 to 28 months were fed with the following dietary treatments for 95 days: 0.3 mg Se/kg as sodium selenite (SS, n = 14) and 0.3 mg Se/kg as hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet, n = 14). During this period, two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, the semen of all boars was evaluated every 2 weeks. Raw semen was initially evaluated for the processing of seminal doses, which were stored at 17 °C for 72 h, followed by sperm quality assessments. Furthermore, Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured in the seminal plasma. In experiment 2, 728 females were inseminated weekly with seminal doses from boars of the different experimental groups to further assess in vivo fertility and litter characteristics. Results demonstrated that boars fed OH-SeMet had more Se in their seminal plasma (p &lt; 0.05), showing the greater bioavailability of the organic source in the male reproductive system. Moreover, boars fed OH-SeMet tended (p &lt; 0.10) towards a higher total sperm count in the ejaculate (66.60 vs. 56.57 × 10 9 sperm), and the number of seminal doses (22.11 vs. 18.86; 3 × 10 9 sperm/dose) when compared to those fed SS. No effect of the dietary treatments was observed on GPx activity in seminal plasma (p &gt; 0.05), as well as on raw and stored semen quality (p &gt; 0.05). Under in vivo conditions, seminal doses from boars fed OH-SeMet tended (p &lt; 0.10) towards a higher pregnancy rate at weeks 3, 5, and 8, and also resulted in a higher (p &lt; 0.05) percentage of pregnant females in the overall period (99.30 vs. 97.00). In conclusion, the replacement of SS with OH-SeMet in boars' diet can improve sperm production and results in better reproductive performance for them, bringing greater productivity and profitability to artificial insemination centers and commercial pig farms.

scholarly journals Reactive oxygen species-induced alterations in H19-Igf2 methylation patterns, seminal plasma metabolites, and semen quality

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Darbandi ◽  
Sara Darbandi ◽  
Ashok Agarwal ◽  
Saradha Baskaran ◽  
Sulagna Dutta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Methylation Patterns

POWER OF DUAL-WAVELENGTH APPROACHES IN STUDYING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES OF INTACT HEART AND IN VIVO BRAIN

2011 ◽  
Vol 04 (03) ◽  
pp. 261-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZHONGCHI LUO ◽  
CONGWU DU
Keyword(s):  
Redox State ◽  
Dual Wavelength ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Ratiometric Fluorescence ◽  
Ischemic Insult ◽  
Perfused Heart ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Simultaneous Imaging ◽  
Intact Heart

Since the dual-wavelength spectrophotometer was developed, it has been widely used for studying biological samples and applied to extensive investigations of the electron transport in respiration and redox cofactors, redox state, metabolic control, and the generation of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. Here, we discuss some extension of dual-wavelength approaches in our research to study the physiological and functional changes in intact hearts and in vivo brain. Specifically, we aimed at (1) making nonratiometric fluorescent indicator become ratiometric fluorescence function for investigation of Ca2+ dynamics in live tissue; (2) eliminating the effects of physiological changes on measurement of intracellular calcium; (3) permitting simultaneous imaging of multiple physiological parameters. The animal models of the perfused heart and transiently ischemic insult of brain are used to validate these approaches for physiological applications.

scholarly journals Rgs12 enhances osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Nrf2 activity and promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew YH Ng ◽  
Ziqing Li ◽  
Megan M Jones ◽  
Chengjian Tu ◽  
Merry J Oursler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Redox State ◽  
26S Proteasome ◽  
G Protein Signaling ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Protein Signaling ◽  
Antioxidant Treatment ◽  
Proteomics Analysis ◽  
Cellular Redox

ABSTRACTThe Regulator of G-protein Signaling 12 (Rgs12) is important for osteoclast (OC) differentiation, and its deletion in vivo protected mice against pathological bone loss. To characterize its mechanism in osteoclastogenesis, we selectively deleted Rgs12 in OC precursors using the LysM-Cre transgenic line or overexpressed the gene in RAW264.7 cells. Rgs12 deletion led to increased bone mass with decreased OC numbers, whereas its overexpression increased OC number and size. Proteomics analysis of Rgs12-deficient OCs identified an upregulation of antioxidant enzymes under the transcriptional regulation of Nrf2, the master regulator of oxidative stress. We confirmed an increase of Nrf2 activity and impaired production in Rgs12-deficient cells. Conversely, Rgs12 overexpression suppressed Nrf2 through a mechanism dependent on the 26S proteasome, and promoted RANKL-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NFκB, which was abrogated by antioxidant treatment. We therefore identified a novel role of Rgs12 in regulating Nrf2, thereby controlling cellular redox state and OC differentiation.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF NATURALLY OCCURRING STEROIDS ON BIOSYNTHESIS OF 16-ANDROSTENES AND ANDROGENS IN MICROSOMES OF BOAR TESTIS

1981 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. COOKE ◽  
D. B. GOWER
Keyword(s):  
Microsomal Fraction ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Biosynthetic Pathways ◽  
Michaelis Constant ◽  
Ph Optimum ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Chain Cleavage ◽  
High Concentrations

The possible interactions between naturally occurring steroids and three enzymes of the biosynthetic pathways of 16-androstenes and androgens in the boar testis were investigated. High concentrations (1 mmol/l) of several steroids reduced the production of 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol when a microsomal fraction of boar testis was incubated with pregnenolone at pH 7·0 (the pH optimum of this reaction was found to be 6·6). When some of these inhibitors were investigated in more detail using Lineweaver–Burk analyses, the apparent inhibition constants, Ki, increased in value with increasing concentrations of inhibitors. When testosterone was added to 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol synthetase assays, the apparent Ki for 0·1 μmol testosterone/l was 0·165 μmol/l whereas those for 1·0, 10·0 and 100·0 μmol testosterone/l were 1·65, 16·5 and 48·7 μmol/l respectively. The apparent Michaelis constant, Km, of the reaction was 0·6 μmol/l. Similar results were obtained when oestrone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 4,16-androstadien-3-one were added as effectors. At physiological concentrations, these steroids would not affect the biosynthesis of 5,16-androstadien-3 β-ol in vivo. Similarly, both 5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol, quantitatively the most important 16-androstene in the boar testis and 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol were examined for their effects on the 17α-hydroxy-C21 -steroid, C-17,20 lyase (C-17,20 lyase) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-OHSDH) enzymes of androgen biosynthesis. Neither of these enzymes was affected by the 16-androstene steroids even at concentrations of 100 μmol/l, and the apparent Km values were 3·3 and 26·0 μmol/l for C-17,20 lyase and 17β-OHSDH respectively. This lack of interaction between these pathways implies that the high levels of 16-androstene steroids produced by the testis will not interfere with androgen production, and also that the two side-chain cleavage steps from C21 precursors to C19 steroids are catalysed by independent systems.

scholarly journals Important roles of endothelial caveolin-1 in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and ischemic angiogenesis in mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 316 (4) ◽  
pp. H900-H910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiyo Ito ◽  
Takashi Shiroto ◽  
Shigeo Godo ◽  
Hiroki Saito ◽  
Shuhei Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Reactive Nitrogen Species ◽  
Reactive Nitrogen ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Nitrogen Species ◽  
Hindlimb Ischemia ◽  
Protein Modifications ◽  
Caveolin 1

Although increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, the importance of physiological ROS has also been emerging. We have previously demonstrated that endothelium-derived H2O2 is an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) factor and that loss of endothelial caveolin-1 reduces EDH/H2O2 in the microcirculation. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a scaffolding/regulatory protein that interacts with diverse signaling pathways, including angiogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether endothelial Cav-1 plays a role in ischemic angiogenesis by modulating EDH/H2O2. In the present study, we thus addressed this issue in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia using male endothelium-specific Cav-1 (eCav-1) knockout (KO) mice. In isometric tension experiments with femoral arteries from eCav-1-KO mice, reduced EDH-mediated relaxations to acetylcholine and desensitization of sodium nitroprusside-mediated endothelium-independent relaxations were noted ( n = 4~6). An ex vivo aortic ring assay also showed that the extent of microvessel sprouting was significantly reduced in eCav-1-KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) littermates ( n = 12 each). Blood flow recovery at 4 wk assessed with a laser speckle flowmeter after femoral artery ligation was significantly impaired in eCav-1-KO mice compared with WT littermates ( n = 10 each) and was associated with reduced capillary density and muscle fibrosis in the legs ( n = 6 each). Importantly, posttranslational protein modifications by reactive nitrogen species and ROS, as evaluated by thiol glutathione adducts and nitrotyrosine, respectively, were both increased in eCav-1-KO mice ( n = 6~7 each). These results indicate that endothelial Cav-1 plays an important role in EDH-mediated vasodilatation and ischemic angiogenesis through posttranslational protein modifications by nitrooxidative stress in mice in vivo. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, the importance of physiological ROS has also been emerging. The present study provides a line of novel evidence that endothelial caveolin-1 plays important roles in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and ischemic angiogenesis in hindlimb ischemia in mice through posttranslational protein modifications by reactive nitrogen species and ROS in mice in vivo.

scholarly journals Cigarette smoking is associated with high level of ferroptosis in seminal plasma and affects semen quality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanhui Ou ◽  
Qirong Wen ◽  
Yu Deng ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Zhiheng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Cigarette Smoke Condensate ◽  
Human Seminal Plasma ◽  
High Level ◽  
Heavy Smokers

Abstract Purpose The effects of cigarette smoking on male semen quality are controversial, and the molecular mechanisms underlying how cigarette smoking affects semen quality are not clear yet. Methods In this study, semen samples from 70 heavy smokers and 75 non-smokers receiving infertility treatment were included. Basic semen parameters in non-smokers and heavy smokers were evaluated. Levels of glutathione (GSH), lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron and GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein level were observed in human seminal plasma and in GC-2Spd cells exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). Results Heavy smokers had significantly higher abnormalities (sperm viability and sperm progressive motility) than non-smoking counterparts. Comparing non-smokers group, GSH level was reduced in the group of heavy smokers (P<0.05). However, the level of lipid ROS and iron were significantly increased (P<0.05). Besides, GSH level was reduced following treatment with CSC for 24 hours, while lipid ROS and iron levels were increased (P<0.05). However, the levels were reduced after being co-cultured with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) (P<0.05). The level of GPX4 protein was reduced after being treated with CSC in 24 hours, and increased after being co-cultured with Fer-1(P<0.05). Conclusion Cigarette smoking is associated with high level of ferroptosis in seminal plasma and affect semen quality.

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