scholarly journals Qiangjing Tablets Regulate Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress via Keap/Nrf2 Pathway to Improve the Reproductive Function in Asthenospermia Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangsen Li ◽  
Peihai Zhang ◽  
Yaodong You ◽  
Diang Chen ◽  
Jian Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Sperm Viability ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Asthenozoospermia (AZS), is a common cause of male infertility. Currently, most drugs for azoospermia lack desirable therapeutic efficiency, therefore developing new drug therapy is important. Qiangjing tablets could enhance renal function and improve sperm quality. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Qiangjing tablets could improve the reproductive function in azoospermia rats through activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and how to regulate energy metabolism and oxidative stress in this process. Sperm motility, sperm concentration and sperm viability were detected by WLJY-9000 Weili Digital Color Sperm Quality Detection System. HE staining was used to observe the pathological condition of testis in AZS rats. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by Tunnel staining and flow cytometry. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by JC-1. The levels of Estradiol, testosterone and luteinizing hormone, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were detected by ELISA. The effects of Qiangjing Tablets on GC-1 spgs and Nrf2 protein were investigated through CCK-8 assay and western blot. The expression levels of HO-1, Keap1, and P-Nrf2 were detected by western blot. The results demonstrated that Qiangjing tablets upregulated levels of sperm motility, sperm concentration and sperm viability, which was shown to significantly increase levels of HO-1, Keap1, P-Nrf2, Estradiol and testosterone, along with increasing the activity of SOD, GSH-Px and GSH and suppressing the MDA content, luteinizing hormone and Vimentin level. Qiangjing tablets could significantly inhibit spermatogenic cells apoptosis and promote GC-1 spgs viability, increase PE/FITC ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential and reduc oxidative stress. Qiangjing tablets protected spermatogenic cell to upregulate male sex hormoneto, improved the sperm quality and reproductive function in AZS rats via activating the Keap/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

54 SINGLE LAYER CENTRIFUGATION BEFORE CRYOPRESERVATION IMPROVES BULL SPERM QUALITY

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
T. Nongbua ◽  
A. Utta ◽  
N. Am-In ◽  
J. Suwimonteerabutr ◽  
A. Johannisson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Chromatin Structure ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Sperm Viability ◽  
Bull Sperm

Single layer centrifugation (SLC) with Bovicoll is a technique to enhance sperm quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SLC before cryopreservation on bull sperm quality after thawing. Semen was collected from 8 bulls (American Brahman, n = 5 and Sahiwal, n = 3) at the North Eastern Bull Centre (KhonKaen, Thailand). The ejaculate was split: one part was prepared following the standard procedure at the bull centre (n = 88) as control. The other part was used for SLC with Bovicoll-B (Johannisson et al. 2016 Theriogenology 86, 140). The SLC-selected sperm samples were frozen using the same protocol as control (n = 88). After thawing at 37°C for 12 s, motility analysis was performed using the CEROS II® (Hamilton Thorne, Beverly, MA, USA); sperm chromatin structure, mitochondrial membrane potential, and sperm viability were assessed using a FC500 flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA). Treatment means were compared using the linear mixed model (Proc MIXED, SAS®, 9.3, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Results are reported as least-squares means ± standard error. The sperm kinematics for SLC samples were higher than controls for progressive motility (26.37 ± 1.59%, 19.56 ± 1.59%), Linearity (LIN) (52.80 ± 0.87%, 44.94 ± 0.87%), Straightness (STR) (83.06% ± 0.59, 76.20 ± 0.59%), beat cross frequency (BCF) (29.25 ± 0.50 Hz, 24.35 ± 0.50 Hz) and wobble (WOB) (61.78 ± 0.63%, 57.40 ± 0.63%) (all P < 0.0001) respectively, whereas SLC-selected samples were lower than controls for slow motility (13.61 ± 0.71%, 15.56 ± 0.71%; P < 0.05), Amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (4.88 ± 0.18 μm, 6.67 ± 0.18 μm), velocity average path, (VAP) (61.17 ± 1.93μ/s, 67.88 ± 1.93μ/s), and curvilinear velocity (VCL) (99.78 ± 3.77 μ/s, 122.91 ± 3.77 μ/s) (all P < 0.0001), respectively. Other parameters of sperm quality were not different between treatments, although there was considerable variation among individual bulls in sperm chromatin structure assay, mitochondrial membrane potential, and sperm viability. These results suggest that SLC can be used before cryopreservation to improve the kinematics of thawed bull sperm samples without adversely affecting other parameters of sperm quality.

scholarly journals Sodium para-aminosalicylic acid inhibits manganese-induced NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis by inhibiting NF-κB pathway activation and oxidative stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongjie Peng ◽  
Junyan Li ◽  
Yue Deng ◽  
Xiaojuan Zhu ◽  
Lin Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Aminosalicylic Acid ◽  
Pathway Activation ◽  
Bv2 Cells ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Abstract Background The activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis has been shown to play a vital role in the pathology of manganese (Mn)-induced neurotoxicity. Sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) has a positive effect on the treatment of manganism. However, the mechanism is still unclear. We hypothesized that PAS-Na might act through NLRP3. Methods The microglial cell line BV2 and male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to investigate the impacts of PAS-Na on Mn-induced NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis. The related protein of the NF-κB pathway and NLRP3-inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis was detected by western blot. The reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. The activation of microglia and the gasdermin D (GSDMD) were detected by immunofluorescence staining. Results Our results showed that Mn treatment induced oxidative stress and activated the NF-κB pathway by increasing the phosphorylation of p65 and IkB-α in BV2 cells and in the basal ganglia of rats. PAS-Na could alleviate Mn-induced oxidative stress damage by inhibiting ROS generation, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, thereby reducing the phosphorylation of p65 and IkB-α. Besides, Mn treatment could activate the NLRP3 pathway and promote the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β, mediating pyroptosis in BV2 cells and in the basal ganglia and hippocampus of rats. But an inhibitor of NF-κb (JSH-23) treatment could significantly reduce LDH release, the expression of NLRP3 and Cleaved CASP1 protein and IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA level in BV2 cells. Interestingly, the effect of PAS-Na treatment in Mn-treated BV2 cells is similar to those of JSH-23. Besides, immunofluorescence results showed that PAS-Na reduced the increase number of activated microglia, which stained positively for GSDMD. Conclusion PAS-Na antagonized Mn-induced NLRP3 inflammasome dependent pyroptosis through inhibiting NF-κB pathway activation and oxidative stress.

scholarly journals Mir-141-3p Regulates Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential via Targeting Sirtuin1 in a 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium in vitro Model of Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Yumin Zheng ◽  
Li Dong ◽  
Na Liu ◽  
Xiaoguang Luo ◽  
Zhiyi He
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Pc12 Cells ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Reporter Assay ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Objectives. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The present study investigated miR-141-3p/sirtuin1 (SIRT1) activity in a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium- (MPP+-) induced PC12-cell model of PD. Methods. PC12 cells were exposed to MMP+ following induction of differentiation by nerve growth factor (NGF). miR-141-3p and SIRT1 expressions were examined using RT-qPCR and western blot. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Apoptosis percentage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Expression of Nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) related proteins was determined by western blot. Bioinformatic analysis, RT-qPCR, and luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the interaction between miR-141-3p and SIRT1. Results. miR-141-3p was upregulated, and SIRT1 was downregulated in MPP+-treated PC12 cells. MPP+ treatment also upregulated nitric oxide synthase 1 (Nos1) and α-synuclein. miR-141-3p induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and downregulated the SIRT1 mRNA expression. The luciferase reporter assay showed that SIRT1 was the target of miR-141-3p. SIRT1 transfection attenuated apoptosis, ROS production and maintained Δψm. SIRT1 also downregulated Nos1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6(IL-6) and upregulated B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein. In addition, SIRT1 activator resveratrol blocked the effects of miR-141-3p mimic on Nos1, α-synuclein, and mitochondrial membrane potential. SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol reversed the biological effects of miR-141-3p. Conclusion. Increased miR-141-3p induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in MPP+-treated PC12 cells by directly targeting the SIRT1 expression. Our study provided a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.

scholarly journals Flurochloridone Induced Abnormal Spermatogenesis by Damaging Testicular Sertoli Cells in Mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiqi Sun ◽  
Fang Tian ◽  
Hongjie Pan ◽  
Xiuli Chang ◽  
Minjie Xia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Toxicity ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Mitochondrial Damage

Abstract BackgroundFlurochloridone (FLC), a selective herbicide used on a global scale, has been reported to have male reproductive toxicity which evidence is limited and the mechanism is still unclear. The present study was conducted to systematically explore the male reproductive toxicity of FLC, including sperm quality, spermatogenesis process, toxicity targets and possible mechanisms. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice aged 6-7 weeks received gavage administration of FLC (365/730 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. Then the tissue and sperm of mice were collected for analysis. We measured the coefficient of male reproductive organs, and analyzed sperm concentration, motility, malformation rate and mitochondrial membrane potential. Spermatocyte immunofluorescence staining was performed to analyze meiosis processes. At the same time, we performed pathological staining on the testis and epididymis tissue, and performed TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical analysis and ultrastructural observation on the testicular tissue.ResultsThe results showed that FLC caused mice testicular weight reduction, dysfunction and architectural damage, but no significant adverse effect was found in epididymis. The exposure interfered with the proliferation of spermatogonia and the process of meiosis, affecting sperm concentration, motility, kinematic parameters, morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to sperm quality decline. Furthermore, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of testicular Sertoli cells were observed in mice treated with FLC. ConclusionWe found that FLC has significant adverse effects on spermatogonia proliferation and meiosis. Meanwhile, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage may be the potential mechanism of Sertoli cell damage. Our study demonstrated that FLC could induce testicular Sertoli cell damage, leading to abnormal spermatogenesis which resulted in sperm quality decline and provided a methodological reference for related studies.

Ram spermatozoa migrating through artificial mucus in vitro have reduced mitochondrial membrane potential but retain their viability

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
Mercedes Alvarez ◽  
Elena López-Urueña ◽  
Susana Gomes-Alves ◽  
Luis Anel-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Mucus Penetration ◽  
Sperm Counts ◽  
Sample Test

Sperm motility in vitro is one of the most common predictors of fertility in male screening. We propose that a mucus-penetration assay can isolate a cellular subpopulation critical to reproductive success. To this end, a device was designed with three modules (sample, test and collection) and its conditions of use evaluated (length of mucus, incubation time, mucus medium, sperm concentration and position in relation to the horizontal). The number of spermatozoa migrating and the viability and acrosomal status of the spermatozoa not migrating were calculated. The second objective was to evaluate the qualitative parameters of the spermatozoa migrating in 1.6% polyacrylamide for 30 min. The number of spermatozoa migrating and the sperm motility, viability and the acrosomal and mitochondrial status of three sperm populations (fresh, not migrating and migrating) were determined. A higher number of migrating spermatozoa were observed after 60 min of incubation, but this situation adversely affected sperm quality. The methylcellulose-based test showed a significantly lower number of migrating spermatozoa than the polyacrylamide test. The position at an angle of 45° resulted in a higher number of migrating spermatozoa in the polyacrylamide-based test. The sperm counts for three consecutive assays indicated an acceptable repeatability of the method. The viability and acrosomal status of the migrating spermatozoa showed no significant changes with regard to the control when the device was placed at 45°, whereas these parameters showed lower values at 0°. The percentage of high mitochondrial membrane potential spermatozoa was significantly reduced in the population of migrating spermatozoa.

scholarly journals Dracocephalum moldavica L. Extracts Protect H9c2 Cardiomyocytes against H2O2-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Min Jin ◽  
Hui Yu ◽  
Xia Jin ◽  
Lailai Yan ◽  
Jingyu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
H9c2 Cells ◽  
Etoac Fraction ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Phenolic And Flavonoid ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Background and Objectives. Dracocephalum moldavica L. is an herbal medicine used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China. The purpose of this study was to assess the cardioprotective effect of D. moldavica L. extracts against H2O2-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells and to explore the mechanism behind this effect. Materials and Methods. The petroleum ether (petrol), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butyl alcohol (n-BuOH) fractions were isolated from alcohol extracts of D. moldavica L. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activities of different fractions were evaluated. H9c2 cells were then treated with D. moldavica L. extracts before challenging with H2O2. Cell viability was determined by colorimetric assay, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Apoptosis levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. The expressions of cell apoptosis regulatory proteins caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were determined by western blotting. Results. Our results demonstrated that the EtOAc fraction from D. moldavica L. ethanol extract, which is rich in phenolic and flavonoid active constituents, had the strongest free radical scavenging activity. Additionally, this fraction increased H2O2-induced reduction in cell viability, SOD activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. It also reduced H2O2-induced elevation in ROS production, contents of LDH and MDA, and H9c2 apoptosis. We further found that the EtOAc fraction increased Bcl-2 expression, while it decreased caspase-3 and Bax expressions induced by H2O2 in H9c2 cells. Conclusions. Our data revealed that the EtOAc fraction from D. moldavica L. ethanol extract ameliorates H2O2-induced cardiotoxicity via antiapoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms.

scholarly journals Effects of Genistein on Differentiation and Viability of Human Visceral Adipocytes

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Grossini ◽  
Serena Farruggio ◽  
Giulia Raina ◽  
David Mary ◽  
Giacomo Deiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Protein Activation ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Obesity can lead to pathological growth of adipocytes by inducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Genistein could be a potential candidate for the treatment of obesity due to its antioxidant properties. Specific kits were used to examine the effects of genistein vs adiponectin on human visceral pre-adipocytes differentiation, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxidative stress in pre-adipocytes and in white/brown adipocytes. Western Blot was performed to examine changes in protein activation/expression. Genistein increased human visceral pre-adipocytes differentiation and browning, and caused a dose-related improvement of cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential. Similar effects were observed in brown adipocytes and in white adipocytes, although in white cells the increase of cell viability was inversely related to the dose. Moreover, genistein potentiated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mitofusin2 activation/expression in pre-adipocytes and white/brown adipocytes and protected them from the effects of hydrogen peroxide. The effects caused by genistein were similar to those of adiponectin. The results obtained showed that genistein increases human visceral pre-adipocytes differentiation and browning, protected against oxidative stress in pre-adipocytes and white/brown adipocytes through mechanisms related to AMPK-signalling and the keeping of mitochondrial function.

scholarly journals Zhengyuan prescription inhibits X-ray-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
cheng xiaoni ◽  
Yalei Pan ◽  
Zhishu Tang ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
Haichao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Nrf2 Signaling Pathway ◽  
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Abstract Background: Zhengyuan prescription (ZYP) is a Chinese herbal medicine used in clinical practice to protect against radiotherapy-induced injuries. In this study, we investigate the protective effect of ZYP against X-ray-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and we explore the mechanisms underlying this effect.Methods: After 3 h of ZYP intervention, the cells in the ZYP group were irradiated with 6 Gy X-rays and cultured for 48 h. Subsequently, the cell viability, cell morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis and oxidative stress markers were observed, as well as the expressions of apoptotic and oxidative stress proteins.Results: The obtained results demonstrate that exposure to X-rays promotes cell death, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, and induces the pirroduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with ZYP reverses these effects to a great extent. Moreover, it up-regulates the expression of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) apoptosis inhibitor protein while down-regulating the expressions of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, and caspase-9. Interestingly, ZYP can also inhibit oxidative stress injury by activating the expression of Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor E2 related factor) regulated antioxidant enzyme genes such as Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1)Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that ZYP suppresses X-ray-induced injury of HUVECs by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

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